The Silver Queen [AU]

[Isabela]

She blinks at him. "I... I'm fine," she says, sounding a little uncertain. "Really." 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran studies her for a long moment. "I have not see you smile in over a week," he says quietly. "Smirk, yes. Curve your lips in saucy flirt, yes. But not smile."

[Isabela]

"I..."

She turns her glance away, biting her lower lip. "I'll smile again someday," she says, after a moment.

[Tethras Clan]

"...will I be there to see it?" he asks quietly, eyes worried and serious.

[Isabela]

"Of course," she says, glancing back at him. Her smile doesn't reach her eyes as she turns back to the door. "Alright, cocoa time. Sleep well."

[Tethras Clan]

"Normally you lie better," he murmurs, eyes closing. "Enjoy your cocoa, Captain," he says louder, bowing his head and stepping back out of the study.

[Carver Amell]

As Bela heads back out into the hall, Carver's standing in the doorway, his eyes cold, hurt. He slips past Zevran, heading for the desk. "Not good enough, Bells," he mutters to himself. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Carver," Zevran says sharply.

[Carver Amell]

He turns, scowling. "She's-- I don't know what. Maybe in trouble."

[Tethras Clan]

"She is not one to forgive a broken trust," he warns Carver. 

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah, well, neither am I," he snarls. "And this? This smells like broken trust."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran stares a moment, then laughs softly. "Perhaps. Perhaps you're right," he admits quietly.

[Carver Amell]

Carver turns, then, rifling through the papers atop the desk. He spreads four of the parchments, staring down at them as his face drains of blood. 

"She's.... leaving us?" he says, in a small, tight voice. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Carver?" he asks, voice carefully controlled.

[Carver Amell]

He wipes his eyes with the back of his hand. "She's leaving us," he says quietly. Just like Dad. "These are... drafts of a goodbye letter."