I climbed back into bed and relit my candle with a fire spell. I relaxed and opened Thief of Virtue, sighing as I began to read.

--

With that Ravius set down the coins he had worked so hard to steal. The Baroness swooned into his arms. When the captain of the guard asked to search her quarters, she hid Ravius most skillfully. She turned over the coins, claiming the thief dropped them when he fled out the window.

With that sacrifice made, Ravius steeled himself for the second. He robbed the lady Veronique of her virtue that night. He robbed her of it several times, lasting well into the wee hours of the morning. Exhausted, yet sated, he stole away in the pre-dawn hours.

I closed my book and sighed in frustration that I was still not tired. I reached for Darkest Darkness when I heard light footsteps outside my door.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"I wouldn't try to kill you."

It was Haskill. I was a little disappointed, hoping it would be Sheogorath.

"I didn't say you would. Why are you here?"

"To ask you what's happening to Sheogorath."

"Well, I was going to ask you in the morning. I don't know either."

We stayed silent for a while. I rested my hands on my stomach, waiting for him to explain what Sheo's problem is, but he never said a word.

"So what's Sheo's problem?"

"I see many problems, but what do you see?" He asked.

"Well, for starters, he's very distant. Then, all of a sudden, he wants to cuddle and be loved. I understand he's the Daedric Prince of Madness, but he could try to be a little normal."

"No, he couldn't and you know it." Haskill sighed.

I smiled, knowing it was true. I loved Sheogorath…or at least I think I do. As close as loving a Daedric God comes, anyway. We remained silent for some time until my breathing became faster and I felt light-headed.

"Haskill." I moaned and sat up.

He cocked an eyebrow at me and I clutched my head, watching Haskill's face and the layout of my room melt and disappear as the layout of the throne room came into view. Sheogorath sat at his throne, twiddling and playing with his cane.

"Good morning Sheogorath!"

--HASKILL'S POV--

Layla was acting strange. She said my name, clutched her head in pain, and now she was fine! She got out of bed with a smile on her face and approached me.

"Good morning Sheogorath!" She said cheerfully, looking past me.

"Who are you talking to?" I asked, looking around.

No one was in the room but us. There was no sign of Sheogorath.

"OH DAMN IT ALL TO OBLIVION!"

I looked behind me and saw Sheogorath fade out of an invisibility spell. He walked down the hallway cursing under his breath.

"How did you know I was there?!" He asked Layla.

She chuckled.

"Oh Sheo, you always know how to lighten the mood!"

"I do?" Sheogorath asked.

"Ohh, I love you too!"

She leaned forward and kissed air. Something was really wrong here.

"I'm over here Layla. And I didn't say I love you."

She ignored him and walked forward, clutching onto air and walking outside.

"What's her problem?" Sheogorath asked.

"I don't know sir, I was hoping you would know."

"Well, I don't. And what were you doing down here with her? Alone?"

"I was just having a wonderful conversation with Layla. What were you doing down here? And with an invisibility spell?"

"I was hoping to see her naked." He said bluntly.

I didn't even bother to ask. I sighed and slapped my cheek, going outside to make sure Layla wouldn't hurt herself.

--NORMAL POV--

"Will you come out into the garden with me?" Sheo asked.

(AN: Remember, still her 'dream world')

"Of course I will." I replied, clutching his arm and walking into the Dementia side of the palace.

It was dark outside, and the trickling sound of a waterfall sounded artificial. I knew this was an effect of Relmyna's spell, but I couldn't bring myself to come out of it. Some things seemed so real, so pristine..

"I must ask a serious question Layla. Please sit." Sheogorath started, sitting on a rock and patting the empty spot next to him.

I crossed my ankles and looked down, noticing I was in the same garb as Syl would often wear. A big dress with spikes for a collar, and snake heads for sleeves. I had always secretly admired her outfit. Sheogorath fumbled with his fingers, trying to figure out a way to ask his question without sounding like a complete fool.

"Just say it Sheo." I sighed, becoming impatient.

"Marry me Layla. Marry me and become the Goddess of Madness. Be my queen Layla, because together we can--"

Sheogorath's sincere face burned away and I found myself in Sheogorath's arms in the garden. He patted my face gently, then firmly grabbed it when he saw I was awake.

"What the hell happened?" He asked, half in shock, half in anger.

"You…you just asked me to--"

"I didn't ask you a damn thing! You were running around here, talking to yourself!"

So I was right. This was an effect of Relmyna's spell, and I was beginning to become used to it. I could relax and take one vision at a time, and this one frightened me.

Apparently I was to be the bride of Sheogorath.