The Art of the Corset

Chapter Sixteen- Moments that Fall

Months passed as Adams took advantage of the hold he held over Eve. She would go to his room each night and perform whatever he asked before she left and bathed quickly but thoroughly. He had promised to keep her secret which he did do...but reminded her of his hold each time they had a moment. She admitted, he was more of a gentle client then most and did pay her with corsets, perfumes, and kindness, but was never a man of interest to her.

One morning, Eve awoke to a gentle knock on her door. She opened it to find it to be Marth. He had an elated expression on his face before holding her in his embrace. Their moments together in those months had been sparse but worth it. She kept him at a distance and found it difficult to resist him. Luckily he would pull away but she would often pout and he would remind her that timing is an enemy and admiration is not proven by physical acts so much as it is romantic and selfless acts.

"What are your plans for the day?"

"Nothing that I am aware of. My classes are cancelled due to Joseph's political ventures."

"Great. Come with me." He said as he took her to the stables where he unhooked and saddled two horses; one black for him and white for her before he gave the rein of her horse. She took it with great caution before he assisted her on the horse and lead the path. An hour passed before they made it to their destination in which she was relieved and jumped from the horse easily.

"I'll admit, I've never seen a woman not ride side-saddle."

"I'm sorry. I should have-"

"I found it quite rousing..." He said with a flirtatious look before kissing her cheek. He took her hand and lead her through a part of the wood before a clearing exposed a cave with a waterfall concealing the opening. He gave her a sinister smirk before he began to undress and jumped in the water. "Wow, so worth it!" He said as he lounged in the water. "Come on, get in!"

"I cannot swim in my dressing...."

"Remove it." He said as he turned to look away. "Although I am not sure why I am having to be polite. I have seen you nude before."

"I was highly intoxicated." She said firing back quick.

"I was not." He said in a low voice she didn't hear. He turned only when the water splashed and she wast then in the water. Her corset covering her body. "I always love the water. It's peaceful."

"How did you find this place?"

"Accident. Was riding away from bandits and-"

"Bandits? They're here?"

"Not always. Plus...I do have my sword..." As he looked back, he noticed it was gone along with the rest of their clothing. "Dammit!" He said as he rose from the water. The water dripped down his body as Mara watched in awe. It dripped down each muscle, each ab, each crevice. She was in complete hypnosis to him. But suddenly the moment was threatened by a sword to his neck.

"Good to see you, Marth."

"Ginger."

"Gringer." He corrected as he dug the blade deeper in his skin, drawing a slight amount of blood.

"Let's face it, you're hair....the freckles...you're a ginger."

"You are a neanderthal." He said rolling his eyes, cutting him deeper.

"If you are going to kill me, the least you can do is fight me like a man. Give me a chance. Unless you know I'll win..."

He took a sword from his side before handing it to Marth who held the blade with grace and courage. The blades clashed before Marth eventually won the upper hand and had the blade against Gringer's throat.

"Fine."

"Give me back my stuff, Ginger."

"Men..." He ordered as two men emerged from the trees and gave their stuff back. As he did, Gringer noticed a particular interesting article of clothing. "Since when do you wear a dress?"

The two men gawked at Eve in the water as she covered herself and blushed. Marth gave a side smirk before moving toward the other men. "Off with you." He turned back to Gringer who looked to him with a glare. "One of these days, I will get the better of you..."

"I do not doubt it...Ginger..."

He got back into the water before helping Eve out, allowing her a kind smile and swift kiss. "I'm sorry."

"How many rivals do you have exactly?"

"More than I can count..."

"I am hoping you are more daft as he says...the number would not be that high...."

"Sorry to say, I am just as well educated as you...."

"I doubt that." She said as she moved toward him and took the sword from his side. "I wish I had classes like this. I could learn to protect myself."

"That is simply why you do not. A man should protect a woman, never the other way around..."

"And if the woman was better than the man at the blade?"

"Do you want to test it?" He asked as he picked another blade.

"Why not?" She asked as the blades crashed and he found it quite surprising just how good she was at the blade....