"And?" Mary’s brows were drawn, worry etching the lines of her face.

"And it’s over. He was gentle." Sarah pulled herself out from the cave of blankets, and sat up. She ran a hand through her hair. As she moved, she felt the slight discomfort of her sex. It wasn’t really painful, she could just still feel the unfamiliar stretch of her muscles. "You may take the bedding down for the nobles to inspect."

"Yes, miss Sarah, and I’m glad. I would have been surprised had he hurt you. He seemed far too gentle for that."

"Yes, well. Perhaps I’ll be with child now and won’t have to do it again."

Mary raised her brows, but said nothing.

"Well, milady. Are you ready for a bath now?"

Recalling the sticky feel between her legs, Sarah quickly nodded.

Fallon bathed and dressed, ready to face her day. Today she would start the routine of Camden Castle. She was feeling fresh, and a bit spry on her feet.

She greeted her staff with a smile and a kind word. Eating a quick breakfast of fruit, she was off to the stables to survey her lands.

Meanwhile, Lady of Aragon bathed, thoroughly, and dressed in shades of green and yellow, then too had breakfast. She explored the immediate grounds of the manor, enjoying the rose garden immensely. She inhaled the scent of the roses that surrounded her, and couldn’t help but wonder if this was where the rose had come from that Fallon had brought her the night before. The night before.

She sighed, and slid her hands down her body, starting at her breasts, and running them down over her flat tummy. She wondered if there was a baby in there now. There was a part of her that felt she’d know when there was, and did not feel it. She did, however, still feel that strange sensation. Her body was different, and she knew it.

She wondered when her husband would want her again.

Fallon pulled her sword, holding steady as she faced her opponent. He looked into her eyes, brows drawn in concentration, upper lip slightly pulled.

The tall brunette could feel beads of sweat on her upper lip. She watched his eyes, trying to read his next move.

"Ahh!" He attacked, raising his blade high, bringing it down to a sharp clink as he struck her blade.

With actions that were quick and precise, his sword was kicked from his hand, and the warrior found himself on the ground, a boot on his chest, and a blade tip at his throat. He looked up into blue eyes and put his hands up.

"I surrender, Fallon." The soldier was panting from the exertion and surprise of such a complete defeat.

The brunette took her blade away and took a step back, a satisfied grin on her face.

"Nice work, Miklo. Keep at it." She reached down and helped her man up, brushing him off. "Go eat. You need the energy."

Fallon turned back to the manor from the practice field, sheathing her own sword. Her gaze was caught by a figure up along the bridge who quickly turned away when seen.

A small smile on her face, she hurried inside.

The days passed with Sarah and Fallon rarely seeing each other. Fallon had no idea if she was supposed to visit her wife as a husband again. The nobles had seen the sheets the morning after their wedding, and were more than satisfied that the marriage had been consummated. So, was her job done?

She didn’t want it to be so. She had enjoyed her role, and had enjoyed being with Sarah.

As the brunette headed for the staircase that would take her to her chambers, she saw Sarah just ahead of her. The blonde was hurrying up the stairs, holding her skirts just above her ankles to avoid tripping. Once she reached the landing, she stopped, almost as if she knew she were being followed. Looking over her shoulder, green met blue.

"Milady," Fallon said, slowly advancing on her wife.

"My lord," Sarah said, her voice near breathless as a sudden surge of nerves clutched at her heart.

"How are you?" The brunette caught up to Sarah.

"I am fine, my lord." Green eyes ducked in deference to her husband. Long, strong fingers gently clasped her chin and brought Sarah’s face up to look at her own.

"Are you really? Is there anything you need, Lady Sarah? Anything to make you happy?"

Sarah looked into the unbelievably handsome face of her husband, and the kindness of his eyes. So intense and blue. Stunning.

"No, my lord. I, I . . ." She stopped, swallowing hard. "I am fine, sir."

"Call me Fallon," the brunette asked, bowing slightly. Sarah smiled.

"And will you call me Sarah, my lord?"

"Aye." Fallon gave her a brilliant smile. "Sarah."

Green eyes twinkled.

"Aye, Fallon."

"Good night, Sarah." Fallon took Sarah’s hand, and placed a light kiss on the back.

"Good night, Fallon." Sarah gave her a small curtsey, and she hurried to her chambers, her heart beating double time.

Fallon watched her go, her own heart pounding.

She sighed, then headed to her own chambers.

Sarah sat in front of her fireplace, trying to stay put. She felt antsy and restless, and had no idea why. It had been nearly a month since Fallon had come to her, and for some reason, she felt as though she were failing in her role as a wife. Granted, it was for the husband to decide, but still.

She grabbed the long braid that fell down her back, pulling it over her shoulder, and carefully began to pull the golden strands free. She had started watching Fallon as he practiced with his soldiers. He was an amazing fighter and his strength and ability was more than evident.

She sighed again, then started when she heard a soft knock at her door.

Turning, she called out. "Come in."

The door slowly opened, and Fallon poked her head in. She saw her wife sitting in front of the fire, pulling her braid free. The long strands draped over her shoulder, and the light from the fire made it appear as though she had a golden halo around her head.

"Hello, Lady Sarah," she said, stepping into the room. She felt so unsure, as though she were doing something wrong. Taking advantage, but was drawn all the same.

"Hello, sir Fallon." She stood, clasping her hands to her chest, almost as if she were trying to keep her pounding heart behind her breast.

"I bring you this." Fallon walked over to her wife and handed her a red rose. Sarah took the gift, and once again brought it to her nose. She eyed her husband, remembering the first night. She wondered if the rose was to be the symbol of his wants and desires.

"’Tis beautiful, my lord," she said softly.

"As are you." Fallon said, a small smile tipping her lips. She had come to this room out of curiosity, just to see what would happen and if Sarah would bite. The bait was the rose, and though she felt manipulative, wanted to know if she would be welcome.

Sarah blushed lightly at the compliment, then looked up at Fallon.

"Did you need something, my lord?" she asked quietly, twisting the rose in her fingers. Blue eyes scanned over the small blonde and a smile formed.

"I wish to be with you again, Sarah," she said, her voice low and husky, sending a surprising chill down the blonde’s spine.

"Of course, Fallon. You need not ask." She laid the rose down upon the chair she’d just abandoned, and walked over to the bed. She felt nervous excitement racing through her blood. After watching her husband for the past two fortnights, she was glad that she was still found desirable.

Fallon watched the small blonde, noting how she could still see the gentle sway of her hips even through the thick, flowing material of her sleeping gown.

The brunette had been listening to her men when they talked about their wives or lovers. Many of them had mentioned kissing. Fallon knew of kissing from the small kisses on the cheek she’d get from her mother, but knew nothing of a sexual kind. The men said the kisses were on the lips, and often the best kind was when the wench would use her tongue.

This was a strange concept to her, but after referencing it with her manservant, who spoke very highly of the virtues of the kiss, she decided to perhaps try this. It had been said that it proved highly pleasurable for the woman as well.

The warrior walked over to the bed, unlacing her pants as she went. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she pulled off her boots, and then turned to her wife. Sarah lay on her back, tucked under the blankets up to just under her breasts. Green eyes were on her, watching her every move.

With her back still to Sarah, Fallon asked, "Sarah, did you enjoy what we did last time?" She spared a glance at her wife, but quickly looked away, not wanting to see rejection n her face, no matter what her words might be. "And the truth. Not what you think I might like to hear."

Sarah’s heart raced, trying to decide what might be the best answer, when she decided to just be honest. Besides, it wasn’t like the answer was bad.

"Yes, my lord. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I might," she said softly. "You were gentle and kind, Fallon."

The warrior turned to look at the lady, her expression guarded. "Really?"

"Yes, my lord. Come." Sarah pulled the blankets back, inviting her husband to join her. "And you, sir?" she asked, dropping her eyes. She knew it was an entirely inappropriate question, but really wanted to know.

"Yes, Sarah," Fallon said, making her way over to the smaller woman, slipping beneath the covers and scooting her long body until she could feel the heat of Sarah’s. "I enjoyed it very much, and I am very happy to hear that you did as well. I would never hurt you, my wife. I’m very pleased that I did not."

"My mother warned me." Sarah smiled shyly. "She told me it would hurt."

"And my father tutored me on the best way to cause the smallest amount of discomfort or pain."