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."
Bonus chapter dedicated to reader RMehrotra. Thank you for the supergift and Golden Tickets. <3