Shit.
Somehow, this was worse than Eva's reaction in anger. Anger, Nikolai could understand, could handle, but sorrow? He had scarcely known how to console his daughters when thier mother had died, and that was an experience he had shared. But this? Of all the reactions that the wizard might have expected, this had not even made the list.
The look that Nik shot his new wife was one of sheer panic as he moved to place a hand gently upon each of Petra's shoulders.
"Ah, Petra Nikolaevna," he murmured soothingly, "please do not cry."
What else was there for him to say? The questions that sprung immediately to mind—Did you expect me to remain alone forever? Do you think there is another woman out there who is like your mother? Did none of your friends' fathers remarry?—all seemed callous, even cruel, given Petra's distress. What else could be done?
Somehow, this was worse than Eva's reaction in anger. Anger, Nikolai could understand, could handle, but sorrow? He had scarcely known how to console his daughters when thier mother had died, and that was an experience he had shared. But this? Of all the reactions that the wizard might have expected, this had not even made the list.
The look that Nik shot his new wife was one of sheer panic as he moved to place a hand gently upon each of Petra's shoulders.
"Ah, Petra Nikolaevna," he murmured soothingly, "please do not cry."
What else was there for him to say? The questions that sprung immediately to mind—Did you expect me to remain alone forever? Do you think there is another woman out there who is like your mother? Did none of your friends' fathers remarry?—all seemed callous, even cruel, given Petra's distress. What else could be done?
— set by soph! —