couples_therapy 84.9. Are you on good terms with your partner's family?
"That would be one way to put it. After all, I am employed by one of Thomas's older sisters, have been working for the family business for years, and am still a trusted executive assistant. That does count as being on good terms, doesn't it?"
Of course, it is significantly more complicated.
It all begins with the fact that his family - including himself - are predators. Literally. And she, as everyone, is prey. Yes, they do even feed on each other. On occasion. But she... she was a doe. His own, more or less. For years. One of the kine. She was cared for, she was living a good life - and she was food. Somewhat more, but if one saw things only cynically, it all boiled down to it.
And, as a doe, outside the fact that she had stuck around - alive - longer than usual, she was invisible.
Then her life changed. She did the ultimate sacrifice, for him. He did something impossible, for her. And all of a sudden she was something else.
The woman Thomas loves.
A doe that none of them can touch, a doe that none of them can feed on. And yet of much interest to them. At least after her mind recovered. The new White Queen in shadow wants to hold and keep her as a security against her brother's misbehaving. Lara.
And as long as she does not hurt Thomas, in turn, she can trust Justine in ways few, mortals or not, can be trusted by the White Court. None of her siblings or subjects, after all, could touch, affect, or question her. She is her own entity, a part of the Court and yet not possible to swallow up, her love both a curse and a blessing, and a wonder.
So she is. A hostage, beloved, trusted, an aid, separate, involved, untouchable.
But, if one really wants to simplify things... she is on good terms with his family, yes.
Muse: Justine
Fandom: The Dresden Files (novels)
Word count: 331
Partner: Thomas Raith (raith_wraith)