While contact was at length being established with Mama Viper's estranged friend, back in the capital, Mama Viper herself was also being visited by the Lion Prince, who likewise offered his sympathies in the wake of her incapacitation. He even accepted her offered story of having 'slipped in the bath'--much to Mira's relief.
One of the things he was let in on, was that his mother, Queen Vestra, had seen it proper to assign a servant, Nadifa, and two others to see to her counterpart's aid.
"On the bright side," Mu remarked at an early point in their exchange, sitting on Mira's bedside, "the apology with Zal that other day went well enough, I trust?"
"Way better than what I expected, Prince, thanks to ya. That's also what Ves and I discussed at length."
"Again, I was only helping my sister. Your shared willingness to open up to each other did the rest... despite taking your bloody sweet time doing so." He shook his head with understanding. "Like mom, like daughter."
"Can't argue with that."
"So," Mustafa continued evenly, "how will things go from here, have you ever wondered?"
"Can't say, really. Here I am, a bedridden queen, and you, a prince well into teenhood... against whatever forces which may desire to lay waste to this newfound peace-"
"What, you still think anyone could be after you?"
Mirani pursed her lip. "Yeah... and no. Ya've helped me restore peace with my daughter, and for that I am greatly thankful... but we're not outta the proverbial woods yet, Prince, oh no. At least not for me, personally. Zal was but the mildest of my opposition, believe it or not."
He tilted his head. "And who might the toughest be?"
"This one I'm not gonna tell ya, with respect. Suffice to say I'll be entering the bigger leagues from here on, cast n' all. Ya just focus on makin' Zal n' Das feel more welcome in Vessy's new company, aye? Chances are that ya'll have a much bigger role to play now, bein' the biggest bro n' all."
The Lion Prince nodded in acknowledgement. "I'll try. My mom said she'd enroll them to a real school sometime soon, just so you know."
"No surprises there. Vessy's long been the better parent after all, 'twixt us two. Relay to her my thanks, and to those brats my well-wishes--including you, Mustafa. Grow stronger together, with or without me; and thanks again for comin'."
"Well thank you for such kind words, Mira; you may yet have a shot at being a better mom yourself. Rest well, and recover soon!"
"Cheers."
The Lion Prince moved to unbar the door, but paused just before opening it to leave.
"Oh, there's one more thing, Mira. I have thus far not let any of my siblings in on... what Dad had done to yours. Would you mind if I break that news, given Dad's gonna get home in a matter of days anyway?"
Mama Viper huffed. "Rather not, Mustafa. I may've hated Urdin for it, aye; but that ain't a feeling I'd wanna see y'all to take after. Let that flame o' spite end with me. Then again... one way or 'nother, I had told Zal hints of it even as she accepted my apology, so..." Mira raised an eyebrow.
The Pathfinder's firstborn smiled, replied "Be what will be, then" with a knowing nod, and left.
***
YOU ARE READING
Internal: Viperpath (volume 1)
Historical FictionAlmost two decades have passed since the establishment of the Amirate centred on Elbar. By now it has reached its near-highest extent, and things would probably have remained tranquil... were it not for that nocturnal attempt against the Amir's two...
