Caversham's Bride (The Caversham Chronicles - Book One) by Sandy Raven Page A

as soon as possible.
    While in the whoremaster’s compound, she was told repeatedly not to expect kindness, that affection was reserved for a select few in a man’s life, and if you were so fortunate as to receive it, be thankful. That sentiment almost mirrored what she saw in the world too, though her parents were the exception. She knew many women who’d married young and had miserable lives with indifferent and uncaring husbands who’s only need for them was to beget children. Their respect and affection were given to their mothers and grandmothers.
    Lia spied a small open and empty leather covered traveling chest on the other side of the bed. She assumed it had been left for her, and as she packed her new things into it, she thought of her little brother. She would soon have him back with her, where he belonged.
    If last night was any indication, life with Ren would not be so bad. He seemed pleasant enough. As his wife she would likely be afforded some freedoms and a secure status in society. While she’d hoped for love, she would certainly accept a loveless marriage to have her brother and Maura back. Yes, her situation had definitely turned out better than that of most women.
    She must remember to show her gratitude. The only way to do that was to be the eager lover a man desires of his wife.
    There was also the matter of the son he wanted her to bear. Her son. She had agreed, and would live up to her word, to bear his child. Of course, last night she would have agreed to anything for his promise to help her. If she’d learned anything from the women within the compound, it was to be agreeable and obedient. They were the ones who stayed out of trouble and lived to see another day.
    She smiled to herself. Last night she discovered being an enthusiastic lover was also very helpful. Then again, it helped when her lover was as eager to please her as she was to please him.
    When she was finished packing her new belongings, Lia went into the garden and sat on the wooden bench, feeling the cool evening breeze, filled with the scent of jasmine, jacaranda, roses, and lilies brushing her cheeks. She started to relax, reassured in her conclusion that she was doing the right thing.
     
    R en stepped silently into the private garden, loathe to disturb Lia as she reclined on the bench. Her head lay on the armrest, the curled ends of her deep brown hair trailing the tiled paving. He could tell from the slow rise and fall of her breasts pushing against the thin silk of her white kaftan that she rested peacefully. The graceful column of her throat was exposed, inviting his touch. Her legs stretched out before her on the seat, her delicate bare feet hanging over the armrest opposite her head. She made a quite fetching portrait, one that would entice even a monk into thinking sinful thoughts.
    And this vision was his.
    He cleared his throat. Lia sat up and turned to him, surprise evident in those emerald eyes of hers.
    “I have ordered dinner to be brought to our rooms tonight. A bath is also coming.”
    “As you wish, Your... Ren.”
    He smiled, pleased that she remembered his request and corrected herself. “Were you sleeping?”
    “Not really.” She moved to sit, making room for him. “Just relaxing. It’s the first time I have been able to since....” She broke off and took a deep breath. “In over eight months.”
    He took the seat next to her, and gazed over the top of the garden wall at the pinkish gray sky of early evening. She stared ahead at the same water-color-perfect sky as he, and heard the same religious call to prayer for Muslims.
    When the chanting call ended, she spoke. “We haven’t discussed what is to become of Luchino and Maura. Maura was originally our family’s housekeeper, and after I was born she became my nurse, then my brother’s as well. There was never a time she was not with our family.” Lia turned to look at him, deep concern in her expression. “I know as your wife I am your property,