The Art of the Corset (2017)

Chapter Seventeen- Deeper and Deeper

Placing the final knot in her corset, Evelyn turned to find an exhausted and snoring Adams laying sprawled upon his stomach with the sheets just barely covering his rear end. Casting a glare in his direction, she then emerged from his room and looked carefully around her to be sure she was unseen. Upon closing his door, she made her way to her chambers, to find a folded parchment sitting upon her vanity. A single red rose coming into sight as she unrolled the letter. Immediately, a large grin came over her face as she read the contents of the letter within her head;

"Mysterious inception marked by beauty and grace, from the fine definition of her figure to the enchanting allure of her face, how I am a slave to her heart and beg never to be free, yet I am unsure if she is aware of the hold she has over me. My thoughts have grown impure, though my heart is committed, how my favor is hers no matter if permitted. Distance be damned to the souls who attempt to tears us from one another, for there is no stronger bond than a friend turned lover." Signed Marth.

Hiding the letter beneath her pillow, to be sure it would remain unseen by others, she then dressed for the day and departed from her chambers. Finding how breakfast was yet to be served, she made her way into the kitchen and found Joseph being analyzed by one of the healers. When becoming wrapped tight with gauze to be sure he would remain without infection, Evelyn then made her presence known as he welcomed her with a wish for a grand morning. Wishing the same in return, she then brought herself to sit across from his as one of the servants poured tea before them both. Watching his every move as he placed two sugar cubes in his cup and then cream that was brought just after the tea, she became nervous as what she was preparing to tell him.

"Something is troubling you, dear?"

She nodded before looking around to find the servant with his back turned.

"Do you find trouble coming toward you?"

"I fear it could progress to such a fate."

"Then address it, speak to me of your issue."

Gaining whatever strength she could while trying not to gag while remembering, Evelyn confessed the entire truth of Adams to Joseph. When explaining it to him in full, he looked at the table with a long stare before looking to her with obvious disappointment.

"Why is it you did not continue to deny it?"

"I was in fear of my life. He possesses darkness within his gaze, a harsh touch...I was petrified to deny him."

"I apologize for your position in this. There is nothing in my power that I can lead him away."

"I cannot continue to be at his side. Not only is he betrothed to Julianna, but..."

"Your heart belongs to someone."

She gave a slow but sure nod as he repeated the motion.

"He is a wicked man, Evelyn. But there are few men who are not. Many have asked for Julianna's hand and he is the one who can offer a life from here....away from war...away from everything that has catapulted our family into hardship."

"What am I to do? I tremble upon seeing him and find myself nauseous to his touch. I do not wish difficult on you...but I beg for your council..."

"I suggest to avoid him."

"Evading? That will only remain for a certain time set...what of the night when he comes to my chambers and forces himself? Or pulls a blade to my neck? What am I to do then? I cannot be...I cannot be an object to a man...not after experiencing what love can do."

"You forget your standing here, I am afraid." Her expression changed from pleading to surprised as her lips came slowly agape. "You are a woman of the streets, one stained with a reputation more horrid than anything against it. There is no power you have....unless..."