Another Villainess

Chapter Fifteen

"Why didn't you stop him?" I grumble against my hand as I stare out the rocking carriage.

"I did, Leondra."

"No you didn't. Just look at yourself!"

His clothes are riddled with dirt, wrinkled, and the white of his shirt is stained almost yellow. his his hair flies in every direction.

"I was going to if he went too far." His response is quiet, almost meek.

"And stepping on you isn't too far? Trying to buy sexual favors wasn't too far?"

Eden shakes his head, his expression flat. "It didn't hurt." He tightens his grip on the carriage's cushioned seat. "I thought it would eventually, but it didn't. And I wasn't going to let him do anything. . ."

I say nothing as the carriage jolts us to the side as the scenery around us quickly changes from woods to bustling crowds and rows of vendors.

"It looked like you were in pain. . ." I lean my head against the door, watching these crowds make way for us, while at the same time stopping and staring in awe.

Eden grins proudly all of a sudden. "That was the point."

"Are you. . . a masochist?"

"Ah- Maybe?" He pauses. "No. It's not like that. Feeling pain is so difficult now and I want to keep remembering what it's like. So actually. . . Yes?"

"You just gave me three answers." I sigh, but smile under my hand. "And I know it's not really my place- but you should stop letting yourself get bullied. Your condition when I first saw you was horrible. As high as your tolerance may be, it's still dangerous for your body. Don't go to such lengths."

He doesn't answer, but I feel my stomach churn as a deep blush runs over his tanned skin.

The carriage pulls to a stop, he gets up first and pushes the door open, stepping down and holding his hand out for me.

As I directed, the carriage is stopped at the edge of the town, as far from the bustle as possible while still responsibly close  so we can still walk there. I pull my hood up before exiting out into the damp, cracked street.

We're pulled behind a strip of old buildings that look like they could fall apart any minute, hiding us from the couple people that pass.

"Take the carriage and stay closer to the main parts of town near the boutiques. It draws too much attention." I tell the driver.

"Yes, Lady Raiyus."

"What could you possible need around here, Leondra?" Eden asks as the horses gallop away, kicking dirt and small rocks at our feet and bottom of our clothing.

"I just wanted to get out of the mansion."

And more than just the house that sucked out my soul little by little with each passing hour, I wanted to get out of this world.

"Do you not like the Ducal Home?" He walks beside me as we follow the path the carriage went.

"That place is not my home." Eden's eye twitches at my words, but he persists with his questions.

"What do you mean?"

"It's just. . .  A little lonely."

"Is it because no one likes you?"

I shoot him a hateful look, but give it up because he looks genuinely curious, rude as the question is.

"Why do you say that." I ask.

"The knights say things about you."

I ignore him, which in turn prompts him to continue speaking. "But I don't care. You're nice to me so how you treat others doesn't concern me." His words are meant to be reassuring, but honestly I don't care about his opinion anyways so they don't have much effect.

"Whatever." I walk a little bit faster, starting to see more people around us which is a good sign.

- - -

We arrive at the center of the bustling market, which was not really our destination because we walked aimlessly. Eden stands close, doing a very good job at keeping people from bumping into me.

A rustling comes from the satchel under my cloak and I see Eden's arm flash around me in an instant.

"Who are you?"

I look over to see Eden had grabbed the arm of a short person who's face is covered. They're holding the leather bag of coins I'd kept in my satchel.

"Let go!" She screams as Eden moves me aside and rips her hood off, revealing a child. He takes the bag out of her hand and gives it to me.

"Who are you?" He repeats, but the little girl only bites her lip and glares at him, all teary-eyed.

Tucking away the coins I pat his arm. "Don't be so rough. Can't you see she's crying."

He lets out a dry laugh. "Don't believe everything you see Leondra. A kid— a girl at that— she wouldn't be out here looking this healthy while stealing if she hasn't committed a few crimes. Pickpocketing is probably  the best thing she's done."

The girl stays silent, her face red with anger now and instead of crying she starts biting and scratching at Eden's hand, thrashing wildly to get away as people begin to stare.

"What is he doing with that kid?" Judgement rises in the crowd and I pull my hood down further.

But Eden does not flinch at either the judgement or the scratches and bites that now cause blood to drip down his hand.

"What should I do with her, Leondra?"

How should I know?!

"Just let her go. If we turn her in then I'll have to reveal myself and that's too much work."

"But she tried to steal from you."

"Yeah." I look down to the girl. "Hey, do you need money."

She nods eagerly. And Eden scowls, crossing his arms.

"Take a few coins." I toss some to her. She smiles slyly before trying to run off, but Eden grabs her by the back of her collar, making her yelp.

I keep talking. "I'm not going to stop you from making a living, but if you want to try a different method then I have a job you can have. There is food and shelter."

Her face fills with fear and her flailing arms go limp. "I won't! I won't do that!"

I look at Eden, who is also looking at me.

"No- no, it's not what you think. It's a maid position. I'll get the information to you if you're interested." 

She eyes me suspiciously.

"Okay, you can let her go now."

As soon as he releases her collar she sprints off.

"A job? Why would you offer her that?"

"I didn't know what else to do! You put me on the spot."

"Put you on the-" He laughs. "You talk oddly, Leondra." He keeps grinning as we kind of slip back into the crowd, trying to return to our anonymous state.

"Oh. Is your hand okay? Look for a stand with medical supplies. I'll treat it."

His eyes light up. "You will?"