Chapter Three – Secrets & Lies

Bryce Cousland returned three days later, travel-weary and very relieved to see that both Highever and his wife had done well in his absence. It seemed that she had matured both physically and emotionally in six months, not as shy or hesitant about sharing her opinions with him and the historian he had retained to be the castle's new librarian, Brother Aldous. Still, as they headed to their rooms that evening after dinner and wine, he was somewhat surprised when she asked if she could join him for the night.

"Is this truly what you wish?" He didn't want to appear over-eager.

"I am quite certain, dear. We have been apart for some time. And all this talk of impending battles and preparations to restore our kingdom….an heir would be most welcome, don't you think?" Eleanor's words were hurried and she was certainly nervous, but she wasn't about to back down.

Bryce looked into her eyes, the color of new spring grass, and smiled as he wrapped his left arm around her small waist. He caressed the side of her face very softly for a moment before kissing her slowly. She brought her arms up around his shoulders in response, and he guided them both toward the open bedroom door.

They were both breathless by the time they reached his bed with its new rich, deep blue velvet coverlet. He broke the kiss, running his right hand through her soft brown hair.

"Wait…there's something I must tell you."

"Yes? I'm listening."

"You mentioned having an heir. That's what I want too, but that may prove to be…. difficult." He took a deep breath before continuing. "About six years ago, I was fighting near the Hafter River with some of the other Banns when I was shot by several arrows. I very nearly died. And… one of the arrows came near to my manhood."

Eleanor gasped then, and clutched him closer as his grey eyes seemed to cloud with remembered pain.

"The healers did very well, and I'm able to… well… function just fine. And hope to give you all the pleasure you deserve. I just want you to understand that the healers told me it might be… difficult for me to sire an heir. Perhaps even impossible." He stopped, looking downward, expecting to see rejection and hurt in her eyes at his news.

She tilted his head back up with her left hand and kissed him again. "Bryce. You're my husband. I know that must have been difficult for you to say. But let there be no secrets between us. We will certainly try our best to have an heir, right?"

She continued, thinking quickly, "Is this why you charged ser Matthias to 'see to my every comfort'?" she lifted one eyebrow as she asked him the question in all seriousness, but couldn't refrain from laughing at the guilty look of dismay he returned.

Bryce laughed with her for several seconds before recovering. "Yes, yes, my dear. You are as intelligent as you are lovely. My good cousin agreed to step forward and perform his duties in continuing the Cousland family line if I were… unable to do so."

"I'm sorry. I should have told you this sooner." He sighed, then drew her near for an embrace.

"Not to worry, we had precious little time together, you and I." She replied, her words half-muffled against his chest. She turned her head to the side and squeezed him tightly, glad that he was being open and honest with her about matters of such a delicate nature.

Eleanor kissed him once more before adding, "But let's just focus on us first, shall we? I'm 17, we still have plenty of time. I'd like to know more about what it means to be your wife before we explore any other …options, hmmm?"

The Teyrn and Teyrna of Highever spent their first night together in the newly-restored castle, thoughts of battle and their country's survival temporarily forgotten as they simply enjoyed each other's intimate company.