what id give to not be alone

Iolaire squeezed Deathbelle and gave her a little shake as she doubted whether or not she deserved happiness. "You do. Never believe otherwise." The small, dark woman placed a kiss between Belle's ears before placing her cheek there instead. "You'll find your happiness. Of this, I'm certain." Iolaire wished that she could provide her friend with something more solid, but all she had was belief.

Releasing her friend, she prompted her to drink the tea that she'd made. "Drink. I could get you something stronger if you'd like." It might do the woman well to have a splash of mead in her tea. Might calm her further. If she became too intoxicated, she could take a room in the cottage for the night. She was sure that Roan wouldn't mind. He'd never said anything about jealousy or odd feelings when it came to the empress.