(Untitled)

[queen_goblin]

Parker left Norman in that white room, eventually. Left him after patching up his new wounds, leaving behind a stack of books she knows he likes and the lingering feel of her lips on his good cheek. And she takes herself to her library, not bothering to wonder when her house became so large and grand. She has more important things to worry about

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[king_spider]

He doesn't read, though he occassionally picks up a book just to hold it. Instead, he stares out the window and waits for her to return, or for the next incident to spark another spate of violence.

And he argues with himself. No question that he deserves almost anything she'd do to him. But like this? He knows Parker, or did, and this person in her place is not the same woman. Everything is different. For him, too. He should be finding out why, before she destroys them both.

And what has she done with Ben and Mary? The first night, she said they were sleeping over, but it's been longer than that. He's worried, very worried about them. Would this new Parker see them as something to use against him too?

[queen_goblin]

They're fine, though of course he doesn't know that. Staying away from the locked hall on the second floor, and a bit bewildered at their mother's sudden subtle strangeness, but still alive and well. If her madness takes that turn, and she decides they would be more useful as pawns... well, there's no helping that, and they'll just have to see how it would turn out. But for now, it has not.

When she does return to him she is cheerful again, and has crackers and a bowl of thin soup for him, reminiscent of the type a young man's aunt made long ago.

[king_spider]

He doesn't even ask if it's drugged. Does it matter? He crumples the crackers into the soup and eats it anyway.

And asks, because he doesn't know. "Where are Ben and Mary?"

[queen_goblin]

She sits on the side of the bed, a gloved hand playing with his hair. "They're here, home. I don't want them to see you until you're feeling better, though."