Dearest Evelyn

-chapter12-

I watched as Gwin wrapped his hands with torn strips of cloth. I had already mended Hector’s chainmail, which mysteriously had new holes in it every week. So far the boys had only been in one battle, which was thankfully short- it only lasted two days. We had been here three weeks now, but Gwin swore more battles were to come. It was obvious anyways.

He noticed my stare and paused.

“You know, Eve,” he said after a moment, restarting his wraps. “It’s only a matter of time before King Harold finds you and Joanna here. I still think it was a mistake not telling him. Joanna is his new daughter, after all.”

“Gwin, we’ve been over this before. You’ve nothing to worry about!” I leaned back onto my arms, continuing to watch him.

“We all have to take extra caution now. Not only is she technically a princess, but you’re both women.”

“And? I know, I simply know you aren’t doubting the power of women-“

“Don’t finish that statement.” He cut in. “I know, Joan of Arc, blah blah. What I’m talking about is something different.”

“Relax. We won’t follow you onto the field. We have too much work to do here.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Well spit it out, I hate guessing games.” I yawned.

Joanna entered, carrying a basket of freshly washed laundry. She smiled to the both of us and went about her business, ignoring our conversation.

I noticed Gwin’s slight grimace.

He hesitated before speaking, glancing once at Joanna’s turned back.

“Let me try to say this without being crude. You two are two women among an army of men. Men who are away from their wives, unmarried men, you catch my drift, hopefully.”

“Ohh, I see. You’re worried about . . . oh, I dunno, rape? Or you’re concerned about us having sex just for the hell of it because these men will eventually start to miss their basic ‘needs’?” I laughed.

“Really, Gwindire? You don’t think we’re capable of handling ourselves?” Joanna added, glancing over her shoulder at him.

“I never said you couldn’t.” He replied calmly.

“What’s your concern, Gwin?” I asked playfully.

He tried not to scowl.

“I’m sorry if I don’t want to see the only two proper ladies I know best be disgraced!”

“Gwindire?”

“Evelyn I swear sometimes you never take anything seriously. You want to make folly out of everything I say.”

“Gwin!”

“I’m trying to make a very serious point, here, Eve.”

“I’m-“

“It’s ridiculous!” he interjected.

I only stared at him in disbelief. He growled and left the tent. I stared after him in shock. He never snapped at me. I turned to look at Joanna.

She shrugged.

“I’m sure he’s just stressed out.” She said quietly.

I could’ve sworn I heard doubt in her voice.

~

An entire week passed without Gwindire speaking a word to me. Hector and Terrin noticed, but couldn’t get him to talk about it. I had told them what happened. They were just as puzzled as I was.