He had been tiring the testimonies and complaints.
And many explanations to be given to the council.
The authorities investigated everything. Complaints about Gaia's activities. They searched Jackie's life mercilessly for any loopholes to make trouble.
She managed to nod, forcing a smile. How much longer was it to arrive? Every time the horse moved she gritted her teeth in pain. After an hour at that point, she was pretty sure she would never be able to walk or sit up again. Her hips and knees ached and her biggest misfortune was her inner thighs.- Is there still a long way to go? she asked with all the calm she could manage after another half hour of torment.
Richard was staring at her frowning features, cursing the woman's stubbornness. From then on, she would learn to obey his orders and not keep pushing herself beyond her means.
-If you're sore, you can share a mount with me ...- he said feeling heating in his groin as he imagined her proximity.
She could have used the ladies' cell and...and took a deep breath. The brute did not intend to discuss matters as intimate as that! It was absolutely none of his business whether she was sore or not. It didn't do anything to stop the bleeding as the cramps are concentrated in the lower abdomen to an intolerable extent.
Another hour of torment and she was pretty sure she had no more legs. She would never stand again if she ever managed to survive that long. They never arrived at the village. Maybe with luck, he wouldn't make it to the village alive.
Richard's enthusiasm when he arrived at the village was not shared by her. The horse stopped motionless to her relief and she felt for a moment almost like crying. She was more than ready to let herself fall to the floor in tears. This wasn't going to last that long, was it? She had been cursed for her lust. Burly men aboard the Star had already died much faster with minor bleeds.
A hot bath. All she could think about was a hot bath to ease the hellish pain in her body. She was almost startled when she heard excited laughter while still mounted.
-Welcome to my house. I thought the trip to the town village would take longer. Glad to have you in our village, Morgan. A strong, rough voice echoed in her ears.
-I thank my friend for the hospitality of his people to me and my wife. - Rick returned the greeting and Kassuim widened her eyes in surprise.
It was no doubt punishment from heaven. He had been admiring this man for many months and now he was bleeding to death. The urge to cry came back redoubled with the certainty that she would not be able to dismount.
- Cassie?
She heard the surprise of the man in front of her, unable to hide her nervousness.-My wife is not very... - Richard didn't quite know what to explain...Something happened that her stubbornness didn't count on.
Cassie nodded, forcing a smile. Ah, it was quite right a curse had befallen her. It was the shortest marriage the wolf clan would have known about. Married for a day! Wasn't it fantastic? For the first time, the idea terrified her. She couldn't be pregnant, could she?
Her smile was shy and unfunny. A woman in this situation would most certainly be put away by her husband. She would just take a shower and... She didn't know what to say or explain... Of course, he would complain about her imprudence...Her feet didn't find the ground. In fact, she didn't even feel her legs to steady herself and reluctantly she clung to the man beside her in a low groan that didn't escape her attention.
-Stubborn.! Why didn't you say...
She recoiled in embarrassed horror. Had he noticed? Compassion!
-I am tired. - Part of that wasn't a lie. - I'll rest and take a shower if you don't mind...
Richard stroked her hair, noticing the girl's tension with a sigh. Something was bothering her.
- Follow the women and I'll be back as soon as I can, okay? You sure...
-I am fine.
Very good. I will just die.
There's nothing much to it! the thought struck her with enormous despair.
She had undoubtedly committed an unforgivable crime.
Merciful Goodness! What did I do....?
The fall and all the rush in the village with the guards fighting...