"Don't ye be taking that tone of voice with me, Egbath Richford," she snorted, tossing her head back in contempt. "Me mum is of a delicate condition and requires a special diet with her own cooks to prepare her food."

Richford had met his wife's mother on only one previous occasion (fortunately) and from what he could tell, the 'delicate condition' Cici spoke of consisted of the woman eating as much food as three grown men at every sitting, as well as downing as much ale as six strong men could stomach. But, he knew that this was yet another family battle he was bound to lose--he had been losing quite a number of such battles lately, much to his chagrin. If her family were not so wealthy, he might just...

"Aye, aye. Very well, me dear," he acquiesced. "She must have her own cooks, after all. But, where are we supposed to house all of those other people she brought along?" he asked, helplessly.

"The entire west wing of the castle is unoccupied at present, is it not?" Cici asked, with a knowing smile.

"Aye," he agreed, warily. "It was damaged years ago during a lengthy battle and has never been fully restored."

"Well, then, I am sure that ye can move some of yer own people into that section of the castle, so me mum and her staff may occupy the more well appointed quarters."

" What!?" the Earl bellowed. "That be the final straw, woman," he snarled and ripped his sword from its scabbard. "Captain!" he called, seeing that Reginald had slipped as far away from the feuding couple as possible. Richford was about to renew the attack on the group now waiting below, when Cici grabbed his arm and pulled it down, bringing his head close to her mouth."

"Desist in this farce at once, husband," she said quietly in his ear, "or I shall announce to anyone who will listen that ye cry like a babe at the climax of our every joining."

"Eh?" the Earl said, just as quietly.

"So, and how would it be for the great warrior, Earl Egbath Richford, fearless leader of men, to be found out blubbering like a wee child at the end of our nightly union, together?" she asked, with a wicked little smile on her tiny face.

Richford thought about what she had said for a moment, then sighed, deeply. "Very well, me pet. Ye win, yet again," he snarled and sheathed his sword. He turned toward the captain of the guard and said quietly, "Open the gates."

Reginald, who was still some yards away, did not hear the order, so asked, "My lord?"

" Open the bloody gates!" Cici shrieked and the captain quickly gave the order.