Aranhil felt lost. They'd searched the woods completely. Over the night they had passed a few small houses, but he doubted his timid wife would be brave enough to enter one looking for help. "Search the woods for one more day. If she is not found by tomorrow, we will start knocking on doors." He announced.

With a heavy sigh, he raised tired wings and took to the air. Time to go home, and check in on his other projects.

~~~~

Emera blushed deeply at her beloved's words. She knew he meant well, but in his hate to protect her, he only made it worse. "River-" she tried to cut him off, too correct him, but it wad to late. She saw the woman's eyes light up.

"Rape? Far from it! The lustful woman never raped was raped! She seduced the gentleman, and tricked him into her bed. When she became with child, and he refused to leave his wife for her, she accused him of impropriety. She lied, claiming she never knew he was married, claiming he said that she, of all people, would be his wife!"

Emera lowered her eyes, unable to deny it. She remembered very well her mother's anger. The warnings, the accusations, even the blame. No, it had not been rape. That was well known.

"River, sweet, please, we should go." She whispered, hoping to save her dignity just a little.

Too late. "Go? The Nobel girl laughed. "Where, to bed with him? I know you, Emera. Dragons are not known to be kind here. I know what you want to do. You might be able to claim rape, unlike your mother. But when you ruin your princess's sacrifice, I only hope you get what you deserve."