Ruthivan walked into Celiara's room where all his children had gathered. Three faces looked back at him with an expression of worry. Celiara held Saren and Desmaren at her sides and Ruthivan gave a smile. These were his perfect gems, full blood Espers. He knelt down in front of them and put a hand on Celiara's knee. "I'm sorry you had to see that, children."
"Who were they, father?" Saren asked.
"Humans. They were here to cause trouble. You should always stay away from them."
"But Leanders hoomen," Desmaren said.
"Yes, and she caused trouble."
"But 'Skari loves, um, loves Leanders."
"Unfortunately. But they're gone now, so it's just the three of you until the new baby comes."
"Why is mother sad?" Saren asked quietly.
"Your mother is just... she's not sad."
"You maded her happy?" Desmaren smiled.
"I... will. I'll go do that right away."
Ruthivan stood up and left the children with a quick, "I love you." He walked into the bedroom to find Claire laying on the bed, sobbing. He set his jaw. "Claire, get up," he said, holding his voice in check. "You're making the children upset."
"How could you?" she sobbed as she sat up.
He walked to her side and snatched her to her feet, glaring into her face. He was tired of her self loathing and pity, tired of her never looking at him with any semblance of love, tired of her body with a complete lack of flames - no joy, tired of her moping about. She looked at him now with a glare of contempt, and he drew back and slapped her across the face.
