Aria's POV (Two Weeks Later)
The wedding was just as I expected it to be. Ezra and I got married in a small church just outside of Rosewood, and the entire town came to witness the event. My aunt and Charlotte helped me into my wedding gown, and then they made my hair and face look beautiful. Daddy walked me down the aisle, and pretended to shed a tear as he handed me off to Ezra. Everyone in the church cheered when the priest pronounced us husband and wife, and Ezra kissed me for the first time ever.
Now we're standing outside of the church, and waiting for our carriage to pick us up. Ezra and I are going to Boston for our honeymoon, and we need to leave as soon as possible if we want to make it to the Inn before sundown.
"How are you, darling?" Ezra asks as he rests a hand on my shoulder.
Numb. That's one word I'd use to describe how I'm feeling. None of this seems real. I can't believe I married a general less than an hour ago, and that we're miles away from our honeymoon destination. Momma wouldn't like this. She'd despise it actually. Maybe that's why I despise this entire arrangement. Ezra is nice enough, but I know I'll never love him. Not after the letter Momma wrote to me.
Before I can respond to Ezra's question, our carriage pulls up. Ezra kisses his mother and father goodbye, before helping me into the carriage and sitting down next to me. Thank goodness I was able to change out of my wedding gown before this. Riding across the North in a white gown would not have been comfortable at all.
It's cold though. We're in the early weeks of Spring, and there is still some snow left on the ground from out seemingly endless winter. It's also very windy. A startled gasp escapes from my lips when Ezra wraps his arm around my shoulder, and pulls me close to him. What in the world? I suppose I'll have to get used to him touching me. Ezra is my husband after all.
"Are you cold?" Ezra asks me gently.
I nod, and Ezra responds by wrapping one of the blankets we packed over me. That's a little better. Ezra keeps his arms on my shoulders, I quickly get used to the feeling of having them there. I let out a tired yawn, and Ezra chuckles a little.
"I know that the ladies of Rosewood are accustomed to napping at three, and it's just an hour past noon, but you might want to close your eyes for a while. It's a long journey, and you're going to need your energy later tonight." Ezra says as he winks at me playfully.
All the sudden, I feel sick. Absolutely sick. I bled for the first time a few weeks after my fourteenth birthday. Momma called me into her bedchamber, and explained what was happening to my body. After she explained the reason for my bleeding, Momma went on to tell me about how babies are made.
That was the only time I talked about intercourse with my mother, and I'm very confused about everything that happens between married couples behind closed doors. I suppose Ezra will want to start trying for a baby tonight. Apparently men enjoy intercourse very much, and I'm sure he's no exception. I've heard it's just terrible for the lady though. Last year one of my cousins got married, and I asked her about it after she came home from her honeymoon. According to her, it hurts a lot. Especially the first time.
"Aria, are you okay?" Ezra asks me softly.
I want to ask Ezra if we can skip the baby-making tonight. I'm terribly afraid, and I'm not quite comfortable with him yet. I know I can't say anything though. If I tell Ezra that I don't want to sleep with him tonight, he'll get angry and strike me. I don't want to get hit this early on in the marriage. I just got away from Daddy.
"Yes. I'm fine." I say, as I avoid looking into his piercing blue eyes.
"Okay. Tell me if you need anything. I'll make sure you're taken care of." Ezra says as his tone turns serious.
"Thank you, Ezra. I appreciate that a great deal." I tell him truthfully.
"Good. Now rest, my darling." Ezra says before planting a soft kiss on my forehead.
Line Break
By the time we arrive at the inn, it's already dark outside. Ezra helps me out of the carriage, before leading us into the building. Our servants, Charlotte included, came on the trip with us, and they're standing in the lobby awkwardly as Ezra speaks to the Inn-keeper.
"Aria, would you like to go upstairs with Charlotte and get ready for bed? I'm going to stay down here and have a glass of wine with Mr. Daves." Ezra says as he gestures towards the inn-keeper.
Even though Ezra should be spending the night with me, I don't mind him having a drink with the inn-keeper. It will give me some space, and maybe we won't end up doing anything tonight after all. This is perfect.
"Of course not." I say before walking over to Charlotte happily.
Charlotte leads me to the bedroom, and insists that I bathe immediately. After she bathes me, Charlotte sprays perfume all over me, and then slips me into a white corset. Then she sits me in front of the mirror, and begins to brush out my dark locks. Why is she doing all of this? I'm going to sleep, not to a grande ball.
"Charlotte, I don't think I've ever gotten this dressed up for bed before." I say with an ounce of confusion in my voice.
"I know Mrs. Aria, but you're married now. Men expect these things out of their wives." Charlotte says as her tone turns serious.
"Will I have to get this dolled up every night?" I ask as my eyes grow wide with worry.
"Only until a baby comes." Charlotte says with a slight smile.
The thought of having a baby of my own excites and scares me at the same time. I don't know if I'm ready to become a mother, even though I adore children. I wonder if my son will look like me. There is a good chance he'll look like Ezra, and that's not a bad thing. I have to admit that Ezra is rather handsome.
"Make sure that you're obedient. You have to do exactly what Mr. Ezra wants tonight." Charlotte says as her tone turns serious.
"Yes, Ma'am." I say as I nod my head slowly.
For the first time, I realize that Charlotte is sobbing softly. What on Earth is the matter?
"Charlotte, darling, why are you crying?" I ask as my voice softens.
"Nothing, sweetheart. I was just thinking that my baby isn't a baby anymore. I'll miss you a great deal, Aria." Charlotte says with a sniffle.
"You won't have to miss me, Charlotte. You're moving in with me and Ezra, remember?" I ask as I raise an eye brow.
"I know, but you don't belong to me anymore. You belong to Mr. Ezra." Charlotte says with a sniffle.
I'm about to remind Charlotte that I never belonged to her. If anything, she belonged to my father. I decide not to say anything though. Charlotte seems upset tonight.
"Did you ever have children, Charlotte?" I ask her curiously.
"I had a little girl." Charlotte says with a sad smile.
"Why haven't I seen her?" I ask Charlotte.
"She isn't here anymore, Mrs. Aria." Charlotte says as tears begin to spill out of her eyes.
I've known Charlotte for my entire life, yet I know so little about her. I guess I never cared enough to ask Charlotte about her life. To me, she's always been just another servant. Perhaps to her, I was the daughter she lost years ago. No wonder she was so hard on me.
"Aria, make sure Mr. Ezra treats you well tonight. If he doesn't, come straight to me." Charlotte says as she tucks a piece of hair behind my ear.
"What would you do about it?" I ask with a smirk.
"I'd do something. I don't know what yet, but I would figure it out." Charlotte tells me seriously.
"Thank you, Charlotte. That means a great deal to me." I tell her truthfully.
"Good. Now enjoy your night. I'll be in my room if you need anything." Charlotte says before kissing my forehead, and walking out of the bedroom.
After Charlotte leaves, I crawl into bed and close my eyes. Maybe if I pretend like I'm sleeping, Ezra won't bother me. I let out a nervous gasp when the bedroom door creeks open. He must be back.
"Are you awake, Aria?" Ezra whispers.
I don't respond. I just keep my eyes sealed shut, and pray that he'll go away soon. All the sudden, Ezra lays down next to me, and begins to suck on my neck. Strangely enough, it feels kind of nice. A startled moan escapes from my lips, and Ezra stops the kissing.
"So you are awake." Ezra whispers as he runs his fingers through my dark hair.
"Yes. I'm awake." I say as I begin to shake nervously.
Ezra responds by crawling on top of me, and pressing his lips against mine eagerly. This isn't at all like the kiss we shared at the wedding. This one seems such more... Aggressive. All the sudden, Ezra's hands begin to roam my breasts. He squeezes them gently, and I have to bite my tongue to keep from screaming. I don't like this. I don't like it at all.
"Sit up, princess." Ezra instructs.
I do as he says, and Ezra begins to untie my corset. After that's off, he removes my panties, and I'm completely exposed to him. I feel so embarrassed, and my cheeks turn bright pink. Ezra seems to sense my discomfort because he bends down to kiss my forehead softly.
"Don't be nervous. I'm going to take care of you. You're so beautiful, Aria." Ezra whispers to me.
I nod, and Ezra removes his pants so that he's completely naked. I try not to look up at him because I know it will scare me if I do. Ezra climbs back on top of me, and begins to kiss me with even more force. His manhood is as hard as a rock, and it's pressed up against my thigh. How the heck is that going to fit inside of me?
And then things start to take a turn in another direction. Ezra's hand moves between my legs, and absolute terror washes over me. I don't want him doing this to me. I just want to go to sleep, and pretend like none of this ever happened.
"Don't touch me! Please, don't touch me!" I scream before I burst into tears.
A look of absolute shock washes over Ezra's face. This is it. He's going to beat me for refusing him. I close my eyes, and pray that this will be over soon.
"Sh-sh. It's okay." Ezra whispers as he strokes my dark hair gently.
The softness of his voice causes me to cry even harder if that's humanly possible. He isn't beating me like I expected him to. Ezra is being kind.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm just so afraid..." I start to ramble.
"I know, honey. The first time is always scary. We don't have to do it until you're comfortable though, okay?" Ezra asks as he hands me my corset.
"R-Really?" I ask as my eyes grow wide with shock.
"Really. I'll be on the couch if you need anything. Goodnight, my darling." Ezra says before kissing my forehead, and walking over to the couch.
Ezra's POV
This is not how I imagined my wedding night. I'm currently laying on the couch, and nearly freezing to death. The only blanket is wrapped around my sleeping wife, and it's too late to ring in and ask for a second one.
Sharing a bed with Aria tonight is out of the question. If I go back into bed with Aria, she'll probably get nervous and cry again. Not to mention, I'm already having trouble getting the tent in my pants to go down. If I lay next to Aria all night, my problem will become even worse.
Aria is just so beautiful. She has the face and curves of a woman, yet she's so young emotionally. Tonight in bed, Aria reminded me of a helpless little girl. She obviously wanted me to stop, but it took a while for her to speak up. She probably thought I'd be angry with her.
I'm not angry with Aria in the slightest. If anything, I'm angry with myself. I should have been kinder and gentler with her, instead of being so aggressive. It was her first time, and I probably scared her way more than I should have.
When Aria lets me sleep with her, I'm going to be better than I was tonight. I'll be softer, and let her take control so she feels more comfortable. That's all I want. For Aria to be comfortable around me. We're going to be spending a long time together, so the sooner we become acquainted, the better.
A gasp escapes from my lips when I hear soft sobs coming from Aria's seemingly lifeless body. All this time I thought she was asleep. I want to go over and comfort her, but I know it's not a good idea. Aria probably wants her space, and I'm going to respect that.
Then again, she's my wife, and I should be there for her. After thinking about it for a minute, I get off the couch and make my way to the bed in the center of the room. I lay down next to Aria, and wrap my arms around her gently.
"Please, no." Aria says with a whimper.
"I'm not going to hurt you. I promise. I just need to know that you're okay." I tell her softly.
To my dismay, Aria begins to cry even harder. She's obviously really upset about something. Did I do something wrong? Maybe I'm a terrible husband already.
"Are you crying because of me?" I ask Aria curiously.
"W-What?" Aria asks as her eyes grow wide with shock.
"Did I do something to upset you? I'm so sorry if I frightened you earlier..." I start to ramble.
"Ezra, it's not you." Aria says, cutting me off before I can finish my sentence.
"So what is it?" I ask as I stare into her hazel eyes.
"It's just that... I really miss my momma." Aria says through her tears.
Oh. So that's what the crying is about. Today must have been so difficult for Aria. It was one of the most important days of her life, and her own mother wasn't at the wedding. The only person Aria had to support her was her father, who was drinking for most of the ceremony. Poor thing.
"Aria, can you tell me about your momma? I'm sure I would have enjoyed her company very much." I say as I rest a hand on my bride's shoulder.
"Y-You really want to know?" Aria asks as her eyes grow wide with shock.
"Of course I want to know, Aria." I say as I nod enthusiastically.
"My momma was... Beautiful. Inside and out. Momma always helped others because she never wanted to see anyone suffer. She suffered a great deal, yet no one ever helped her in return. It upsets me a great deal." Aria says with a sad sigh.
"Your mother's suffering is over, Aria. Don't you fret. She's in God's kingdom, watching over you as we speak." I say, trying to comfort the distraught woman.
"Possibly not. Momma was far from perfect, Ezra. She was a sinner, and she always taught me that sinners go to hell." Aria says with a whimper.
"How was your momma a sinner?" I ask as I furrow my brow in confusion.
"She... Never mind. It isn't right to speak poorly of the dead." Aria says as she begins to shake her head.
"Do you forgive your mother for the sins she committed?" I ask Aria seriously.
"Why of course I do! Momma broke my heart, but she didn't mean to. Momma was so hurt..." Aria starts to ramble.
"Aria, God is far less judgmental than you and I are. If you can forgive your mother, so can our savior. We're all sinners, yet he loves us unconditionally." I say with a slight smile.
"No he doesn't. If he loved us unconditionally, there wouldn't be a hell." Aria argues.
"Man created the concept of Hell, not God." I say in response.
"The bible says..." Aria starts to ramble.
"The bible was also written by men. I don't care what any priest says." I interrupt.
"Ezra, you mustn't say such things." Aria says as she begins to raise her voice.
"Why? Do you think God will send me to hell?" I ask with a smirk.
"Surely!" Aria exclaims.
"Darling, you are very young. Younger than you know." I tell her truthfully.
"You mentioned that we're all sinners. What have you done, Ezra?" Aria asks me suddenly.
Part of me wants to come clean with Aria, and tell her about my time in the prison camp. I could also mention my sleeping around, but I don't think that's a wise idea. Aria is still getting to know me, and I don't want her to think poorly of me this early on in our marriage.
"Honey, I've done many things I'm not proud of. I'll gladly tell you whatever you would like to know, but I believe this is a topic for another night." I say as I run my fingers through her silky hair.
"As you wish, Ezra." Aria says with a sigh of defeat.
I kiss her forehead one last time before springing to my feet, and walking back to the couch, where I will stay for the rest of the night.
AN: What did you think of those chapter? Did Aria's actions in the bedroom surprise you at all? What about Ezra's? Do you think they're getting closer, or is Aria keeping her distance? Please review and tell me your thoughts! Thanks for reading!