The bite of the frost against your thin coat are lost on you as the words are uttered from his beautiful lips. No more beautiful words fall from, not now. The only words that leave his lips are once full of false remorse. But you don’t know that. You believe every thing he does is of good intentions. Your darling Coriolanus.

He plays right into that little fantasy of yours, in your mind. And by god, he knows it. He knows that you adore him, cling onto every word, ignore every warning that your bother sent your way. Sejanus. It’s a tough pill to swallow, and a harsh reminder at why Coriolanus is here. That’s why he was here. Clad in the most ridiculously handsome suit, remorse painted over his porcelain face, and shining through those startling blue eyes.

“I’m so sorry, darling.” He breathes out. He looks overwhelmed by grief. He plays the part so well. It’s sickening to those who know, but comforting to those who don’t. “He’s dead. But it’s for the best.”

It makes you sick. Your brother, well, step brother, being dead is for the best? It makes your eyes blurry with tears and your mind hazy with thoughts. Questions. A craving for answers. You look up at him, eyes wide with tears. “Oh sweet girl.” He murmurs, and cups your cheek as he stands, a silent message of his dominance.

As your eyes fluttered shut he caught glimpse of the intricate kaleidoscope of colours, and how beautiful they looked as they glistened with tears. A beautiful girl. What a sick thought, isn’t it? He studies the way your eyelashes, darkened by makeup, close. An act of composure. A perfect doll you would be indeed. A trophy wife, and the cherry on his cake, for the family to sponsor him, is the family of his wife.

“And you don’t know any more?” Your voice trembles, weak and as fragile as a birds wing.

“Sweet bird, this is all I know.” He assures, coaxing your lips shut, and your questions to cease. It was too easy. You were vulnerable, unaware and in dire need of attention and affection. Who better to give it to you than him?

For his own gains.

“You look cold, little bird.”