Andia: The Revolution

[King Acunasti]

"Get Mary for me." Valentin mouthed to Gladro.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Ashriel walked into the scene. "Hey guys!" He exclaimed. "You wouldn't believe what I found. Gold! And Diamonds!" He laughed maniacally.

[Eltee]

"Ok-kay..." Aarys stammered miserably.

[King Acunasti]

"Grow up, Ashriel." Valentin murmured. He led Aarys back to the house. "Stop crying sweetheart." he said as they entered through the doorway. "Please."

[Eltee]

Aarys calmed down relatively quickly... It was as much pent up rage as it was hurt and sadness.

[King Acunasti]

Valentin sat down on the bed. "Come here." he said. "Sit on my lap. Tell me about what happened."

[Eltee]

Aarys remained standing. "She called me aside, pinned me against the wall, threatened to break my teeth, said I was worthless, that no one could possibly love me, especially not you, that you were only staying for the kid, that I had nothing but my body. She said I was filthy. She said I was dirt. She kicked me." She listed, her eyes burning with anger.

[King Acunasti]

Valentin sighed. "Do you believe anything she said?"

[Eltee]

"...No..." Aarys said unconvincingly. "Of course not..."

[King Acunasti]

"Never, ever believe those things." Valentin said. "Here, I have an idea. Name every good quality about yourself. Seriously, do it. Prove to yourself that you're not useless or dirt. Go ahead."

[Eltee]

Prove to yourself you're not dirt. Aarys thought. Thanks, Val...
"Don't." She muttered. "You're not psychiatrist. And I don't need one."

[King Acunasti]

"I'm trying to help you here." Valentin said. "I don't want you believing the freaky sh*t she says!"

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Ashriel took out a large diamond from his collection. "I am [&@%!] rich." He said. "I don't even need to be a chosen one! I have the money!"

[Eltee]

"Who said I am?" Aarys said defensively. "Dammit! Please, just be on my side... Mmh!" Aarys moaned as her back twinged where Mary had kicked her.

[King Acunasti]

"I am on your side." Valentin said sincerely. "I'll never be on anyone else's side! God...Rys, I just don't want you to think I'm using you. That's so far from the truth. I adore you."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Parts of you. Ashriel thought.

Spoiler:

[Eltee]

"I... I know!" Aarys said weakly. "I can't handle Mary anymore. I can't. The more she interferes with my life, the more it bothers me that you slept with her."

[King Acunasti]

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it?" Valentin responded.

[Eltee]

"Nothing. I am just telling you my feelings right now. Like a normal couple does." Aarys said, turning away.

[King Acunasti]

"Well..." Valentin was lost for words. He flopped down onto the bed. "I don't know what to say."

[Eltee]

Aarys sat down beside him.

[King Acunasti]

Valentin suddenly sat up and placed his hand on her stomach. "She didn't kick you in the stomach, did she!?"

[Eltee]

"The back." Aarys said, hand unconsciously moving to her bruised back.

[King Acunasti]

Valentin hastily untied the strings at Aarys' back. He removed her dress and ran a finger over the bruise. "There?"

[Eltee]

Aarys winced. "There."