"The Worship series must be read in written order to understand fully and keep up, because it is a long saga. We learned more about Io's isolation and movement from location to location. About the death of her mother, and that the Queen Mother has dispatched men in search of Io to kill her. Xavier Brice and Io have been united in marriage under royal contract, but he is determined that they will be wed in the church, in the eyes of God and man, and not just by decree. They have traveled for months from where he rescued her and have been slowly trying to train her in her position as his wife. He and his men see more in her than others do and expect. As they journey, they all discover her abilities, her stubbornness, and her determination. Xavier: But you are no lady, or so you have told me from the first moment of our meeting. Io: It is a lady you should have as a wife. Xavier: What need I of a lady, Io? When I have a goddess. Io: No goddess, just a scold. Brash, vulgar, and unseemly. Not fit for a man like you. Io has had nothing but pain and heartache her entire life, and when words are spoken harshly, she takes them literally and leaves the camp, and is nearly raped. Xavier is not a man to go up against; he is a force to be reckoned with, and that is not only in his position in the King's army but with his men and especially with Io. Io: Why can I not stay here with you? Xavier: Because I do not want you with me. I do not need the bother of having to care for you, with everything else that is before me. Io: Now, you speak the truth. Gerald: That, my friend, may be the worst mistake of your life. Xavier: What, why? Gerald: You just told Io, a woman who has lived unwanted and treated like a burden, who takes words spoken to her very literally, who is already faltering emotionally, that you did not want her. That she was a bother to you. After you spent what time she was with you, snarling like a sick wolf every time you spoke… Xavier: No, I… She knew what I meant. I was not snarling at her. Gerald: Are you sure? You had better go after her. Make sure you did not undo everything you have worked to do these last months. Are you going to go catch up with her? Xavier: No. No, I am not. Gerald: Second stupidest thing you ever did. His punishments to her are harsh and painful, but hopefully, lessons to be learned—now if he could only learn that his actions and words sometimes lead to them. Multiple forms of punishment include caning, tawse, and paddle, and even a painful unguent is used. Although they have engaged in oral and anal sex, Xavier will not consummate their marriage until vows are made in the church, which is eight months in the making. As they finally, in this arduous journey, arrive on his lands, she sees multiple churches, and even goes to one where she is attacked and called a beggar and whore. Church is something that is foreign to her, and when she asks repeatedly to Xavier ‘fi he wanted to go inside?’ he always told her no. To Xavier and his men, understanding Io is like solving a riddle—but she always has a reason, just not always able to articulate it. Xavier: Was there something here you wanted? Do you wish to go inside? Io: Do you? Xavier: No. Io: Then I have no want to, either. Xavier: Io, what is the matter here? Io: I think there is no matter here, my lord. Note: I read this series when it was first released over ten years ago. I understand it has been lengthened, reedited, and is being re-released. This is one series I was looking forward to re-reading." -RedRabbitt