"You may speak any mind you wish to me. But you must understand my people are not like you, are not as accepting of your loose tongue."
"I know," she said, growing red. There was a long pause where the two assessed each other. "A'Ran, I have to tell you something about Gage."
"What has my sister done?" he asked, making himself comfortable in his chair.
"She's with child."
He stiffened, surprised.
"She's afraid to tell you."
No woman had given birth in many sun-cycles, because the planet's spirit was severed without the dhjan and the nishani. He was torn between wanting to confront Ne'Rin and demand he make his sister an honorable woman and laughing out loud to know that he had chosen a nishani capable of healing his planet, his people.
"It will be taken care of," he said calmly.
"You should let them work it out."
"Ne'Rin will honor my sister."
"I'm sure he will, but you shouldn't force someone into such a relationship," she said, and crossed her arms. "It's not accepted everywhere, you know."
"It is accepted here," he replied. He raised an eyebrow in challenge, and she glared at him.
"And Talal," she continued.
"What of her?"
"She's with child as well. She told me this morning and asked me not to tell anyone, but you probably need to know."
A'Ran said nothing, though he clenched the arms of his chair hard enough for his knuckles to turn white. He sifted through memories to find who might be connected to his youngest sister. No warrior came to mind. In fact, he had never seen any warrior speak to her save Ne'Rin. As much as he wanted to welcome the information of his healing planet, he also wanted to strangle the men impregnating his family members.
"Talal," he repeated at last, and leaned forward again.
"There's a man named Ketnan. She's been involved with him for some time now."
The name was unfamiliar, which meant he was not well connected and not among the families of his advisors.
"It will be taken care of," he said once more.
"Please don't interfere," she said with a frown. "They need to deal with things themselves, don't you think?"
"It's my duty as their brother. I must protect them and ensure their honor and mine remains intact."
"That seems to be a very harsh way of regarding your sisters' future happiness."