In the intervening time that followed the announcements to the children, young and adult, that their parents were going to be living together, Sanria split her time between Colin and Gilean. Neither had questions about the other, but there always seemed just a hint of competitiveness in Colin, and overflowing care from Gilean; each seemed to be seeking his place in this strange new relationship. They hadn't even moved in together.
Already Sanria was exhausted. They were vastly different from one another, and she had to adapt daily to their particular nuances and behaviors. In a way, it was going to be nice to have everyone under the same roof. They would all be in proximity much of the time, making the smattering of desperation at full days apart vanish. But how would the small gestures of affection be handled between two men who just recently were ready to fight? If she hugged Colin in front of Gilean, or kissed Gilean on the cheek with Colin nearby... did she just give no affection at all and leave both wondering if they'd done something wrong?
There was no right answer. Not yet. And what about her time to herself? Her work in the castle that she sometimes found herself doing at home, where would that now fall? She'd tried to have a day to herself, but Gilean balked. He didn't want to be alone on what was supposed to be their time. She gave in easily and spent her time as agreed.
Though many may have thought the situation ideal, Sanria was finding herself worried, anxious, and concerned. Such an arrangement was not just sex and love - it was care and patience and effort. More effort by far than just a single marriage. It was as if Sanria could see into the future, and had revealed before her the fact that her time was no longer just her own, nor was her body, nor her feelings. She was struck with the realization that she had bitten off far more than she could chew.
