#roe mathis

"The honor is mine, Rosea," I said awkwardly. No matter how well-meaning the comment, the pity was uncomfortable to sit in.

"Oh, just Roe is fine," she laughed, brushing off my awkwardness. "Supper is almost ready. Will you be joining us, m'lord?"

"I wouldn't want to impose," I said, though I couldn't help but notice that whatever she was making smelled delicious.

"A guest?" his mother asked, her voice chipper as she turned toward me. Her eyes widened in surprise for a moment as they found my face, but she softened immediately, smiling at me as if there was nothing odd at all.

"This is my wife, Rosea," the father said. "And I'm Gritty, by the way."

"M'lord, what an honor!" she said, taking my injured hand. I winced as she grabbed it. "Oh, sweetheart..." she said under her breath, her brows furrowing slightly as she took my other hand much more softly.