Work Text:
Claudine tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
She usually had trouble sleeping.
Her father's words echoed in her ears. You have disappointed me, Claudine, he would say, and whenever she heard those words her stomach clenched and she felt cold inside, for she knew a punishment would be coming.
You are my own flesh and blood, he had said, he would say.
Are you less than even the ingrate hunchback, that you would betray me?
Surely I have taught you better than that, or must I remind you again?
You say that you will be good-will you?
Will you?