Private Affairs

[marvel_citizens]

Philippa doesn't care for the way the guard stationed before Prince Namor's room looks at her. He says nothing, but there is a smug demeanor to his smile and bow that gives him away; he thinks that her summons to Namor's chambers at this late hour can only mean that the ruler of Atlantis is taking his betrothal rights. Not that she has not had

Comments

[land_n_sea]

If there were any thoughts of a tryst still left in her mind, they are likely dismissed by the presence of another in the chamber. Namorita is here as well. Namor inlices his head toward Pony but remains sitting on his chair, the position almost indolent but yet still pensive.

[littleavenger]

Nita looks miserable and nervous, sitting near her cousin.

[marvel_citizens]

Pony frowns a little, concern showing plain on her face; she's not spent much time with Namorita, but she likes the older woman. She forgets her manners a moment and approaches the blonde Atlantian.

"What has happened?"

[land_n_sea]

"Nothing. Yet. 'Nita and I were speaking of the topic which I mentioned concerned you. It is truly her thing to share, if she wishes."

And she is not happy with me.

[littleavenger]

No. No, she's not.

Because if Pony isn't as trustworthy as Namor seems to believe she is... this could be the end of her time among the Atlanteans. And let's face it, Namor hasn't always had the best of judgment.

Or Pony might hold onto the secret for leverage. She could use this as something to hold over Namor.

Or any of a dozen things.

The two in this room before Lady Phillipa are the only two living people who know this secret, which could lead to Namorita's death.

And they want to share it with her... a complete stranger.

"Namor has decided to share a secret with you." Namor decided, of course. Not her.

[marvel_citizens]

Philippa notes the slight emphasis that Namorita puts on her cousin's name. Part of her notes that she could give Namorita a simple way out, or at least make it clear that she will not remain if Namorita wishes to keep the secret to herself. There is another part of her that knows that if she is not a party to this secrecy, she cannot become Namor's wife.

The young demigod finds a seat, feeling only a slight pang of conscience as she speaks. "What secret is this?"

[land_n_sea]

Namor gives a soft noise. It isn't quite a sigh but there is some level of resignation there.

"I will not force you, 'Nita." His voice is tight - pained.

[littleavenger]

No.

But she doesn't really have a choice, does she?

She sighs. "Lady Philippa... if you marry Namor, it is unlikely that you will be able to produce an heir for him. He is genetically incapable, as half-surface dweller... as my mother was."

[marvel_citizens]

Pony turns this over in her mind for several moments, trying to understand. "But...forgive me, Lady Namorita, I do not understand. If your mother could not bear children...are you a foundling?" She could not have been adopted by normal means if this was so dire a secret.

[littleavenger]

"No," she explains, then pauses. Were they above the land, her throat would be dry. "My mother was pregnant with me. She carried me to term. She delivered me naturally." She frowns. "It was the... conception which is the secret here. And should you marry my cousin, the Council would expect an heir. And when you fail to provide one, and it is discovered that Namor is incapable of fathering children... they will look to my conception. And the secret which could disgrace my mother -- a hero -- and lead to my death."

[marvel_citizens]

Pony stares for a moment, shocked, before she begins to think the matter through. Already the seed of an idea has taken root in her mind, but it is overwhelmed by the surprise of the moment. "But if the crime is in your conception, you have done nothing to deserve death." She feels a foolish child for letting the words slip out. Her own family had done far worse things than killing an infant for an accident of birth. Pony takes a moment to compose herself. "What was the manner of your conception?"

[land_n_sea]

Namor looks more uncomfortable than he did before. He even stands from his chair, starting to pace around the room.

[littleavenger]

Namorita scowls. "I am... a clone of my mother. Altered. This art is forbidden in Atlantis."

[marvel_citizens]

Pony doesn't understand the exact meaning of the word "clone", but so far as she can understand, it seems to mean a type of forbidden magic.

"None shall learn of this from me," she says solemnly. "Though...I do see now the difficulty presented by my being here."

[littleavenger]

Namorita nods, relieved. "I... appreciate that you will keep this secret, Lady Phillipa. And that you see part of the problem this introduces."

[land_n_sea]

Namor remains silent.

He truly does not know what to say about it.

Right now, he simply does not know what to say at all.