As His Equal

The carriage soon stopped in front of a small pawn shop. Evan walked alone and crossed a few lanes before entering the shop in front of her again.

Her small actions brought another chuckle to his face. Arden trembled. He had never seen his master laughing. The action only left goosebumps on his skin.

"I am here to pawn my jewelry for six months." Evan took out a small bag. She even took out the earrings, bangles, and small necklace she was wearing. 

The jeweler weighed everything and noted the value of it.

"I will wait for six and a half months then. If you do not come back, I am free to sell all of it. The total amount would be five thousand gold coins. I am charging five hundred coins as interest. So, I can pay you four thousand five hundred coins." Evan felt the jewels held more value but it was better that way, she was going to come back and take these jewels back soon.

She took a few turns and reached the town square where the unemployed men and women collect every evening. They wait there for a prospective employer to come and offer the job.

They all stood up looking at her fancy clothes.

"I am looking for a seamstress and a tailor. I will pay one gold coin per dress if it fits my standards. If not, I will pay only two silver coins.'' The market rate for hiring a seamstress for a dress was five silver coins.

Where the first offer was exceptionally good, the second offer was mediocre.

"What are your standards, my lady?"

"I will inform the one who takes the offer." They exchanged glances. No one was sure if they should take the offer when a girl stood up and came forward.

"I will take the offer. But you have to offer me food when I work for you," she added, Evan thought for a second and nodded her head.

"Come with me.'' She had thought of taking her to a local inn but she was surprised when a knight from the Alancaster blocked her way and pointed at the carriage.

Did he forget to inform her about something important? Only two days were left though.

She knocked on the carriage and entered again.

"You do not need to look for an inn. She can come with us."

"....." her eyes trembled slightly. She must have known that a man like Damien did not trust anyone. He was keeping an eye on her. Her eyes dimmed instantly with the thoughts but she kept calm. 

It didn't matter what he thought about her. As long as he could help her in taking her revenge, she would accept anything. 

"I am not keeping an eye on you. I am just ensuring your safety. There were many students in the academy and a few of them held grudges." 

"....." she blinked as she stared at his cold face. If only she could know what he was thinking. 

"You did not need to be so conscious in front of me. You are my wife. Taking care of you is my responsibility. But it does not mean I will stop you from doing anything. My eyes will only be your aid, not your chains." 

"I understand, my lord. Thank you for your support." She bowed her head when he sighed.

"Since you are my wife. You hold equal rights on every property, every staff, and every valuable thing. You do not need to thank me over trifling matters." A warm feeling touched her heart.

She recalled when Harold had recently shifted in their manor. She had picked up his luggage to arrange things in the closet. He snapped at her and took the luggage harshly. 

He informed her that she was rude to touch his things without his permission. Though they were married, there should be some personal space and privacy. They are not to touch each other's things arbitrarily.

She had thought he was right and she was being too insensitive. Now that she stared at this man, though they were going to get married by name, they had only met twice.

And she was sure he did not have a good impression of her each time. Yet, he was ready to give her so much trust.

He raised a brow when she kept staring at his face. He knew that she was not scared for him yet there was a tear rolling on her cheeks.

"If you do not like my presence.." She covered his lips with her hands.

She knew what he was going to say, but she did not want to listen to such words.

"I... I am only marveled at your beauty." 

"......" Arden was the one to stare at her with an agape mouth. Was she for real? Did she call a master of beauty?

"I.."

"You are beautiful too." 

Arden choked on his saliva. He stared at his master as if he was seeing a ghost. Instead of slitting her throat, he was praising her. 

"Thank you! I am glad you like me." she nodded, a bit unconscious she tucked her hair behind her ears.

What was the last time someone had called her beautiful instead of Elene?

"Same here!" Damien stiffly nodded his head. Once again there was silence in the carriage.

Arden felt like he should bang his head on the walls of the carriage. 

Was that how a married couple talked to each other? What a strange couple! 

He felt suffocated sharing the space with them when Evan looked out.

"Then, I shall be leaving." Damien nodded. 

Evan walked towards the girl who was looking at the flag on the carriage with widened eyes. Her face had turned ashen.

"What is your name?' the girl snapped her head when she heard Evan's voice.

"I am not taking this job. You did not inform me that I have to work in the Duke's Lancaster palace."