It was surprise, more than pain, that made him exclaim when Marian tugged on the thread she had woven into his skin. If he were a wiser man, he would shut his mouth until she had finished her task.
But he was unsure when they would get a chance to speak again; and, the temptation to tease her was too great. It was worth the ache.
Above all, perhaps she would begin to feel at least somewhat avenged. His arm was not the only thing between them needing repair, and if this was the first step down that path, so be it.