pyr min solemnly swears he is up to no good (twinclaws) wrote in emillion, |
“I… am not certain what you would consider an appropriate answer,” she said softly. Then took the spring roll, deciding that perhaps the food was a better focus of her attention after all. “Well, I guess something like yes I think they will be happy and I’m happy too or I’m not really sure how I feel about this or whatever.” He shrugged. “Just, like, it’s cool if you don’t want to talk about it, but if you do want to you can tell me whatever you’re thinking and I won’t mind.” “I don’t think happiness is one of Alys’ concerns in this.” The words came out almost thoughtlessly as she caught her sister from the corner of her eye again, standing close to her betrothed. (Had her hair changed? How odd…) “That is,” she added, “if she will be content in this match, then I will be the same, of course.” Pyr frowned, confused. “But she’s marrying him,” he said, his food forgotten as he tried to wrap his head around the idea. “How can happiness not be a concern?” She gave him a slightly bewildered look, clearly uncertain how he could not understand this. Of course he was not from a noble family himself, but surely he knew enough about the customs from his many friends in the guild? “Suitability of station and other matters of convenience must take precedence, of course,” she said. And this match -- as far as she could puzzle out, from what Alys had said -- had been made because a match had been necessary quickly, and Lord Norwood had been convenient. Her look of bewilderment was reflected back at her. The more she spoke, the less sense Pyr could make of the whole thing. “I know nobles marrying commoners is kinda rare. But isn’t marrying someone you love more important than social station or whatever?” He blinked at Juliette. “I mean, the whole point of getting married is you’re happy because you’re with the person you love!” “Marriage is a transaction between two families,” she disagreed. Whether or not she liked it, she understood the sense behind it. “Property changes hands, political connections are made. If the pair enjoys each other’s company, that is… preferable.” Another sideways look at Alys, who seemed to be laughing at something someone had said. “Alys is luckier than many. She chose her own groom -- the Countess did not choose for her. I am certain she made the decision with sound reasoning.” “Sound rea―” He cut himself off and repressed the urge to kick something. “Are you listening to yourself right now? Why do you sound as though you’re okay with this?” Her brows furrowed, displeasure replacing bewilderment. She did not like his tone. “My sister’s choices are not for me to question,” she said, a bit of steel entering her voice. “And I rarely speak without thinking, unlike some people.” “Well, excuse me, for speaking my mind in front of one of my best friends!” he returned, raising his voice without quite realising it. Not enough to become the center of attention, but enough that a few nearby guests glanced in their direction. He took a deep breath and reined in his tone. “I do think! I think about you married to someone you don’t even like! And I hate it!” “That isn’t --” But it seemed she was destined not to finish the sentence. Words were spilling out of his mouth and he had no power to stop them. He had gone too far, because there was a tightness in his chest pushing it all out and he didn’t know what it was, and he was making himself more miserable with every word. “So I’m sorry you don’t like what I said. Have fun at the party or whatever, I don’t care.” Before she could say anything, he stormed off, leaving her gaping after him. |