Ezra's POV
As soon as I get to the estate, I hurry to my bedchamber to greet Aria. A startled gasp escapes from my lips when I see Aria sleeping soundly in our king-sized bed. Why is she asleep so early? My poor darling must be tired.
I tip toe over to the bed, before taking a seat next to my sleeping wife. She looks so beautiful in her sleep. So... Vulnerable. I rarely get to see her in this state, since I always end up sleeping on the couch. I take a minute to admire Aria, and then I instinctually bend down to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. To my dismay, Aria's hazel eyes flutter open. Oh no! I did not mean to wake her...
"E-E-Ezra?" Aria asks with a tired yawn.
"Sh-sh. Go back to sleep, honey. I'm right here." I say, before running my fingers through her dark locks.
Aria's eyes close, but she continues to mumble words that I cannot make out. Is Aria awake, or is she asleep? Maybe little bit of both? Could she be talking in her sleep?
"I-I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, Ezra." Aria says, finally speaking coherent sentences.
She's sorry? What could Aria possibly be sorry for? If anything, I'm the one who should be apologizing. For some reason, I feel like I'm not enough for Aria. It's almost as though I'm failing to be a suitable husband...
"No. I'm sorry." I whisper, as I try to hold back tears of shame.
"Sorry, Ezra. sorry." Aria repeats.
"Sh-sh. Don't be sorry. Just sleep, Aria. Go back to sleep." I say, trying to soothe the woman.
Aria doesn't say anything else after that. No. She's out like an old lantern. I let out a tired yawn, and for the first time, I realize how tired I am. I'm tempted to crawl into bed with Aria, but I immediately stop myself. That wouldn't be right. It might upset my young bride.
I kiss Aria's forehead one last time, before walking over to the couch, and collapsing on the couch. I suppose I'll sleep in my day clothes. I'm far too tired to change into something more suitable. I close my eyes, and feel myself drifting to sleep.
Right when I'm about to pass into a state of oblivion, the door to my bedchamber bursts open. Who could be bothering us this late in the evening. What if it's a robber? My first instinct is to protect Aria, so I immediately spring to my feet. I look up, and let out a long sigh of relief when I realize that it's only my father. Wait, what is my father doing here? His eyes dart to the couch I was sleeping on, and then to the bed, where Aria remains unconscious, despite all the commotion. Oh no... How am I going to explain this?
"F-Father, what are you doing in here?" I ask, as I cross my arms over my chest.
"I was going to offer you a drink. I did not realize that you and Aria slept so early... Do you mind if I have a word with you outside? I don't want to wake our sweetheart." My father says, as he gestures towards Aria.
"Of course I do not mind." I mutter, before following my father out of the bedchamber. He leads me into one of the many sitting rooms in the estate, and we both take a seat on the couch. I wonder if my father can see how much I'm shaking...
"Are you and Aria fighting? Did she ask you to sleep on the couch?" My father asks, with a concerned expression on his face.
What do I say? I do not want to place the blame on Aria, but I do not want my father to learn the truth either.
"N-No I got home from, and Aria was sound asleep. I-I roll around a lot a-at night, and I did not want to wake her, s-so I decided to sleep on the couch." I mutter, as I avoid looking into my father's eyes.
"You're lying." My father says, as he shakes his head slowly.
"W-what?" I ask, as my eyes grow wide with shock.
"You stutter when you lie. You've done it ever since you were a little boy. Ezra, are you going to tell me what's really going on here?" My father asks, as he rests a hand on my shoulder.
I do not want to lie to my father anymore. He has been my closest companion for as long as I can remember. He is an understand man. My father will not judge Aria for being afraid. I am sure of it. Perhaps he can help me with this situation.
"Father... I have not been completely honest with you. My honeymoon was incredible, but Aria and I did not consummate the marriage. I tried, but she was so afraid... I don't think I've ever seen someone cry so hard. We've tried a few times since then, but Aria always ends up getting scared before we can do the deed. I don't want to force her, so I've been sleeping on the couch." I confess.
My dad sighs, and closes his eyes for a second. I cannot read him. Is he angry? Upset? Disappointed? I wish I could tell.
"Father, please do not be upset with Aria. None of this is her fault. She is still a child." I tell my father truthfully.
"Ezra, I could not possibly be upset with Aria. Like you said, she is very young. I am sure the marriage has been overwhelming for her, especially since her mother was not alive to tell her what to expect." My dad says, with a sad smile.
"Yes. Aria puts on a brave front, but I can tell that the transition from daughter to wife has been incredibly difficult for her. Are you upset with me, Father? I know I should have taken charge in the situation, but I could not bring myself to do it." I tell the older man.
"Ezra... I understand. You are in love with her." My dad says, with a slight smile.
"I-I am?" I ask, as my eyes grow wide with shock.
"Yes. Of course you are. I can see it in your eyes. You love Aria, and you do not not want to hurt her." My dad tells me gently.
Part of me knows that my father is right. I do love Aria. Perhaps I have loved her for a long time, but I was too afraid to admit it to myself because I know she does not feel the same way about me. Not yet anyways, and it hurts. It hurts more than anything the Confederates did to torture me in the prison camp.
"Oh father, what am I to do? She has me wrapped around her little finger, and I cannot bring myself to take control of the situation. But I need to impregnate her soon... This family needs an heir." I say, as tears begin to form in my eyes.
"Ezra, do not cry. It will be fine. Just sit Aria down, and tell her the truth. Explain that you do not want to pressure her, but the clock is ticking. The longer you wait, the harder it will become for Aria to get pregnant. Explain that she can trust you, and that you will make it as painless as possible for her." My father suggests.
Huh. Maybe the reason it has never worked is because I never talked about the process with Aria before we tried. I never told her how special she is to me, or that I'd take care of her. Perhaps I have not done a good enough job communicating with my wife. Surely this is the problem. Once Aria and I have an honest conversation regarding the issue, I am sure she will be more open to having intercourse. Aria is a reasonable woman.
"You are right. I will have a talk with Aria tomorrow after work. I am sure she will reconsider." I say with a genuine smile.
"Yes. I am sure she will too. So, will you tell me about her?" My father questions.
"A-About Aria?" I clarify.
"Yes. I want to hear all about the woman who stole my son's heart." My dad says with a chuckle.
What can I tell him about Aria? There are so many wonderful things...
"Aria is perfect. Absolutely perfect." I say, before listing all of her incredible attributes.
Aria's POV
My eyes flutter open when the door to the bedchamber creeks open. I immediately sit up, and sigh in relief when I realize that it's only Ezra. Ezra. My heart sinks in my chest as I begin to recall the details of what happened a few hours ago. Ezra was at work, and his mother accused me of being a terrible wife, who was destined to break her son's heart. I wonder if she told Ezra about our conversation. I wonder if he believes her. What if my own husband hates me as much as Dianne does?
"Aria... I did not mean to wake you. Is everything okay?" Ezra asks me softly.
No. Everything is far from okay. I feel absolutely sick. I have ever since my conversation with Dianne. I cannot tell Ezra that though. Wives are supposed to be positive creatures who lift their husband's spirits. I want to do that for Ezra, since I have already failed him in every other way.
"Yes. I am wonderful. Did you just get home from work?" I ask him curiously.
"No, actually. I was in the dinning hall having a drink with my father. Have you eaten supper? I can have one of the servants prepare you a meal." Ezra offers.
I am rather hungry. I have not eaten since I accompanied Dianne for tea, but I would hardly call that eating. I know I cannot say anything to Ezra though. I do not want him to think I am needy, or worse, fat. I will endure the hunger until morning.
"No. I am fine." I say, as I force a smile.
"Okay. Aria... Do you mind if I lay with you tonight?" Ezra asks, as he avoids looking into my eyes.
L-Lay with me? Is he referring to intercourse? Oh no. No, no, no. But I must say yes... Normally I would have no problem refusing Ezra, but tonight is different. Before, I was convinced that I could do whatever I pleased. Now I am not so sure. After my talk with Dianne, I came to the painful realization that Ezra is the boss, and I am merely his slave. He has the power to make my life hell if he pleases. I need to obey him. I shall train myself to be a good wife, so I do not get hurt in the future.
"Of course I do not mind." I say, trying to convince him and myself.
Ezra takes off his boots, before laying down next to me in the bed built for two. He runs his fingers through my dark and silky hair, before kissing me so softly, that I feel as though a feather is touching my lips. I like this sort of kissing. It is not desperate, or barbaric. It is gentle... Loving.
"I missed you a great deal today, sweetheart." Ezra says, as he slowly breaks the kiss.
"I missed you too. How was your day?" I ask him curiously.
"It was way too long. I spent the entirety of it thinking about you, and wishing that I could hold you like I am doing now. How was your day?" Ezra asks, as he tightens his grasp on my body.
Surprisingly, I missed Ezra too. Even though I have no feelings for him, it is nice having a gentleman to speak with through out the day. Not to mention, I did not have to see Dianne when Ezra was around.
"Mine was fine, but I missed you too." I tell him truthfully.
"I am sorry, my darling. Did you have tea with Spencer?" Ezra asks, as he perks up a bit.
"No, I did not. I dined with your mother instead." I mutter, as I avoid looking into my husband's eyes.
"Did you? How was she? Did you ladies have a lot to discuss?" Ezra asks me curiously.
Oh no... I must not tell Ezra the truth about the nature of my conversation with Dianne. He must remain ignorant and blissful. If he does not, I will suffer the consequences.
"Why, yes actually. Your mother is a lovely woman, Ezra. I am so honored to call myself her daughter-in-law." I say, resisting the urge to vomit all over my husband.
"Aria, I am so glad. My mother means the world to me. She has always been so kind to me... So loving and understanding. You remind me so much of her. Perhaps that is why I lo- I am so fond of you." Ezra says, as his face lights up with excitement.
I remind him of his mother? I suppose it makes sense. I haven't exactly been friendly to poor Ezra, and Dianne is about as friendly as a rabid dog. But why does he think she is so kind? Maybe she is different around him? Surely, that is what is going on. Dianne is nice to her little prince, and terrible to anyone who gets too close to him...
"What did you discuss with my mother?" Ezra asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Well... We discussed the wedding, the estate, and you of course." I say, as I run my fingers through Ezra's thick curls.
"Me?" Ezra asks, with an adorable little blush.
"Yes you. There is so much to say about you, darling. How intelligent you are, how kind you are, how handsome you are... I could go on for hours!" I exclaim, before cuddling closer to my husband.
At first, Ezra looks overjoyed. Why wouldn't he be? Men love when their women shower them with compliments, since they have such fragile egos. But then something changes... Ezra doesn't look overjoyed anymore. He looks confused... Concerned even.
"Aria, are you feeling okay? You're not falling ill, are you?" Ezra asks, as he places a hand on my forehead.
"What? Why of course not! Why do you say such things?" I ask, as I stare up at the young man.
"You are a sweetheart, but I am not used to hearing such compliments from you. What is going on? This is not you, Aria." Ezra says, as he stares into my hazel eyes.
How does he know who I am, and who I am not? We have been married only a few short weeks! If Ezra really knew me, he would know that my compliments are insincere. He would know that I am only trying to please him so that he does not beat me.
"I am just so happy that you are my husband. I want to express that to you." I say, as I stare up at Ezra with my hazel eyes.
Ezra smiles, before kissing my lips softly. I kiss him back, but after a few minutes he breaks contact. I wonder what Ezra wants now.
"Aria... I have been thinking a lot about our future lately. Like I said, I am very fond of you, and I want us to be a family. Do you understand what I am saying, honey?" Ezra asks, as he begins to tremble nervously.
"Y-you want to touch me." I say, as my eyes grow wide with fear.
"No! Well yes, but that is not the point. I do not want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, but I want children, Aria. Is that what you want? To have little boys and girls running around?" Ezra asks, as he strokes my cheek tenderly.
Yes. Of course I want little boys running around. I just wish we did not have to have intercourse to make it happen. Why can't God just plant the seeds inside of me? Mary has no idea how easy she had it...
"If this is what you want, I am more than happy to oblige. Let's just get this over with." I say, with a breathy sigh.
"Aria, you do not understand. This is not something I want to just get over with. This is supposed to be special." Ezra says, as a look of hurt washes over his face.
"I am sorry. Am I not dressed up enough for you? Would you like me to put on a nicer corset? I can have Charlotte do my hair?" I offer, as I try to contain my utter annoyance.
"You still do not understand." Ezra says, as he shakes his head slowly.
"Would you care to explain?" I ask, as I begin to raise my voice.
"No. Not really. Perhaps you are just too young. I think I shall go to sleep now." Ezra mutters, before climbing out of bed, and walking towards the couch.
All the sudden, I feel absolutely furious. How dare Ezra call me young! He may be older than I am, but does he really think he is wiser? Contrary to what Ezra believes, I am not fool.
"What do you mean I am too young? I am as wise as you are, Ezra." I say, forgetting my place in the heat of the moment.
"No. I believe you are wiser, but you are also far emptier than I am. Why are you so cold, Aria? Why do you chose to hurt me?" Ezra asks, as tears begin to pour out of his blue eyes.
His tears and words take me completely by surprise. Dianne was right. I am hurting Ezra. But how? All I was trying to do was please him. I thought I was being a good wife. I should have known that there is no such thing as a good wife. Men will always be dissatisfied. Perhaps that is why they are so bitter, and violent. Ezra is no different. Why do I keep letting myself forget that he is just a man? A man, just like my father. Maybe I truly am a fool.
"I am not choosing to hurt you, Ezra. If anything, you are choosing to be hurt. Please leave me for the rest of the night. I do not wish to be the brunt of your anger." I say, as bravely as I can.
"The brunt of my anger? What does that even mean?" Ezra asks, as he furrows his brow in confusion.
"I said leave me!" I shout, before burying my head underneath my pillow, and bursting into tears.
Half of me expects Ezra to apologize for his unreasonable behavior and console me, but he does not. My husband just lays on the couch, and does not say a word. Even though we are only a short distance away from each other, Ezra and I are more separate than the North and the South.
AN: What did you think of this chapter! Was it smart for Ezra to confess the truth to his father? What did you think of the fight between them at the end? Will they overcome it quickly, or will it cause even more tension between them? Please review and tell me what you thought :)