Author's Note: This was written for pippi55 for a drabble exchange in the 3rd anniversary party. It takes place between chapters 3 and 4 of "In Media Nocte." Pairings: Narcissa/Lucius, Narcissa/Severus (implied).
The Truth
Narcissa sits stiffly in her chair, hands folded neatly in her lap, eyes focused on the fireplace, which is currently empty. She would like nothing better than to look at her husband, but she's afraid of what she'll find in his eyes. Then again, that's partly what it is she wants to see.
"You slept with Severus," says Lucius. It isn't a question. His voice is completely neutral, giving nothing away.
"Yes," she says. It would be useless to lie at this juncture.
Lucius sits across from her, but she keeps her eyes firmly on the fireplace, refusing to make a plea for mercy, even a silent one. She has more dignity than that.
"You slept with Severus, while he was a guest at our house, and while you were trying to get pregnant with me," says Lucius.
"Yes." Narcissa swallows against the hole in her stomach, but it doesn't seem to help. She knows Lucius must have seen her throat working, and she wonders if he'll hold it against her when he sets her punishment.
"Why?"
"I don't need to defend myself to you," says Narcissa with a forced sense of calm.
Lucius leans forward. She can feel his eyes boring into her, but she still doesn't turn her eyes or head towards him. "You are my wife. Not Severus's. You should not have risked our child, Narcissa!"
"What do you expect me to say, Lucius?" Narcissa blinks at the fireplace, once – twice. She will not give in to her fear.
There is a long, impenetrable silence. Narcissa knows it would be a poor idea to speak while Lucius is making his decision, so she does nothing but sit and continue to stare determinedly away from him.
"We will see whose child it is, when it is born," says Lucius at last. "I will decide on your punishment then… and his."
Narcissa's fists tighten in her lap. "Severus is not responsible. I led him on."
"You won't defend yourself, but you will defend him?" Lucius smiles slowly, and Narcissa finally transfers her eyes to him, suddenly much more afraid.