Be A little Nicer Part II
Alaric made his way through the halls of Eva’s home. It was pitch black, with a small amount of light on in her bedroom.
Alright, Alaric you can do this…listening thing
He was trying his best to give himself a pep talk. Entering the room, he sighed in relief that her husband wasn’t there.
Okay, we’re off to a great start
.
Eva laid on the bed asleep. Hand over her face, he found himself smiling at how wildly she slept. He sat on the bed and immediately she stirred.
"I told you I would be back.”
She fell back onto the bed and sighed, "It’s late, can’t you harass me tomorrow?”
Alaric smirked and shook his head no, "I’ve come to listen.”
She looked at him in confusion, “Listen to what?”
"Whatever you feel comfortable in telling me about yourself. Look I won’t even interrupt,” he placed his hand over his mouth, and a zipper appeared causing Eva to giggle. Moving his hand over his ears, he increased them to three times their size and Eva laughed until he saw her wince. He wanted to ask, but he’d remembered he told her he was just there to listen. Straightening herself, she rested against a pillow and the headboard.
"Fine, but can you fix yourself? I can’t concentrate without laughing.”
Alaric removed the magic enjoying the way her eyes danced in amusement. "Can I ask? I know you like to write.” He rolled his eyes playfully, "But what else does the Little Human like to do?”
She arched her brow, "Is that your nickname for me?”
"Well…you are little and a human so,” he shrugged.
"Here we call it funsize.” She swore she saw his eyes darken a bit.
Running his hands through his hair, he changed the subject. "So, what else is it you like to do?”
She placed her hand to her lips, "Ummm…well.” She fidgeted with her wedding ring, "I use to dance.”
Alaric's eyes widened, "Really?”
Eva shook her head and smiled, "Yup, I danced professionally. My main focus was ballet, though I did enjoy a waltz or two.”
Alaric found himself intrigued. "Well, why don’t you dance anymore?” She avoided his stare. Not wanting to ruin his progress, he sat quietly waiting for her to continue.
Eva looked him in the eyes, "I know you think I’m weak, but…I’m really not that.”
"I should have never said that. If you haven’t noticed I can be a bit of an asshole.”
She smirked, "Nope never noticed.”
Alaric decided he liked her sense of humor. Her smile made him smile, her sarcasm and wit aligned with his. Snapping his fingers, he created a spotlight at the edge of the bed. Eva watched in amazement as a small quartet of instruments played in the corner. Extending his hand, he arched his brow, "Come on Little Human, dance with me.”
Eva shook her head, "No, I can’t.”
"Yes, you can Eva or you might make the instruments sad.”
The violin and harp leaned forward appearing to make a frowny face. Eva laughed and slowly grabbed his hand, carefully standing. Walking to the spotlight, Alaric slowly took her in his arms. She placed her head onto his broad chest, and he swayed her to the melodious music, "Not Bad, Something Wicked”. She felt his chest vibrate in laughter. Using his magic, Alaric lifted the two a bit from the ground. Inhaling her rose shampoo, he lifted her face to look at him.
"You’re a peculiarly frustrating Little Human.” He said low.
Eva noticed for the first time, his face didn’t look angry. She laid her head back on his chest and he pulled her a little closer.
"Owww!” She cried unable to any longer hide her pain.
The music stopped, Alaric placed them back on the ground, releasing her he stared at her. Snapping he flicked on the lights and saw her holding her back. "Let me see.” He tried his best to remain calm when she hesitantly told him no. He huffed, "Eva, let me see.” Closing her eyes, she slowly lifted her shirt. Purple bruises on her ribs and back, Alaric felt his eyes redden. "Fuck!” He growled and Eva took a step back seeing his anger return. "Sit down,” he said sternly, then through clenched teeth added "… Please.”
Sitting Eva stared at him as he walked over and sat beside her. Placing his hand onto her stomach, she felt a warmth under her skin. The pain of her wounds subsided until her skin returned to its normal state. Eva mumbled out a "Thank you.”
Alaric stared at her in silence. His hand still on her stomach, "Eva…” She didn’t like the way he said her name. "You’re barren?”
His words felt like a kick in the stomach. Ripping his hand from her stomach, she quickly pulled down her shirt. She stood, her back to him, "Get out.”
"I didn’t mean to-”
"GET OUT!”
He could hear the tremble in her voice. Standing, he ran his fingers through his hair and sighed before doing as she asked. Eva stormed to her bed and reached under her pillow, pulling out his book. Eyes teared, she grabbed a pen and wrote the words forming in her head.
Alaric stared at his betrothed in confusion as he learned of her secret. She turned her back at a loss of how to face him. What husband could want a woman who could not produce him an heir? Rage set over her, as the thoughts of undesirability set in. Screaming at him to go away, he finally did as he was told. She may not have been able to banish him permanently, but she knew she at the very least could temporarily make him leave.
Eva reread the words she’d written and covered her mouth. "I DIDN'T WANT TO WRITE THAT! WHY'D YOU MAKE ME WRITE THAT?!" Eyes glassy with tears, she flung the book to the wall. Her breath ragged, the room spinning she fell to the floor.
30…29…28
She counted over and over in her fuzzy mind, until exhaustion forced her to finally sleep.