Michael rejected his pregnant lawful wife, and issued a decree that his subjects should not support her, or even mention her name. Theodora was forced into exile, where she lived for five years in the open air, oppressed by hunger and thirst. Finally, though, a priest from a small village found her picking wild greens in a field, while holding her child in her arms. When he found out who she was, he gave her shelter and asked for the help of the Despotate’s leading officials. They seized Gangrene and tortured her, until she confessed the whole affair. At that point, Michael seems to have come to his senses and took Theodora back into his house, where they lived happily ever after.