[i] “Have you finally decided to kill me?”[/i]

Claire couldn’t help but laugh, the sorrows that had grown so much in the dark of night feeling as if they were being swept under the bed. Not gone, never gone…just pushed away to deal with later. “No, not yet. I just want to make peace. There is more wrong in this world than an arranged marriage, and certainly worse men to be in said arranged marriage with. I’m tired of being angry with you,” she answered.

[i]“Have I done something to make you cry?”[/i]

“Hm?” Wonderful, she must still be showing signs of the tears she shed last night. No surprise there. “Oh- no, no. Just a little overwhelmed, I suppose. Nothing you need to worry yourself with.”

[i]“What time did you sleep last night? Come here and sit with me.”[/i]

Claire sighed, reluctantly moving onto the bed with him, laying her legs out parallel with his. “If that’s what you want. And I don’t remember. It was late, I’m still a little tired.” A lot tired, and the bed felt incredibly comfortable compared to the stiff chair. “Nick do be careful moving about like this…the doctor won’t be in to change your bandages for a couple hours yet and I doubt you want me doing it. You’re already bleeding through them,” she sighed, looking down at his side.

And then he requested the worst thing possible. Just as he’d been uncovering his breakfast Claire had been so thankful it wasn’t hers, that she could go on without eating until lunch…he guilted her into taking the first taste. “Oh, you [i]are[/i] cruel!” she playfully moaned, wrinkling her nose at just the sight of the spoonful he was holding out for her. “If this is honestly the one thing in all of London that will make you happiest, more than anything else…” she replied before hesitantly taking the single bite. As soon as she swallowed Claire glared at Nicholas, pushing the empty spoon away and his hand away. “I tell you I want cake after we get married, and you give me gruel! Are you hinting at what I have to look forward to? Do remember I’m the one that can get you something actually edible for lunch. So you better play nice. I know where the strawberries and other goodies are.”

Claire lightly placed her hand on his stomach, her eyes innocently trailing down to the skin a single finger touched below the bandages. “Nick? You [i]are[/i] dressed beneath these covers, aren’t you?” she asked, those now alert, cautious eyes flickering back up to meet his. “Nevermind, I don’t want to know,” she said with the slight blush of the virgin she was, quickly trying to change the subject. “I went out for a just a few minutes, visited Nightshade. Groomed him myself, though he doesn’t seem to be very fond of me at first.”