BLOOD OF KHARIS

CHAPTER 21: ADAPT

Kharis walks into the slaves' quarters, her usual place of rest, preparing herself for the worst. As soon as she steps in, the ladies take notice of her presence and stop what they're doing.

Bowing, they greet, "My Lady."

"Not them as well," she mutters under her breath. Squinting her eyes, she notices that the women look...different.

"My Lady!" a familiar voice gets her attention. Turning, she sees Greta and Gisella standing with smiles on their faces.

Kharis faces the other women, "Please carry on with what you were doing."

She holds her hand up for Myria to wait outside as she follows her friends to what used to be her bed.

"I take it that everything went well last night," Gisella says, breaking the silence among them.

Kharis shrugs saying, "He asked me to be his woman, and I accepted."

"I think we all know that part Kharis," Greta snickers, nudging her with her shoulder.

"Well, I didn't think people would be happy with my decision. In fact, I was expecting snobs, eye rolls, and the whole lot from everyone."

"Kharis, we're now as equal as the wearhs that are servants and maids, we received new clothing, finally got smock, and have softer beds, I was tired of that straw, and our austere living conditions. Our meals are square, we don't have to worry about wearhs attacking us, so tell me why they would be upset that you became his woman?!"

Kharis takes a moment to look around, and she sees that Gisella is right. They have genuine smiles on their faces, even when they look at her.

"They were literally praising you earlier this morning. Things have changed for the better."

"I'm glad you all think that Gigi."

"What do you mean? Aren't you happy?" Greta asks, a look of concern on her face.

"I...I didn't know becoming his woman meant I would become the lady of this house."

"To be completely transparent with you, I did not know that either," Gigi says, Greta nodding in confirmation.

"I woke up this afternoon and had a maid at my beck and call. She was asking if I needed help with a bath, with my hair, my clothing, and almost sent for someone to have my meal brought up to the chambers!"

Greta and Gisella look at themselves, before looking back at their friend.

"Kharis, you're the woman of the lord of this manor, that is how they're supposed to treat you!" Gisella says.

"I know that these things are new. You've never experienced this kind of treatment but you will have to adapt to it unless you change your mind and go back to the way things were, which I doubt you would want to do."

"You're right Greta but what about being the lady of this manor? I'm basically taking most of Ambrosia's work away from her! I don't even know the first thing about running a manor!"

"You do have a point. I could've sworn you get the title of a lady once you are married, but it seems Lord Leonidas loves you so much"

"LOVE?" Greta and Kharis exclaim at the same time, looking at Gisella like she's gone mad.

"What? He could be in love" she defends.

"Please, what a dream you live in," Kharis snorts.

"I am serious! Anyway, you just have to adjust yourself. It will take time, but you've got this. We believe in you. I was honestly scared last night and thought something bad would happen to you. His eyes were red!"