I Found Her

It pulled the woman back to her senses, and now, she had to explain her discovery to her. "I was just shocked to know that you are a woman."

Oriana pulled her hands back and tried to sit up.  "You—"

"Apologies. I am sure you must have your reasons to disguise yourself. Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone about it."

"How did you know?"

Rosetta let out an awkward laugh. "Among the odd things I study, I have also taken a special interest in the art of massage, along with it the study of nerves and pulses. From your pulse, I discovered that you are on your monthly cycle so…"

Oriana could only helplessly confirm the noble lady's guess.

"You can rest assured. I will carry your secret to my grave, Orian…" she stopped, "Orian ought to be a false name, I believe?"

Though hesitated, she answered, "You can call me Oriana."

"Oriana," she repeated, "Lovely name you have."