Disclaimer: Still own nothing.
A/N: Thanks to Chewie-Fan for the review.
I know this is late and I apologize. I had a little trouble writing it.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy it.
September 22nd 1688, Early Morning
Jacob rolled his eyes when Aria confirmed what he had thought. She and his brother were still not truly married. How had they managed to wait as long as they have?
"You have been married for nearly two months, and still in the eyes of God you are not united." He watched her shrug.
"It never felt right, and for the past few days he has been unable to come to my bed."
"That is more than I needed to know." Reaching out he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you not afraid of people calling you infertile?" Her movements froze for a moment.
"It has not been that long I doubt they will call me that just yet." Continuing to walk they stayed silent. Even though she had spoken the words he doubted that she believed them. They way she was moving seemed off, as if she were trying to decide an important issue.
"If you are not ready, Josh will not do anything to push you." Aria nodded.
"I know." She raised her face to the sun and tilted her head slightly to the side. "We made bet one day."
"Oh?"
"If I could climb a tree and retrieve the highest apple I would be able to name out first born. If I failed that honor would fall to him." They moved passed a tree and Jacob watched as she ran her hand across it. "I won. I think he let me win."
"Are you against naming your first child?" She shook her head.
"Even if he doesn't realize it I think Josh is trying to make me want to have children that much sooner."
"Does that anger you?"
"It was a month ago and since then nothing has really happened, but I can't stop thinking about what it would like to hold a baby in my arms. I think by losing our wager, he has won a greater battle."
September 21st 1688, Afternoon
Norman sat with his feet hanging over the side of his bed. After a month of being confined to the bed he was finally told that he could begin to walk around. As soon as the doctor said it a carpenter was commissioned to make him a cane. Now, cane in hand, Norman was going to start on the road to reentering normal court life.
Edgar watched from a chair in the corner of the room with his arms crossed. The physician stood closer to Norman just in case anything should go wrong. Taking a deep breath Norman placed the end of the cane firmly on the floor and used it to push himself into a standing position.
At first his knees buckled causing the doctor to reach out and support some of his weight. After a few minutes the Prince was able to steady himself and motioned for the other man to let him go. Norman cautiously took a step forward, smiling when he succeeded in not falling.
"It may take a while before you are completely comfortable walking again." The doctor said softly. Edgar snorted.
"Don't be mean brother he is just doing his job." His brother stood and made his way towards him. Norman moved to face him but the sudden movement caused him to lose balance. Luckily Edgar was able to steady him before he fell.
"Be careful Norm, don't push yourself." His younger brother chided gently.
"Yes mother." Edgar shook his head slightly. Planning each action in his head Norman started to make his way around the room. At times he nearly lost his footing but Edgar was by his side making sure he didn't hit the ground and reinjure himself.
Sighing he returned to his bed on the doctor's orders. Just to make sure he didn't stand up while no one else was in the room with him, his cane was placed out of his reach. With a silent growl he picked up his book and read.
September 21st 1688, Evening
Aria took his hand as they walked along one of the many different paths within the large garden. Josh enjoyed moments like this, when he was able to forget everything that happened during the day and just relish the time he could spend with his wife. He would be allowed to enter her bed again that night since her courses had just finished.
Though he would never say anything to Aria he was worried that someone would realize what they had done. They would never be able to prove it but the accusation could be disastrous. Glancing at his wife he smiled sadly. During the past few weeks he had done all that he could to woo her, but he still failed to be her true husband.
Gently she pulled him towards a stone bench and sat down. Her eyes met his and for a moment he was worried. He wasn't sure why, just that her eyes portrayed something that he had never seen before.
"We have been married for over two months now. Soon people will start to wonder if I can even conceive." She paused. "You have been a shining example of a kind and loving husband while I have been a stubborn, unfeeling wife." Josh wanted to protest but she held a finger carefully to his mouth. "Do not deny that. You have given me more time than I deserve, so I believe that our lack of intimacy should end." Removing her hand she waited for him to respond.
"I told you I would not even consider it until you could say you cared for me." Josh watched as a faint blush appeared on her face.
"I do care for you. I believe I am falling in love with you." Carefully he placed a hand on her cheek.
"If you are doing this for me, then I won't comply." Aria leaned into his touch.
"I'm doing this for us." He couldn't help himself, he kissed her.
