[h3][b][color=lightgray] [color=F4BC5E]Layla[/color] & [color=904342]Nahir[/color][/color][/b][/h3]
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[color=lightgray]Layla sighed in relief when they moved away from the crowd. Something had happened that morning unbeknownst to her. Concern filled her eyes when she looked at her sister, although the thought of gossip amused her as well. She turned to Nahir and raised her eyebrows. [color=F4BC5E]”I smell tea waiting to be poured. Shall we go back to the castle?”[/color] Layla gestured to their waiting guard and palaquins and ignored the Caesonians watching both Nahir and her with interest and fascination. 

A few of the common folk that had wandered too close to them were apprehended by Ece, who quickly scared them off before they got too close to the Kadir sisters. Nahir did not look at them as Ece brushed the palms of her hands against the dark fabrics of her tunic, her nose scrunched into a look of disgust. 

Nahir smiled, nodding as she walked Layla to her transport. [color=904342]"Tea sounds wonderful; I only hope they have cakes to match."[/color] She pulled back the curtains of Layla’s palanquin and offered her hand for Layla to climb in. [color=904342]"Ece will go ahead of us and prepare a spot in the gardens,"[/color]  

Layla snickered at Ece’s expression from the common folk. She watched Ali glance around them and protectively kepe a hand on the hilt of his sword. Layla turned back to Nahir and grinned in response. [color=F4BC5E]”That would be great. Ali can go with Ece to request food to be there as well.”[/color] She nodded to him and he quickly moved away from them. She took Nahir’s hand and climbed into her palanquin, then leaned over to offer her hand to her. [color=F4BC5E]”The faster we get away from the riff raff, the better,”[/color] She smirked. 

[color=904342]”Agreed,”[/color] Nahir returned the smirk and took the offered hand. 

Their trip back to the palace went without a disturbance. The Bazaar looked the same as it had earlier aside from a few extra guards patrolling the streets with watchful eyes. It seemed like Caesonians were no strangers to the sounds of bullets as most of the people continued to go on their way. 

When the Kadir sisters arrived at their destination Ece was awaiting them by the entrance with Ali and a few of the castle servants. They were led down the halls to the lush gardens where a table had been set up in one of the many courtyards. Chairs were pulled for each of the sisters and tea was quickly brought out along with various sandwiches, cakes, and pastries. 

[color=904342]”Ah, isn’t this lovely? If only this kingdom could provide us with such seamless service all the time.”[/color] Nahir said as she lifted the cup of tea to her nose, inhaling the rich aroma of the Ganasean tea. Black tea, cardamon, ginger, anise, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, the spices filled her nose reminding her of home. Ece must have handed it over to the servants to serve.  

Layla sighed in relief when they entered theguardian. She picked up a cup of black tea and examined it carefully. Whether it was to ensure it was safe or up to her standards, it was unknown. There was a hint of lemon, along with cinnamon and ginger. Deciding it was safe, Layla took a small sip and grinned with delight. [color=F4BC5E]”I agree. Maybe they’ll get better each day and aren’t used to such top-tier visitors. Should have had it together much sooner though,”[/color] Layla then picked up a chocolate and vanilla cupcake and began to eat it. 

Nahir poured a few drops of milk into her tea, stirred twice and sipped it. A low satisfied hum emerged from her lips as she smiled down at the porcelain cup. [color=904342]”With the state of this kingdom,”[/color] Her voice lowered, [color=904342]”I am not surprised they had not had the privilege to entertain more royals of our status.”[/color] The shots fired earlier were no surprise. Caesoania had very loose laws when it came to firearm ownership. One could easily find some shady man selling them by the ports or near the slums. 

Once finished, she turned to Nahir after grabbing a few sandwiches. The haughty smirk returned with derision in her eyes. [color=F4BC5E][i]”The Alidasht are taking over the garden.[/i]”[/color] Layla mimicked Farim with a giggle. An eye roll followed next as she continued. [color=F4BC5E]”Can you believe the Princess and Farim were throwing themselves at each other? I was surprised he didn’t leave with her.”[/color] 

Nahir smirked into her tea, bringing the cup down quietly to the table. [color=904342]”The day is yet over, sister, who knows if they might ‘bump’ into each other later.”[/color] She took another bite to her sandwich to stifle the giggle. [color=904342]”Although, they would make a handsome couple but their children might be of the lighter complexion.”[/color] She brushed a few locs behind her shoulder. 

Her eyes shifted to Layla down to the cup of tea she held in her hands. Her brows knitted into what could be taken as worry as she reached out to lightly touch her sister's hand.  [color=904342]”Layla, did you stay behind last night? Was there something wrong?”[/color] The question had been gnawing at the mind since the morning, not out of concern but out of need to simply know.

Layla snickered and took her time consuming her pastry and tea. She listened to her sister’s words and imagined the duo seeking each other out. The idea of them being together caused her to nearly choke on her tea. While she composed herself, she watched Nahir’s eyebrows knit together. The way she reached for her hand caused Layla temporary confusion. While she seemed calm outwardly, inside her mind raced. The question regarding why she didn’t attend the party came up and she withheld a sigh; she had hoped it wouldn't come up. Outside of Hafiz, it was relatively unknown that [i]anything[/i] was wrong. 

Layla took a moment to compose herself and grinned at her sister. [color=F4BC5E]”Why yes Nahir, something was indeed wrong.”[/color] Her voice held venom as she sipped her tea in between.  [color=F4BC5E]”We would have been cramped inside the carriage like pigs for slaughter.”[/color] She allowed her response to hang in the air and continued. Finally, she allowed a smirk to brace her lips again. [color=F4BC5E]”How was the party, anyway?”[/color]

[color=904342][i]Ah. So this is how she wants to play.[/i][/color] 

Nahir allowed herself to frown, drawing her hand with the hesitation of a worried younger sister would have. Her eyes lowered and her lower lip pouted. Perhaps it was too soon, but Layla was right; it had been a foolish move on all of them. They could have been slaughtered like pigs, their bodies discarded like trash and dumped into some nameless mass grave. That was not what was bothering her, Layla had deflected the question. 

[color=904342]”I don’t remember.”[/color] Nahir answered truthfully. She finally pulled back her hand to her cup of tea, her nails tracing the golden designs painted on to them. [color=904342]”None of us really do, but…”[/color] Nahir’s voice trailed off and she glanced at her sister. Sometimes she wondered if they had been closer in age they’d be friends and not just civil with one another.

Nahir took a deep breath and ordered the servants around them to turn their back to them with a stern voice. When everyone had their backs to them, she pulled down the neckline of her tunic revealing two darkened spots on her neck, the size of a person’s mouth. She pulled it back up quickly. [color=904342]”Layla, I need your help.”[/color]

Layla watched her sister’s demeanor dissipate after her rebuttal. While her chest panged, she didn’t show any reaction. Instead, busied herself with her tea and food. Halfway through her sandwich, she reached for another pastry and continued eating. The gnawing in her stomach thus became a vague memory. Eventually, it’d resurface, but for now she would not concern herself with it. 

When Nahir admitted that nobody, including herself, could remember the party, her eyebrows furrowed. How was that possible? Did everyone drink themselves silly? Didn’t her siblings know better or were they having too much fun? She went to inquire upon it when her sister ordered the servants to turn their backs to them. Layla’s haughtiness sank into confusion and concern. This was much unlike her sister. Her attention caught like a fish on a line, Layla watched as she revealed two large dark spots. This time, her mask slipped off entirely, and she choked on her tea. Layla quickly recovered and dried her mouth off and stared at her sister.

[color=904342][i]Ah, I have you my dear sister.[/i][/color] Nahir thought, pressing her lips into a line to hide the smirk. She lowered her eyes with shame, shaking her head just the slightest. 

[color=F4BC5E][i]”Sister Nahir!”[/i][/color] Her voice quivered like an arrow on a bow, waiting to be launched. She glanced at her servants and ordered them to move farther away to provide them with privacy. She added if they dared to look or violated their privacy, she’d have them hung. 

This was one of the few times Nahir appreciated Layla’s ruthlessness and bluntness to the servants, knowing if this were to get out the lie would spiral out of her control. She couldn’t have that. Everything was to stay between her and her sister if this was going to work. Nahir had no room for mistakes now.

Layla’s eyes were wide as she stared at her. [color=F4BC5E]”I would ask who but you don’t remember. I will find whoever did this to you and skin them alive over a fire pit and then allow Zilal to hunt them in their last moments so they can suffer from the venom and discover why King Cobra’s are named as such.”[/color] Layla’s voice shook with fury and concern as she stood up and came over to her sister's side.

[color=904342]”Sister…”[/color] Nahir’s voice trailed off as she laced her fingers tightly together. [color=904342]”I… I don’t know what happened.”[/color] Her voice shook and she avoided looking at Layla in the eyes. Out of guilt for playing this card or the shame of what had actually happened, Nahir did not know which. While it was true that Nahir could not remember what had happened, she knew it had been mutual. But Layla did not know that, no one did and she very much doubted that the other person knew as well. Still, the fact of not [i]knowing[/i] who it had been was what bothered Nahir. 

She came over and examined the marks, then gently pulled the neckline back to cover it. Those would take time to go away, but for now she needed to help her hide it. [color=F4BC5E]”Come. I have ways to keep that hidden.”[/color] Her voice was calmer now, but the fury was held at bay. She bit her lip and silently wondered if she’d attended this shady party, if this would have happened…

Nahir reached out to take Layla’s wrist, [color=904342]”You can’t let anyone know,”[/color] she finally met Layla’s eyes, [color=904342]”Please.”[/color] Her voice caught in her and she quickly looked back down. She wouldn’t give a theater performance, that’d be out of character for her. Nahir didn’t cry, not in front of anyone and especially not in front of Layla. So she kept her eyes down playing the perfect distraught little sister in need of the older one’s guidance. 

Layla inspected her sister’s expression and was quiet. She became impassive, though her eyes were kindling with anger. How did this happen? It was unlike her sister. Unlike any of them not to remember, too. Layla took a deep breath and titled her sister’s chin up and looked down at her. [color=F4BC5E]”I won’t.”[/color] The conviction in Layla’s voice surprised even herself. The situation was bizarre and unlike her little sister. However Layla knew she needed to find out more details about this party in her own way.

[color=904342][i]’I have ways to keep that hidden’[/i][/color] Nahir repeated in her head as she stood up from her seat and gave Layla the signal to lead. How? How could Layla know how to hide such bruises and who had given them to her? 

Layla called the servants back to clean up after them. Next, she began leading Nahir back to her room. Once they arrived back at the Alidasht guest-house, she shut the door and ordered Ali to stand guard outside it. This way, they would not be interrupted. Next, she set Zilal on her bed who curled up into an adorable ball, making her smirk in amusement. Turning her attention back to Nahir, Layla went to her makeup table and pulled out some of her concealer. Then, she pulled Nahir’s shirt back and began to cover it up using a variety of makeup. 

Out of concern and hope, she then inquired quietly, [color=F4BC5E]”Do you know if you at least used protection?”[/color] She then added, [color=F4BC5E]”And do you know how Mayet and Munir were from it? Did our cousins attend?”[/color] 

Nahir’s heart twisted at the first question. [color=904342]”I don’t know,”[/color] Nahir hated those words, but her answer was truthful.  [color=904342]”Mayet was upset in the morning, but that is pretty much a regular occurance. Munir stayed in bed and didn’t join us in the Entrance Hall. I saw Farim in the hall too, but Saiya was unaccounted for.”[/color] She had ordered Lady Suhasini to keep an eye on them all.

[color=904342]”I can’t remember anything Layla… All I can remember are these lights. They were so bright and in colors I’ve never seen before, in shapes that simply cannot exist… It was like magic.”[/color] Magic. Drugs. Both felt like a violation to her body now that she thought of it.  

Layla remained quiet while Nahir spoke. The fact nobody remembered the night was suspicious, however the idea of magic unsettled her. She had read about magic in Alidasht. The idea of using it wasn’t persuasive enough to her. Still, if it altered memories… Layla bit her tongue. It would not do to speak out of turn or voice these thoughts; not while her sister was distressed… 

[color=904342]”I’m glad you were not there.”[/color] Nahir said with a small voice. It was the truth. Like Layla had said, they had been pigs out for slaughter there. At least she would have survived and left their father with a competent heir instead of their uncle. 

Her small voice brought Layla back to her thoughts. She gazed at her and pressed her lips into a thin line. To be comforting was out of her realm, though she could tell Nahir needed it. Instead of a sassy or witty remake, she finished the makeup then set her hands on her sister’s shoulders. Their reflection stared back at them.

[color=F4BC5E]”Sister Nahir, whatever happened last night is beyond our discovery at this point. I don’t think you’ll remember what happened - ever - but that does not mean we can’t prevent something like this in the future. I would be cautious whom you trust or speak to, and do your best not to wander off to any more parties. Should you feel the need to go, I will come along with you. I would keep this between us Kadir siblings.”[/color] She paused, then continued with a smile as she gently pulled Nahir’s shirt over her markings and fluffed her hair around her. Her haughty smirk returned. 

Nahir could feel guilt bubble in her chest as Layla did her best to comfort her. She quickly squashed it and shoved it away before it could manifest in her face. 

[color=F4BC5E]”Just remember, you’re a Shehzadi, and whatever scumbag did this to you, will never be able to do better than us. I bet you’re the best thing to ever happen to them and it will alas, but his downfall, because I will ruin them.”[/color] The smirk became slightly darker now as a certain… harshness, overcasted her features, then was gone as quickly as it had come. 

[color=904342]”And I will be there to witness their ruin.”[/color] Nahir nodded, a small smile creeping up to her lips at the mental image of Layla inflicting said ruin on whoever her partner had been last night. While the thought was a pleasant one, the older Kadir was right; she may never remember that night. As much as Nahir hated it, dwelling on it would only cause Nahir further torment. All she could do now was use this situation and spin it however she wanted for her benefit.

Lalya smirked at her response. Satisfaction boiled inside of her at Nahir’s reaction. At least there was a smile on her face. She moved away from Nahir to sit down and assess her sister from her spot. There was an awkwardness hanging in the air she was trying to ignore for her sister’s sake. To keep herself busy, she gently petted Zilal who flicked his tongue in appreciation. 

[color=904342]”Thank you Layla.”[/color] The words felt foreign in her tongue, and more so being directed towards her older sister. Nahir offered another smile, a gentle one this time as she lightly pressed her hand over her neck. A curt thank you was appropriate enough for two estranged sisters. 

The words that came out of Nahir’s mouth caused Layla to do a near double take. Her sister… thanked her. The words caused her to pause and glance up at her. The smile caused Layla to reply with one of her own. She nodded and replied, [color=F4BC5E]”You are most welcome.”[/color] Then, there was a beat; Layla contemplated saying more, but left it alone and allowed Nahri to decide if she wanted to stay longer, or leave. There was a deep gnawing in her stomach she needed to decipher, so Layla hoped she’d choose the latter. 

After so many years living under the same roof, Nahir knew when Layla wanted to be left alone. [color=904342]”I should go,”[/color] She stood to her feet, but they would not budge from their spot. It seemed like both wanted to say more, if they were closer Nahir may have. Another statement of appreciation, or a reassuring smile or maybe even a hug. Instead, she gave the older Kadir Sister a slight bow and left the room. [/color]