In early December of Dalereckoning 1362, wintertide returned with the great, feathery snowflakes falling outside the castle.
When Aaron climbed out of bed in Aquitaine Palace, he instinctively reached beside him.
The blankets were warm, but Miss Cleric was not there.
Only a line of elegant handwriting remained on the bedside table, left there with divine magic.
"I'm going to the church this morning to preside over the adoption ceremony for the orphans. I've already made breakfast, so eat your share. Don't spend all day conjuring imitation food with spells. It isn't nutritious, and it doesn't taste good."
Reading Eleanor's message, Aaron realized why she had only made love with him once last night before refusing to let him touch her again. She had to preside over the adoption ceremony for the war orphans this morning.
Quite a few soldiers had paid with their lives during the conquest of Hulek Forest, leaving war orphans behind. Aaron's policy was to have the Church of Selûne register and take them in, with all their expenses covered by his viscount's court treasury under Mama Selûne's name.
The Church of Selûne had always been famous for its "saintly mother" image. Abandoned babies were constantly left outside its doors, a problem that had once placed a severe financial burden on the church.
Now, thanks to Aaron's various schemes, new products, and expanding influence, the Church of Selûne in the central and western Realms had seen tremendous growth in both its finances and the power of faith it gathered. Naturally, it could take in more children.
Eleanor took such matters very seriously. After all, faith had to be nurtured from childhood.
Breakfast on the table was a standard serving of bread, fried bacon and eggs, two pork sausages, a cauliflower salad, and a large glass of