Chapter 35: Little Lies (Livia)

Livia's eyes widen. She feels Raylen, head still on her shoulder, also stiffening a little. She hopes Lius has not noticed that. 

Her first instinct is to deny and dismiss her son's words. "Baby, what do you mean by that? I'm still married to Papa." 

Raylen does not disagree. However, little Cornelius's expression remains just as stern. "No, you're not," he says with a confidence that belies his young age. 

Cornelia stirs a little in her sleep, but she thankfully does not wake up. It does not escape Livia's notice that when Lia moves, Lius holds her hand a little tighter. The gesture comforts her greatly. 'Even if one day they don't have me, they will at least have each other,' she tells herself. 

But she has no time to mull over that tender sentiment. "You are angry at Papa," Lius continues without much of a pause. "I know you are. I think… I think you're mad at Grandpa too."