binding more than blood

The pair of women spoke, going back and forth and Ikigai listened intently. It surprised her a bit that Manea offered up the idea of children first. The young woman was pleased by it, however. It showed that they were somewhat on the same page, or at least all headed in the same direction. The only problem was that Manea's son was too young to be joined with her. What could they do in that case? As Ikigai thought, her mother spoke her name. Well, it appeared it was her turn to take the floor.

The pallid princess stepped forward, giving a nod to Manea as she sat beside her mother. "As two strong, female-led packs, I believe it would be in both of our best interests to join forces. Not only with words, but with actions. With blood." Now was her true test of loyalty and faithfulness to the Empire. "I am willing to offer myself in union with one of your family members." She knew that her unique attributes would be appealing to the purple woman. "Perhaps in turn it can be agreed upon that one of your children will be united with one one of the Empresses future children." Iki had no doubt that her mother would recover from Hattori's abandonment and would reproduce again some day.

"It would be my honor to be the catalyst that ties our families together." Ikigai respected Manea and she knew that Manea had strong feelings for her as well. She had no doubts that she would be well cared for in Elysium and it made offering herself up as tribute easier than it may have been otherwise. The young lady's snake slit eyes rested upon the purple woman's face as she waited for Manea to process the offer being made.

"Ikigai"