XXIII

Rosalie

I was back in his arms, where I belong. It had felt like the longest journey of my life. Discovering the Goddess woods had been a harrowing experience. And even after learning what I had, by the time I found my way out, I was exhausted.

The little farmhouse was the first home that I had come across. And luckily enough for me, the occupiers, although humble, were welcoming and open to sharing the little that they had for themselves.

By the time I found myself to their door, it was dark. And my feet were begging to stop.

They had allowed me shelter, and the little warmth that I could find from the draughty dwelling. They shared their supper. And offered me a hay stuffed mattress to sleep on. Morning came and went and despite the fact I was eager to find Alexander and the men, my body refused to rouse itself from the bed. They had left me undisturbed, perhaps realising that I needed the time to recover in my pregnant state.

I was just about to continue on my journey, when a l