"Kneel for the approaching Lord," a man shouted as he walked through the courtyard.  "Kneel for the approaching Lord."  He continued to repeat the words.

Nan noticed Christine's face suddenly was drained of all its radiance.  The essence of fear was in its stead.

Lord Richard came into the courtyard, riding a horse. Two knights followed closely behind.  All three were dressed in the shiny brilliance of newly polished armor.

"My lady," Lord Richard said as he reached Christine. Everyone was kneeling except for Christine, the only person it wasn't required of.  "You're positively radiant."

Christine bowed her head, which was required of her. "My lord."

"I'm off for a few weeks. Going to do a tour of the country to make sure all of my chosen leaders for each region aren't cheating me."

"Yes, my lord."  Christine kept her head bowed.  It was no longer required, but she had no stomach for looking at the man who had beat and raped her.

"I know it will be hard for you without my... companionship, but we'll renew our marital relations upon my return," he sneered down at her.

Everyone began to stand and went about their business as Lord Richard rode away.  Christine just stood, watching him as he left the courtyard.

"Freedom, for a little while," Christine whispered, more to herself than to Nan.

Then she walked away.