"What?"
"Promise me you won't blame Lex or Nadir," she said firmly. "Or Bala. They saved me, and I need you to remember that. What happened to me was needed... We are in a stronger position in this war because of it. What I had to go through was a means to an end—“
Dorian snapped up to a seated position. "Nyssa, what the fuck happened?"
"Dorian, promise me," she demanded.
He ran both hands through his hair and glared at her. "Fine. I promise."
She eyed him, but the sigh that came from her lips told him she was trusting him.
"I ran away—“
“Of course you fucking did,” he grunted.
“—I was kidnapped by the Venari rebels—“
Breath ceased.
“It was the Venari?”
“—Taken to one of Man's camps by Infi—“
This was not happening.
“—Turned into a prize for the Prince. But—“ She held a finger up “—I got to see them and learn about their people. I also went to their new castle and saw what armies they have—“
Dorian was on his feet. "I'm going to kill him."
Nyssa launched herself out of the couch and grabbed his arm, whirling him around to face her. "If you go anywhere near him with whatever misplaced rage this is, you'll be showing me how much you distrust me," she almost yelled.
Dorian paused.
"What happened to me was my own design," she continued. "Yes, I was kidnapped, but I could have gotten myself out of there at any time, and you know it. I stayed for information so we would know what we are up against in this war. Nadir found me, and it took everything in him to let me do what I needed to do. Of all people, I thought you would understand this."
It hurt him to know that she was right. To know that he knew his sister well enough that he'd actually expected this to happen.
"Can I hit him just the once?" he begged.
Nyssa looked like she would smile. "Bala has already beaten him when she found out. And no, you cannot hit him."
"How about a playful slap or shove?"
"Nothing about a slap from you is playful," she countered.
The door opened then, and Dorian forgot all that he had been saying to her.
Because Nadir appeared in the doorway, and his face paled at the sight of Dorian standing there.
"Ah... Hey, Prince," he said hesitantly, the difference in how Nadir had once greeted and laughed with him at Magnice stark in comparison to his greeting then.
"You... You’re alive," he noted. "And filling out—“ he said as he pointed to Dorian's shoulders, obviously nervous as he pushed his weight from foot to foot. "Does Hagen have you pushing those fucking boulders? I bet he does, doesn't he? He likes those things."
Nyssa snorted.
Dorian eyed Nadir, almost waiting on him to continue talking, but Nadir was rubbing his neck with both hands, and he knew his nerves had him ready for anything Dorian might do.
"You'll be happy to know my sister has forbidden me from killing you," Dorian said. "Apparently, she likes you too much."
