Hello, My Darling Wife

Ella's mouth was dry, as the other woman levelled with her. Really levelled. She was quiet, considering her words. [q]I... am useless, to my family. No magic,[q] she bit her lip, as if that was the worst thing she could say. It wasn't; the Tilani's knew she had no magic.

If they didn't like that, she'd not be here. [q]And I... I want to make my family proud. And marrying who they tell me to...[q] She chewed the inside of her cheek. [q]...will make them proud of me.[q] Ella couldn't help but stammer through the words. The other was demanding frank honesty, something that she'd never dealt with from another woman of similar wealth and status.

[q]So please, don't stop them. It's the only way for me to be useful.[q] She sniffed, quietly. She had no military record, not under her birth name. A well-known fixture in the military, because she did not wear her amulet when serving. But she wasn't allowed to claim that identity.

She's quiet, for a moment. And then, cautiously, [q]What is your favorite plant?[q] She glanced around the solar, curious. [q]You said this is your space... so you must have a favorite.[q] Anything to take the conversation away from herself.