The captain’s tea cup clanked quietly on the table as it was placed down on the wooden surface. She had picked it up briefly, but found herself unable to swallow a large, anxious knot clumped to the back of her throat. Sitting across from the Fire Lord having tea like old friends was an extremely strange occasion, but so was having a three month old royal fetus rapidly expanding in her uterus. While she had come to terms with the pregnancy and her decision to keep the baby, it was still an awkwardly sore subject discussing what could have been between her and the fire prince.
It took Iiah a moment to will her throat clear enough to speak, and when she did, a soft, warm smile spread across her lips. “Coming from his mother, that truly means a lot, and I’d imagine that those words weren’t easy for you to say.” She nodded her head twice, letting Noriko’s words sink in. “I really should have known better, seen the red flags… but I loved him so much… and I still do, in a way. It’s hard to move on for the better with such a close work relationship and…” A pale hand rose and sat high on the beginnings of her baby bump. She didn’t need to keep speaking; the weight gain spoke for itself.
Easier said than she would have liked to admit…
“I understand what you mean,” she reasoned, seeking comfort in the dimming warmth of her cup. “And believe me when I say I am – somewhat familiar with the situation. Perhaps not to the fullest extent, but more than enough to agree in my son’s wrongdoing.
"I imagine it’s difficult, being in a relationship with someone who could appear to care less. For you and–” her downward glance finished the sentence for her as she sipped her tea. “You must have a strong heart for even recognizing the trouble with that. That’s why I am so sure of myself when I say, move on. As best as you know how.”