This takes place during the second half of the show, so consider this your warning for relationship abuse. There's no physical violence, other than the implied threat of asphyxiation, but there is some pretty nasty psychological abuse. If that bothers you, don't read this.

Disclaimer: Princess Tutu isn't mine.

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"Are you sad, Princess?"

He's standing behind her, idly stroking the side of her neck. She can't see his face, but she can hear the laughter in his voice: Light, mocking, as if he's been told a joke that she wouldn't find funny at all. "Of course not," she says, forcing a laugh of her own. "What would I be sad about?"

"Your father, of course." He dips in close, brushing a kiss against the side of her mouth. "Don't you pity him, having such a pathetic daughter?" She stiffens, and feels him smile against the side of her cheek. "Not very dutiful, Kraehe."

"That's for my father to decide, I suppose." The words nearly strangle in her throat. His hand on her neck hasn't tightened at all, but she can feel him pressing in, cutting off her air. "I've done well enough."

"Well enough. Is that enough to keep him from eating your heart?" His fingers curl inward and begin tapping against her throat. "But you're safe enough. Who would want such a shriveled thing?"

"Mytho – " It's a choked gasp, collapsing off her tongue.

"I'm sorry, Princess. Did I hurt your feelings? I was only trying to be honest." The fingers halt, and move away from her throat. "Don't you want me to be honest? I never thought you were a coward, Kraehe."

"I'm not – " But she is. Of course she is. He hasn't said anything that isn't true.

"It's all right, Kraehe. You didn't ask to be worthless." She doesn't reply. The arm slides forward, pressing against her throat. "Who would ask to be a pitiful thing like you?"

She can't breathe. Why can't she breathe?

"I hope you're feeling better now, Princess." He straightens abruptly, lifting his arm, and she feels the loss of him even as air rushes into her lungs. "You're much less decorative when you're moping."

He turns to go, and she's out of her chair. Sliding, sliding, hitting the ground.