A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Nobuntu and Erik sat across from each other, their chairs perpendicular to the table. The latter leaned forward, elbows on his knees, as he watched his conversation partner with shrewd eyes. The former, meanwhile, leaned back in her chair, arms crossed in front of her chest.

Around them, many guests glanced their way, either stealthily or less so, hoping to get even an inkling of what they were talking about.

After Erik's question, the mature werepanther snorted and looked at the softly glowing armband. "Nothing really interesting there. It's just the deal I made with Sipho and Thandeka. Sipho obviously doesn't want me to make any alliances with outside forces at all, but to avert conflict, Thandeka proposed this compromise. This way, they'll be sure I'm not making any deals that target them."

Erik nodded with understanding. "I see." Inwardly, he logged this information away, as he now also understood a little more about this Thandeka, who, according to Nobuntu, was the cowardly peacemaker in their trio.

Seeing that Erik had nothing further to say about it, Nobuntu continued.

"As for my son…" she shrugged a little sullenly. "How does anyone find out their child's been seduced by a human harlot and naively informs on them during pillow talk under the guise of 'talking about their day'?"

She waved her hand dismissively and snorted with annoyance. "I was getting wise to the fact that Sipho knew a little too much about my operations, and, after a little more detective work, realised Kudzai was the common link."

She sighed, becoming sullen again. "So… I followed him one day. Thinking he might have betrayed me was devastating, and I had to be sure. Discovering he wasn't doing it intentionally, but rather because he's a lovesick idiot was… well, it was something, anyway."

Erik listened to her story intently, with furrowed brows. When she reached the end, he smirked wryly. He imagined she'd been both relieved and deeply disappointed. "So, what'd you do?" he asked curiously. "Did you confront him?"

For a moment, she remained silent and looked at him sombrely, as if thinking about something. Eventually, she slowly shook her head, a harsh look in her eyes.

"I did not," she admitted, mildly surprising Erik. "What would have happened if I'd confronted him? He'd certainly refuse to believe it at first. Maybe eventually I'd get him to believe it, but what would that accomplish? He'd be devastated, our relationship would have taken a hit, and there was always a danger it'd simply happen all over again."

Sitting a little straighter, she locked eyes with Erik, her gaze filled with a harshness that, surprisingly, seemed more focused on herself than her son.

"So, I left things as they were and used it to my advantage," she continued, her voice cold. "I lost my only real confidant, but I gained the ability to funnel selective information to Sipho, and Kudzai could continue believing all was right with the world."

A flicker of sadness went through her eyes before it was covered by harsh reality again. "Even if I couldn't tell him everything anymore, we were still on good terms… and he enjoys his time with this girl, even if it's all a lie."

It seemed she was done now as silence fell, and Erik looked at her strangely. Their eyes were locked, and the occasional flicker of uncertainty appeared in Nobuntu's eyes, as if afraid of his judgment.

Erik, however, simply wasn't sure what to think about this. He could imagine Nobuntu's faith in her son had been shaken heavily by that discovery. That, and the love she still bore him, likely influenced her decision.

At the same time, she was obviously under constant stress about safeguarding her people in a society dominated by humans.

Desperate for any kind of advantage, she'd grasped her chance, even if it meant short-term harm to herself, and possibly long-term harm to her son. Having lost the only person she could confide in, she was now completely on her own. As for Kudzai… He's happy right now, but this situation can't last forever, and what happens then?

"I like her," Elora suddenly giggled in Erik's head as he'd been sharing his conversation with Nobuntu this entire time. "She's ruthless to herself and others, but tries to protect her son even when she's disappointed in him. I mean, it's misguided and short-sighted protection, but still."

Erik could only agree with his beloved partner. After the moment of silence passed, Erik released a compassionate sigh. "That must have been hard for you…"

"W— What…?" Nobuntu answered, flinching back a little. She had not expected his sudden show of compassion, and it stunned her. He'd not seemed like a compassionate person to her so far.

Unbothered by her surprise, Erik simply shrugged with a small smile. "I won't judge you for your choices, but if Kudzai truly was your last confidant, then you've been suffering through a lot without anyone to really talk to. I guess it's no wonder you decided to take drastic steps by coming to me."

Nobuntu frowned, becoming a little uncomfortable. "I— I guess so… Although it certainly turned out different from what I expected."

Erik chuckled softly. He remembered Nobuntu had wanted to be some kind of partner, or at least someone valued for their contribution and leadership, like Ankhur. Instead, she'd become his servant, bound by a magical leash…

"Doesn't it always?" Erik smiled calmly as he gave her a supremely unhelpful observation. "Anyway," he then continued with a raised eyebrow. "What about Kudzai's father? Is he not in the picture anymore?"

"No." Was her only response. Her tone was harsh and cold, and Erik immediately understood she had no interest in speaking any more on the matter for now, and that was fine with him.

"I see," he said as a small, meaningful smirk appeared on his lips. At the same time, he gently cupped her hand and kissed the soft ebony skin on the back of it. "So, no current lovers then…?"

Nobuntu's eyes instantly widened. She couldn't believe he was flirting with her at his wedding! The audacity was both bewildering and… exciting.

Regardless, the bond forced her to answer. "N— No," she gulped, having temporarily lost her composure as her eyes focused on his lips against her hand. "I tried having a few men around for relief, but it… It just became a chore."

"I see," Erik smiled as he pulled his head back, enjoying the flustered expression on his tharsh, determined woman. "Perhaps I can show you a few things while you remain in our beautiful city."

Nobuntu's eyes widened again, but before she could say anything, Erik changed the subject. "For now, though, let's talk about our plans for Azania. I happen to have a few strategies already, and I need your input on them."

Nobuntu blinked. She was still a little lost, but… also happy to change the subject. Thus, they discussed the future for a while, until Erik stood up again to leave her to her thoughts.