The days spent in France were both an escape and an eye-opening experience for Ezekiel and Daphne. It wasn't just the quiet moments shared between them, nor was it the undeniable beauty of the Greengrass family estate. It was the conversations, the discussions about their future, and the unexpected understanding that had begun to form—not only between them but also between Daphne and Fleur.
After Fleur's arrival, the trio had spent much of their time together, exploring the estate, talking, and navigating the complicated but undeniable connections they all shared. But it wasn't until one quiet evening under the stars, after a day filled with laughter and easy conversation, that Daphne and Fleur finally found themselves alone.
Ezekiel had been with them earlier, but he had left to speak with his father about some family matters, giving the two women a rare opportunity to talk without distractions. The evening air was warm, and the gentle rustling of the trees filled the quiet as Daphne and Fleur sat together on a stone bench overlooking the estate's beautiful gardens.
Daphne, who had grown more comfortable with the complexities of her feelings over the past year, turned to Fleur, her gaze steady but full of emotion. The journey to understanding, to acceptance, had taken time—but now, sitting beside Fleur, she felt more certain about the path ahead.
"I've been thinking," Daphne began softly, her voice gentle but strong, "about everything… about us. And about the future."
Fleur, who had always been poised and graceful, turned to her cousin with a knowing look. She had sensed the growing tension in the air, and now, in this intimate setting, it felt like the right time to address what had been left unsaid.
"What do you mean?" Fleur asked, her voice just as soft, yet her gaze piercing as always.
"I think we both know by now," Daphne continued, "that what was once an obligation is now something else entirely. I feel it. And, I know you do too. I've come to accept that… you and I have a place in Ezekiel's life."
Fleur nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's not something I ever expected. But… it is true. The bond between us is inevitable, in a way. It was there from the start, whether we realized it or not."
Daphne took a deep breath, looking up at the stars above. "It's hard, isn't it? To not be the only one. But I… I think I'm finally okay with it. If you're willing to accept it too, Fleur."
For a long moment, Fleur remained silent, her eyes locked on the horizon. She had never been one to shy away from difficult truths, and this conversation was no different. The complexities of the situation—of her bond with Ezekiel and Daphne's rightful place in his life—had weighed heavily on her heart for months. But now, hearing Daphne's words, seeing the vulnerability in her cousin's eyes, Fleur's heart softened.
"I never wanted to hurt you," Fleur said quietly, her voice tinged with a sincerity that Daphne had not expected. "But I can't deny how I feel about Ezekiel either. It's not just because of the contract… I care about him. In my own way."
Daphne smiled softly, her eyes flicking briefly to the distant figure of Ezekiel returning from his conversation with his father. "I think I understand. And I don't want you to feel like you need to hold back because of me. This… this doesn't need to be a competition. Ezekiel is ours in a different way than we thought. We don't need to fight for him."
Fleur's smile matched Daphne's, albeit with a touch of sadness behind her eyes. "You're right. We don't. And it's strange, but I think we're both learning to navigate this together."
A deep breath passed between them, the weight of their words settling over the night air like a soft cloak. Both women understood the dynamics they were navigating—dynamics bound by family, contracts, and growing emotions. But they also understood the importance of mutual respect and acceptance.
"Then," Daphne began, her voice steady, "I think we both deserve to choose how our futures look. Ezekiel's future may be bound to both of us, but our futures are our own to shape."
Fleur turned to look at her cousin, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "And how do we shape them?"
Daphne leaned forward slightly, her voice stronger now, filled with a sense of purpose. "You will be the Lady Malverne, of course. You have your own path to walk with your family, and I'll support you every step of the way. As for me… I will be the Lady Ravenclaw."
Fleur's smile softened into a more genuine, understanding expression. "I've never thought about it that way, but it makes sense. You belong to Ravenclaw, and I've always known I belonged to the Malverne name. We each have our places."
Daphne nodded, a sense of peace settling over her. "We'll never have to compete. I'll never have to wonder if I'm enough. Because you are, Fleur. And I am, too. There's space for both of us."
Fleur's eyes softened, her gaze meeting Daphne's with an unspoken understanding. "I've never wanted to come between you and Ezekiel. But now, I see… there's no need to. We're part of something bigger than us."
For the first time in months, a weight seemed to lift from Daphne's chest. She reached out and took Fleur's hand, squeezing it gently. "I think this is the beginning of something different. Something better."
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As the night continued to unfold, Ezekiel returned to the garden, finding the two women deep in conversation, their faces illuminated by the soft light of the stars. There was no tension between them anymore, no lingering doubts or uncertainty. Just understanding.
The moment he joined them, both women turned to look at him with calm smiles, and for a moment, he could sense that something had shifted between them. A new understanding had settled between the three of them—a deeper connection that was bound not just by duty, but by mutual respect and acceptance.
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The following days in France were peaceful. The time spent between Daphne, Fleur, and Ezekiel allowed them to bond in ways they hadn't before. The future was still uncertain in many respects, but for the first time in a long time, the three of them could imagine that future without fear, without the constraints of expectations.
As they parted ways, Daphne and Fleur made a promise to each other. They would walk their separate paths, each carving out their roles in the Malverne and Ravenclaw legacies. But no matter where their paths led, they would always support one another. And as for Ezekiel—he was at peace with what the future held for all three of them.
Because in the end, they were family, bound not only by blood and contracts but by something deeper—something that could never be undone.
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