at first he did not understand the lad's words though when he did he offered only a soft roll of his shoulders. "how soon can a woman lose a child and gain another? there is the possibility but i would not know any more than a flea would know the workings of a falcon"

"That is the problem, I do not know either," he commented gently as he walked alongside the prince as they stood from their pew to exit and leave the monks to do their daily rituals. "Not to mention they would have to think something, whether they will say it aloud or not. Thoughts are how rumors get started and rumors lead to trouble."

"then instead you may say your husband is no longer angry over the loss of the first and is trying again for another, nothing needs be said of success only attempt." he leered though it was not directed at his wife, "it would not be unusual if that as making you feel both wanted and ill in equal measures"

(wanted from love and ill from not being right from the miscarriage)

Placing a soft hand to rest on top of his husband's, he gently reached over to place a kiss against his cheek, "certainly not unusual, but it does give me an excuse to remain silent during tea today, thank you, husband."

he could not help but be a little pleased with the show of gratitude and stood straighter, "it is no effort on my part wife. i am not against it"

He had to stifle the smile at his lord's show at manliness, and covered up his lack of response by gentle pulling free. "I believe we must part ways for our daily chores. I will see you this evening at last meal if not sooner, my prince."

it was difficult not to find his sweet little wife before meal though he managed and when the other came to eat he had nothing but eyes for him and his meal remained untouched

He was bored quickly by the end of the meal, and it was one of the view times he was happy to leave early with the rest of the women while the men remained to speak among themselves. He had not been oblivious to the looks he'd received during the meal, and he was not sure if the Prince was to stay with the others or to follow, but he hoped for the latter to save him from the rest of the women.

as soon as his wife was excused he made to leave as well and with only a few soured looks managed to catch up to the lad before the group of women could get to far. he brushed off everyone but his mother who was given only a customary kiss before sweeping his wife up and carrying him off

He was caught off-guard when the arms wrapped around him and his legs left the ground, and while he suppressed a sound of surprise, he could not help laughing while the prince navigated through the twisted corridors. He thought to ask where they were going, but as the smell of leather and ink filled the air he knew he was being taken to the library. The duke smiled to himself.

he could feel his wife relax as they neared the library though he did not look at the sweet face until he was inside the sanctuary and away from any eyes that could look in on them

"I am glad that you swept me away, my prince," he admitted as the Prince moved to set him down in their sanctuary. "We have hardly seen one another today since mass."

"odd dear wife since i have not seen anything but you since last eve, maybe it is bewitchment" he offered the lad a pressing kiss to the jaw, "to be truthful it is the sort of thing you would do"

"Of course, a faerie must conceal herself to the eyes of others, only her prince is deemed to see her," turning his head he allowed for the Prince to kiss him while he fought to keep his expression neutral.

"oh?" moving along the curve of the lad's neck he trailed down to the hem of the other's shirt, "...my lord"

He shivered beneath the kisses, and gently touching the Prince's face he allowed for him to travel along the line between skin and fabric. "...My Prince."