As much as this marriage was filled with problems-anything at all that followed it, it still stood, as if to the chagrin of everyone in the world. It was as if you and Gaius had agreed and accepted that marriage brought you (him) a lot of privileges and yet there was still some tension between you. This tension could be called pleasant, but it was not complete trust.

A lot of thoughts and worries were going on in the minds of both of you, and not wanting to be weaker in each other's eyes did not give you sincerity in your relationship. It was also a matter of honour for you - as a woman, it was very difficult for you to accept your own weakness, because for once you finally felt like an equal

When the long-awaited war was approaching, and rumours were spreading, and you had to give your second child, as the law says, to your first husband and father of the boy, you tried to grieve quietly and alone. But it didn't always work, you realise, when you hear footsteps behind you and then Gaius's voice.