a brief moment of hesitation as she gazed at him — before finally extending a hand, resting it gently on his shoulder. her silence continuing. offering no words to give comfort, no attempts to pry anything out of him. only her touch to show that he's not alone in the sorrow.

Gazing out the window, to the sea. A candle lit in honour of her nephew.

she will sit by his side. silence, only there to provide comfort if he so needs it.

what's wrong, mother ??

( THE HAIR—?? well, at least she has ladies to do her hair instead of relying on him ) you're too kind to me, uncle.

🫪🫪🫪 bed. now. please.

don't worry, you're definitely not a one trick wonder even without the ability to cook. ( ....well... at least that's very dragon-like of him. )

you....????

a man of many talents, I see. ( oh no. how dead is she going to be. )

I'm not pregnant though.

we should be talking about how I'm impregnating my unc—

Oh? you can cook?

let us talk about how lovely you look today.

calm yourself, uncle

can we discuss something else instead, uncle?

who is pregnant ?

.....I love you?

uncle wasn't supposed to find out 😔

....honey, listen. I can explain.

So maybe she's forgotten to eat.. But this is fine, she's too sleepy to eat now.

I'm doing wonderfully. did you sleep well?

good morrow, mother.

I think that's just my perfume.

.... I don't know what you mean.

oh, haha.. I didn't see you there, uncle.

What if I put a baby in my husband..

barely awake. hello.

Mama 🥺🥺🥺❤️

....Let us not talk about unpleasant topics, niece.

Why not??

Or breed if you want to breed.

Procreating, hm..

Really??

Oh.

be careful with your words right now, sister. i wouldn't want you to be dragged into the chaos.

phew. I would miss you.

please don't, brother.

i don't believe in violence but it's awfully tempting today.

seems like one of those days indeed..

just.. sighing softly.. Closing her eyes.

thank you, my cute nephew.

one day, we will have peace in this family.

good morrow!!! say it back or i pout.

would you like me to stop giving you so much affection, uncle? ( no, that's not right. what's hers is his, too. *she is his. )

it is. it's going to be a big part of our marital life so you should definitely get used to it. ( she should've already been allowed in even without having to ask. )

( and very cheeky. ) then it's unfortunate for you since it's what i want to do for my husband. ( ...that wasn't what she wanted him back in bed for, though. reaching out to tug the blanket away from his head. )

( rolling her eyes at him, even though she can't help but gain an amused smile. ) too early for what? my appreciation? ( she laughs, quickly joining him under the sheets )

out in the garden, reading. though she's barely even focused on that.

I will always defend my husband. You're worth it, otherwise I wouldn't have eloped with you. ...ahem— well then... it's cold, I need to be warmed up right now.

I spent an entire day fighting for our love so yes, I love you more. You can put that energy into other things instead..