Chapter 13: Annalise

She nodded and he grabbed her waist sitting her side saddle on her horse. He then tied the third to his horse and climbed into the saddle. He spurred his horse forward and they rode the short distance into town. Once there he lead her to a shop and dragged her to the counter where a middle aged woman was standing with a young girl. "We need traveling clothes for her. Something nice, cost isn't a problem."

"Jameson, really, I don't need anything." She sighed.

"You can't ride in that gown." He smiled. "Please, care for her. I'll be out front." He leaned down kissing her cheek before walking out the door.

The shop keep nodded. "Give me a moment to gather somethings." She smiled and went to gathering things about the shop.

The young woman turned to her smiling. "You are so beautiful. You must be the General's new wife. Helena has told everyone who'll listen that he has married. She always was a bitter woman."

Annalise chuckled. "So I have gathered. I'm Anna."

"Maryn."She smiled. "I am marrying in a few days though our wedding will probably be nothing like yours. Both our parents are farmers... I couldn't even afford a new dress."

Annalise smiled. "Believe me, my wedding was nothing to be envied."

Maryn eyes widened, "Really? But you're a noblewoman!"

Annalise shook her head. "You've met my husband, no? Some words were said at Thorngate. There was hardly a ceremony. But I am now married to the man I love. Nothing else matters."

Maryn thought for a second. "You're right! I love Jason! And that we get to spend all our lives together is all that matters. You know something, Anna, most of the nobles that come through here horrible people. But you're nothing like them."

Annalise smiled. "I'm so happy you say so. I never much liked most of the nobility I meet..."

The two woman giggled. "I am glad the general has you. When he lost Kyria he changed. But I think you're fixing him."

Annalise smiled. "Can I ask you something, Maryn?" She nodded. "Was Kyria's father arrested?"

"No... the general ran him though. But the king pardoned him..."

Annalise nodded. "Thank you. I rest easier knowing he got what he deserved."

Maryn nodded as elderly woman returned with a pile of clothes, "Come dear, lets get you changed."

They put her in leather leggings and a forest green long sleeved silk blouse that tighten around her waist. Fluffy socks, a velvet riding cloak and knee high leather boots finished the look. She looked in the mirror and blushed. "I... I've never worn trousers before, father would have never allowed it."

Maryn smiled. "You look incredible!"

Annalise laughed. "Thank you." She then looked at her hair that was hanging to her knees. "I guess I should cut it."

"You can't cut it!" Maryn gasped. "You've the most beautiful hair I've ever seen!"

"It isn't exactly practical. I'm no longer at the pala... manor where it gets washed and brushed regularly."

Maryn was silent for a brief moment. "Here, allow me." She pulled a few pins from her own hair and twisted Annalise's hair into a thick bun before pinning it in place. "You saw how I did that? It's really easy, you can do it on your own. And then when you get back to wearing dresses you can let it down again."

Annalise hugged her with tears in her eyes. "Thank you!"

"Think nothing of it. I just would have been the one crying watching you cut off all your hair."

Annalise smiled as Jameson walked in. He took one look at her and stopped. He smiled. "You look incredible. Pants suite you."

She blushed and Maryn nudged her forward. "You're beautiful wife wanted to cut her hair, General, be sure to tell her she looks nice with it in a peasant bun."

His eyes widen slightly. "You were going to cut your hair?" She just nodded. "Well, I'm glad you changed her mind, Maryn. I love her hair." He walked over pulling Annalise into his arms. "You look beautiful. You're still the most beautiful woman in the world."He then kissed her lightly.

Maryn practically squealed in the corner and Annalise moved over to her while Jameson ordered supplies and paid. "He is a different person with you, Anna."

"I wish I could take the credit, but I think he's always been this way."

"He's the general of His Majesty's armies. Only the royal family has more pressure on them than he does. It won't be easy being married to such an important man but for what it's worth, I think you'll make it."

She smiled as Jameson walked to them. "Are you ready to go? All that's left to do is decide what you want to do with your gown."

She smiled. "Give it to Maryn. That is, if you don't mind wearing gold on your wedding day."

Maryn's eyes widen. "I couldn't possibly... that dress cost more than what my family could make in a decade."

Annalise took her hand. "I insist. As a thank you for being my first friend."

Maryn was crying as she hugged Annalise. "Thank you, Anna! Be sure to come see us when you two return from your travels."

Annalise smiled as they left. As Jameson was packing the saddle bags he smiled at her. "That was a wonderful thing you just did."

She shrugged. "I've hundreds of gowns. Several that look just like that one. It meant nothing to me and everything to her."

He chuckled. "That's what I mean. I don't know any other noble woman who would have given it away even if it meant that it got stuffed in a saddle bag and ruined."

Annalise nodded. "I almost told her to go to the cabin and have her pick of anything in my trunks but I didn't want to risk bounty hunters thinking she was me."

"That was wise. I think you've made her happier than you'll ever know just with what you gave her."

"I am always happy to help. I love my citizens."

"know." He smiled lifting her into her saddle. "And I love you all the more for it."

She smiled at him as he climbed into his saddle. "Flattery will get you every where, Jameson Amerthine."