jalal-ud-din:
He hummed in agreement. Gulbadan was certainly lovely, there was no denying it… though perhaps he intended that in a different way than Nagasani did. All the same, he was glad to hear that the distance had not made Nagasani question her relations with his wives… barring, perhaps, Jahanara—he imagined some bitterness would lie there, but that he understood. His own trust of her had been changed since then. “Well, you shall certainly meet at our little family dinner. And perhaps…” Since they were speaking of it—perhaps something of the sort with Nagasani’s in-laws would be advisable, too. Himself, perhaps Ahmad, her damned husband, and those of her brothers’ and sisters’ in-law that were here. He certainly had some bones to pick with the lot of them. Should he say it, or would it simply be a bad idea? Perhaps—the latter. “No, let’s not.”
Her words gave him pause; he had spoken in jest, about the loyalties that Europeans might show to one another, but hers came sorrowful. “If that is the case, you could spend your free time in our chambers; with Maham and the children, perhaps, or by yourself. Surely no one would object if you were to spend more time in our chambers than the Russian ones. After all, you are seeing your family after years.” And if anyone were to object, they could go through him. “It is truly unlikely. They have many pretty creatures, to be sure, but few compare to the grace of a strutting peacock.”
she has no idea what has happened in hindustan while she played her part in a foreign court. she hopes the country fares well, of course, but she hopes she isn't forgotten in the palace. she hopes her memory brings discomfort to those who did her wrong, and comfort who those to attempted to help. still, she has little to no idea of how her marriage to yuri has really affected her family. she hopes she can find that out in switzerland. her brows furrow at jalal's sudden change of mind upon his own words, wondering what would have come out of his mouth. she nodded, agreeing on the dinner and deciding to let the subject go. perhaps her brother was wise for not saying what he wanted to, or perhaps foolish for leaving it up to nagasani's fertile imagination.
"i appreciate the invitation, brother, i will see to that," and she means it. if she can find a way to be surrounded by people with whom she truly relates to, she will. russia has suffocated her for long enough. "i did see quite the adorable hare on my way into the town, i must admit. beautiful owls, as well. but nothing quite as grand and glamorous as home."