Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (reading women .txt) 📗

He laughed. “For you, not me.” Leaning over, he kissed her nose. “I must go train with my men. I will see you at dinner.”

Katherine spent most her day with Marion—she was becoming close to her soon-to-be mother-in-law and enjoyed their time together. The castle staff was kind to her and did not treat her as an outsider. Even the guards gave her due respect. Either the wrath of Ian scared them, or they were genuinely glad she was there.

Later that evening, Katherine watched outside the window waiting for Ian. She noticed many soldiers filling the bailey and people scrambling in the keep. Ian had sent word that he would escort her to dinner, but he never came. Growing weary of his tardiness, she left her chamber to walk to the great hall. Servants were running in the corridors with piles of blankets and other supplies. Katherine grew worried at their somber expressions and rushed to find Ian. Unable to locate him in the hall, she tried to find Marion.

“There you are.” She turned around recognizing the familiar voice. It took her a moment to recognize her husband with all the chain mail. Furrowing her brow, she knew this wasn’t good. “What is happening?”

He took off his gauntlet and touched her face. “My love, the rebels have broken through a stronghold in the north, and we have been asked to help. The villages have close ties to our clan and we can’t refuse. People are dying, and they are burning homes. There are important castles that must be secured before they are breached as well. Time is of the essence and we must leave at once. I would give my right arm not to hurt you, but we must postpone our wedding. I hope you can understand.”

Katherine was in shock with all the activity going on around them. Swallowing hard, she tried to compose herself. “Of course, you must help. We will get married when you return.”

He leaned his forehead on top of hers. “We are already husband and wife. Please don’t ever forget that. This ceremony is only a formality for our families. I love you and will rush back to you as soon as I can.” He reached over and kissed her lips softly lingering until he had to break away. “I must go and lead the men.”

She whispered, “I love you. Stay safe, my love.”

He donned his helm and opened the visor to look at her. “Always.”

The next few weeks flew by and Katherine learned the lay of the castle and village. She fell into a routine of taking long walks, reading in the gardens, and weaving when time allowed. Dinners were lonely as most of the men were gone. A small army stayed to guard the castle, but it still felt empty without the brothers at home. Missives were sent to wedding guests to postpone the wedding. Katherine thought about Ian mostly, but sometimes her thoughts turned to her sister. She was still angry at Deanna but had to admit that she missed her too. Deanna was always headstrong and quick to temper. Then again, she was the only family she had left and that alone should be a reason to forgive her. Katherine decided to write a missive and invite her to stay a few weeks with her. It was a brief two-day travel distance between them. Only one night on the road.

After a few more weeks, her moods started changing. She no longer wanted to take long walks or go to the great hall for dinner. Her mind was always racing with possible tragedies. The weather started to change, and Katherine stayed more and more in her chamber. One night, there was a celebration of a new birth. Marion practically insisted that she join them, and reluctantly she agreed.

Coming upon the table of women, she noticed them cooing over the new life. Bending down, she smiled touching the baby’s foot. “He is adorable.” She looked at the mother who beamed from head to toe.

“Thank you. He will surely make his Da proud.”

Katherine had heard the father was fighting with the men. She tried to stay at least a few moments listening to the women talk about the baby but was unable to keep herself still. A depression clouded over her and she stood up looking over at Marion. “Forgive me, I have the worse headache and must retire.”

A look of concern swept over Marion’s face. “Of course, my dear. I will check on you later.”

Katherine went back to her chamber. It was raining outside, and she spent a few hours just sitting at her window watching it come down. She wondered how Ian was faring and if it was raining where he was. Not wanting to catch a chill, she finally stood up and walked back to her bed. Running her fingers across the covers, she closed her eyes remembering Ian’s last night there. How she wished she could still smell him. The laundered sheets had no trace of him any longer. Sadness enveloped her, and her chest hurt. Only the memories in her mind gave her comfort. She had to find a way to occupy her time or she would never survive this separation.

Katherine stayed in her bed the next couple of days not wanting to get up. Marion finally made her bathe and dress. Every time she tried to lift her head, she would feel nauseous. She knew this could be a sign of pregnancy and tried to calculate her last womanly flow. After thinking about it for a few moments, she realized it was a few months ago, right after she was brought to England. That means they had to be officially married soon or people would know. Making herself get up, she washed her face and drank some mead.

Marion greeted her in the great hall. “You look a little pale, but I am happy you are up. We have