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Short Story Of Audra's False Bed

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The moment Audra rose, Fay and Una were at her side, chattering about how they would be happy to escort her to the garderobe—though Audra had not mentioned anything about going—and whisked her out of the room, down the hallway, and through the double doors into the cramped room. As Faye promised, Audra’s travel clothing lay folded neatly on the corner table, and before she had time to say a word, Faye and Una stripped Audra out of her dress and had were lacing her into shift, skirts, bodice, and fur-lined, fitted tunic. “Ladies, I can dress myself…” They ignored her and continued the lacing and fussing, but Audra insisted upon securing her own boots. While Audra tightened the laces, Faye wrapped a heavy winter cloak around Audra and clucked …show more content…

“You’re doing me a tremendous favor, Jon. No apologies needed. But will drive right back home? I’m concerned about you.” “No, my lady. The owners of the home have a few small cottages down the lane where they house servants and workers. There’s room for me.” It touched Audra that so many people were going to great lengths to make her wedding and honeymoon a memorable and private one, while not sacrificing safety. Half a heartbeat later, Vaughan and Maxen jogged out of the castle. Clearly, Faye had not dressed Maxen for the ride, because he looked decidedly less… draped. He wore his lined winter cape, but with the hood lowered. As he drew closer, he broke into a run, grinning like a boy who’d won the kingdom’s greatest prize, his eyes alight with adoration. Despite Audra’s flaws and many weaknesses, he loved her, and she could not imagine anything in life more precious than that. She had struggled, suffered, and done wrong, but with Maxen by her side from this point forth, Audra felt as if no pain could touch her. “Maxen, at least tie up your hood—” Audra started, but he lifted her off her feet and spun her around before she could finish. She screeched playfully, but he silenced her with a bruising …show more content…

Let’s see how long it takes before the guests realize the bride and groom have absconded.” Maxen set Audra back down on the ground and she spun toward her friends. “That you for everything!” she called out, and smiled over their shoulders at her, but kept walking. “Sweet gods, let’s get out of here.” Maxen grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the carriage. XXXX Not long into their carriage ride, Audra was warm, full, and sleepy. Maxen had brought along a skin of hot cider, along with a bag full of roasted chestnuts, and a warm bread filled with cheese, spices, and spinach. Since they’d hardly had a chance to take a bite of food during their post-wedding celebration, the fare was most satisfying. Although Audra wanted to remain alert and enjoy the ride to the seaside home, drowsiness claimed her and she nodded off with her head resting against Maxen’s shoulder. She was vaguely aware of him pulling up their blanket up to her chin, but then fell into a deep slumber with peace in her heart and the welcome sense she was loved and protected. However, a dip in the road jolted the carriage, and Audra woke with a start, unsure how long they’d been traveling. “It’s all right.” Maxen stroked her hair. “We’re just over halfway

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