Anna shot up, now charging wildly up the first flight of stairs. A large noise sounded, like someone moving furniture. She kept racing, the dragging of something heavy across the floor filling her ears. As she reached the top floor, there was a muffled cry coming from Maria's room. Anna dashed to the door, trying desperately to open it. It didn't budge.

"Maria," she hissed through the door. No answer. She pressed her ear against the door. She could hear heavy breathing, and the unmistakeable sound of a metal headboard moving against the wall. Anna started to throw herself at the door, trying to get it to move. She felt it give a little. It wasn't locked. Something heavy was pressed against it. "Maria!?" she called again, ignoring the pain in her shoulder as she shoved and shoved. The door opened a small way, but simply wouldn't shift any further. She peered inside, trying so hard to see. The room was dark, only a small amount of moonlight fitting through a gap in the curtain. She could make out Ernst's body on the bed and Maria underneath. "Ernst, stop!" Anna screamed, pounding her fist on the door. "Ernst don't! Please, leave her alone!"

"Anna!" screeched a voice behind her. It was Ilse. She grabbed Anna from behind, pulling her away from the door as best she could. Anna struggled against her, gripping the door as Ilse fought to maintain her grip.

"Get off me!" Anna spat as Ilse's hand flew to her mouth.

"Do you want the children to hear you?" she hissed. At that Eric started crying downstairs, Anna feeling ferocious tears sting her own eyes. "You can't stop it!" Ilse said, Anna fighting less and less. "You have to let it happen now." Anna stopped, sinking to her knees as Ilse let her go. She sat against the door, her stomach queasy and her head light. A door to her left opened, Brigitte stepping out. "See to Eric," Ilse barked. Dutifully, she ran down the stairs, clearly happy to be free of the noise emanating from Maria's room. Ilse sat opposite Anna, watching her. Every grunt Anna heard made her jump, as though it were stinging her. "What did you do?" Ilse asked her quietly.

"I..." Anna started, tears rolling down her face. It was her fault. All of this.

"Dangling him on tender hooks was your first mistake," Ilse said, clearly unaffected by what her husband was doing. "You got cocky."

"I didn't think he would do this," admitted Anna.

"Because you're just a stupid little girl," sighed Ilse, rubbing her tired eyes. "He's too much for any woman to handle. You can't tame him."

"Tame him?" Anna whispered, incredulous at her lack of compassion.

"Maria at least knows to just let it all happen," continued Ilse. "Much less painful that way."

"You're vile," spat Anna. Ilse glared at her, narrowing her eyes.

"See? You're just a petulant child, throwing your toys out of the pram, because you can't get your own way." There was pause, Anna's eyes screwed shut to try and block out the grunting. "I'm going down to bed," said Ilse, almost laconically. She got up, standing over Anna. "Good luck talking your way out of this one," she sneered loftily, then left Anna alone.

She wanted to leave. She wanted to run far away where no one could find her. But she couldn't leave Maria alone. This was all her fault. How could she be so reckless?! Everyone tried to warn her. They had all along. But she had always thought she was only gambling with her own life. She never would have taunted him if she had known Maria was still in the firing line. It seemed like an age before it was over. The house was still again. Eric was quiet, Brigitte shuffling back to her room. Finally, the chest of drawers behind the door moved. Anna scrambled up, standing right in the doorway as he strode out. He stopped, pausing to look at her tear-stricken face. He stepped towards her slowly, gripping her hair as he pressed her back against the nearby wall.

"That should have been you," he said letting his free hand cup her face, his thumb brushing open her mouth. "Always remember that it wasn't," he whispered, then let her go. He straightened himself up as he walked away, not looking back as Anna stood rigid with shock. Then something slumped against the wall in Maria's room, pulling Anna to her senses.

She charged inside, nearly falling over the chest of drawers left by the door. Maria was sitting up on her bed, her hair messy and her eyes screwed shut.

"Maria?" Anna said softly. Maria looked up at her, her mouth turned down at the corners as her bottom lip trembled. Anna walked in a little further. She could see now that she had been struck across the face, her nightdress torn in the struggle. Anna wanted to be sick. She had done this. "Let's get you cleaned up," Anna said, her throat aching with anguish. Maria nodded slowly, obediently getting up. She stumbled, falling into Anna's open arms. Anna supported her along the hall to the small bathroom at the end of the corridor. She sat Maria on the toilet, grabbing the towel so that she could run it under the water to make a cold compress. She leant Maria back gently and held the towel to her swollen cheek. Maria barely winced, Anna crouching in front of her. Maria rested her forehead on Anna's, gripping her arms tightly so that they enclosed around her. "Maria," Anna said softly. "I'm so sor..."

"Don't," Maria said, her words catching in her throat. "This isn't your fault."

"But it is!" Anna whispered, crying. "You tried to warn me, and I didn't listen."

"It's his fault!" Maria continued firmly, their eyes meeting. "This would have happened even if you had followed my advice. He's a monster."

"But, I..."

"No!" she urged Anna. "I heard what he said to you. He's trying to get into your head."

"I got you hurt..."

"That's all him," she replied vehemently. "Anna, you have to promise me not to give into him. No matter what he says or does."

"But what about you?" Anna protested.

"It's too late for me," she assured her, though she was clearly stifling a sob. Anna pulled her into a tight hug. Maria trembled, her whole body finally giving into the shock. She squeezed Anna, her grief consuming her as she now sobbed into her shoulder. The two friends sat together in this sorry embrace, the piercing white light of the moon filling the tiny drab bathroom. They held each other close, their dire circumstances pressing down upon them as they desperately clung to what little comfort they had left.

***

Ernst sat in his office, contemplating last night's events. He was annoyed at himself. He had been trying to prove to Anna how invested in her he was, and he'd been such a fool. He had at least not taken it out on her though; that had to count for something, surely? He wanted to ask her, but he worried that he was on the wrong side of her temper. Or her pride. He knew that was why she was making him wait. He knew that she was angry at herself for ever thinking that Lange was a better choice than him. He could sense the shame in her. If only she would give in to her lust. Then the shame would disappear. He would have to approach her softly. If he snapped at her, she would only fight back. That was Lange's mistake. Trying to control Anna wasn't the right answer. There was a knock at the door.

"Come in," he said, glancing up as Ilse came in.

"Breakfast is ready," she said.

"Thank you, I'll be there in a moment," he replied. Ilse didn't move. "Yes?" he asked, haughtily.

"I take it after last night that you and Anna are no longer..." She couldn't think of the right term.

"Whatever gave you that impression?" he said, nonchalantly. Ilse tried to keep her composure.

"You hurt her friend," said Ilse, incredulously. "Why on earth would she be interested in you now?"

"You don't understand our dynamic," he said dismissively.

"Clearly not," said Ilse. There was a pause. "Given how Anna behaves towards those that hurt people she cares about, are you not even a little worried."

"What do you mean?"

"Look at how she defended Freda so passionately," she pointed out. "Look at how she despises Mathias and yet saved that Von Hart from getting sent away?" Ernst's expression fell. "She's fiercely loyal..."

"Exactly," he said, regaining faith. "And she will be loyal to me."

"If you say so," sighed Ilse, then turned on her heel and left. Ernst tried desperately to remain calm. He couldn't let that vile woman get to him. He had to appear normal. When he was ready, he went and took his place at the breakfast table, smiling to his children as he did so. Then he watched as Anna skulked in and took her place. The silence was palpable. Nobody dared to say anything. Anna simply played with her food, her head ringing. She looked awful, her face even paler than usual and her expression sullen. She looked far less put together this morning, her hair shoved into a messy braid. Ilse watched her over the top of her coffee. She liked seeing her downtrodden; it served her right. Freda fidgeted uncomfortably, looking to her father. He was the only one that carried on as normal. Freda finally plucked up her courage and cleared her throat.

"What happened last night?" she said, everyone's attention snapping to her.

"What are you talking about?" Ilse snapped.

"The shouting," said Freda. "I heard Anna shouting at Father."

"There was shouting?" piped Oskar. Ernst looked at Anna, who stared back at him. How were they going to explain this?

"Anna and I had a disagreement about something," said Ernst, sitting back. "Anna was protecting Maria by covering for a mistake that Maria had made."

"Oh," said Freda, her eyebrows furrowed. "Why did you do that Anna?" she asked.

"Yes," said Ernst, "why did you do that?" All eyes were on Anna now.

"Because she's my friend," said Anna throatily. "Besides, I thought the fault lay with me."

"No," said Ernst. "It never could." He was staring at her as he usually did. She supposed she should be grateful. But she just felt sick.

"I'm so sorry I woke you Freda," Anna apologised earnestly. The family continued with casual conversation throughout the rest of breakfast, Anna keeping to herself. As they finished, she cleared the plates for them and darted into the kitchen.

Maria was busy clearing pots and pans away with the cook, smiling at Anna as she came in. She seemed like nothing had happened. Had it not been for the mark on her cheek, Anna would have been able to convince herself it had all been a horrific dream. But Anna understood that sometimes carrying on with an ordinary day helped one to forget. Anna knew Maria hadn't slept well. After she had cleaned her up, she had taken Maria to her room instead, so they could sleep beside one another. She held her close all night, Maria grateful for the comforting embrace. They'd barely spoken, but they both knew that the other had lain awake all night. Anna took the dishes to the sink beside Maria, neither drawing attention to the awful event. But as Anna made to leave, Maria gripped her hand tightly. She squeezed it back, both revelling in the unspoken bond that lay between them. Then Anna left, going to the drawing room to set up for the day's lessons. Freda was taking the time to sit outside, Anna watching her through the window. Would she ask her more questions? She was a smart girl; it seemed so unlikely that she'd believe the lie. Then again, she trusted her father so completely...

"You seem out of sorts..." Anna turned to be met with Ernst.

"I didn't sleep well," Anna replied, the words catching in her throat.

"Shall we talk about last night?" he asked.

"I don't suppose there is much to say," she said, shifting on the spot. He walked towards her, but she stepped back warily.

"Are you angry with me?" he questioned.

"I don't know how to feel," she said. She finally let him close the space between them, his arms winding around her waist. "Why would you do that to her?"

"I was angry," he said simply. "And, I didn't want to take it out on you."

"Why? It was me you were angry with."

"In truth, I don't know," he admitted. He took her face in his hand, surveying her. "I don't like the thought of you hurt." Anna was just as surprised as he was by the revelation. "Besides which, when you finally give yourself to me, I want it to be willingly. You excite me, without the need for a struggle. I grew bored of that game long ago. I want someone who keeps me on my toes, so to speak."

"Then why push me?"

"Because I don't understand your reverence."

"Neither do I," she lied. He leant forward, his lips brushing her ear.

"Can I come to you tonight?" he whispered. Anna was stuck. How could she play this?

"No," she said simply, pushing him back.

"Then, when?" he asked as she walked around the piano to get her papers.

"When I say so," she said, then looked up. Staring at them both through the window was Freda. She had definitely seen their exchange. Ernst had noticed her too. "You'd better leave," Anna urged quietly, as Freda disappeared, making her way back into the house. Ernst didn't protest, just leaving in an irritated silence. Anna couldn't know he waited out of sight behind the door. Freda finally walked into the room and sat dutifully at her desk. Anna hovered in front of her, unsure of what to do. Finally, she pulled up a chair and sat opposite her, Freda avoiding her gaze. "Ask your questions," Anna invited calmly. She hated to think it, but maybe she could use Freda as a barrier between herself and Ernst.

"Why was father touching you like that?" she asked quietly.

"He and I have grown very close since I moved here," Anna replied.

"Is that why you were fighting last night? Because he chose Maria over you?" Anna was shocked.

"You know about Maria?"

"I'm not stupid," said Freda. "I know he's been seeing her for a while now." At least she didn't understand the full truth. "It's the first time he's had another woman in the house. But I guess that's because we're here." There was a pause. "It's not surprising that he likes you. You're so pretty, but I'm confused that you like him."

"I know..."

"I thought you and the Sturmbannführer were getting married?"

The words cut through Anna. It was the first time she felt as if she was betraying him. She knew it wasn't the case, but it couldn't be helped. "He and I had a falling out," she murmured.

"Because of father?" Now what was she supposed to say?

"Yes and no," she said.

"Don't you love him anymore?" Freda asked. Anna could only shake her head. She couldn't let the lie cross her lips. "And what about father?"

"It's far too complicated to know," Anna said.

"I think he loves you," she said. "He's never been like this with mother."

"Freda, you know nothing will change right? Your parents, they love you so much, and nothing will change that."

"Mother doesn't love me," said Freda matter-of-factly.

"Don't say that my love," Anna said, taking Freda's hand.

"It's obvious though!" sniffed Freda. Anna's heart pounded in her chest reminded of a similar conversation she had had with her own parents many years ago.

"Freda, I didn't mean for you to cry. I'm so sorry," she said, but Freda shook her head.

"It's all right," she said. "Actually, this is better. Please give father a chance. You could be happy together." Anna was shocked.

"Why would you say that?" she asked in a half whisper.

"Because if you and father were together," she sobbed, "then I would have two parents that wanted me." Instinctively, Anna pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tightly. She hadn't expected this reaction from her. Not at all. Anna kissed her forehead, not letting her go as Ernst disappeared down the corridor, smiling smugly to himself.