Zachery was fully aware that Nessa was bearing tremendous stress on her side. Even though she may theoretically be deemed a traitor, he knew she was helpless to do anything, and, more than himself, Alexander knew better.
She was on a guilt trip since she had done nothing for Alexander, but Alexander had done everything he could to lessen her sentence. He couldn't undo her penalty since it would shatter his image as a righteous ruler, but Alexander didn't want her to suffer.
They were both young when they got engaged as a result of their parents' agreement, and they had no voice in the matter. So, Nessa had always been irritated by the circumstances, and when they married, she was a little unfriendly towards Alexander.
