Leif had no idea his wife was around, watching and listening in as he drew in a careful breath, then angrily tossed his cigar away.
"Gods... I've made a mess of things. My whole life is messed up. My wife hates me, I can't protect her, I go out at night in my mask and to see Attie.." he shook his head.
"And I treat her no better than my wife. Who am I fooling to try to keep them locked inside, as if birds in cages? But what other choice do I have? Valentina has no idea what happened at the church, nor does she know I saw her, even before hte engagement was accepted- I knew she was a mage and I just... Gods.."
He raked a hand through his hair. "I don't know what to do. I don't know if I can even tell her all of these things." And he blinked is eyes, almost as if he wanted to cry. Yes.. his life really was messed up, and nwo he had all of his eggs in one basket, and they looked about ready to tumble all out.
"Maybe I should just leave this place." he muttered and moved to turn away from Audric. "I' need a drink." And as he turned to leave- he nearly ran into...
"Valentina.." And his entire face went white.