บท 69: A Coup D’etat For Love

In the morning, Ian kissed me goodbye and went hunting with the village men in the forest. Like the other village women, I stood at the door and watched him leave and join the men.

Even though Ian wore a plain shirt, he still stood out in the crowd. Ian and the other men patted each other on the shoulders, laughing and talking. When their receding figures finally disappeared into the forest, I reluctantly returned to the house.

I sat at the dresser and began to comb my hair in front of the mirror. It wasn't a dresser but a small wooden table beside the bed. The bronze mirror was a wedding gift from Mrs. Wells to Ian and me. It was smaller than the one I used at home, but it was special.

"Moon Goddess, please bless me!" I muttered to myself. I turned my head carefully to the mirror and lifted a lock of hair from the back of my neck. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Then, I looked at my neck in the mirror.