Ari had climbed out of bed after she heard the commotion out in the hall and Alaric finally stormed off to go hide away in his study. He was such an asshole, she thought. How could he try to take all of her pain knowing he'd be hurting himself? As if she would ever want that for him. She crept down to the dining room where Benjamin was cleaning the table in silence. She placed a hand on his shoulder gently. "Benji."
Benjamin turned around. "Yes, madame. What can I get you? Water? More blankets?"
She shook her head, pressing a finger to her lips before leaning in close. "He tried to manipulate me but he forgot I'm wearing your necklace. Please don't tell him though. I don't want him to try and force me into forgetting. Some pains we need to grow." When she pulled away, she gave him a sad smile. "Unfortunately this means I'll have to pretend to be Miss Doom and Gloom held here against her will but maybe that could be fun." Her smile was weary.
