05 - Masks

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[She does not, possibly, even intend to be here.

A bed appears, within in the form of a woman with skin paler than the gold of her hair. The bedding is decadent, the bedframe artfully crafted and truthfully -- she does little to compliment it in this particular moment. She is in her dressing gown, bundled within it as if there is a chill.

The barber is unseen, but his work is clearly visible. Her right wrist is freshly cut, veins stark against her skin. For her own health, of course. Only the best care, only to make her better.

The bowl with her expelled blood is there but covered, and on a small table next to her bed rests money. Trinkets of admiration from her king for being strong, for a job well done.

No, she does not intend to be here at all, and her mind wanders. It is merely the alternative to where she would not be at all.]

Comments

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

Forgive me. [withdraws her hand] I meant you no harm. You would not be the first to dislike my attitude, however.

[frowns, then takes a seat beside her, considering her]

Perhaps. But it does not require foolish ones.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I said I should, not that I do. I care for you more than I rationally should, I think.

[is pained by the truth of it, all while admiring the honesty]


You believe me a fool for this.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

Is that such a bad thing?

[her expression hardens, however]

And you do not?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

[quietly, honestly]

I do.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

[gently]

You need not be his pawn, child. You need not live for his happiness alone. I have learned this.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

I am not his pawn.

I might not be his queen, but I am not his pawn either.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

Then what is this, if not blindly following orders?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

He would say it is loving me.

I am not blind. I do see.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

One does not torture their lover, Reinette. He is killing you.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

He is no longer my lover. He is my friend.

[many things kill, it seems]

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

And that somehow makes it acceptable?

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

It was merely a statement.

[glances]

You have never cared for someone that has hurt you?

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

That is not...!

[pauses, then shakes her head and sighs. there's no sense lying to her]

Too often. Too much.

[ambitious-woman.livejournal.com]

Then we are the same.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

So it would seem, Reinette.