[She hated to admit the reason. So much of her life had been spent hiding her weaknesses. Whether by her father, the matchmaker and even her husband. Here, she might not have a choice, risking pity or annoyance.

Eirene pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve, dabbing it with a bit of medicine she wore around her neck. She pressed the handkerchief to her mouth and breathed in slowly.]

I have trouble catching my breathe. Too much exertion gives me an attack on my lungs.

I was advised by my healer to abstain from dances.