"I'm fine. Truly. It was only a brief spell. I took rest in Frau Wolfenbarger's suite. I didn't want to, but she was quite...persistent with her offer. I fear I was not feeling strong enough to resist," Lena confessed.

"What did she say to you?" Renz asked. Lena lowered her eyes, trying her hardest to summon courage.

"She...she warned me against having children right away," Lena whispered.

Renz's hold on her wrist suddenly released, and he took two steps away from her.

Even though she'd been physically released, Lena still felt trapped against the wall.

"And how do you feel about that?" Renz asked. Lena weakly shrugged her shoulders.

"I'd...