[b]Early the next morning, Ava dragged herself out of bed & went to her her wardrobe to change. She quickly moved into a dress before the chill seeped into her skin too much, pulling on her shoes by the time a maid came in to wake her. The woman was shocked, but led her to the dining room quietly. James wasn't inside yet, & Ava was saddened when she realized this relieved her. Why should she be nervous around her own father?

"Please go fetch Master Andreios," Ava told the maid softly, "I wish to go visit my mother this morning."

The servant gave Ava a polite curtsy before excusing herself & heading out to fetch Andreios from his room. Ava sat at the table in silence as breakfast was brought out to her, & she began to eat in silence.[/b]