Hope Falls

“If you want it so bad then kill me for it.” Aesira snapped. “If you are so convinced you’d be so much better and that this is what we should be worrying about right now and not the fact our mother will be dead before the year is out then get it fucking over and done with Cassius. Take what you’ve always wanted, the only thing that’s ever mattered to you.”

"You are pathetic, so fucking pathetic." Cassius laughed humourlessly, moving back towards the door. "If she is to die within the year it is only because you have made it happened by beating people to send a message. It will be your fault."

“Get out!” Aesira hissed, grabbing a book that had been left on the fireplace and launching it at him. “Don’t you dare blame this on me. Get out!”

"What the fuck?!" Cassius ducked, grimacing at the thud as the book hit the wall above his head. "It will be if you aggravate them! Your being selfish, and fucking nasty!"

“I may be selfish but you’re already fucking scheming for the crown now you know dad is at his most vulnerable. You’re power hungry. Get out!”

"I am not! I am telling you to grow up and act like the fucking heir to the throne rather than the spoiler Princess!" Cassius shook his head, stepping out if the room and slamming the door behind himself.

Seven months later…

---

“Thank you, Aoife.” Indira said gratefully as she took the cup of tea from her, infused with herbs to help ease her increasing discomfort. Sitting on the edge of her bed as she took a deep drink and exhaling softly. “I truly do not know what I would have done without you these past few months. I knew - I knew that being with child would not be easy, but I do not think I realised all of which it entails. And not just for the medicinal aid you bring - but the fact that you are one of the few who hasn’t commented on my childrens parentage. For all she’s giving me everything I need the Queen has made her irritation very clear. And everyone else their disapproval.”

---

Isolde entered her room, having left at the behest of her advisors around ten minutes ago. Even though he didn’t enter the room behind her, Wyatt’s figure loomed in the doorway as he kept watch. “I appreciate you keeping an eye on them - Aodhän and Kael are almost here. They set off from the inn they were staying at this morning, the messenger rode ahead and said that Aodhän refused to stay an extra night so they set off at first light. They’ll be here any moment. Kael and his new wife…” she said as she gently scooped her newborn from Florence’s arms, gently rocking her.

“They’re home?! Now?!” Mor shrieked from where she’d been sat by Florence’s feet reading a book, quickly scrambling up. “Dad is home?!”

“Mor, no!” Isolde snapped tiredly at her daughter’s increasing volume. “He won’t be here for a while yet, go find Sullivan and play with him, Florence you said he was in the garden didn’t you with some of the other saplings? Mor should join them mm?”

---

“And you are sure your mother will like me?” Daphne asked, voice quiet as she addressed Kael, but was still aware of Aodhän in the carriage with them. Her accent near perfect, as she’d explained her language teacher was from his own city. Despite the seasonably warm weather, she’d still donned a cloak, still unused to what was a comparatively colder climate than her own. Breaking her gaze from her husbands face as she looked out the window at their surroundings as the carriage and the few behind it with their retinue began to slow down, having reached the castle.

"My mother will be fascinated by you, and your stories." Kael assured lightly, sat so close to her on the carriage seat that their hips and thighs were in constant contact. Twisted so that he could speak to her face on, his hair having been removed from the braids before he had left, now hung at shoulder length where it hadn't been cut. Dimples more brazen against slightly warmer toned skin, a contrast to his father whom still had bright red patches and blisters from the heat. The back of his knuckles grazing her cheek affectionately, "I suggest you tell her the one you told me, about when you hunted the boar and became cut off by the tide, how you overcame it. It exhibits so many things about you she'll admire, the residence, the strength and problem solving. The cool head."

---

Florence's eyes flitted to Wyatt's silhouettes, instinctively relaxing at his presence being so near. Offering a now free arm out to wrap it around Mor's shoulder and pull her in, "Oh you should. Your father and brother will be very busy, when they first arrive. Showing people around, having something to drink and eat. As much as your father would love to see you, Mor, if you go and play with the others then when he comes to you then you know you can keep him all to yourself for a little while. Mm?"

---

"If Queen Isolde was not exactly that, Queen, then she would never elated for you." Aoife answered, pausing every so often with cautious words. "If Kael were not to be King, her response would be different too. The ancestors have blessed you, blessed him. Every sapling is a blessing. The situation is just complicated, you are not a stupid girl, you understand why. You are entitled to the same treatment as every other woman here, though." Voice softening into a whisper as she continued, " It is a different feeling, to be entirely alone whilst carrying a child- espeky the first."

“First and second if you are right and this isn’t just one very tall child like his father.” Indira laughed, though more with nervousness than humour as she gently ran her hand over her ever expanding abdomen. “I have not been quite so alone… I have had you. Florence has been kind when I have seen her, and the maids that Isolde has stay with me are pleasant. As long as it is you attending me when the time comes I know I will be okay.” She added, setting the cup down once she was finished and moving her hand to take Aoife’s. “I know it is your job to have a good disposition, but I thank you immensely for it.”

---

“You will fetch me when dad is here, when we can play?” Mor asked Florence, not noticing as her mother rolled her eyes at the mention of play. Mor having become increasingly energetic as she grew and with no father or brother to entertain her, also increasingly wearing on a tiring Isolde.

“Florence will fetch you and Sullivan when everything is settled. Sully will want to see Kael as much as you, now go.”

“I’m not asking you! I’m asking Flo!”

---

“I trust you.” Daphne whispered at the assurance, her nervous expression all but disappearing as he touched her face, grinning brightly at him.

“We’re here, Your Graces.” Cavanaugh knocked twice on the door and shouted from outside the carriage as they stopped and people began bustling and getting out. He’d ridden alongside on his own horse, as had most of the other guards.

He moved toward Avani’s carriage, giving a gentle knock before opening the door. “We’re here, Lady Avani.” He offered her his hand to help her out.

"As your mother has said," Florence hummed softly, lowering herself down to sit on her knees, making herself the same height as the young princess. "I will fetch you when everyone is ready." Bundling the girls hands in hers, she gently rocked them to the sound of a silent beat. "Now do as she asks, go and have fun with the others. If Sully is up to no good, remember your my spy on the inside."

---

"Yes, and you know o am good at my job because I very much do not have a good disposition." Aoife raised her eyebrows, though her voice remained neutral. "A job you needn't thank me for doing. It is my passion, it fulfills me. I believe everyone should have a basic competency of my skill set."

---

"Oh, wonderful. One more bump and I may have had to be carried from the carriage as opposed to walk.' Avani scoffed, hesitating momentarily before taking the man's hand to step down from the carriage. Gritting her teeth in irritation at the scream that came from behind her as a spritely Zakar tumbled out behind her - almost knocking her over into Cavaughn. "Why I was made to share the same space as a commoner..."

"Oh, good." Aodhän sighed in relief, pushing to his feet and stretching out his back. Directing at his daughte-in-law, "Before you are shown around, I am afraid my wife will need to meet you. From there, we will make a itinerary, you shall complete it and then retire for the night."

Kael frowned, his father stepping from the carriage before any protests could be made. "He appears to be focused on duty but there will be a day you will be made privvy to he and my mother being them rather than Queen and Consort. It will be groundbreaking, I swear."

“Do not rush us into their crowns so soon. I have barely set foot on the ground here.” Daphne laughed softly, gazing up at him for a few moments before her eyes tracked Aodhän outside of the carriage. “I imagine he is just eager to see your mother, your sisters.”

“I think the Prince did not feel the need to bring another carriage so the two of you could ride alone, Lady.” Cavanaugh gently squeezed her hand to help her down, using his free arm to guide her out of the way of the child. “A messenger was sent to ready rooms for you and my men will deliver your luggage there as you meet the Queen, the paths can be gravelly from here, do you need assistance to the castle steps?”

---

Mor hesitated before nodding at Florence’s words, giving her a quick but affectionate hug before racing from the room to join the other children outside.

“I do not know where children get their energy when they sleep so little.” Isolde sighed softly, smoothing down the soft tufts of blonde hair on her daughter’s head, before shaking her own. “Aodhän bringing this forward by a day has left me with no time to organise things the way I wanted to. I wished for Kael’s welcome home to be more than just us meeting him in the hall. There was supposed to be a banquet waiting. I was supposed to have time to dress properly to greet my new daughter-in-law. Though with the mess he left behind Kael is lucky I am welcoming him at all.” She added the last tongue in cheek, unable to maintain any feelings of anger when she mentioned her son for too long, as she missed him too much. “I suppose how I am and how downstairs is will have to do until tomorrow when we introduce the Princess to court properly tomorrow - are you joining us? You’re free to go elsewhere if you wish but your husband will be escorting me down.”

---

“Mm, you have taught me much these last few months. I did not realise that so many of the basic healing routines changed when it came to children. I can’t imagine the damage I would have done if my baby was choking or could not breathe and I tried to relieve him the same way I would an adult.”

"I would like to, if you need me present." Florence stood herself up straight then and closed the distance between her and the Queen. Reaching across to tidy loose strands of hair,  momentarily glancing towards Wyatt's figure once again. Voice dropping so only the two could hear, "If you feel unsafe though, with so many guests, then it is better I stay away. Any danger he will want to come to me, but his duty is to you. It will become distressing for him, and it isn't fair to put him through it. Aodhän, on the other hand, has clearly been pining for you as much as you have for him to rush people. He knows the risks that come with travelling with an exhausted guard. He won't care what you look like, nor will your son."

---

"It takes more than one to raise a child, despite how capable you are. These things don't come with rules, for one child honey will cure all ailments and for another in the same brood it would kill them. You will be fine, Princess Indira. Listen to your instincts, just as much as your heart and brain. Your body will tell you the answers. My sprout was Mor's age and reacted so strangely to things I had never even thought of. It was.. a large learning curve."

---

"My sisters, yes. Two of those now. Mor is a gossip, you'll find, especially for being so young. She'll adore having someone new to tell every detail of her complaints to." Kael laughed, leaning in to brush his nose against hers. "Everyone will adore you, Daphne. It will be as easy as breathing. I am more anxious on how they will take to Zakar."

"I hope your Queen does not need me long," Came her reply, voice quieter than she had intended. "I am eager to see my sister well. Words are no reassurance compared to your own eyes, and we have all been... deeply worried."

“With no offence intended Princess, you needn’t have been, but you will see that soon enough. My Prince adores your sister deeply, and they have been the best of friends. I will not lie to you and tell you that your sister is popular and adored among our people in general. But she is never mistreated, not a hair has been harmed, I promise you that.” Ruari assured, using his free arm to gently guide her along the paths as they headed toward the steps.

---

“I do not feel unsafe, I am sure we will be fine. The letter we received said Avani Razi had come for proof of life of Indira… I do not feel unsafe with her around, I am just unsure as to what she will do when she learns of her sisters condition. The Princess better make it extremely implicit that it was very, very much consensual and if anyone was coerced it was my son, she actively seduced him for this.” Isolde gritted her teeth, the subject still angering her. “Avani cannot be allowed to leave until we are sure that she has the full truth and that is what will be relayed to her family. I cannot have it be claimed that any of it was forced, or taken rather than given. I will not have Kael painted in such a way. He is stupid, not a monster.” She added with a deep sigh before nodding at Florence and heading from the room.

---

“Everything will be okay. It’s what you kept assuring me when we were on our way here, no? It still applies I believe. Everything will be okay.” Daphne moved her own hand to brush against his cheek with a little hesitation to initiating the contact. “I meet your mother today, your people tomorrow, your ancestors the day after that when wed under their eye.”

---

“You do not talk much of your little one…” Indira noted quietly, glancing up at Aoife to watch her face. “Is it because you don’t wish to… or because you do not think people want to hear?”

"Until we wed, as you have asked, I'll make sure you have your own quarters. I'll make sure they are as luxurious as my own, albeit probably more so because they will be clean." He chuckled, leaning toward her touch. "I was once warned that, requesting anything that Fiadh would have thought meaningful at a wedding to another would be taken... as an offence. She always felt closer to the ancestors barefooted though, especially during ceremonies and I -I have picked up the habit where I can. So is it - would you take offence?"

---

"They have been best if friends, have they?" Avani almost scoffed her response, using his weight to balance over the cobbled, uneven steps beneath her. "I imagine he believes so, though how much choice she has had in the matter is another thing to debate."

---

Florence followed several steps behind her, playfully raising a hand to brush her fingertips across Wyatt's upper arm as she passed him, pulling him to lean down so she could nip the crook of his neck. Pressing herself into him as much as she could as she hummed breathing, "We have the house to ourselves this evening, the Seers are babysitting for us."

“He is a Prince, he does not need to take what isn’t being given by one woman when another will throw it at him. You have my word, your sister has not been harmed.”

---

“It is your wedding as much as it is mine. And she is one of your ancestors now… if it is something you want, I do not take offence.” Daphne shook her head before adding, “Just two more nights for us to be apart…”

---

“Ah, we can catch up on sleep, I do not recall getting any last night as our son asked a thousand and one questions about the stars.” Wyatt chuckled, moving his hand from his sword at his side to briefly move her hair from her shoulder so it hung down her back instead. “I look forward to uninterrupted rest.”

"My thoughts exactly. Tearing that uniform from you this evening to curl beneath the covers is going to be everything I have dreamt ever dreamt about." She hummed her light hearted agreement, brushing fingertips against his cheek with a gentle laugh before walking ahead of him. Slowing to a stop behind Isolde as she stepped through the archways into the main entry hall of the palace.

Aodhän stood, in the centre of the open doorway, having been too impatient for wait for his son to exit the carriage and gone ahead. His sight fixed upon the baby in Isolde's arms, before shining eyes moved their gaze to his wife in admiration. His breathing hitching, aware of the audience and unable to move until he had composed himself.

---

"Do you speak from experience, General Cavaughn?" Avani hummed her amusment. "It says a lot about a man to believe he is so desirable. Power gives a funny sense of disillusion."

---

"Just two more nights," He echoed quietly, finally peeling himself away and stepping out of the carriage. Offering her his arm

(( Night night ))

“Hi…” Isolde greeted as she spotted Aodhän with a soft smile, rooted to the spot for only a moment before quickly carrying on toward him. “Hi.” She whispered again with a small smile as she stopped at his side, leaning up to gently kiss his cheek before sliding the little girl into his arms. “She is a girl, Kael was right, she’s perfect, she is fourteen days tomorrow. I only laboured for half an hour, it was all okay, she’s just perfect…” she informed him as she leaned into him to watch their daughter in his arms. “I haven’t presented her to the ancestors yet. I could not do that without a name, and I couldn’t name her without her father here…”

“I cannot tell who has missed the other the most.” Wyatt mused as he watched Isolde and Aodhän, eyes darting behind them after a moment to the door as he waited for the others.

---

“Are you trying to field a number of how many ladies find me desirable? That’s outrageous, Princess Avani.” Ruari faked shock as he put his free hand over his heart.

---

Daphne took his hand gratefully as she stepped down, leaning into him heavily as she looked all around her. “So this is home…” she mused, mostly to herself as her eyes darted all across the view.

"Fourteen days. I -" He laughed, a sudden, sharp sound that resembled a choked cry. Shifting the baby in his arms so she was more comfortable, leaning down to kiss the baby's forehead. "Hello, sapling. I'm so sorry I'm late to meet you."

"They have probably missed each other to the same extent you have missed Kael." Florence mused her quiet response, moving her own eyes up to watch the doorway. "He is taking his time to follow Aodhän inside."

"Outrageous that ladies may find you desirable? I very much agree with that. It is where my shock at your confidence came from." She laughed quietly to herself, though cut it short as they stepped into the entryway. Removing her hand from his arm and straightening her shoulders to address the Fae Queen in front of her, "Good day, Your Highness. Your lands are... very green."

---

"As soon as you are settled into your rooms, and have caught up on rest then I will give you a tour. It can be a slight maze, if you don't know your way but it won't take you long."

“You are here, you have returned home. You and Kael are well. What you have missed is nothing compared to all the time we can have now.” Isolde assured, kissing Aodhän’s cheek gently, closing her eyes and enjoying the brief moments they had alone before pulling up and away when she heard Cavanaugh and Avani approach.


“Your Grace,” Cavanaugh bowed his head when he saw Isolde, stepping back and giving Avani her space once she was steady on her feet. A quick nod to Wyatt and Florence before shifting his gaze over his shoulder.

“Thank you, Princess.” Isolde nodded, “Your visit is unexpected I must say.”

“Cavanaugh used the word enamoured. When I got his letter yesterday after they’d docked. Apparently by the time Princess Avani was picked up on a supply stop that Kael was dismissing servants to attend his new wife so he could do it himself. Perhaps he is taking his time leaving the last bit of privacy they will have until tonight…”

---

“You mentioned many empty rooms, I am sure if I get so lost and tired I’ll be able to sleep in one of those, so I’m sure I shall be fine.” Daphne laughed softly, “It looks lovely… I can see myself being at home here.”

"It is unexpected for your hostages family to wish to make sure she has not been killed beneath your hand? I think perhaps you are not yet thinking clearly." Avani answered icily, nodding towards the baby in Aodhän's arms. Slightly warmer as she continued, "Congratulations to you both. It is daunting to be left to it when with child, and in the aftermath of it."

Florence offered a half smile of greeting when she noticed Cavaughn. Continuing to Wyatt in a whisper, "It is good to know everyone has returned back safe, that the risks of it all didn't come to fruition."

---

"You will enjoy the area around the Summer Palace much more, it isn't far from the bay in which the selkies live." Kael hummed as he walked, casting a glance over his shoulder to make sure that Zakar, despite wandering off course to look at something every so often, was following behind them. "It is magical there."

“I haven’t forgotten the honeymoon on the beaches here you have promised me.” Daphne grinned as she walked with  him, continually glancing around at everything that moved. “I am looking forward to it most of all.”

---

“This one’s birth was far less daunting, knowing she entered this world safely; and nothing was waiting for her outside her own walls.” Isolde remarked as she glanced toward her newborn, before adding. “I understand how daunting it is being alone whilst with child, I assure you that Princess Indira has had all the company she wishes, and everything else she requires during this time. My own healer who attended both of our daughters births, and Kael’s own, has been taking care of her.”

Cavanaugh turned his head back to his Queen, confusion washing his features as he worked out Isolde’s words in his head, eyes widening when he came to his own conclusion.

“Aodhän hasn’t told them.” Wyatt sucked in a sharp breath as he whispered to Florence, having noticed his soldiers confusion. “I saw Isolde send the letter with the information… Aodhän has kept it to himself… and if he hasn’t told Kael and Cavanaugh he hasn’t told - “ he grimaced. “Try to get the infant from Aodhän and take her to the nursery before the shouting begins?” He asked, “She screams louder than any other sapling I’ve ever heard and I cannot deal with it at the same time as adults arguing too.”

Avani choked on her own breathing, lifting her hand up to cover her mouth with her palm as she cast a glance over her shoulder towards Rauri to read his reaction. Stormy rage flickering into her eyes as she focused once more on Isolde, "Excuse me?!"

"Shit." Florence grimaced, hand lifting to Wyatt's arm to squeeze it gently. Moving swiftly to Aodhän, scooping the baby from his arms and leaving the room.

"Isolde, I hadn't gotten around to..." Aodhän spoke lowly through his teeth, face paling a shade. Turning his back to them all to watch Florence leave with the child, taking half a step as if to follow but stopping himself.

---

"You have incredible will power, considering how enticing I am." Kael jested as they made their way up the steps. "Be careful not to trip on your dress."

“You have not - “ Isolde set her jaw; muscles on her face twitching as she tried to contain her anger. “Go. Go with the baby, you are exhausted. You need time with your daughters and rest. We will discuss this later. ” She commanded, leaving no room for argument as she took a few steps further toward Avani. “Apologies Princess. It appears that there has been a break in communication. Perhaps one of my letters did not reach my husband. A few I’ve noticed have not made it through - I can only deeply apologise that you were not aware. Princess Indira is with child… children, if Aoife is correct, and it is not often my healer is ever wrong. Before Kael left she was his mistress in all but official title and their dalliance has produced a natural consequence.”

---

“You have tested my resolve immensely and you are quite aware of it, and how close I have come to shattering… Once your ancestors have approved our marriage… I am all yours.” Daphne leaned up and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. “I will be yours and this land will be ours to explore. I am excited for the future, Kael.”

"As am I," Kael grinned, turning his head to return the kiss as they stepped inside.

Aodhän narrowed his eyes at the command, hissing through his teeth, "We certainly will be having a discussion, Your Majesty."  Footsteps fading down the hall before the echo of a slamming door rippled through the halls.

"Mistress? My sister is a prisoner here, a hostage. She can not possibly be consenting, and even in the case she did agree to sleep with the monster that murdered our brother, it would have been under duress. A need for survival. I expect nothing less from you savages. What a preposterous idea that has been proposed, that any of us could ever - you." She locked sight on Kael as he stepped into the room with Daphne, crossing the room to get in his face. Lifting her hand up to slap him, fingers curled to purposefully claw her nails across his face in the process.

Wyatt moved the instant he saw Avani shift - Ruairi getting to the Princess first as he quickly dragged her away from Kael, holding both hands behind her back. “No. Princess.” He hissed, shaking his head. “No.”

“What is the meaning of this?!” Daphne was horrified, hand quickly moving to press against the bloodied mark on Kael’s face, narrowing her eyes at Avani. “We provided you with safe passage from your home to come see your sister and this is how you repay us?!”

“You have never been more wrong in your life.” Isolde seethed, stepping forward and only stopping when a gentle hand from Wyatt on her shoulder reminded her to keep her composure. “Your sister - whom we have spent more time getting to know than you have from what we are aware - was no innocent flower when she came here, Princess Avani. She has been well aware from the start that her behaviour in any way does not impact the fact that she was always to be kept alive and treated well. If we wanted her dead we would not have intervened when she took the cowards effort of ending her life. My son would not have spent weeks by her side nursing her back to health himself afterward. My son took what was offered. And your sister did not take it upon herself to prevent a child being conceived. She has pined for him the entire time she has been here, and would not let it go. My son is a far better man than the one he killed and continues to prove it. Your brother would have allowed Indira to starve.”