"Did he sleep well tonight?" Oliza looked over at her sleeping son and caressed his forehead softly. She had left Ulrik's room early but had gone directly to her son's room. Bastian had been unable to sleep well the night before and Oliza had been worrying in trying to figure out what was wrong with him. It appeared that the only thing wrong with her son had been nightmares which sadly, she could not get rid of for him. Thankfully, she had Tara to help. Now she stood by his bed as he slept soundly, still a small child and only two years old.

"Don't worry." Tara said as she folded a few of the blankets and placed them in the drawer near Bastian's bed. "The nightmares haven't returned and he was fine all night. Children can be like that at times."

Oliza looked at Tara. "Did your son suffer nights like this?"

Tara chuckled. "A few. There is really no need to worry. Before you know it, he will be a grown man."

Oliza nodded and moved away from the bed to let her son keep on sleeping. Somehow, she was relieved. She left Tara to finish off her tasks and Oliza retired to her room. For a moment, a private smile came across her lips as she thought on Ulrik. There was no guilt this time and no shame at what she had done. After everything that she was doing for her people, the sacrifices made, having Ulrik back with her seemed like something she owed to herself.

It was odd to feel so young again. It had almost felt that the past six years had been spent in a daze. After a relaxing bath and the comfort that her son had not had a rough night, she felt calmed.

"You look strangely happy today." Avaram's voice took her from her reverie. She turned to look at him as he stood at the edge of the door to her room, leaning against the wall with arms crossed.

"Is there something wrong with that?" Oliza asked. She attempted to keep her tone light but knew that her choice of words was not the best.

Avaram took a glance around the room almost as if looking for someone and then directed irritated his gaze at her. Oliza knew by looking at his expression that he knew something was going on.

"How was your night?" his question caught her off guard.

"It was fine." She replied flatly. She had no idea what he meant. She could feel his eyes set on her, watching her every move and her every expression. Still she managed to keep her composure.

"I rarely see you anymore." He walked up to Oliza and attempted to touch her but she automatically flinched at his touch. She moved away from him. He was right though. They rarely saw each other and when they did it was only briefly. She was always with Bastian, always tired, always busy.

Avaram continued. "You weren't in your room last night and I did not see you fly out."

"What are you implying then?" Oliza asked.

Avaram looked at her and it was obvious that he was attempting keep himself under control.

"Avaram, I do not question you when you leave nor do I spy on you." Her voice was cool and aloof, hurting Avaram more than any sign of anger.

"Listen to yourself! I am not some stranger asking for your time." The timbre of his angry voice made her jump slightly. "You are my mate and what I ask of you should not come to you as a surprise. You have completely estranged yourself from me. You have not even the slightest concern as to where I go."

Oliza shook her head, her anger rising up as well but still under control. "Avaram, the last thing I expect from you is for you to play mind games with me. I expect you to understand…."

Avaram stopped her. "Understand?" he scoffed. "When was the last time you shared a bed with me? Or let me into yours? The last time you spoke to me as yourself alone without any masks?"

She tried to ignore him. She hated it when he reprimanded her in such a way.

"It is morning and I do not wish to argue with you at the moment." She sighed as she turned away from him and headed for the door that led into the main room.

Avaram went livid. "Is it Nicias?" he walked up to her and turned her to face him. "You were always with him. Always placing him first… "

Oliza tried to break free from his grasp. It was not the first time she had seen Avaram so angry but this time his anger was out of control.

Finally, after struggling with him she broke free and her own anger lashed out at him. She flung her hand to hit him but he stopped it as he held her by her wrists. Suddenly, his expression changed as he looked out towards the door behind her.

Oliza closed her eyes in defeat when she heard Loeiza speak from behind. "Mother… what are you doing to my father?"

Avaram let her go and Oliza turned to face her daughter. She walked to her and extended her arms but Loeiza ran to her father who picked her up.

"I don't want to see father sad." She heard Loeiza say fearfully. Oliza shook her head as she looked at Avaram who stood silent as he held Loeiza. It was all a way to hold her back, to remind her of her place. She had been made to look like the villain no matter how much Avaram had taunted her. Loeiza had always been deeply attached to Avaram and no matter how much Oliza would like to have that affection, Avaram would always win.