Arya

Happiness

✿ Reign

"Hi," Oliver spoke very low as he had his hands on the leash of his robe.

"I'm all right. I want to do this." I stood by the bed and he didn't know what to do. He untied the robe and moved slowly. I crossed my arms rubbing my hand on my arm. He inhaled stepping back as if the distance between us was too close even though he's already far enough.

"I-im just cold."

"Here." He grabbed something to cover me with and placed it on my shoulders. I turned to look at him. "Are you sure about this?" He asked and I leaned in to kiss him. He had his hands on my waist barely touching me. I grabbed his collar of his robe, pulling him closer to me. We laid on the bed and as we were kissing I felt tense. He grabbed my wrist and stopped. "We can't do this." He moved away. "You shouldn't do this."

"We have to, Oliver."

"Why not, Arya? You talk of an heir, and yes, a son would help both of us. But what are the odds that we can conceive a child? A son. This night?" He sighed. "We'll try next month."

"I don't want to wait."

"Just until you're ready. I know that Avallon and Auara are in coas but is this really the answer? Is Trophet really so frightening?" I turned to look at him. "Can you trust that I will defend you?"

"Defend Avallon. Defend my people."

"Are you afraid that I won't protect you?"

"Well, what if you turn on me? What if I do something to anger you, in the months and years to come? Oliver just before we came here to your home, you got angry with me. That was two weeks ago, but it feels like you're still angry with me."

"I would never hurt you."

"You don't know that," I spoke softly. "If we live separate lives, move on with others."

He was irritated. "I don't want to move on with others, with anyone." He looked at me and stopped. "But-but you do?" He paused and scoffed. "Michael." He shook his head lightly. "Have things progressed between you?"

"We have done nothing."

"But he loves you. You and I both know that." He raised his voice, "do you love him? Is that what all of this is about?"

I poured myself a glass of water.

"Did you come to me because you're afraid you'll go to him? Or because you want to secure your rule in Avallon before you do?"

I didn't respond.

"Arya."

"Neither. I can't keep living like this. A queen but not a Queen. A wife but not a wife."

"Then be my wife." He growled.

"I can't." I raised my voice at him. "We've been over this already. Too much has passed between us."

"Too much you blame me for. While Michael remains untarnished. And now you want to go to him, thinking it will erase your pain. It won't, Arya. I won't let you do it. No. I forbid it." He walked away.

"What is it with you and Michael? Oliver, I want us to live separate lives because I want one of us to be happy." My voice broke, "I want you to be pleased because I know I can never please you. I don't think I'll ever be able to love again. I don't care about my happiness. I care of your happiness. I don't care that you forbid because I don't feel anything for Michael.

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Oliver's pov

"I was going to ask you how your evening went with Arya, but I think I know." My mother kept her distance.