The Keeper of Flame and the Master of Ice (Sub-Zero x Reader)

Whispers

What's this? An update??! *gasps*

I know I took long to write this chapter and I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I was sick and didn't really feel much inspiration to do anything, to be honest. However, thanks to all the words of encouragement and beautiful art I received from you amazing readers, and friends, I managed to get this part done and, as my apology for the delay, it's about 7,400 words yay!

Also, I wanted to let readers know that I'm at my parents' house (been here for almost two months now) and my internet sucks so that's another reason why I didn't update. Hope everyone can forgive me for procrastinating.

Please, read and enjoy!

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Warnings:

Unbetaed work. OOC. Sexual references. English is not my first language.

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Part XII: "Whispers"

Once Shyama saw that you'd put on enough weight and your health had improved, she decided that you were in conditions to leave the bedroom at long last. Of course, this also meant that your official introduction to the clan wasn't to be delayed anymore. Though you'd wished to see Nyarai first, the old healer said you shouldn't worry too much about her and assured there would be other opportunities for that- or paying respects to the deceased. The news she gave you were favorable, for the woman was recovering well, so that left you more at peace.

After a bath and a change into more formal attire, your handmaidens tended to your appearance and you were escorted to the dining hall, were people would be reunited for the midday meal. Despite your anxiousness for the event, you were content to be allowed outside after several days of confinement. It wasn't strange that upon leaving the building you marveled at the deep blue shade of the sky and enjoyed the warmth of the sun.

A small entourage of your attendants followed, Lifen among them, and thank gods they accompanied you because you were a bundle of nerves even after so many days spent in your new home. Shyama had eased your fears and said you should try and be more composed, lest you'd give the wrong impression to everyone. After all, if you were unable to govern your own emotions and show temperance, then there would be no doubt that the grandmaster had married a feeble creature.

"You cannot cower under their gazes like a scared child," she chided, walking by your side, her arm linked with yours. Your attendants followed a distance behind you and the healer, so it gave you the chance to have a more private conversation and listen to her advice. "It is unthinkable and unfitting of the wife of the grandmaster to behave in such manner. It does not matter if there are people who do not find you agreeable, you have to show them you are here to stay by Kuai Liang's side and you are not leaving. Also, I must warn you, if Frost tries to demean you, which she may not do openly in front of others, do not let her words get to you."

"Frost? Do you mean that woman that met with us when we arrived?" Of course you remembered her. It'd be impossible to forget her spurn and affront when you were face to face. It was evident by the way she had treated you that she wasn't too happy with your presence.

"The one and only. She is your husband's protégé, and a leader among the female Lin Kuei," Shyama scoffed and you raised an eyebrow at her unexpected reaction.

"You do not sound too fond of her," you observed with diffidence and she sighed, giving you an apologetic look.

"It is not my place to judge others but... I think Kuai Liang spoils her too much for her own good and, as a result, she has grown to be arrogant and conceited. Not that she was much humble from the beginning, but her position as the grandmaster's personal student has made her believe she is above anyone. I would not be surprised if she believed she should be the grandmaster instead of her sifu."