The Art of the Corset (2017)

Chapter Thirty Six- Transmutation

"Make way!" A tall guard covered in silver armor spoke as he stood in front of the two horses that carried Marth and Evelyn. Riding side by side as admirers ran to them and proclaimed their love for Marth by throwing their personally embroidered handkerchiefs at him, and the men showed their love for Evelyn by tossing flowers towards her. As the horses led the way in a slow pace, allowing the villagers to come close enough to touch the prince and princess, Evelyn watched as the women fawned over Marth and he did not oppose their affection, as he had done once before. Evelyn pushed past her insecurities and kept a large smile until the horses stopped near a tavern to rest and the royal duo entered inside to experience the village.

Being stared at from the minute they entered, Marth led the way as Evelyn followed, although she tried to place her fingers between his hands, but was pulled from. Eventually growing tired of forced affections, she took refuge in a corner, where a pirate had been sitting with two of his mates-speaking of his escapades upon the seven seas. Ceasing his story upon seeing her, he then offered her a drink before removing himself from the table to get it for her, leaving her with his men.

The man on the left had been low in hygiene, but kind on the eyes as he wore the same hair as Marcus, but a was colored a deep auburn, and differed by the freckles upon his face, as well as the point in his chin. It was obvious that he was much younger than Marcus and Marth, as his boyish features were still fully in tact. The other man to the right had been cloaked in worn clothes that were stained in alcohol-that could be smelled over the hundreds of pints surrounding her. Along with that, holes were placed through the fabric, marked by dried blood, and exposing wounds that he attempted to withhold.

When the main pirate returned, he placed his hand along his chin and gave her a pensive look before watching her sip the ale that he had brought her. His dark eyes that were either a deep brown in color or cursed black, had been glaring at her, unblinking and direct. When she saw how all three men looked to her, the main brought his cup into the air and the other two men followed.

"The the future Queen." He spoke loudly, enough for Marth to glance over out of curiosity. Casting a glare that was unseen by his wife, she focused on the men in front of her and thanked them for their support. She then learned the names that belonged to each man. The one who retained his youth in stride had been named Cliff, as the man to the right who was full of war wounds was named Sky and the main pirate was named Jaron. They spoke of their most dangerous adventures while Evelyn was brought drink after drink, until eventually becoming nauseated and standing to retrieve air. Going outside, she had lingered on the wall of the tavern as Jaron emerged with a flask in his hand that was made of a leather of some kind. Offering it to her, she held up her hand to decline while she held her stomach with the other one.

"Forgive my public sickness..." She spoke as her mouth became dry and she could feel the acidic bile approach her mouth to exit, but it was a torturous taunt that only ended up being a dry heave. Having this done several times until she was able to stand long enough, Jaron placed his hand on the wall beside her before moving to kiss her. Instantly, she used her hand to push him away before he didn't budge. Instead, he forced his hand stronger and pinned her to the tavern as she knocked the flask from his hand.

"I have heard the rumors of the King's wife. How many men must you fu-" Bringing her leg to his knee, he let out a groan before falling to the ground, beside his alcohol. Brushing herself off as she reentered the tavern, she looked around for Marth and saw at least a dozen girls covering him as they twirled their hair in their fingers or pushed out their cleavage in his direction, and he did not look to his wife once. Covered in a pale complexion and trembling gait, she moved to the back of the tavern where a door led to a well where she could use water to put on her face. Cranking the lever on the side of the well, she pulled the bucket to view and then placed her hands into the water before then setting them on her face. When she had withdrawn them, she heard a commotion on the door she recently left from and moved inside out of curiosity. Opening the door, she saw how one of the girls who had been flirting with Marth were now in the back of the tavern, up against a wall, in a full kissing marathon. Evelyn did not make a noise as their eyes locked, and she simply walked past him and towards the front, where Jaron and his mates were looking for her.