"I do wish you wouldn't talk to me like that,"
"L-like what, my dear?"
"Like that! Regardless of what the dictates of law say, we are not in love and I will therefore not abide by your use of such demeaning terms of endearment."
"What makes you think that I don't love you?"
"Oh do be quiet. We both know that the only reason you married me was because your father told you to, and like the obedient, spineless wretch you are, you agreed. Yes, you agreed, even though you'd heard the rumours. You know what happened the last time I was entered into an arranged marriage and still you agreed. Aren't you afraid? Aren't you afraid of me?"
"I-I..."
"Observe how you can't even give me a response. Your silence speaks with far more depth than any words you could possibly use. Anything you do for me is out of fear, not love."
"Please..."
"Well, for better or worse you're in on it all now. You'd better not speak up about this or well, I'm sure you can imagine. Gods, look at all this mess. I feel sure that my lovely white floors will be stained permanently. Skudra, go call a maid. Now!"
"Yes, Lady Inorog."
***
YOU ARE READING
The Ones Who Live Inbetween
FantasiOur hammers are glass and our glasses are stone. We live on an ocean of smiles and bone. Breathe. Breathe. The ticking of a clock. In. Out. Tick and tock. Buzzing in chests and pumping through seas. Your father is coming. Don't let him see. The ant...
