binding more than blood

Venom wondered if Ikigai would ever cease to amaze her with the pride and grace she wielded so naturally. She truly was made for this position in life even if it made Venom’s heart ache at the thought. How had she been blessed with such an amazing daughter? Had fate known how deeply she would hold to her heart to demand a sacrifice such as this. Even as Iki spoke Venom ahd the urgent desire to stop her, to shut her mouth and pretend that this meeting had never happened. To pretend that she could hold onto her baby for the rest of her life. She was the Empress, she should have whatever her heart’s desire was.

The thoughts were selfish and dishonorable and she knew it so they would never be voiced. She tried to cling to the feeling of pride in her brave daughter instead of the pain in her heart. Ikigai bridged the gap between Manea and Venom in more than one way, and as she had to Venom alone her words weaved a contract neither party could deny. Iki would be joined to the Mendaciums, and Manea’s youngest could be brought to Ashen when the time came. An even trade, a binding of blood and culture.

Manea took the words just as Venom did, with a small amount of awe and pride. She spoke as much as well, commending Venom for her incredible daughter. Venom twisted so her dual toned eyes could beam at the young lady. Pride like she had never felt swelling in her breast. It very nearly blotted out the heavy ache. "Thank you Manea, easy this is not.” She admitted softly as the monarch went on to speak of the potential suitors within Elysium. Her son was a little young, and not very likely to agree to such an arrangement. There was another man, as close to Manea as her own brother, who was brilliant with puppies if not quiet and stern.

Venom wondered if Ikigai would ever feel any kind of love in this union. The Empress thought herself in love once, and part of her wondered if she had been betrothed to one of Sirius’s how her life would have turned out. She wouldn’t have the children she did now, so no matter how badly Hattori had hurt her, she couldn’t bring herself to regret her decision. She hoped Ikigai would be able to say the same.

Already Ikigai would be offered a high ranking position, and it was the first sign that her daughter would find her place here. She had been training as a diplomat nearly her entire life, so Venom could hold out hope this was the path they were meant to walk. "It would please me to meet my future son-in-law before this trip has concluded.” She added at the end, wondering if it would also be prudent to have Chimera take value of the man who would be her daughter’s husband. It was all so surreal. "As well as your youngest.” The deal was all but sealed now and Venom tried to embrace the numb feeling creeping into her limbs. She was going to have to say goodbye. The thought struck her harder than any physical blow, but she withheld her emotions. Tears would do no one any good.

"Venom"