Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Fia had no desire to argue with him and even less desire to be dictated to, especially after having lived freely and doing as she pleased. But she could not hold her tongue. If their marriage were to have a chance, she needed to speak her peace to him without worry.
“I cannot bear confinement. I have spent much of my time exploring the forest, gathering plants, learning from the animals, doing what I enjoy. And now, having a home, I find myself eager to talk with others and continue to learn in new surroundings. I also know what is best for me when it comes to healing and it would be unwise of me not to do what is necessary for me to heal.” When he remained silent, staring at her oddly, she continued. “I believe it is also wise of me to speak my peace to you so we may come to better understand each other, which I believe will benefit us in securing a good, strong marriage. I understand you order me to rest out of concern, but as I have said on another occasion that if for some reason I ever had to battle at your side, I would follow without question all you told me to do since you are far more knowledgeable about battle than I am, just as I am far more knowledgeable when it comes to healing than you are.”
His wife was not a witch. She was a woman of vast wisdom, a woman he was lucky to have as his wife.
“You make sense more often than not, wife,” he said.
She smiled but then lately she often wore a smile and he never failed to take delight in it. Rarely had he found delight in anything until his wife had come along.
“I will trust that you do what is necessary to heal.”
“On that you have my word,” Fia said.
They continued the short distance to the castle walls and beyond, and soon reached the keep. With one arm around her waist, Varrick lowered his wife off his horse.
“I must speak with Argus, see to your care.”
“Aye,” Fia said and made her way to the steps, stopped, and turned to watch him ride off, then hurried around the side of the keep and to the back where no one would see her and plopped down in a snow drift, sighing with relief as the snow began to numb her pain once again.
“Are you all right, my lady?”
Fia startled at the unexpected voice but smiled to see Dysa and Cara slowly approach her.
“We saw you rush around back here and worried something might be amiss,” Cara said.
“Sore from the ride,” Fia said, since it was partially true. “And this is the quickest way to ease the discomfort. How does Seth and Harold do? And you, Cara, how do you and the bairn do?”
“Harold improves more every day and talks with hope for the future, something he never did before now,” Cara said teary-eyed and rested her hand on her rounded stomach. “With enough food to eat and a warm home to shelter us the bairn and I not only do well but are content.”
“I am so pleased to hear that,” Fia said and looked to Dysa.
“Seth grows stronger each day as strong as an older man can be,” Dysa said with a laugh. “He also shares his knowledge with the young men whether they want to hear it or not.”
“Harold enjoys the talks he has with him,” Cara said. “He says Seth has taught him much.”
“I am glad. Not all want to listen to an old man tell tales of his life,” Dysa said.
“I must go,” Cara said suddenly. “I almost forgot I promised to make honey cakes for Harold. They are his favorite, and it has been too long since either of us have had them. Do feel better, my lady.”
“She is a sweet, young woman and will make a fine mother,” Dysa said, watching Cara rush off, then turned to Fia. “The snow will only numb the soreness so long as will a salve. The best way to heal when new to coupling is to refrain from coupling for a few days, not an easy thing for most new husbands.”
Fia felt her cheeks flush so hot that she thought the snow would melt around her.
“Oh, my goodness, my lady, forgive me for speaking out of turn,” Dysa said, seeing Fia’s cheeks blossom red.
“Nay. Nay,” Fia said to ease Dysa’s concern. “It would be wise of me to speak with someone who has experience with such a delicate matter, though I would prefer you not mention it to anyone.”
“Never would I do that, my lady. That is your private affair, and I would dare not speak of it to anyone.”
“I much appreciate that, Dysa, and I would be grateful for any advice you can offer. Women who came to my mum and grandmother were given a salve to help such a delicate condition. I do recall my grandmother warning women to keep their husbands at bay for a few days. Something most of the women said would not be easy to do.”