written for the ultimate pairing drabble competition using the pairing bellatrix/rodolphus and the prompt safe

ooo

"Nothing," you mumble. Nothing's changed since you were brought to Azkaban; still the Mark doesn't burn; still he hasn't returned. You're stuck in Azkaban, sharing a double-cell with your husband—how that ever worked out is beyond you, but you don't focus on the technicalities. Every minute you're stuck here is a minute that you can't be out there trying to find the Dark Lord and return him to power.

"At least we're…safe," Rodolphus attempts feebly to convince you, searching and failing for the right final word.

"SAFE?" you shriek. "What is my safety when my Lord is gone? What right have I to be safe?"

"Bellatrix, think about it." Rodolphus was now clearly choosing his words very carefully, so as to avoid another blowup. "Your safety is essential so that when he does come back, which I know he will, you're there for him."

"Hrumph,"you mutter dejectedly. Of course, what he said was true—Rodolphus had acquired the talent of saying what he knew you wanted to hear, even if he didn't believe it.

"He will return. There's not a doubt in my mind, and when he does I guarantee all the UNFAITHFUL," you yell the word to those in the cells around yours, "will not regain his trust. The Dark Lord will never trust them as much as he trusts me," you finish, now speaking more to yourself than anything.

"I'm going to try for some sleep," Rodolphus tells you, walking slowly over to the old piece of wood that serves as a bed. "If you'd like to join me, be my guest. Goodnight."

The fire between the two of you seemed to have dissipated since you'd been in Azkaban, but you crawl into bed with him nevertheless. He does nothing but peck you on the cheek before rolling over and into sleep.