"Do you want to notify the families, or should I?"

Matthias took a moment to stop muttering obscentities under his breath to give his betrothed a long, confused look. What in the blazes was she talking about? Surely she didn't want to inform the families of being raped, not that they could really keep it from the families, but he thought it better to save her the pain and he could do it himself.

"It's probably best that you separate your name from mine as soon as possible."

Oh. She was talking about calling of the engagement. He saw now. He reached out once more for her hand, he rubbed the back of her palm gently with his thumb. "Theodora, you're being silly." he said to her, "I'm not calling off the engagement." he told her as though this were final.

"I would not add to the dishonor you are already being forced to experience by leaving you alone, probably not being able to make another match." he told her, and there was consideration in his eyes.

"And you have convinced me, slowly from day one, that I could make no better match than you, Theodora. Theodora Zabini..." he trailed off with a smile, "It's got a certain ring."

"Now please, smile, I know it's hard, but do try."


i'll be sure to stay wary of you
love to save the pain of once my flame and twice my burn