Striding over to her so quickly she was sure to think he was to hit her, Rodolphus leaned down and hauled Mafalda to her feet none-too-gently before dropping her into a chair.
"He bristles at admonishment." Rodolphus drawled, "I'm too kind to him because I feel he has real potential. That will change."
"What also has to change is your behaviour." His dark eyes bore into her, "So out of line. Surely you don't wish for me to lock you in a closet for another day, do you?" He gave her a grin that was not all menace.
That had been his punishment for Bellatrix in the early years of their marriage, when she had been far too uppity (than befits a pureblood wife) in public. She had hated enclosed spaces, dearly. Yet, respected him more for that action. She had always been spitting and clawing like a cat (He still had a few scars to prove it) before, and docile and sweet afterwards, staring at him adoration. All this was before they had fully joined Voldemort and become partners. Insane wife. Yet no one had been a better fit for him.