Hope Falls

"When you are in cold environments too long it makes you unwell." Rohan laughed at the idea, shaking his head. "There must be another alternative. Sending people there feels like sending lambs to slaughter."

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"You being protective is endearing, you've stepped in a lot since we have been here." Kael noted quietly. "Am I appearing like I need rescuing?"

“They are your son’s family, and I can see you desperately trying to cling to a relationship with them even though they’ve made it clear they do not want it. For Idris’ sake, for his mothers. But I think… if your son ever asks in the future you can tell him honestly you tried, and it was his mother’s family who did not reciprocate. I think allowing bad manners to slide because you want harmony should stop now.”

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“Well then what do you propose?”

"There is no way to stop it other than biting back which will result in conflict or leaving which, like you said, will upset Indira. I have little choice."

“I believe these are the type of men who will respect you more if you hold your own ground… but that is your choice.”

"I go across their winter months, the lack of sunlight is something I can withstand more. I shall just pray to our higher powers for a smooth journey. Then we swap, when it becomes their summer and you are more likely to be able to withstand it you come over and I return home. We'll work in rotation, for as long as have to."

((I’m confused ))

(( Soz it must have deleted Kael's part. I was trying to do fifty things at once That was Rohan to Kiaan. I'll do Kael now ))

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"And what does holding my own ground look like to people like this? I have had enough of physical violence, and I have no interest in a match of foul words either. It isn't productive. I don't... I don't know how to get through to these people."

“Their main gripe is Indira and the way she is perceived to be treated it seems. Title her, when you are crowned.” Daphne opened the door to their room, kicking off her shoes as soon as they were inside. “She is a Princess, but that title is because of her family. Title her with lands within her own right. Give her her own holdings to make money from, to prove you are not rendering her entirely dependent on you. It’ll anger some people, I am not ignorant to that, but it will give her something to work toward too. If she is seen as a kind Lady of her lands, treats her tenants well, it’ll help people see she isn’t her brothers. See which house your mother has given Avani. If she chooses to return then align that.”

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Kiaan was quiet as he sipped his drink before nodding. “I’ll discuss it with Ishaan. He went to see Indira earlier, the staff told him she’d refused another meal. Hopefully they can mend that rift and give her another reason to come home… I think we should do as we all did for Avani. Escort her to the funeral together.”

"It is good, brilliant but it isn't anything I can do immediately to curb their temper. Once more, my hands are tied by the lack of the crown and Hawk has made it clear to me the past few days that my parents will question my abilities when they find I let Sarika leave. They value his opinon, especially, so... it is not a good sign."

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"We go as one." Rohan agreed quietly. "Do you believe Avani will willingly stay here?"

“The promise of it may be enough. We do not know until it is discussed. We get through this funeral, you and Indira take a day or two after to process it and then sit down with her family and discuss what you plan for her and Idris in the future to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Show her family that you have thought deeply about it, and they are not just an afterthought to your plans. As for your parents… if we work hard at getting the Razi’s on side then it is something to bring home to your mother, that relations are mended.”

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“Willingly… I believe she would rather go and never come back. But Rahul is a man, not a child like the others. And she fears losing him.”

"Remind me of the misery our sisters and brother live through if I ever meet any woman I believe it worth it, it seems they most certainly will not be." Rohan scoffed. "I will continue to do the same for you."

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"This has been a disaster, all of it." Kael laughed tiredly as they stepped back into their quarters. Walking to the wardrobe to pull out some black clothing, grimacing at the feel on the material, "This will be heavy with the heat."

“Hopefully with the funeral concluded today things will ease up for everyone… a weight off your shoulders.”

---

“We are lucky Ishaan is content with us how we are. Arzen would have had us married by now.”

"Hopefully." Kael agreed quietly. "As I said, I'll just be glad to be home, when we finally get there. I have not felt that way before."

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"And he had terrible taste when it came to matching other people too, could you imagine who we would have ended up with?"

“Social things were never his forte.”

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“We can make things work until we do go home… We won’t let them break you.”

"Where do you think you're going?" Cassius asked breathily, half hanging from the bed as his arm found it's way around Ira's waist to pull him back beneath the covers. Eyes glimmering against the light of the morning sun as it came from the pants of glass. Cassius' clothes discarded in various areas of the room.

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"No. Ishaan isn't as amusing as him though, too soft. He doesn't give me enough to do, I dislike not having a goal."

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"Break? No. No, never."

“We cannot be found out… by anyone…” Ira murmured, “What happened… that shouldn’t have happened…” he swallowed thickly, hand hesitantly reaching to brush against Cassius’ face.

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“Find yourself a bride then. Maybe a foreign one while you are babysitting Indira. Find the Lady Queen Isolde loves the most and charm her into your bed, ruin the Queens day.” Kiaan snorted.

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“No. Never.” Daphne agreed, placing her hand on his chest. “Not whilst I am here.”

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