Friendly Visit [Eva]

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

With her hands stuffed loosely in the leather jacket she was wearing, Nix headed down to the Midnight Suite. The young Lady of Fairnix had spent a good part of the afternoon around the palace trying to find things that would help with Eva and Raphael’s case. It didn’t help that each time something came to mind she would find out about a certain chancellors protest. It was a good thing she was getting information from Olivia on what her father was thinking regards to the case so it would be easier to at least be a few steps ahead of him. Not that she was going to be openly displaying her dislike for the man anytime soon. If anything, she could play it that it was simply a fight for what was right and not to be going against him. In reality it was both cases. She wanted to help Eva because she considered her a friend now. Her case overall had seemed quite unfair and Nix was always up for a challenge. At least there was one good thing that came out of all of this.

During her time at the court of night, Nix had discovered from Raphael that Eva wasn’t feeling too great today and the young woman decided to visit the other woman. With everyone still busy it would mean that it would be easier to just talk to her friend instead of worrying about who was listening. At least she hoped it would be. Granted it might not be with the guard her father decided to send to trail after her. She understood he was worried but given her temper alone, it was a wonder anyone even came close to Nix these days. The young lycan woman was known to have a short fuse which had gotten her into countless amount of trouble. Not to mention having two mates who could hold their own quite well. Yet, it seemed despite that, her father still insisted on the woman having a guard follow her wherever she went. He hadn’t told her about the guard but after being followed for so long, Nix was able to pick up the familiar scent these days and at least gave the man credit for keeping his distance. She might not been seen openly with a guard, but he was there. Maybe one of these days she would confront the man and tell him he really wasn’t needed and not to waste his time. For now, she was going to stay quite about it simply because she loved her father and the loss of her mother all those years ago still seemed to weigh hard on him.

The trip to the suite didn’t seem to take up much of the woman’s time it seemed. She had been completely lost in her head that before she knew it, the young woman found herself at the room. Smiling sweetly at the guards at the door, she knocked before being lead into the suite as she waited for one of the servants to let Eva know she was there.

OUTFIT

[Evangeline Dubois]

Eva wasn't feeling well. The pups were giving her a hard time. She wanted to go with Rafe to discuss their campaign with Richard and Arwan, but the pups were just giving her too much trouble. Her back hurt. Her ankles hurt. She was having heartburn and indigestion problems. And the pups were kicking. So she just decided to stay behind and lay down for a bit. Nothing she did seemed to help much. And that meant no sleep. It wasn't an easy thing carrying two living lives who were constantly active. She knew some of it was them picking up on her stress, but she did do her best to keep calm and relax. Easier said than done in her current predicament. And the hot flashes. They were awful. She was pretty sure she drove Rafe crazy with them. The constant throwing covers off and pulling them back on, or stepping out to get some air because she was feeling stuffy.

She was still half asleep when she heard the knock at her and Rafe's suite door. She groaned softly and slowly drug herself out of the bed, wincing a little at the twinge of pain in her back. She had to sit there for a moment and let the tension ease before she pushed herself up onto her aching feet. "I'm coming!" She called through the suite as she pulled on her night gown, which fell to just below her knees and slipped on. It was probably a servant checking in on her. Rafe probably sent them up to make sure she was alright and had some food or something. She wouldn't find it unusual if he did that. He was being a good mate and making sure she was taken care of. She smiled weakly as she waddled through the suite and answered the door.

"Oh, Pheonix... I wasn't expecting you." She said faintly, licking her lips as she opened the door a little more to let her in. "You should have given me a ring. I would have dressed more appropriately." She glanced down at the night gown. It wasn't overly revealing. It was light and airy and comfortable given her current state. It certainly wasn't some thing she would usually wear in front of guests. She gestured for Pheonix to come in, smiling faintly.

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

While she waited the young woman thought about her friend’s situation. They were friends or at least the woman did consider them to be. She wasn’t too certain on the other woman’s view on the whole situation but considering everything it would be a tad bit hard not to at least get a bit close to the woman. Granted she wasn’t the friendliest person all the time and that often made it hard for her to have friends. Her tempted tended to get the best of her on good days and at times she might even snap at a friend. It was known to happen but some people had been able to get over it by now. Her two mates had, Eva on the other hand was a recent friend so it was still odd to know how she would react if Nix suddenly got a burst of her temper going. Only time would tell but for now, things seemed to be going well at least she thought they were. One could never really know what someone else was thinking and that made it harder to determine things for certain.

When the door was finally opened to reveal the pregnant woman, Nix merely smiled as she tried to keep a small snicker from escaping as she noticed the state her friend was in. Nix really did not mind how the woman looked given her condition and everything it was a wonder she even made it out of bed most days. “I would have but I wasn’t too far and figured it would be pointless.” she pointed out still holding back a small snicker at the others appearance as she continued to take it in. “Raphael mentioned you weren’t feeling well. Figured I’d stop by and see how you were doing.” she explained before slowly walking into the room turning around to face her friend when she was inside.

Hearing her mentioning she could have dressed more appropriately only made Nix shake her head laughing a little bit. “No need to get dressed on my account, especially when you’re feeling under the weather as it’s been said.” she added her mind traveling to the thought of her friend being pregnant and how she wanted pups as well. Problem was she was scared it would be a complete disaster. The young woman became lost in her thoughts a sour expression coming over her face.



OUTFIT

[Evangeline Dubois]

She smirked and cupped her belly lightly. Rafe was worried about her. That was understandable. He was a good man. He took good care of her. She could understand his worry. Especially now, when they were fighting for not just her life but the lives of their pups. He would be a good father to them, whether he was their biological father or not. "Well thank you, Pheonix. I could use the company after being cooped up the last few days." She said gently. She really could use the company. She had spent the last couple of days cooped up to rest and relax as much as possible.

She smiled softly and nodded her head as she closed the door behind them once Pheonix came in. "Please, feel free to make yourself at home." She said gently as she gestured to the little seating area centered around the fireplace and the plasma screen that sat over the mantel of the fire place. "I hope you don't mind if I call for something to eat and drink. I'm a little hungry." A hand lightly laid over the bulging stomach as she picked up the phone. She wasn't going to order anything too big. Just some tea and water and finger sandwiches. Nothing too heavy, but enough to give her and the pups the proper nutrition. Once she was done she set the phone back on the receiver and slowly, carefully eased herself down into a very well pillowed area of the couch.

She sighed and closed her eyes as she pressed her hand into the side of her bulging stomach. She could feel the pups bumping around in there. She was just happy it was only two and not three. She knew multiples ran in her family's blood, but she wasn't sure she would be able to hand three. She wasn't even sure she could handle two on her own. She looked up to Nix as she situated the pillows behind her so that she sat more comfortably. "I'm not going to lie. I can not wait for the day these little heathens are out of here." She said as she rubbed her belly soothingly to quiet the pups within.

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

Nix could not help but look at the woman’s growing belly often times wishing she had actually been able to have pups of her own. It wasn’t the case of not being able to have them as it was the case that her two husbands’ might make it a bit hard to deal with. The whole issue the two men fighting and fretting over whose child it was biologically. No matter how much she knew they would try and be there regardless of whose it was, there was still the fear that one might treat the baby less thinking it wasn’t theirs. Nix blinked realizing she had been staring at one spot for way too long, the young woman quickly put on a smile before looking at Eva. “I’d suggest a walk if you want to get out for a bit, but I doubt that is something you want to be doing at a time like this.” she told her while putting both her hands into her jacket pockets.

It was not to know that at least the young woman wasn’t alone and that Raphael was taking care of her. The whole situation would be harder had she been all on her own, or at least that was what Nix thought of it. Walking over to the couch, Nix sat down before crossing on leg over the other while looking over at her friend. “Of course not go right ahead, I might be a bitch half the time but I surely wouldn’t deny you food especially when you’re pregnant.” she teased leaning forward a bit as she laced her fingers together holding her knee. While she waited for Eva to finish getting something to eat, she took a glance around the young woman’s suite.

“Are they giving you are hard time?” she asked wondering how far along she was and how much the pups were moving around. The woman was curious and wondered if it would ever be like that for her. “You think it’s worth it? All the pain, the kicking, the swelling, over eating and constant throwing up? I mean in the end do you think it’s worth it?” she asked curiously knowing it was probably an odd question to ask.




OUTFIT

[Evangeline Dubois]

She sighed softly at the prospect of a walk then looked to her feet. As much as she would have loved taking a walk, she wouldn't be able to go very far between hefting her large bulk and her aching feet and ankles. She smiled faintly and shook her head. "No, I'm quite alright. I wouldn't get very far in my current state anyways." She said gently as she shifted and resituated a pillow behind her back.

She chuckled weakly, nodding her head softly. "When are they not? I swear, it's as if they're having some sort of kick boxing match in there." She took a deep soothing breath as her hand continued to stroke over her belly to sooth them. She supposed it was a good thing that she stayed in for the day as rowdy as the pups were being today. Eva looked up from her bulging belly to Nix and smiled weakly. "Some days I like to ask myself that question, and somehow the answer is always 'yes'. " She said softly as she rubbed her stomach in an attempt to calm the rowdy pups. They were hungry. "It's scary. I can't deny that. Carrying another life inside of you. Being responsible for that life you're carrying. But I like to think it's worth it in the end, when you're sitting there with one in your arms to care for. To have the bond you do with those pups that no one else will have." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before looking back to the other she-wolf. She studied Nix more thoughtfully. Something was up. Why would she asked that question unless.... "Have you been thinking of having pups, Pheonix?" She asked calmly. She imagined that was not such an easy thing having two mates like she does. Perhaps one or both of the twins were pushing having pups and she wanted a second opinion.

She looked up when one of the servants came in. She watched for a moment in silence as the servant set up the tea and sandwiches and cookies. There was enough for Eva and Nix to have obviously. Eva wouldn't be a good host if she sat there eating and had no food for Nix. She waited for the servant to leave before Eva looked to Nix and offered for her to help herself as she began to pour herself some tea, steeping a couple of peppermint leaves in her cup as she fixed herself a plate of finger sandwiches. "It's not so bad. Being pregnant. It'll be easier for you, having two mates." She grinned teasingly at Phoenix as she sat back with her tea in hand and her plate sitting on the large mound perfectly level as if it were a table top.

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

Nix sighed as she held her hands laced around her knee watching the other woman. She herself could not picture herself in such a situation. The fact that anyone even tried to betray her like that was hard to think about. She started thinking about her mates glad that she didn’t need to worry about something like that happening to her. At least she hoped because right now while the woman thought about it, she didn’t know how she would be able to take such an incident or a similar one. Hearing Eva turn down the offer for a walk wasn’t a surprise she figured carrying two extra life forms wasn’t really that easy to do let alone walking around while doing it. “No need to worry perfectly understandable. I much rather sit down for a bit anyways.” she assured her before turning her body a bit so she could look at Eva instead of straight ahead of herself.

The boxing match in her stomach only cause Nix to raise an eyebrow chuckling softly herself. “At least you know they are going to be a tough force to reckon with once they grow up.” she offered figuring it was a good thing to have rowdy pups knowing they at least seemed healthy and strong. Despite the kicking it would at least be a good sign that the pups were at least healthy and active. The young woman had read about still borns before and it wasn’t a pretty thought. Granted it might not be possible with lycan’s it was still odd to think about as a woman. Looking over at the other woman, she listened to her question being answered. The young woman figured it really was a weird question to ask someone but she had pups on her mind for a while now. Recently more than before seeing as things had come up to the surface recently. “Makes sense, but often times I wonder if it’s wise bringing pups into such a world. I mean the change isn’t all that wonderful to go through and it makes you think, if I really love this pup why would I want to put them through such a thing?” she asked before sighing as the young lycan leaned back in her seat trying to think of something else to say instead. It wasn’t the best topic to really be throwing out towards anyone.

It wasn’t that Nix hated being a lycan it was just that there were aspects of it that weren’t all that appealing. She still remembered how her first change had been despite all the prep she had taken as a child. Staring off into the distance for a moment, Nix attention was brought back to her friends as she gave her a small smile. “Gabe and Drake decided to tag team me on the topic of pups. They both want them however I’m worried it might not be the best idea. I mean, having two mates is convenient but I am worried if I do end up having one that it won’t be treated equally by them both. Does that make sense?” she asked referring to if one mate knew it wasn’t biologically theirs they might not treat the child the same.



OUTFIT

[Evangeline Dubois]

A soft chuckle escaped her lips and she nodded her head. "Yes, I suppose so." She stroked her belly as she felt a sharp jab to her side. "I'm starting to have no doubt that they're Rafe's as much as they're rough housing in there. But I suppose I was a bit rowdy myself when me and my brothers shared our mother's womb. " She said gently, grinning faintly. She really did like to think that they were Rafe's. She was confident that the powers above would not be so cruel as to give her pups that belonged to her master. She worried about that all the time. Especially when Rafe assured her that he would love them as his own even if they were not.

"It is a part of us though, Phoenix. We wouldn't be lycans if we could not change. And the pain.... it only makes us stronger. I know it is not something you would wish upon a pup of your own, but we learn to ignore the pain and enjoy what the change can bring us." She looked to her belly as she saw it rise a little when one of the pups pushed against it. She did fear the day her pups would have their first change. But then she got to thinking of her first change. She remember her first change ever. She was a little older than five at the time and Ray and Andy had been ganging up on her as they usually liked to do. Apparently something in her snapped and she started changing. The two of them had been so surprised that they went screaming to mama. Eloise came out a few minutes later and coached Eva through the entire thing. In the end though, it turned out to be one of the best days of her life. And she wasn't alone. She had her mother there.

Eva could not deny that it had been scary and it had been painful and it was a long first time, but in the end, she was glad it happened the way it had. Eloise changed and the two of them went exploring together, giving Eva a chance to get used to this new world of even more fine tuned senses. She smiled faintly as she remember that day, growing a little sad at the memory of her mother. Eva wished she could have gotten a chance to say goodbye to her parents. Because of her own flesh and blood she would never get to run with her mother like they used to all the time. To hunt with her father. One of these days, she promised herself, she was going to hunt Raymond and Andrew down and she would make them pay. The day they sold her to slave hunters was they day they were no longer her brothers.

She snapped herself out of those thoughts, knowing how easily her current state could send her into tears. She frowned softly at this news Phoenix gave her. Eva hadn't thought about that. It was a genuine enough concern. She would be concerned with that as well if she were in Phoenix's shoes. Chocolate pools studied Nix thoughtfully as she slowly chewed on a cucumber sandwich. She swallowed and sipped at her casually. "It makes perfect sense, Phoenix, and you have every right to be concerned about such a situation. But have you voiced this concern with the twins?" She asked calmly, feeling a little sorry for Phoenix. She would hate to be stuck in the middle of such a predicament. Drake and Gabe couldn't be making it easy on her either. She had met them before. Drake was usually much more sensitive to Phoenix's moods, but Gabe was a little more pushy than his brother.

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

Leaning back a bit, Nix chuckled herself smiling at the other woman as she listened to her explaining how her pups were already rowdy and they weren’t even out of the womb. Granted that did mean they would most likely be a handful once they were born. To have one pup was enough when they were already rowdy but to have twins only seemed to double the trouble and Nix knew it would be a handful not to mention bringing a lot of stress to the table with Eva’s already stressful situations. “I am sure they are his no doubt about it. Besides you will have a lot on your plate if they inherit both your rowdy traits. Good luck with that.” she added teasingly before reaching out to get a finger sandwich and a napkin. Oddly enough despite having a bit of breakfast, Nix found herself to be hunger. Why she wouldn’t question it, instead she simply enjoyed the sandwich.

Listening to Eva, the young lycan could only nod her head really not being about to disagree with her. She knew that it was who they were and there was nothing to change about it. She wouldn’t give up being a lycan if she had the choice which said a lot, but she still thought it wasn’t that pleasant to watch her pups having to go through that. Not to mention the life of someone growing up in Court wasn’t all that glamorous. Not that it didn’t have its perks, but it still was a different life. Nix wondered often when she was still young about what life was like outside the island. She had left for a good few years just to see how it was out there. It had been an interesting experience but Nix found herself coming back here where her home was. “I know Eva. It’s really just a thought. If we didn’t conquer the pain we wouldn’t be where we are now.” she told her. The young woman was aware that it was how life was for them. That didn’t mean people didn’t often think about what their life would be like had there been different circumstances.

Nix remembered not only her own change but she remembered her mates explaining how it was when they were turned. It was twice as bad for them because they hadn’t been used to the change since they were young like Nix had. It had been one of the reasons why the young woman had stayed with them for a bit to at least offer some help. Who would have thought she’d ever see the two men again let alone end up marrying them a few years later? The way life worked really seemed to be interesting for some and cruel for others. Nix hadn’t even expected anything when she head out for her little adventure. Not to mention she hadn’t even been interested in anyone when she was that young. Yes her father had wanted her to start thinking about possible mates but the young woman merely shrugged it off saying if there was a man out there that could handle her temper let him find her first and she’d marry him. Never did she thing that two would be able to handle her quirks.

Finishing the sandwich Nix looked over at her friend for a moment before nodding her head a bit. She had voiced her opinions to them already as well as her fears. It was all she could really do seeing as both of them insisted it would be fine. “Of course I did. But no matter how much both of them tell me that it wouldn’t happen. Or that they would treat the pup as their own, it’s still hard to predict what would happen in the future. They could do it without really thinking about it. I know it’s silly to worry about that but given my situation isn’t really normal it’s hard not to think about it. “ she admitted sighing a bit before getting another finger sandwich. “I’ve thought about having pups for a while now, but it wasn’t till recent that either of them expressed an interest.”




OUTFIT

[Evangeline Dubois]

She didn't really mind the kicking about so much. It only meant that the pups were okay. They may have been a nuisance, but as long as they continued to act as rowdy as they were, it only meant that they would be good and healthy and strong. That was an important trait in this world, especially in court. Good strong pups was a good thing. She just wanted healthy pups. As did Rafe. She chuckled weakly and sighed softly. "I suppose that is a good thing if Rafe and I continue to stay here at the court." She commented softly, stroking her side softly as she sipped casually at her tea.

She studied Nix very thoughtfully. She knew that she wouldn't enjoy watching her pups live through that pain and torment that came with their very first change. She would never wish that upon her own pups, but it's as she said. It was a part of their lives. They wouldn't be Lycans without the change and the change was what made them stronger. Lycans had to be strong. Weak Lycans never lasted long. They got eaten alive, literally, very quickly. "I know it's not something you don't wish on your pups. I dread the day I will have to watch their first change." She laid a hand over her stomach protectively as she set her tea cup and plate down. She truly did. All she would be able to do is hold them and pet them and give them encouraging words. She wouldn't be able to take away the pain or to stop it. It was a painful part of nature for mother and pup.

Eva turned her gaze back down to her stomach as she sipped at her tea. She could understand where Nix was coming from. It may have not necessarily been the same scenario, but it was the same general worry. She was afraid that Rafe would not love these pups as if they were his own. He said he would, but would he really if the pups were not his? Would he treat them as if they were his own? And if they were to have another litter would he treat both litters fairly? So a part of her did understand the worries that Nix faced. She looked up to Nix after a long moment of silence. "You're going to have to trust them, Phoenix. If they say they will both treat the pups as if it's their own, then you have to trust they will." She spoke calmly, studying the she-wolf softly. She wished they didn't have to have this conversation, but things never seemed to go according to plan. She licked her lips for a moment as she sipped at her tea, welcoming the calming peppermint flavor. She was going to have to follow her own advice though. She was going to have to trust that Rafe would keep his word.

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

“Are you thinking about leaving? I mean once all this is over, do you want to leave the court?” she asked curiously wondering if the woman felt like it would simply be better. Granted she had thought that way once but found herself coming back to the life. Despite all the drama and work, she knew this was where she needed to be. Nix wondered often what it would have been like had she not tried so hard to prevent herself from having pups. Her worried took over her life but it seemed until now, none of her mates were complaining of the arrangements. She had often told them some of worries in her head such as the one about her pups and the change but given how both men were bitten, she kept it to herself after. Making the mistake of voicing it once was enough. “No its not but I am hoping with my temper they adjust to it quickly and it simply makes them a force to be reckoned with. At least it would make court that much more interesting.” she added teasingly thinking about what kinds of trouble either of their pups could cause having either of the woman’s tempers and rowdiness.

Leaning over towards the table, Nix poured herself a cup of tea before adding a bit of sugar into it. Sitting back, she took a sip while watching Eva as the woman looked at her stomach. She could tell the young woman was worried and it was only natural. Not only were there the natural worries every parent had when they were having children, but Eva had other things to add to the worrying. Not really sure she could say anything that Eva hadn’t heard already, Nix simply put her hand on Eva’s arm in a supportive manor. She knew it was hard to think about the situation let alone have to actually be going through it. Hearing Eva tell her she was going to have to simply trust them caused her to nod. Nix knew there really was nothing she could do about it but put her faith in the two men. “I know I will, it’s just hard thinking about it. That worry will always be there. Granted I can simply threaten to simply take certain pleasures off the table if they decide to argue about who’s pups they are.” she added in a teasing manor hoping Eva knew she was speaking of restricting sex from her two mates lives if they decided to even start thinking about whom their pups belonged to. Oddly enough it seemed that both women were in similar situations, only for Nix it didn’t matter who the father of her pups would be.

Shaking her head, Nix tried to get the thoughts of pups out of her head as well as the thoughts of having to put them through the change. She hadn’t come here to talk about that nor did she need to worry the expecting mother with her own odd fears. No this was not the time for that and the young woman knew she had to compose herself a bit. Sighing, she grabbed a napkin wiping her fingers on it from the sandwich she had just eaten. “Enough about that have you heard anything new about your case? I mean I know enough but I’m just curious if there have been other news that might help?” she asked curiously still eager to help the younger woman as much as she could.





OUTFIT

[Evangeline Dubois]

"I've been thinking about it. It's not that I don't love it here. When I'm not bombarded by issues from our case, I love it here, but it's not home. I wish to go home for at least a little bit. " She wished to go back to the plantation and see what was left of it, if anything was. If her brother didn't have owner ship of it anymore perhaps they could buy it and build the buisness back up. "Rafe wishes to start his own pack. I thought going home to the plantation I grew up on would be a good start. " She missed her home. She knew the chances of it being in any decent state were slim, but the plantation would always be her home. It was full of so many good memories. Even though there were many bad memories, there were even more good memories. She missed the plantation. She missed waking up in her bedroom with the view of the courtyard. She missed the sweetly pungent scent of the tobacco fields. She didn't care if the plantation was in total utter disrepair. She only wished to know it was still there. That her pups would have a legacy.

She sipped at some tea, grinning faintly. "Taking sex off the table always acts as an effective source of reinforcing proper behavior." She grinned knowingly. She had never actually threaten Rafe with taking sex away, but if she ever felt it would work, she would certainly take it away. She wasn't so sure it would help any though. Rafe may have had an appetite, but he'd managed to go several decades without sex when he lost who he thought would be his mate. She thought he could go a good long time without sex from her. She already turned him down half the time when he wanted to romp in the sheets. She was just always so tired and in awful moods. Never a good combination for a woman pregnant with twins. As much as she would like to please him a little, she wanted to be in a good mood for him.

She looked up from her tea, deep dark eyes studying Nix thoughtfully. She simply shook her head. "There is talk of trying to win over lady Olivia Vulpe seeing as the Chancellor is our main opponent in the case. It might not be so hard to do though if I could get to know my Aunt and Uncle." She looked back to her tea thoughtfully. She did not know if her Aunt Vivienne would want anything to do with her. Ever since her run in with Adrienne, she was starting to learn new aspects of her mother's story. The problem was that Eva had no idea what story was true and if certain ones were true, her family would want nothing to do with Eva and her case. This was a constant worry that filled her at the moment. Would Vivienne have anything to do with her niece? She looked up to Phoenix once more for a moment. She had not told many about who her mother was, but that was because she worried that whatever happened between Eloise and the court would affect her case in a very bad way.

"Phoenix, do you know anything about my mother?" She asked calmly. Nix was one of the few who actually knew of Evangeline's parentage. Rafe and Lucian knew because the needed to for her case. She wasn't sure that Nix or Rafe said anything to Arwan about it, and Duke Richard knew out of necessity. She figured if Richard knew that Arwan knew though. She just wanted to keep it as quiet as possible, but thanks to Adrienne, Eva was starting to realize that wasn't going to happen. Her peaceful little world was starting to crash to the ground piece by piece.

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

Nix nodded her head knowing that no matter where someone was there was always going to be a longing to go home. Home usually was the place that someone felt the more comfortable in. For Nix, it will always be the house she had grown up in with her father. No matter where she was in the world or how long she lived somewhere, the young woman would always find herself going back to at least visit. “Makes sense, I’d hate to know you weren’t going to be coming back anytime soon. There are only a handful of people I can stand in court and losing one would only make my life that much duller.” she half teased knowing it would still be odd not having Eva around, at least not after everything that’s happened and going to happen with her case.

Their discussion seemed to turn into a less sour note with the mention of restricting sex from her mates or their mates overall. It was funny to think that such a little restriction could cause their mates to actually behave properly for a change or efficiently get them to do something. There had already been a few times Nix had threatened that but it worked in her favour due to her having two mates. If she was pushing one of them, she could simply get her fix with the other. As well it would caused the mate she was withholding sex from to want it more with how she was treating his counterpart. “As cruel as it might sound it really is. Granted it would mean depriving myself as well, however, I feel I could last much longer than either of my mates.” she added a laugh escaping her as she mulled over the whole idea to reinforce proper behavior.

Listening to Eva mention Olivia, the young lycan thought about her friend. If only people knew she was nothing like her father. They might not think so harshly of her. It was in times like these that she wished she could assure people that Olivia would be easily swayed to their side. However, Nix knew the man wouldn’t be too happy knowing his daughter didn’t follow closely in his footsteps. She wasn’t going to risk her friend for a simple assurance no matter what. “Are you certain you will be able to convince Lady Olivia? From what I know she is strictly of her father’s opinions on matters. I’m surprised the Chancellor has let the matter go on for this long; he usually seems to insist on ridding himself of problems quickly. Not that it’s a bad thing but does make one wonder what he might be up to.” she mused wondering if Kevan was up to something or holding things back. Nix did not want to be caught by surprise with anything. She wondered if she could get something from Olivia just to make sure.

At Eva’s question Nix turned her attention back towards the other woman watching her for a moment. She wasn’t positive about the woman’s lineage but there was a resemblance that she had noticed a while ago. Not really wanting to pry into anyone’s business, the young woman simply kept it to herself. “I have my suspicions Eva but I rather hear it from you. That is assuming you want to share but given the question I figure that was the point.” she told her watching Eva wondering if her suspicions would be confirmed. Part of her started to think about her own mother and a dull ache appeared at the pit of her stomach again the same one she was getting while thinking about Gabe and possibly losing him.



OUTFIT

[Evangeline Dubois]

Eva let out a soft chuckle and sighed faintly at Nix's teasing. "I'll be sure to write you." And she would. Eva had so few friends, even now, when they attended special functions and met a number of people. She didn't have that many true friends, and she considered Nix one. So she would write and call. Talk to her even though they would be hundreds of miles away. She didn't want to ruin one of the few friendships she had. And if they needed to, her and Rafe could take a few trips a year to the island. She was actually tempted to move her family's buisness down here if the plantation was in bad enough shape. The temperature here was perfect for crop rotations and just perfect for tobacco. And the island was so beautiful. She smiled faintly as she thought about it, looking to Nix after a minute.

She grinned knowingly. Nix made it so easy to keep calm and relaxed. Even when she felt like an over sized cow with an aching back and ankles and a horrible case of heartburn. Eva needed some sense of normalcy here at the court. Sometimes it felt like this was all a big dream. That she would wake up and find herself in bed with Johnathan Pocket or that... someone dingy bedroom he kept her in when he wasn't using her as his play thing. There were some days where she was afraid to open her eyes, fearing she would find herself in that cold slave's quarter again. Until Rafe's earthy scent filled her nostrils. He was probably the only thing that made her feel safe. Truly safe. Not even the walls and guards of the castle made her feel entirely save from Johnathan Pocket unless she knew Rafe was near by.

She looked away at Nix's inquiring comment. She studied her tea silently, thoughtfully, stroking a finger along the ridge of the tea cup softly. She suppose it was only a matter of time before Adrienne went blabbing about the family resemblance she noted in the portrait of Eloise and her family and in Eva. Eva hadn't really wanted anyone to know because of the fact that Eloise's history among the court could easily be reflected in her case. Especially on the Chancellor's side. She had no choice but to tell Arwan and Richard though. She couldn't lie to the few allies in the court she had. She sighed and looked up to Pheonix for a moment. "I'm surprised you father said nothing to you." She stated calmly as she sat aside her tea and half full plate of food. "My mother is... was,"It hurt for her to say that, but her mother was no longer among the living," Eloise La'Fluer." She looked to her food, sighing as she sat back.

Everyone who has been around the courts since her mother was a pup knew that Eloise La'Fluer had been betrothed to Kevan's brother. Eva didn't know how Kevan's brother felt about the whole thing, but obviously not so crushed since he was married to Eva's aunt now. Kevan though... Eva was worried Kevan would be a whole other story. She sighed an ran a hand through her hair, staring at the tea set and food set before them, suddenly not so hungry. She didn't want it going all over court, but now that Adrienne has seen the resemblance... it was only a matter of time before all manner of gossip started... more gossip to lay on the layers of

[Lady Phoenix Frost]

Nix sighed nodded her head to her friends statement about writing. For some reason, she didn’t think that it would really happen. She had known a lot of people who had left the island after a while just to see the world. It was meant to only be for a short time, just to get a glimpse of the world. However, the people that left she never saw again, nor did she hear from them. They too had made promises to come back and visit, or to write. Things never really worked out as they seemed when one was planning them. Life was just that way and Nix had grown to know what to expect. Part of her didn’t want Eva to simply leave but she knew that the woman needed to get away from the chaos that was surrounding her hear. If her mate was willing to uproot then it was all for the better. She would wish her friend all the best in the world, but the young lycan would not expect any form of communication from her. At first it would be sad but eventually the young woman would move on, occupy her time with other things, other people and simply let the memories be what was left of either a good friendship or bad. It usually depended on her person.

When the silence came over them after her question, Nix couldn’t help but look up from the spot on the floor she had been staring at. Whenever she was thinking about something, the young woman tended to look at a specific place without realizing what it was she was doing. Tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, the young woman tried to read her friend. She wasn’t too certain about anything she knew of the other woman. Hell there was a lot of things she couldn’t be certain about when it came to dealings with the court. Often times, rumors had a way of entangling themselves with the truth and one could never tell what was real and what wasn’t. When Evan finally spoke up, Nix couldn’t help but sigh at her statement. Of course her father would have told her about Eva’s mother had she actually been in proper contact with him. Leaning against the back of the couch, Nix played with her wedding bands, twisting them unconsciously on her finger. “I believe he would have said something had we maintained a better form of communication. Unfortunately with my choice in mates, my father and I rarely talk anymore.” she admitted a hint of pain and regret in her voice as she revealed this to her friend. It wasn’t a secret that Arawn wasn’t a fan of her choice in mates; let alone the fact that there were two instead of one.

What came named only brought Nix’s head up again as she observed her friend, blue eyes searching the woman’s features to make sure it wasn’t a trick she was playing. One could never know when someone was merely joking about a situation. However the pained look that came upon her face when she did reveal her history only confirmed the lycan’s suspicions. “Oh Eva, do you think that is why Kevan is being so persistent with the case? The man is relentless when it comes to just about anything that rubs him the wrong way sorta speak.” she added sighing before taking Eva’s hand and squeezing it in a comforting manor. The young woman had always made it her mission in life to be there for whomever she cared for. So far so good, the only person that might not work for was Henry but his story was a whole different one. “I must say though, your mother was a smart woman not wanting to marry into that family. Who else knows about your lineage?” she asked curiously wondering if it was well known or not around the court.


OUTFIT