Chapter 72: Diogo

Taran is quieter than usual for the rest of the evening, less smiley, less chatty. I don't like it, but I understand. She's struggling with her transition from rebel to Commander's wife. She's beating herself up in ways she shouldn't. She had no choice in her situation. I would've married her regardless of the ease of our relationship. I couldn't be happier with how it's developed, but I do wish it weren't at the expense of her conscience.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I invite, watching her pick at her dinner.

This is how I know she's definitely struggling with something. An array of delicious courses, including baked carrots, mashed potatoes and sausage are in front of her. I even managed to get my hands on fresh baked bread with honey, a rare commodity. I thought the mouth-watering food would perk her up after the somewhat contentious end to our greenhouse visit.

"No," she says shortly.