Noblesse Oblige

Chapitre dix-huit

Author stuff: Puppy update! She's limping a lot but she's been extra cuddly with me.

Chapitre dix-huit

Ladies Fair, Ladies Loved

Chat received her message, if the note slipped between her shutters during the morning rush was any indication. She was thankful that Alya had come through so quickly — though, it was more likely, that Alya had passed word on to Max or Nathaniel, and they passed it onto Chat.

Well, that was one weight off her shoulders.

She looked sadly at the spot she had hidden her bow — up in the rafters, tied to one of the support beams. No one would think to look there. She hoped. But there was still the matter of her really learning how to use it.

With Papillon's eyes on her, she didn't feel comfortable just slinking off into the forest to even attempt to practice. She didn't even feel comfortable going to Alya and asking for some lessons. She didn't really think she could endanger anyone else, either.

She sighed, slumping against her parent's bed. She had never felt so... helpless before. It was a strange, unwanted feeling. Consuming, almost. It left her feeling raw and vulnerable. Naked.

She didn't have much time to ponder it further, however. A sharp rap on the doorframe alerted her to someone's presence. She quickly laced on her kirtle, a little haphazardly.

"Hello?" she said, sweeping aside the curtain. She started, surprised to see Juleka standing there. Her friend gave a little wave and smiled.

"Hi," she said. "Would you mind helping Rose and me? We just got an influx of requests. Apparently, someone heard that you helped with Chloe's dress and now they all want you to work on their commissions, too."

"Uh, yeah. Sure. Just let me —"

"Let me help."

Juleka slipped past her, allowing the curtain to fall closed behind her. She quickly looked about the room, frowning.

"Your bow?" she said, no more than a near silent hiss.

Marinette nodded, pointing at the rafter. Juleka, being taller, easily got to it, allowing Marinette some time to straighten herself out. Juleka hid the bow in the folds of her cloak, keeping it perfectly out of sight — it seemed as if she had a lot of practice at this.

"There," Juleka said, fluffing Marinette's hair. "Pretty as a dove in June. Are you ready?"

"Yes," she said.

"Alright."

Juleka swept aside the curtain, holding it open for her to follow. Rothbart and Theo both looked up from the card game they were playing, though neither really seemed interested.

"Where's maman?" she said.

"She stepped out for a bit," Rothbart said. "She'll be back later. And you?"

"A few people liked the work I did on the one dress I helped with and asked if I'd be willing to work on theirs."

"Yes," Juleka said, a bit stiffly. "There's a lot of work for us, so we need to go. Come on, Marinette."

Juleka took Marinette's wrist and gently pulled her out of the living quarters. When they were out of earshot and sight, Juleka shuddered.

"He gives me the creeps," she said.

"Me too," Marinette said, patting her friend on the shoulder with her free hand. "So, how many dresses?"

"We'll talk about it when we get there. Come on, we're already late."