Silence fell over the room.
The doctor, professional as ever, turned and left, closing the door gently behind him.
Maerith's face twisted with shame and anger, then softened into a look of helpless sorrow. "Theron, please do not be angry. I shall leave at once."
At this, Theron's mother frowned, displeased. "My son, Maerith is the child's mother. If you send her away, who will care for him?" she spoke gently, trying to persuade him. "And since she bore him, you could divorce Avelisse and marry Maerith. Then there would be no more—"
"Enough." Theron's eyes were cold as ice. His voice held no warmth at all. "We shall not speak of this again."
His mother's face, lined with age, trembled at his sharp refusal.
The air grew stiff and heavy.
Maerith watched the two of them, and a flash of
