Sing of Secret Sorrow

Deathbelle’s words brought a laugh from the dainty Armada woman as she explained how many healers and foundlings made their way into the pack. Not that Belle would have dreamed to lump her in with the lot of them she did return the amused smirk. ”Separating wheat from chaff isn’t always easy.” She was learning that from experience. Iolaire had a few comforting words to spare her about her daughter, though she didn't expect any secrets to be spilled it was helpful insight into her daughter’s life. Pestilence was smart, she would find her path.

”Venom, Plague, those two wont go far.” She said with certainty. ”Calamity has been quieter, but I think she will want to stay too.” Still, letting go of even one was hard. For the good of the Empire, she had to remind herself. Deathbelle had long felt the warmth of the alcohol in her belly its effects began to alter her perceptions. Lightly, but she didn’t have time to drink even if she wanted to pick up the habit. A little went a long way for her.

The Empress sighed softly as Iolaire took another sip of her mead, though she was slightly surprised at the transition from Hannibal to her next litter. She felt her heart skip more than a few beats. The two of them had taken the next step in their relationship faster than she intended. Her cheeks grew flush as she thought about their closeness.

”He is a very difficult man to resist.” She spoke with a smile that nearly glowed. ”Hopefully sooner rather than later.” Her tail curled around her hips as her belly filled with butterflies as she spoke of the future. Belle was too caught up in the present and the Empire’s needs to look forward. The thought excited her.

”But, Io…” Her lilac gaze returned to the dainty woman. ”How are you?” Had she known for even a moment what Iolaire had been contemplating she would have razed the whole Empire to heal her once love’s heart. She only hoped she’d found herself the happiness she deserved.