She's the One Who Cares Too Much by S. R. Cronin

Author:S. R. Cronin [Cronin, S. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: super powers, seven sisters, hidden kingdom, strong voice, magical realms, women warriors, utopias, super heroine, romance 1200s, pregnant hero
Publisher: S. R. Cronin
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16. Getting to Know Each Other

When Chessa and I arrived back at my cottage, a note from her father sat scrunched under the door. “Please bring Chessa home soon.” I read it and looked at her. She knew, in that way kids do.

“It happened. Didn’t it?”

“I think so. Your daddy says he needs you. Let’s get you home.”

She was calm, almost a sleep-walker, as she put her things into her bag. When she thought I wasn’t looking, she pulled one of the small cloth dolls from my parents’ house out from inside her dress and put it with her other things. Had she stolen it and hidden it in her clothes? I considered confronting her, then decided she had enough to deal with. She could keep the toy for now.

I put some grapes, bread, and smoked meat in a bag so she’d have something for dinner. Then I got us back on Nutmeg, thankful Votto enjoyed riding as much as I did. I hoped he’d never outgrow it.

When I helped her off my mare outside of her home, Chessa whispered “Can I stay with you again sometime?”

“Of course you can.”

“Good. Thank your mother for the doll. Tell her I nursed her when we rode, just like you nurse Votto.”

Janx saw us dismount and came outside, his face red and his eyes bleary. Family should be around to help under these circumstances. How could I leave this man alone?

“Your wife?”

He nodded. “I’ve gotten to know my neighbors better, with the practices we’re having.” He made a sound somewhere between a laugh, a cough, and a sob. “Learning how to capture Mongols is one way to make friends. But … they came to help me. We, we buried her in a beautiful spot. I’ll take Chessa there tomorrow. I wanted her last memories of mother to be …”

He leaned on his porch rail as though he hadn’t the strength to stand unsupported.

“I understand. Can I help somehow? I’ve brought food. I could put out a meal for you before I leave.”

“Please,” Chessa answered. He didn’t say anything but he didn’t have to. As I laid out the food I doubted he’d eat but I hoped she would.

“I’ll check on you tomorrow if that’s okay.”

He nodded.

Then I remembered. With the on-going harvest break, Hana had scheduled another luski practice in the morning and warned us it would probably go all day. She’d been right when she said I didn’t need a charitable project right now. But, what were we fighting for if we couldn’t be bothered to care for each other? I’d find a way to take a break and check in on Chessa.

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