"Why did you do something like that?" Loretta signed, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the pillow under her husband's neck. Lambert had been struck with a paddle a hundred times, and they had forced her to watch every agonizing blow. His punishment had been twofold: first, for his perceived insolence against the Queen, and second, for daring to take the place of his wife in punishment.
"Because I love you so much," Lambert replied with a gentle smile, despite the pain etched across his face.
Loretta's eyes filled with tears as she looked at him. "Just wait here. I'm going to find a physician," she signed urgently. Before Lambert could muster the strength to protest, she had already disappeared through the door, her heart pounding with worry.
