"It's not that I don't want you, Jon..."
It was their wedding night. Jon gazed in wonder at his new bride, sitting on his bed―their bed, he amended readily―clad in only an underdress. He had assured her that there was no pressure to do their duty by the Goddess on their first night of matrimony―no one would know―but Thayet felt obligated to, as the new wife and Queen of most powerful man in Tortall. Still, now she was suggesting that they not go through with it after all.
"What is it, Thayet?" he asked, kneeling before her and taking her hand in both of his. She hadn't mentioned not feeling well earlier; perhaps it was the richness of their wedding feast. If they weren't going to consummate their marriage, he thought he'd be content just to watch how the light in their room―or lack thereof―played across her beautiful features...
Regret―for what? he wondered―filled her eyes. Thayet―Queen Thayet―sighed. "It's not that I don't want to―" she stammered, "I can't―Jon, you see, it came at the most inconvenient time..."
By now Jon was more confused than concerned. What came? Fortunately, his wife soon put him out of his misery, though she was blushing when she said it. "I'm on my period, Jon."
Oh. That. Jon let out a sigh of relief, glad it wasn't as serious as she had―inadvertently―led on. He got to his feet and smiled at her, a twinkle in his eyes. "No worries, my love. Procreation can wait."
As he prepared for bed, she heard him murmur, "Just―any day you're ready, love."