Chammielle woke with a blinding headache. The events of the night before a bit fuzzy. Her body ached and she couldn't even think.

She dragged herself from bed, wearing her linen chemise and tottered to the washroom. Her hands scrubbed over her face with cold water and soap, and then she felt odd. Quickly she turned to the flushing chamber pot and vomited.

"Chammielle...are you alright?"

"Ugh, don't come in here..."

The door clicked open and cool hands pulled her hair back from her face. She wanted to thank him but another wave of nausea struck her.

"Remind me never to buy you a third flaggon of ale so long as we live."

She laughed hoarsely and cleaned off her mouth. He steadied her and helped her to her feet.

"You, my dear, simply cannot hold strong drink. It really makes you do interesting things..."

A flash of what they'd been up to the night before came to her and her cheeks went red.

"Will...you didn't..."

He chuckled and kissed her cheek.

"I did and you loved it. You kept calling my name over and over and over. Though you did manage to call me Bill the whole time, but that made it feel just that much more naughty. Very encouraging."

She covered her face with her hands.

"Can I not kiss every part of my wife?"

She mumbled through her hands.

"Naughtn pubwic..."

"Hmm?"

He nuzzled her neck and chuckled. Kissing and nibbling on her. She groaned.

"You're not feeling well. Back into bed with you. I'll make us some nice tea and some breakfast. We are fully stocked."

She peered at him as he ushered her back to the bed.

"You can cook?"

"I can fry an egg and sausage well enough. But don't come running if you think I'm burning something. The chimney is just that bad I'm afraid."

He tucked her in and kissed her forehead.

"Get some rest. I'll bring it up when it's ready."

She closed her eyes and wished for the pounding to leave her. No such luck in that. So instead, she decided to distract herself.

But visions of the festival and William's newest form of affection for her came to mind.

Her face was as red as a tomato. She was certain. It was aglow like the red paper lanterns she'd seen dotting between all the blue and yellow and green ones. How could he do that?

She got tired of waiting and went back to the water closet to try and freshen up. There was a small mirror and she washed her hair in the hand basin. It was as if she was trying to scrub the red away. She wrung out her curls and piled them on top of her head, and then she saw it.

"Oh my..."

A bruise.

A great red and purple bruise. On her neck. Visible for all to see.

She heard his steps coming up the stairs and her embarrassment from earlier doubled.

"Oh, that is coming along nicely."

She glared at him and he smirked at her.

"How could you?!"

"I have always wanted to do that."

"Leave a bruise somewhere so visible! It's embarrassing!"

"It's my mark on you. Telling everyone you're mine and we enjoy each other. Honestly, the more you blush the cuter it is."

She threw the soap dish at him and he dodged it.

"Don't you ever do that again!"

He set down the tray of tantalizing food and put his hands up to make peace. Stepping forward, he lowered them so he could encircle her waist and kiss her lightly on the end of her nose. He poured lightly and sighed.

"Alright, I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Not unless you ask me to...or we won't be seen by anyone we know for a while...or if it's in a hidden place only I can see...otherwise I won't do it again. Probably."

She punched him in the chest and he laughed.

"You're so terrible!"

"And yet you adore me."

"I'm rethinking that..."

"Shall I get on my knees and beg? You really went wild with me down there."

She shoved at him but he held her tighter.

"Will!"

"Augustus is gone. I gave him some walking around money to go buy some things and have some of their coffee at a little shop. I'll take you there later. For now, let's get rid of that headache of yours and put some food in your stomach. Then I'll taste the honey pot again."

She punched him once more, softer this time. Her face was aflame, but she couldn't say she wasn't curious. They'd done other things, this just seemed...more embarrassing.

He'd made pork sausages, eggs, some roasted tomatoes, and sliced some fresh bakery baguettes into soft slabs and brought a dish of creamery butter for them. It was an excellent spread, and very hearty. Her stomach ached to devour it all.

She bit into the eggs and a piece of bread and practically moaned over it.

"That sounds familiar."

She wasn't going to let him get to her. She spied another jar on the tray and reached for it.

"What's this?"

"Honey."

She set it back down.

"I didn't know you liked honey on your bread and butter."

"It's not for that. This is a honey moon after all."

She got his meaning and blushed again.

"You're incorrigible..."

"I don't know what you mean. ...No really. What does it mean?"

She threw the butter knife at him and he caught it expertly and laughed.

"Fine. What do you want to do today? I have a plan in case you don't care to do anything at all."

She considered it a moment.

"Coffee sounds nice. I haven't tried any since Ianthe started drinking it. Perhaps if it was a little less sweet I'd drink it. Then why don't we walk around town and see what there is to discover. A restaurant for lunch or something..."

Her hand went to the hickey and she stopped talking.

"Nobody here knows who we even are. You're Cham Cornwall, my sweet little Francan tart. If anything, I'm sure the other married folk will try to buy us more ale to toast our marriage. They say the Spring Ale is good for ensuring a child within the first year of wedded bliss."

The idea didn't sound so terrible. People applauding them for marrying. The drinks for fertility seemed a bit much, but she didn't feel as opposed as she had before. The weight that had been hanging over her seemed lighter, and she suddenly felt like she could share this burden as it felt smaller and smaller.

"Will..."

"It's Bill here, mon amant."

"No, Will, there's something I think I need to tell you."

He set down the fried sausage and gave her his full attention.

"Go on. I'm here."

She sighed, feeling silly.

"My mother...she died after I was born...because she gave birth to me. I've had this totally irrational fear of dying because of pregnancy, and I need to reconcile some things in my head. My father hadn't known she was pregnant when he was called away to be married off to Delphi. She didn't have the money to afford a good midwife, and the woman who was helping her didn't care for her well because she wasn't a married woman. She'd mistaken her for a prostitute. She lost all her business for that mistake, but I still have this nagging feeling that someone ill suited to bring any child of mine into the world would end up at my side. That I'd leave my child alone. That I'll die..."

His arms wrapped around her and she felt his hands in her hair as he pulled her head to his chest.

"You never have to fear that again. Anyone who'd let you die with such carelessness would be executed, you know that? You are my princess. My wife and my love. I would never let anyone hurt you like that. And no one so stupid will ever get near our child. I promise you."

She cried and clutched his shirt.

It had seemed so silly when she was saying it. But he'd taken her so seriously. This was all she needed. His arms around her and the safe feeling he gave her. She was home. She was secure. She was loved.

He stroked her hair and whispered sweet nothings into it as he kissed her.

She sniffled and finally parted from his now drenched chest.

"Sorry, I don't know what came over me..."

"A burden being lifted. You're free, Chammielle. Free to do and be whoever you want to be."

She wiped away a straggling droplet and laughed.

"Am I free to dress for coffee after this?"

"Yes. Yes you are."

...

An hour later and they were traipsing around the cobblestone streets together, hand in hand.

"I'm sure I heard the coffee shop was down this road..."

"Perhaps we should ask for directions, Bill."

"No, no, I'm sure it's around here somewhere. We'll find it."

She sighed and couldn't help the smile on her face. Her father had gotten lost on his trips somewhere new a time or two due to not wanting to ask a local. He got cross if he couldn't be depended on, and so guessing Will was the same she simply hummed the tune from last night and followed her fearlessly lost leader.

The day was bright and her hangover gone. The bruise on her neck was in full view, but despite her original desire to hide it it seemed to draw them positive attention. An older couple with gray hair and the man with a gentleman's cane had passed them originally and the two had blown them kisses and wished them many children like they'd had. It was adorable. Now, she tried to flash it about to see who else would notice.

Most everyone did.

"A beautiful day for a beautiful couple! Godspeed those youngins your way!"

Will grinned from ear to ear and she covered her smile with her bare fingertips.

"My good sir, could you direct us to the coffee shop? I'm afraid I'll be keeping my Missus on her feet all day at this rate."

She squeezed his hand, thanking him for not being as stubborn as her father. The workman beamed at them, happy to help.

"Of course! It's just down that alley back there and then turn right. The Bunny Brew, best Francan cream coffee you ever tasted. Tell Mrs. Echinae I said hi. Name's Charles Westover."

Will shook his hand and she tried to do the same but he kissed the back of it instead. His stubble was ticklish.

"Bill and Cham Cornwall. A pleasure!"

He tipped his hat to them and waved.

"Best of the full moon to ya. Babes are sure to be on their way!"

She giggled and heard him whistle the same tune as he walked away.

"People are so nice here."

Will pulled her a little closer, then wiped and kissed her hand where he'd lay his kiss.

"Remind me to buy you a pair of gloves."

She giggled.

"Oh, Bill."

They found the coffee shop, the scent was unmistakable. It was much like a tea room, with little tables and lace doilies and cafe chairs. A full wooden counter was at one end and sported an array of local pastries.

"Oy! It's the honeymooners from last night! Welcome to the Bunny Brew. What can I get you?"

The curvy bushel bubby with a few wisps of white hair beamed brightly at them.

"You must be Mrs. Echinae. Charles Westover sent us your way."

She laughed.

"Oh that rascal. Mind you, he flirts with all the pretty women he can. Best to keep your lovely wife cooped up in bed while you're here."

Chammielle blushed deeply but tried to keep a cute smile on her face even as she chewed on it. Common people were really open with these sorts of things. Will chuckled beside her and pulled her close.

"Oh, I intend to. We've never tried the cream coffee before. I do a lot of trade closer to Central, but never had the pleasure of having the time to sit down and enjoy it."

The bubbly woman practically bounced in place with mirth and Chammielle liked her.

"Then can I recommend the cheesecake to go with it? It's seasonal to go with the Cheese Eating Hare festival. Complements of the house for your honeymoon."

Will paid with a silver coin and Mrs. Echinae brightened even further. She called her teenage son over and he got to work on the coffees.

They found a little table for two and sat down. The small window looked out on a rose covered alleyway, and she sighed as Will took her hand over the table and kissed it once more. He really was romantic.

"What do you say, Cham? Is Torheit to your liking?"

She giggled.

"Oh, Bill. The festival is enchanting, and the shops are adorable. What about you?"

"Anywhere with you is my new favorite place, darling."

She blushed and nibbled at her lower lip. She glanced up at him through her eyelashes, this man she truly knew and trusted and who cared and trusted her so implicitly. Her mind was made up. She'd tell him she loved him today. She finally knew it in the depths of her soul it was true.

"Two cream coffees and slices of cheese cake for the happy couple. My name is Max, and if you two need anything else just call me."

The youth had a pale brown smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks and green eyes. It surprised her. She hadn't seen anyone else with them before. He looked very handsome with his hay blond hair.

"Thank you Max."

He nodded and stepped away with his tray.

The coffee came in stout and wide white cups on little saucers. The creamy brown color was punctuated with foamy white crescents, and the two plates of cheesecake also had a matching moon shape stamped on the top of them. It all looked so precious. She picked up the dainty spoon to stir the drink and found it had rabbit ears off the end of the handle.

"This is so perfect! Oh, I want little spoons like these..."

They sipped the beverage and smiled. This was far better than the thick and dark brew Ianthe drank. And the cheesecake was not too sweet and had a robust cheese flavor.

Will smoothed his thumb over her wrist and she was reminded they hadn't let go of each other.

"Are you married?"

She turned at the same time as Will but saw his eyes light up with delight before she saw what he saw.

A tiny little girl hugging an anthropomorphised rabbit doll. She had dark chocolate curls that sprung and bounced and hung down to her legs. Beautiful big brown eyes in a round little face with dimples. But more than that, she had freckles. Just like Max.

"Well hello there. Where did you come from?"

Will didn't even think twice. He picked up the giggling tot and set her on his knee. She bounced on it and her curls danced around her in her little purple dress.

"Upstairs. I live here!"

"Well my name is Bill and this is my wife Cham. You were right, we are married."

"That's why yous two look at each other with the soft eyes. Papa looks at Mama same. Do you have any kids I can play with?"

He laughed, clearly enjoying the little girl. Chammielle's heart felt mushy in her chest.

"Not yet, no. You have a big brother I see. Max?"

"Yeah, but he works. Same as Junie. All the kids is older than me."

"What's your name?"

"Tildy. And this is Munster."

She held out her rabbit and Will smirked, taking one of the arms and shaking it up and down.

"Lovely to make your acquaintance, Munster. Your friend Tildy is a very pretty girl."

She got a funny look on her face.

"Munster cants talk. And I'm not pretty. I don't have as manys freckles as Cham does."

Chammielle nearly stood at that.

"Tildy, you think my freckles are pretty?"

She turned to her and bobbed her head.

"Yes. I only gots a few. You're a really pretty lady."

She couldn't help herself. She reached across and held her hand out.

"May I see Munster?"

She nodded and Will handed the toy to her. She sat him on the table and lifted one floppy ear and made whisper noises before cupping her ear and putting it to the rabbit's nose.

"Mhm, he can talk. He says he thinks you're very pretty too, but wants to know why you think you're not."

Just like that the tiny child accepted that her stuffed doll could talk and tilted her head.

"I dunno... Papa has more freckles and I want to look like him."

Her own childhood spent desiring to look like her stepmother came to her and she understood. The child couldn't be more than four years old. Such things began early.

She cupped her ear to the rabbit once more and then nodded.

"He says you look like both Mama and Papa together, and that makes you special. Because you're pretty both ways."

The big brown eyes stared at the rabbit and her red little mouth popped into an O as she processed what her previously mute friend was saying.

"Oh...I didn't think like that before. Munster is smart."

"You do have a good friend here. If anyone else isn't as smart as him about you they aren't very good friends, I'd say."

She nodded then hopped down and took her floppy bunny back.

"I'ma tell Mama I think I'm pretty now. And then I'm gonna go talk to Munster."

"You do that Tildy. Munster also said he likes it when you sing and tell him stories. He wants to hear one about him."

She smiled so her whole face stretched with it and those brown eyes sparkled. And just like that she turned and ran towards the front counter.

"Mama! Mama! Did you know I'm pretty, too?"

She watched her run and smiled. Her heart praying she grow up loving herself like she never had. She felt a tapping on her hand Will's fingers slid into hers.

"You were really good with her."

She caught the unbridled adoration in his eyes and her breath faltered.

That little girl, had brown eyes so similar to hers but dark like his. Her hair was just a bit brighter than Will's and had the prettiest curls she'd ever seen. And those freckles, they were just a dusting. Would their children look like Tildy?

Her heart suddenly ached and she wondered at it.