Astrid sensed that the news was better kept between them for the moment, for it had upset her wife this much, it could very well upset others even more. She ushered her into the great hall, telling her brothers and mother that Vevina wasn't feeling well and she would see her to their bedchamber.
Arthur and Lancer expressed their concern and urged her to take all the time she needed, saying they could talk later. Elaine, as she suspected, insisted on helping, but she managed to convince her she'd do fine on her own and pointed out that Marley might be hungry. The animal obliged her by barking and trotting toward the kitchen.
"You'll call me if you need me?" Elaine asked, hurrying after the dog.
"Without a doubt," Astrid confirmed, and with her arms snug around her wife, climbed the stair
