Sarah looked at the man sitting next to her in absolute shock. This is not what she had been taught by her mother to be a good wife. She did not know how to deal with this, or what to do. Or say. Was it a trap? Did her husband intend to be so cruel as to get her hopes up for a joyous union, and then take the rug out from under her feet? She would play it safe.

"For now my lord, if you wouldn’t mind, may I just look around the manor?" Hopeful green eyes met blue. Fallon could hear the mistrust in Sarah’s soft voice, and could understand it. She knew that she would definitely be an unusual husband to say the least.

She nodded her approval. When Sarah felt she could trust her, she hoped the blonde would take it upon herself to pursue her own interests.

The carriage continued on toward their new home.

Sarah was shown to her rooms by Fallon’s manservant. The rooms were beautiful, and she hoped to be happy in them. Her handmaiden made herself comfortable in the smaller adjoining room, then returned to help her mistress unpack.

"What do you think, milady?" Mary asked, hanging up her mistress’ dresses in the wardrobe, where she found some beautiful gowns already hanging. She noted their fine quality and measurements, and had to wonder of her mistress’ new husband’s taste in clothing. It seemed as fine as that of his home. It was carefully landscaped, lush greens and colors all around. A virtual feast for the optical senses.

"I don’t know," Sarah said, running her fingers over the beautiful tapestry that was hanging upon the stone wall. The scene showed a lady of some means and her lover dancing. Their outfits were colorful and elegant. She smiled at the picture. "He seems to be gracious and kind. But I’m afraid to think this then find ’tis not true. I think I shall withhold judgment for now."

"Wise, milady. I hope he is as kind as he is handsome." Mary sat upon the window seat, hands clasped to her chest. She looked out the window with a most wistful smile upon her face.

"Aye, that. He is handsome, isn’t he?" Sarah said, joining her old friend.

"Should make fine looking children between the two of you," Mary commented, looking slyly up at her mistress, who had flushed a deep red.

"Mary! You shouldn’t talk of our marriage bed that way." Though she was scolding, she could not keep the small smile from her lips. That part she was not looking forward to. She remembered what her mother had told her:

"Just lie still, my child. If you do, it will be over sooner. I will not lie to you; ’tis not a pleasurable venture for a woman. But you are strong, and can clear your mind to fill it with thoughts of a more pleasant nature. Most men do not need much time to complete their duty. Do not fight him, but allow him to complete his task, and then leave you alone once more."

She remembered asking if she should have to be naked during these couplings, and had been overwhelmed by her relief. Her mother told her that the man would only lift her gown as far as was needed, and not another glimpse of her would be needed for him.

"I dread this," she breathed.

Fallon had a wonderful dinner prepared for her new wife. She wanted to make Sarah happy, and feel comfortable in her new home and new role as the Lady of Aragon.

The warrior changed into softer, broken in leather pants, and a soft, flowing white shirt. Her boots tucked up over her calves, and a dagger belt was in place. She tied her hair back, tired of it hanging in her face. It was unusual for her to have it down for the morning’s festivities, and she was ever grateful to get it out of her eyes. She had learned that the hard way. Having the stinging in the eyes during a fight – not smart.

Lady Sarah arrived after the invitation had been extended. She had also changed from her wedding finery to a beautiful velvet and silk gown of green. It played to her body well, her mother having it made for her just for such an occasion. Sarah knew she had to interest her husband, and though uncomfortable in revealing her curves, knew it was what she was to do.

She saw her husband speaking with some staff, and took the unobserved opportunity to take in his long, lean body. He was tall and trim. She knew him to be a warrior, and saw his dagger at his side. Two swords hung with a coat of arms over the massive fireplace in the great dining hall. A fire roared its warmth throughout the stone-enshrouded room, bouncing shadows off every object that did not move, including the dark hair of her husband. She noted that it was pulled away from his face.

"Milady," Fallon said softly, feeling her presence even as she talked with the serving party. She smiled at the start her words gave, and took in the beauty that stood not ten feet away. "You look lovely," she said, walking over to Sarah, and taking small, cool hands in her own.

"Thank you, my lord. And you handsome as ever." Sarah smiled, knowing it would earn her one in return.

"Thank you. Come. Let’s dine."

Dinner was carried out mainly in silence, both husband and wife glancing at the other under the pretense of asking for salt or butter. Both were equally nervous and unsure. This made Sarah feel better. She would have hated for her husband to be experienced, or throw his expectations at her. Fallon did none of this. He seemed as unsure as she.

Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad.

Sarah paced around her bedchambers, wondering when her husband would come to claim his right of their wedding night. Her body was buzzing with nerves. She tried to relax, following some of the exercises Mary had given her to try and be calm. They worked for but a moment before her mind would begin to conjure up all sorts of pictures.

Her sleeping gown flowed behind her as it swept across the hard, cold floor that was covered by large, beautiful rugs. She had a fire blazing in her fireplace, trying to stay warm. The sweat that crept up her back and ran between her breasts was cold, giving her a chill.

Finally when she was about to douse the flames and climb into the massive bed, she heard a soft knock on her chamber door. Swallowing hard, she called out.

"Come."

The large, heavy door slowly opened and Fallon stood, bathed in the golden hue of the fire. He wore the same outfit as earlier, though now the laces of the shirt were partially open. He held a single rose in a hand.

"Milady." His voice was so soft as he entered the chamber, closing the door behind him.

"My lord," Sarah near whispered, her heart in her throat. She wanted so badly to run, to not have to deal with her duties.

"For you," he said, handing his bride the gift. She took it in her trembling fingers. "Do not fear, wife," Fallon whispered. "I shall not hurt you."

Sarah swallowed again, pleased by the comforting words, but scared all the same.

"Would you like to talk first?" Fallon asked. She watched as the blonde brought the rose to her nose and inhaled the strong, perfumed fragrance. Green eyes met hers.

"If it’s all the same, my lord, I’d like to just get on with it."

Fallon smiled softly and nodded. She had hoped Sarah would take her up on her offer so she, too, could build her courage. The smaller woman walked over to the bed and threw back the heavy covers. Climbing in, she laid down, waiting.

Fallon took a deep breath and followed. Once at the bedside, she unlaced her pants and kicked the boots off. She could feel the end of the ‘manhood’ that touched her, pushing into her. She withheld a groan as it sent warmth throughout her body.

She took in Sarah’s posture, body stick straight, eyes facing the underside of her decorated canopy. Pushing the covers aside, Fallon climbed onto the bed, her weight being absorbed by the extra amount of straw she had had put into Sarah’s mattress.

Scooting over to her wife, she reached out a hand and gently took hold of the hem of the sleeping gown. Sarah’s breathing increased and her eyes closed for a moment as she tried to get herself under control.

Fallon felt the warmth of Sarah’s thigh on her hand, and moved the hand up further. She was not surprised to find no undergarments, though it excited her on some level.

Sarah swallowed again when she felt the warm hand touch the wiry hair between her legs. She wondered what Fallon was doing. Her husband laid next to her, his hand roaming over the landscape that made her a woman. She hadn’t expected him to take so much time. She just wanted to be alone again.

Suddenly those thoughts were cut off when she felt that hand ease through the soft skin of her sex, a finger trailing over her expanse. She released a little gasp, her eyes popping open. She looked at Fallon and saw him looking down at her exposed skin, and to Sarah’s horror, she felt a wave of heat shoot through her. She did not want to feel anything. Was not supposed to feel anything.

Fallon marveled at the feel of Sarah’s velvety skin against her calloused fingertips. She ran her fingers through the soft skin, feeling a slow build of moisture begin to gather. She was absolutely amazed, and almost wanted to just stroke the younger woman to see what would happen. She could hear Sarah’s breathing increase, though the little blonde did nothing to indicate she was either in pain or enjoying what was being done to her.

Knowing she had a duty to perform, Fallon kept stroking, feeling for the source of the wetness. This would be where she would need to enter. Running her fingers down, feeling Sarah’s body jerk slightly at a certain time, she ran her finger straight down, following the natural curve of Sarah’s sex until the tip of her finger disappeared into soft warmth.

Sarah made the softest of noises when she felt that finger enter just the barest little bit. She closed her eyes, angry at herself for responding. She didn’t want Fallon to think she was depraved.