Tegan was slightly disoriented by the way Lorian intimately addressed her. She looked up at him and smiled gently.

“You’re back?”

There was no reproach or complaint in her tone. Extra displays of affection and intimacy could feel like self-degradation in a marriage devoid of love. Tegan didn’t expect him to treat her any better, but she still had the right to remain true to herself.

Lorian walked over and gently touched the embroidery. He was somewhat taken aback by its beauty.

“You've bee