One day it happened. He was leaning in the doorway watching her stack supplies, thumb holstered in his pocket. He’d been quiet that day. She missed ...he off color jokes and the insults that she loved. In fact, he barely talked. Maybe he’s found someone, she thought; someone young and husband-free. He didn’t even seem to notice as she slipped by him, chiding herself for wanting to cry. She was already past him when a hand caught hers. She dropped her bag when he reeled her in and crushed his. I studied a map for our journey but I do not know whose lands we crossed.”“Nor do I,” Liala admitted. “We have a king’s writ so it mattered little.”The group started off again, the tracker in front again. He abruptly stopped and rolled from the horse. The sounds of swords coming from scabbards hit Morane’s ears and he fumbled at his belt for his dagger. The scout continued his roll and came to his feet.“It is fine, young miss,” he said in a soft voice. “Do not fear us. We are King Joseph’s. " I said. He frowned slightly. "If I said yes, would that bring back that smile you just had on your face?" I sighed and rubbed my temple. "Darling, I am so sorry that I didn't start dinner. I have been in an odd mental state all day and I couldn't practice piano and I couldn't think straight because I was frustrated and... well, I sort of... forgot." I said, sighing. He got up from the stool and walked over to me, pulling me to his chest and left a chaste, loving kiss on my lips. "My beautiful. What of Papa Barrington-Phaff? The old bastard was perfectly capable of booting them out into the cold, cruel world. What then? Work? He shuddered at the thought. No, better to let things go as they were for the time being at least, go on suffering in silence, hoping that Elmer McFarthingale would fortuitously expire from some loathsome and rare tropical disease and that Evangeline's father might then undergo a change of heart.At the moment, he was sitting in Evangeline's room, watching her.