* * *
In accordance with The Order and Family Law, upon consummation of the union, Silus Hostetler holds all rights over his wife to act as head of the household without question. It’s within the bounds set forth by The Order’s laws that the head of household should maintain any and all rights to determine what is best for his wife and family so long as he does not impede any higher laws of The Order.
* * *
By taking vows and promising honor and obedience, Larissa Hartzler will be further known as Larissa Hostetler, wife of Silus, and as such, promises to honor and obey him in all matters. By the protection of Family Law, any male, deemed head of the household, shall preserve the final decision in matters of obedience, physical relations, and servitude. It’s under the acceptance of such law, that said wife shall leave all decisions to that of her husband. The husband shall determine who may enter the home, how the wife shall serve the home, and so forth. A wife may not leave the home without the husband’s arranged protection. No male shall address the wife of another male without the husband’s permission. The wife shall be courteous to her husband in all matters and show gratitude for his sacrifice and protection. Furthermore, all and every possession, including that of the wife’s personal effects and body shall, from here on, be under the sole protection of her husband.
* * *
This contract and union is sealed by the bishop: Eleazar King Witnessed by: Damascus Hostetler
Signed by: Silus Hostetler and his wife, Larissa Hostetler
* * *
Eleazar crumpled the documents in his hand until his knuckles popped. He then cursed himself for being three kinds of a fool. Larissa was right. She had been given away like chattel.
Their laws had been created to ensure privacy. Their rigid culture, their Amish way of living, kept them isolated from the outside world. But how much were the laws protecting females like Larissa from being abused by males like Silus?
Glancing back at his mate sleeping soundly on his bed, he now understood her tears. She’d shared glimpses of her experiences with him. But he still hadn’t entirely fathomed how restricted her freedom had become once she married Silus or how deep the emotional neglect had reached—no part of her remained untouched by her husband’s overbearing control.
Females always had fewer privileges than the males on the farm, but the moment Larissa had tied her life to a male, her autonomy constricted to that of an infant’s.
“You’re back.”
His shoulders tensed and he slowly faced her. “You were sleeping in the attic when I returned.” He desperately wished he had good news to deliver.
Her gaze dropped to the crumpled document in his hand. “Will you burn that?”
“I can’t. It’s part of our official records.”
She looked away and a mix of shame and anger assaulted him. Crossing to the bed, he reached for her but she leaned away from him.
Startled by her rejection, his hands dropped to his side. “You’re upset with me.” He was also upset with himself.
“You left me trapped in this house all day.”
“I’m sorry. I tried several times to get back to you, but council business kept me tethered.”
“I didn’t even have a bonnet. I couldn’t leave.”
His mouth quirked in a half-smile. He noticed it wasn’t his mandate keeping her there but rather her propriety. “Where would you have gone? No one can know you’ve returned until I’ve cleared our bonding with The Elders.”
She sniffled and sat up. “I would’ve gone home.”
“You are home.”
“No, I would’ve gone back to my apartment. I don’t want to be here anymore.”
Her announcement softened his knees, and he dropped into the chair tucked in the corner. True worry choked him. “Why?”
“Because I hate it here.”
“You don’t mean that. This is your home.”
“This is not my home. I’m no one here, just chattel on paper, traded like old goods and displaced as an orphan until others decide my fate.”
“You’re my mate.”
“Your mate.” Her lips formed a thin line. “Why must my identity always be tied to a male. Am I so worthless on my own?”
“Larissa, my love, you are not worthless. You’re everything to me.”
“How can you say that? You know nothing about me other than the fact that our souls are tied.”
“So, tell me all there is to know.” He edged onto the bed and took her hands in his. “I’m desperate to keep your secrets. I’m starved for every little detail. How could you think that you’re nothing without a male? I’m the one who is lacking. Five hundred years on this Earth and I have nothing to show other than a lonesome existence. I have but one trusted friend. Countless acquaintances tolerate me for their own advantage and avoid me by instinct when they have no favor to ask.