Leon’s knuckles are turning white from how hard he’s fisting them. “Impossible. This marriage has far-reaching consequences, beyond the scope that either of you can even begin to understand. It is happening, whether shefeelsready or not,” he snaps. “Now, tell us something useful.”
Dr. Parnard leans forward, his fingers steepled together. “Interesting, and how do you feel about marrying Vivian?”
“I’m ecstatic. She is my destined mate. I’ve waited for her for centuries. This is supposed to be some of the happiest days of our lives. And yetsheis being difficult.” He sounds anything but happy, and I don’t miss the blatant accusation.
“That must be very frustrating,” Dr. Parnard notes in understanding.
“Exceedingly,” Leon all but growls.
“And Vivian, how do you feel about Leon?” Dr. Parnard asks.
“Unsafe,” I answer emphatically. I know the word will trigger Leon’s temper, but I need to show how volatile this man is, so Dr. Parnard can clue in that I need space, ASAP.
“You’re being dramatic,” Leon snaps, rolling his eyes.
“He literally snapped my neck and murdered me, like, less than two weeks ago,” I say to Dr. Parnard, remembering that little detail.
“It wasn’t even permanent!” Leon roars.
“You didn’t ask permission first,” I mutter.
“I don’t need permission! You are mine! Every part of you belongs to me!” Leon is growing exceedingly agitated, but keeps his hands to himself.
“This is a good example of what we’ve been struggling with,” I explain to my professor with a sigh.
“This is highly concerning indeed,” Dr. Parnard notes. He clears his throat, as if collecting his thoughts before continuing, “It seems there are vast issues inyour communication, particularly with regards to feelings.”
I nod, as if I’m hanging on to his every word.
“Now, Vivian, since you seem to be the one struggling to accept the relationship, what do you believe will help you accept your impending marriage?” Dr. Parnard’s shrewd gaze meets mine.
“Space,” I answer without hesitation. But when Leon’s leg tenses against mine, I embellish, “It’s just… all the space Leon has graciously given me so far, well, he’s kept me busy with wedding planning. And I’ve been giving all my attention to that, since I don’t want to let him down. So, I haven’t been able to process things.”
Leon’s leg relaxes a bit, and I let out a measured exhale, trying not to show my relief.
Dr. Parnard nods empathetically. “I can see how this would hamper your healing process. You cannot properly process the trauma caused by Leon in the past, since your attention is consistently consumed by his present-day self.”
I nod vigorously. From the corner of my eye, I take in Leon’s pinched face.
Dr. Parnard’s sharp stare flits between Leon and me, and I can almost see the gears turning in his head. “There’s much to be done if you’d like to rebuild your relationship in a short amount of time. This will take a lot of homework, from both of you, as well as continued counseling.”
Leon narrows his eyes but nods once.
“Vivian,” Dr. Parnard continues, “I’d like you to step down from wedding planning. You will requiremultiple days of contemplation in order to fully process your traumas. Throughout this period, you should see Leon as little as possible. In fact, I recommend a distance of at least one hundred meters between the two of you at all times, unless you are attending my sessions.”
“Oh, for fucks sake, that is completely–” Leon starts, but I interrupt him.
“Brilliant! This is why Dr. Parnard is the best, Leon. His methods seem unorthodox, but they’re highly effective,” I answer with wide doe eyes.
He gives a long-suffering sigh. “I’ll think about it.”
I do a mental happy dance. Dr. Parnard may be the sassiest, most frustrating professor, but I truly think it’s because he’s a genius who genuinely cares for his students.
“Excellent!” Dr. Parnard exclaims. “And Leon, for your homework, I believe you would greatly benefit from taking empathy walks. You will take a walk in Vivian’s shoes, for an hour a day, at minimum, and journal how it makes you feel, emotionally.”
Leon gives him a disgusted expression, but Dr. Parnard ignores it. “I also believe you would benefit from independent counseling. I’m concerned that your fixation with Vivian may stem from an attachment disorder. Were you breastfed as a baby, by any chance?”
When Leon doesn’t immediately answer, he continues, clearly starting to get into the whole therapist role. “Hmm, yes, I can see the issues with communication are far-reaching. We’ll also need to explore other, uplifting methods of self-expression. Do you perchance have puppets in this castle?”
