“I don’t think it’s because of their magic. I think it’s because they tried so hard, knowing they could never achieve what their parents had. It’s difficult growing up in that shadow, and without the right guidance it could turn into a garden of hatred and poison so easily. Even the Entente aren’t evil in the beginning. They’re abused by their parents, and told to be perfect little accessories and mirrors. The Entente have children for clout, without thinking of their children as beings. It’s like…they never had a chance to be good. When all you know is corruption, can you really be blamed for turning out corrupt?” Vivian asked quietly. “It’s so hard to break that cycle, and with each turn it becomes more and more poisonous.”
He shook his head. “The Draedan sound like the child of every Entente. Accessories to their parents who tried to throw off their shackles and did it in the worst way.”
He did smile a bit when Hakon mentioned he prayed to all of the Living Gods. “You pray to them, sure, but Azunath is a force of constant change. You’ve stayed in the same place, doing the same things, refusing to allow yourself to bloom and grow for years. I’m guessing you’ve never fallen in love, or had children, or gone into the wilds that are sacred to him. No wonder he doesn’t listen. You don’t pray correctly.” He smirked. “Perhaps you’re closer to Saren than you think, for you stay the same while the winds of your own life flow past you.”
Vivian looked down at his belly. “Even so. My best may not be enough…I’m doomed to die here.” He swallowed thickly. “My child will never know me, and I can’t bear the thought of him growing up in an orphanage. That’s why I was here in Radenor. I had to find his father. We were separated, and he promised we’d wed before the baby came. I thought this would be something happy that we could share together and I had dreams of spending our first night. All three of us, curled up under the stars.”
Vivian lifted his hand to his lips, kissing his fingertips, and pressed the kiss to his belly. “But I’ve failed. And it’s my fault he’ll grow up without me or Alistair. Instead of his noble house, he’ll be adopted out or…or booted when he’s old enough.” He took in a deep breath. “Sorry. This prison weighs on me heavily. Even more so with it being so close…”
