《Somewhere Beyond the Stars》


 The Land of a Thousand Splendors (Intro)

    Rosetta had always been known as The Land of a Thousand Splendors, to a large extent because of its privileged landscape. The small realm flourished across a lush valley, surrounded by sharp mountains and rich soil. If you climbed the highest hill in the northern expanse, you could catch a glimpse of the open sea and the limpid sky above, forever spattered by numerous purple stars. The realm was also prosperous and peaceful. Most of its inhabitants felt proud of their roots and their society. Emily was not one of them. She had always dreamed of a life beyond those purplish horizons. Most importantly, she was born a woman, which entailed many particular hardships.


    Just like every girl in Rosetta, Emily grew up in a community orphanage. The center consisted of cozy cabins, a common playground, a small school, busy kitchens and a farm. Emily had lived a happy childhood; she had been raised and taught by other kind-hearted women: mentors, cooks and all kinds of care providers. She spent most of her days learning about the sacred laws and Rosetta''s history. She also took part in the orphanage''s daily chores and played with her fellow sisters. That placid community of women was the only family she had ever known, and she felt genuinely grateful to share everything with them. However, she was never completely satisfied with her destiny. Deep inside, she intuited that Rosetta''s peaceful way of life was supported by a complex scheme of lies.


    Throughout her years in school, Emily learnt about what it meant to be a man or a woman in the Land of a Thousand Splendors. While the males had been blessed by the gods with strength, courage and intelligence, making them proper rulers, warriors, merchants and landowners, women were designated to play an entirely different role. They were created with the only purpose of serving men and bearing their children. Women could not own property, they could not make any important decisions in society, nor could they start a family of their own or launch businesses. In addition, since women were considered inferior beings, and therefore unable to experience pure love, marriage was only permitted between men.


    All the girls in Rosetta would hear the same tales and norms every day, until it became natural to them. Some of them even embraced their condition and felt proud of the realm''s prudent organization. Still, Emily always had the feeling that most of her teachers in the orphanage did not entirely believe or support such traditions. Whereas they simply repeated the same speech over and over again to maintain their social position. After all, they could be sentenced to death if they ever dared to contradict the religious council, the most prominent institution in the realm.


    Despite having a rebellious, perceptive spirit, Emily managed to become an example of excellence in her community. She was a responsible student and a hardworking maiden. She did not mind helping her sisters out and taking part in every holiday event or collective gathering. She earned the trust and the respect of her teachers, and she hoped to become one of them in the future. Nevertheless, as soon as she turned eighteen, one of her biggest fears came true: she was chosen for entrustment; in other words, she was about to be bound to a master.


    Emily was working in the barn early in the morning, feeding the horses and the calves, when she was addressed by the orphanage''s inspector: the man in charge of the center. He would visit the facility every couple of days to verify that the girls had everything they needed and that the place was running smoothly. However, Emily knew his main duty consisted in supervising the tutors and making sure none of them went against the sacred teachings. His presence was always striking to most of the women there, since he was the only male they had ever seen. He wore a nappy beard and an elegant, silk robe, like most men from the religious council.


    ¨CEmily Ratzer, come here please.


    ¨CYes, Sir.


    Emily pushed her labor aside and approached the inspector diligently. For a single moment, she felt paralyzed by his unexpected call. After all, she had been reading and hiding forbidden books for a while now, and she was completely aware of the punishment she could face for it. Most of her samples spoke directly against the religious council and questioned Rosetta''s traditions. Some others were less provocative in their statements, but they were still problematic to the public; for instance, those who described love and lust between men and women. Emily mustered up courage to stand in front of the inspector and bow to him. At first, she felt relieved to find a smile on his face. However, as soon as she saw the golden scepter in his hand, she knew exactly what was about to take place.


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    ¨CGood morning, dear maiden. I have great news for you. According to your teachers, you are one of the most laudable women in this community. The gods have blessed you with good health, strength and responsibility, remarkable traits for a female. We want you to acknowledge how valuable you are to our realm, and how your deeds please and make the religious council proud¡­


    Every single entrustment speech was the same; Emily had learned to loathe their precision and hypocrisy. The religious council usually uplifted young girls with tender words, before sentencing them to a life of servitude.


    ¨C...Because of that, we have found the perfect match for your distinguished profile. You will be entrusted to a wealthy, highly respected family. Lord Leandre Beacon, a prominent landowner and honorific member of our religious council, just entered into the bonds of marriage with a prestigious merchant. They are requesting an impeccable maiden like yourself to join the workforce at their mansion and perhaps even bear their future heir. You can consider yourself lucky. While numerous women endure mistreatment and hard labor in the fields, you will have a comfortable life in their service. Congratulations.


    Emily faked a smile, although her most vibrant hopes were shattering right in front of her. She would not be able to remain at the center and become a teacher, confounding her original plans. Instead, she was now forced to leave her sisters behind and devote her life to serving a family of aristocrats. Part of her wanted to believe in the inspector''s words. She tried to convince herself that she was lucky, that her entrustment was a natural step in life, and she was blessed to find a noble master. Nevertheless, no matter how much she put her mind to it, she would always despise the contemptible stars that stole her liberty.


    ¨CThank you for letting me know, Sir. When will the ceremony take place?


    ¨CIn three days. I have already spoken to the principal. You have the rest of the week off to say goodbye to your sisters, plan a proper farewell and complete the mandatory rituals. And please, do not be nervous. I can assure you that your new family will give you a warm welcome.


    The inspector handed her the golden scepter, muttering a prayer, and proceeded to walk away to resume his usual duties. Like every single teen in Rosetta, Emily knew all the necessary preparations before meeting her new masters. She felt so hurt inside, she was even tempted to throw the immaculate scepter into the hogs'' filth.


    *


    Emily spent the next days in haste, busy with all the mandatory preparations. Firstly, the community threw a party for her, and she received many gifts from her sisters and teachers, including heart-felt letters, sweets and new garments. According to them, it was normal to feel flustered and nervous in such a significant transition; yet they guaranteed that the gods would bless her goodness with a favorable outcome. Emily was smitten by her fate. However, she had no choice but to cope with the norm. She went through the traditional rituals, including washing herself in fragrant water and milk, and requesting the gods'' guidance in a collective ceremony. Only then was she allowed to present herself before her new masters.


    The entrustment ceremony had a rigorous protocol. It always took place in the atrium, on the brink of dawn, in the presence of a scrivener and religious representative. Emily had never witnessed the ritual before; only the orphanage''s principal was permitted to assist. Despite that, she knew every single line by heart. She walked in with a coy expression, wearing a plain white dress and abundant flowers in her hair. She discerned her masters right away: they looked exactly the way she had imagined, as every wealthy, prestigious Rosettan man was supposed to look: tall, well-built, covered in exquisite fur and fine jewelry. Both stared at her from head to toe, as the holy scepter was handed to them.


    ¨CEmily Ratzer.


    ¨CAt your mercy.


    She knelt before them and locked her gaze on the ground, flushing with embarrassment. Both men stood up and took turns to place the scepter over her head, expressing the corresponding litanies. They also lit up a few candles and placed a golden collar around Emily''s neck. The center''s inspector was the last one to speak, holding the scepter high towards the nascent sun. His grandiose speech slowly tore Emily''s will to pieces.


    ¨CIn the solemn presence of the gods and our honorable religious authorities, Lord Leandre Beacon and his husband, Lord Arthur Lasey, promise to take this fair maiden into custody, granting her the proper nourishment, protection, and religious education. In addition to their oath, Emily Ratzer, daughter of Rosetta, submits herself to this household and promises to serve, obey, and support her new masters untiringly for the rest of her days. Praise the gods!


    ¨CPraise the gods¡­

 Brand-New Beginning

    That fateful morning, Emily abandoned her sacred community for the first time in her life. She followed her new masters towards the nearby road. A sumptuous carriage was already waiting for them. She finally managed to take a better look at the couple. Despite being both imposing and elegant in their appearance, the difference in their demeanors was outstanding. While Lord Leandre was more entitled and assertive, probably due to the fact that he belonged to the religious council, Lord Arthur seemed younger and more approachable. For instance, he treated his assistants very warmly. Emily''s dejection grew as soon as they left the orphanage behind. Shortly after, the rural, wooded hills of her childhood were gone, and all she could distinguish were vast avenues, busy markets, and unscathed facades. So far, she had only learned about Rosetta''s organized streets and painstaking architecture through her books. Suddenly, Lord Arthur''s friendly tone disrupted her thoughts.


    ¨CYou like this place, right, Emily? We are now approaching Rosetta''s center. You can find most of the realm''s merchants in this area. If you look to your right, you will recognize the religious council headquarters, our most important house of prayer. You may also make out the royal place at the eastern end.


    ¨CVery beautiful indeed, master.


    Emily admired the distant constructions, including the headquarters'' magnificent golden cupola, gleaming underneath the morning sun. She also stared at the families roaming the main streets. Many men walked around the stores, while a few cautious females followed them, carrying shopping bags or pushing strollers. Emily saw a couple of them laughing, breastfeeding their babies, chatting and enjoying a steamy cup of tea. She wondered if she could ever become one of them, if she could manage to accept the gods'' providence, whatever that may mean, and live a happy life in her current situation.


    ¨CYou will love the house ¨C Lord Arthur continued ¨C We have a remarkable view of the valley, including the countryside. Perhaps Leandre could show you his fields on one of our horses¡­


    His husband was reading a book, disengaged from the conversation. He lifted his gaze slightly to the sound of his name. Emily intuited that he was annoyed by his husband''s initiative.


    ¨CWe do not have time for that, and it is not necessary either. I paid a lot of money for her, so I want her to start working right away. Let the housekeeper handle everything.


    Lord Arthur simply nodded and remained silent, as if he was afraid to contradict his husband. Emily was not surprised. She had read that Rosetta''s marriages were usually hierarchical as well. The man who came from a lesser rank or stratum was expected to please his partner''s demands. In addition, righteous and domineering men like Lord Leandre were considered superior on the social spectrum. Emily resented his disdain but decided to step in regardless.


    ¨CTell me more about my duties, master Leandre.


    ¨CYou will clean the house, assist the cooks and the gardeners, I assume. But I need you to be our personal servant occasionally. The inspector told me you had a way with numbers. Who knows, perhaps you could even help me manage some registers.


    ¨COf course, Sir. I used to assist with the accounting at the community orphanage. I also took care of the library and the holiday planning for three years in a row.


    Lord Arthur''s eyes widened with amazement.


    ¨CImpressive. We can tell you are very intelligent, Emily, way more than many so-called professionals out there.


    His sincere compliment took Emily by surprise, making her smile for the first time in days. Unfortunately, Lord Leandre promptly put an end to their interaction.


    ¨CShe better be worth the small fortune I spent¡­ Praise the gods.


    *


    Emily finally reached her new home: a rich mansion in the outskirts of town. The property was built with the finest materials, including stone, wood, marble and stained glass. It was surrounded by lush fields, a private farm and a clean pond. The main garden was also astonishing at first glance. Emily had never seen such a large variety of fruit trees and fragrant flowers before. Her masters abandoned the carriage and walked towards the entrance, while she was sent to the backdoor with the horseman. A small entourage of maids were already expecting her arrival. Jade, the housekeeper was the first to greet her.


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    ¨CWelcome to your new family, Emily. We are very pleased to have you. Praise the gods.


    She handed Emily a welcoming basket full of sweet delicacies, basic consumer goods and even some lavish items, such as colorful shawls and perfume. The welcoming basket was a mandatory tradition for every entrusted woman in Rosetta; however, the content usually varied depending on the master''s wealth and disposition.


    Emily accepted the presents and her fellow coworkers'' warm reception. Afterward, she met Jenna, the young maid she would be sharing rooms with. She was tall, blonde and plump. Fortunately for Emily, she was also an adorable and committed hostess. She kindly showed her around, starting with the kitchen, the warehouse and the laundry room.


    ¨COh, dear, I know all these protocols and changes must be overwhelming to you¡­ I remember the day I arrived. I was so nervous, I couldn''t even take a sip of broth! Do not worry. Everything gets better with time. This place is wonderful.


    Her carefree words immediately caught Emily''s attention. Jenna seemed like a smart and hardworking woman. Moreover, she sounded confident in her statements.


    ¨CDidn''t you miss your fellow sisters?


    ¨COf course I did. It was hard for me to leave them behind. But I write to them very often. And I usually run into a couple of them at our religious festivals. We always have a blast.


    ¨CWhat about the workload? Is it tough here?


    ¨CNot really. We can consider ourselves lucky in that aspect. Also, most of the women working in the house are very caring and supportive. That is no surprise, though. Lord Leandre is very wealthy; he can afford to recruit the most distinguished maidens in the realm.


    ¨CHe does not seem like a merciful master, to be honest.


    Jenna raised an eyebrow. For a second, Emily wondered if her comment could cause any type of commotion. She realized she had to be more careful with her words from now on. Nevertheless, Jenna simply burst out laughing.


    ¨CHow could a master ever be merciful? They will never understand what it is like to be one of us. And it is not their fault, entirely. It is just the way we all have been raised. It is just the world we live in.


    Emily nodded in silence. She should not have underestimated Jenna''s sagacity. It was impossible to assume a master could truly care about his bond servants. If he really did, he would advocate for their freedom in the first place. She felt embarrassed of herself for marveling at Lord Arthur''s apparent kindness.


    ¨CI feel you, sister. Although, I heard some masters are particularly hard to please.


    ¨CRight. Lord Leandre can be harsh on us. I bet that is no surprise. He comes from a prominent family. He owns lots of land and businesses in the realm. Also, since he is an honorific member of the religious council, even the king of Rosetta is forced to listen to his advice. Lord Arthur, on the other hand¡­ I have not gotten to know him well yet. He just moved in. I think he used to be a merchant.


    Jenna finally led Emily towards the women''s dorm, a more modest building in the left wing. Just like the community orphanage, it was equipped with shared bedrooms and common amenities, including a dining room, a placid garden, a library and a well. The housekeeper was in charge of the general organization, but everyone was allowed to take part in the dorm''s administration and management. According to Jenna, most of the women there spent their free time studying or praying, although they could engage in pastimes or request permission to explore around. Emily was partly relieved to join such a considerable and cooperative group. From what she had heard before, many women entrusted to poorer households would often be completely alone in their new homes. She tried to convince herself that she would get used to her routine, that she would eventually learn to accept and even cherish her position, just like Jenna.


    ¨CYou were right; this place seems wonderful. Praise the gods.


    *


    Emily began her duties with renewed spirits. She had always been a diligent worker, and house chores were nothing new to her. She would wake up early in the morning to assist with the cleaning and the gardening. She was also sent to perform small tasks, like fetching water or feeding the animals. Once she was down with her labor, she would meet Jenna back at the dorm and drink tea by the fountain. After all, they were both avid readers and enjoyed commenting on books. Most of the texts they could get their hands on were usually religious tales or traditional poetry. Emily was hoping to run into some clandestine titles, but was too afraid to ask any of the girls in the house, including Jenna. Sneaking forbidden books into a community orphanage was a relatively common practice, especially for teachers. Nevertheless, living under a master''s custody was entirely different. Emily assumed she had to give up on that possibility, at least for the moment. She never expected to find one of her favorite and most scandalous stories hiding ignominiously in her masters'' house.


    She made the shocking discovery a few days later, right at dusk, when she was cleaning Lord Leandre''s lavish study. The room was empty and the fireplace was beaming. She was almost done with her usual chores and was getting ready to leave. However, she suddenly noticed an old cabinet full of parchments in the corner. Judging by the dust collected, no one had been attentive enough to deep clean the area recently. She started to remove the parchments and pushed the furniture aside. To her bewilderment, a small book quickly collapsed at her feet. It must have been hidden behind the cabinet all along. As soon as Emily lifted the sample, her eyes widened. It was a copy of Rosetta''s Lonely Maiden, one of the most outrageous stories ever written. Emily had read it multiple times. It depicted a forbidden affair between a peasant and his bond servant. It also featured plenty of desirous sexual scenes and even erotic drawings. Although many Rosettan men enjoyed that type of lecherous content, what made the book particularly problematic to the religious council was its audacity to claim true love was possible regardless of your partner''s gender.


    Emily''s cheeks flushed as she recalled the first time she ever traced the book''s worn out pages, the curiosity it stirred up in her and the unprecedented sensations that pooled between her legs. She felt so immersed in the suggestive images, she did not realize Lord Arthur''s tall shadow was now standing right behind her.


    ¨CEmily? What are you doing with that?

 Rosetta’s Lonely Maiden

    Emily froze on the spot as soon as she recognized her master''s voice behind her. She tried to press the book against her chest, covering the lustful artwork. Unfortunately, it was clear that Lord Arthur had caught her reading. He seemed equally embarrassed.


    ¨CEmily? What are you doing with that?


    ¨CI''m sorry, master, I was cleaning the furniture and I found this book¡­ I¡­


    She hesitated for a second, unable to articulate a proper excuse. She feared for herself, since she could be severely punished for her act of rebellion; however, she was also afraid to suggest any other servant could be hiding forbidden books in Lord Leandre''s private study. Lucky for her, Lord Arthur did not demand further explanations. He simply took a deep breath and extended his firm palm.


    ¨CGive it to me now.


    Emily nodded and handed him the book; her heart was beating hard on her chest. Lord Arthur stared at her with growing sympathy.


    ¨CDo not worry, dear maiden. We can keep this incident between you and me.


    ¨CThank you, Sir. But I must clarify that book does not belong to me. I swear to you¡­


    ¨CThere is no need to swear. I know you are telling the truth¡­ Because it is mine.


    Emily almost gasped in shock. She was not expecting such a direct confession, especially coming from a man like him. She wondered if Lord Leandre was aware of his husband''s choice of literature. Perhaps that was the actual reason for the book''s concealing.


    ¨CDo you read Rosetta''s Lonely Maiden, Sir?


    ¨CI read all types of books, particularly those labeled as problematic. I think they help me understand the world we live in. It is okay if you do the same. A certain degree of critical thinking is healthy for the human soul. However, you need to be more careful from now on. I do not want you to get into trouble.


    Lord Arthur''s polite tone made Emily less reticent. Maybe they were not utterly different after all. In spite of that, even among rebels and non-believers, men always had the upper hand. Sometimes masters could get away with their ungodly behavior; women were not so fortunate.


    ¨CThank you. You should be more careful, too.


    Emily was about to walk away, but as soon as she turned around, Lord Arthur called out her name once more. His hazel eyes were sparking with curiosity.


    ¨CWait, Emily, do not go yet. Evidently, it is impossible for me to openly discuss this story with anyone around. If it is not too much to ask¡­ Would you mind telling me your thoughts?


    Emily recoiled slightly, discreetly looking over her back. She had many analyses and impressions in mind. She never expected to be asked, though.


    ¨CWell, I think the author is a master of bucolic literature. His austere portrayal of country life and Rosetta''s peasantry is laudable enough. But he is also clever when it comes to eroticism, especially in his depiction of femininity and sensual drive.


    ¨CI agree with everything you just said¡­ except for one thing. Honestly, I have the feeling the author is a woman.


    ¨CWhat makes you think so?


    ¨CBack in school, I used to study and compare the works of many Rosettan writers. Women in literature are not taken seriously enough, but their prompts are innovative in countless respects, even though they are restrained by more strict censorship than their male counterparts. For instance, their natural understanding of power dynamics in society and the corporeality of spiritual restriction helps them express the bond servant''s perspective more vividly and in great depth.


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    ¨CYour observations are keen, Lord Arthur. However, I think the actual value of this book does not reside in its differentiation of men''s and women''s perspectives in life. On the contrary, what makes the story truly special is that it transcends symbolism and power dynamics to embrace an equal experience of love.


    Emily was passionate about her statements; even so, she realized she was approaching dangerous grounds. Commenting on forbidden books was one thing, but openly admitting women and men were equals was considered heresy. Lord Arthur was visibly interested in her opinions. Nevertheless, he seemed to sense her growing concern and finally decided to put an end to their conversation.


    ¨CVery clever approach, Emily. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I am sorry; you must be in a hurry. I will not interrupt you anymore.


    He said goodbye with a deferential gesture and proceeded to walk away. Emily sighed in relief. Still, part of her wished he did not have to go so soon.


    *


    Emily resumed her routine for the next couple of days. Yet, her coincidental and brief encounter with Lord Arthur refused to leave her head. She could not tell if he was special; after all, he was the only man she had ever addressed. All she had clear was that she enjoyed his company and his expertise. He appeared to be a receptive and friendly person. She did not see or hear from him in a while. Whereas Lord Leandre started requesting her presence in his private study. Just as he claimed in the beginning, he wanted Emily to assist his clerks with some records and transcriptions. Emily had a lot of savvy with numbers, perhaps even more than her master''s male assistants, but she had to stick to their authority regardless. Because of that, sometimes they would even blame her for their mistakes, in order to avoid reprisals.


    On one of those occasions, Emily was handed the wrong information; therefore, she was unable to solve a simple calculation for her master. Lord Leandre was so upset that he groaned and tossed the paperwork into the fire. As soon as he stood up and glared at his team, the clerks turned pale in their seats.


    ¨CShit. Did I hire the most idiotic, incompetent accountants in this realm? Who is responsible for this stupidity?


    Lord Leandre was not even done explaining his outrage when every finger in the room pointed at Emily. She did not have a chance to defend herself. In addition, she was the only woman present, so her word would not mean much anyway.


    ¨CI am sorry, master. I was given a preliminary register; I did not¡­


    ¨CShut up, wench. They said you were worth the money. I guess I''ll have to teach you a few things.


    Lord Leandre reached for a whip in his drawer. He was about to put his hand on Emily when the study''s door swung open. Lord Arthur was standing now on the threshold, disconcerted by the situation.


    ¨CLeandre, what is going on? What are you doing?


    Lord Leandre pushed Emily aside. He did not look embarrassed; he was simply taken by surprise.


    ¨CDo not worry, love. We are almost done with this week''s inventory. It is never an easy job, it seems.


    ¨CWhy are you hitting her? There is no need.


    Lord Arthur sounded indignant, although it was hard to tell. His husband laughed at his show of compassion.


    ¨CShe is new here. It is my duty to correct her. Just tell me what you need already; we are busy here.


    ¨CI just wanted to discuss my meeting with the banker. I will come back later. And please, do not ever dare to hit Emily or any other worker again.


    ¨CFine. You don''t have to act like a bitch.


    Lord Arthur''s cheeks flushed with shame, but he decided to avoid a public confrontation. Emily felt a little sorry for him. Marriage was supposed to be a sacred bond that only superior beings could experience. Despite that, most couples were constantly fighting one another. Did religious Rosettan men really understand the essence of love as much as they claimed?


    *


    Emily had an unusual dream that night. She found herself back at her community orphanage, in some sort of chaotic thread. It was the middle of the summer, so the sun was sweltering the entire forest. Lord Arthur was in the barn, feeding the cattle and stroking their manes with a kind gesture. He wore a light linen shirt and smelled like fresh apricot. For some reason, Emily placed her hand on top of his, helping him spur on one of the horses. Next thing she knew, both were lying on the hay. Lord Arthur carefully removed her stockings, caressing her bare legs in the process. His rough fingertips lingered in her ankle, then slowly traveled to her trembling knee. Finally, his pale lips brushed against her thigh, dangerously close to her underwear. Emily woke up shortly after, pressing her pelvis hard against the eiderdown.


    She knew what she had just experienced. It was called searing, an euphemism for female orgasming. Girls were taught about it in school, and it was considered a natural reaction to certain types of stimulation. Still, it remained a taboo topic for most Rosettan men. Emily was not shocked or embarrassed by her body; she had touched herself on multiple occasions. However, it was the first time she ever felt physically drawn to an actual person: a real man, a master. And she feared that the ultimate consequences of that attraction were far beyond her wildest imagination.

 My Better Half

    Emily did her best to keep her head clear for the following weeks. She worked hard in the kitchen and made the most of her free time by writing to her former sisters or exploring the countryside with Jenna. Sometimes they were allowed to visit the nearby village, where they could buy books, clothes and Jenna''s favorite mint tea. Winter was coming and many important holidays would take place in the area, including pilgrimages to the religious council''s headquarters. Despite her lack of religious rigidity, Jenna embraced every festivity with great enthusiasm; she was also well-informed about her masters'' participation.


    ¨CAs an honorific member of our religious council, Lord Leandre must take part in many annual festivals. He usually coordinates the harvesting rituals and hosts a banquet for Rosetta''s elite. Believe me, that is always his favorite time of the year. He loves to display his wealth and generosity.


    ¨CI bet everyone will be blown away by his infinite goodness.


    Emily had become more comfortable around Jenna, particularly when it came to criticism and sarcasm. However, there were many things she still did not dare to tell her. For instance, she never opened up about her dream with Lord Arthur. Female sex drive was an unknown horizon for most Rosettans. The majority of religious scholars compared it to animal instinct. Some of them also pondered over the popular belief that young maidens were naturally drawn to one another. Either way, women were not supposed to be confident or open about their sexuality, and they could be flogged for expressing an unholy inclination for their masters. Emily had not seen Lord Arthur in a while, although she had been working for her husband on multiple occasions. Last thing she heard, he needed to leave town for a few days to attend business in another part of the realm.


    On the last day of autumn, one of the women on the team fell sick and she was unable to attend her late shifts. Therefore, the housekeeper requested Emily to cover her for a few nights. She had never been in the mansion past dusk. The corridors seemed to acquire a mystical beauty, enhanced by the exquisite chandeliers and the beaming torches. Most of the rooms were dark and silent, but Lord Leandre was still working in his study. Emily was supposed to bring him dinner: a select choice of meat, fruit, bread and cheese. She knocked on the door and walked in, arranging the silver tray. She could not believe her eyes: Lord Leandre was lying on the divan by the fire, kissing a young man she had never seen before. He was half-naked, wrapped up in lush fur, and he traced Lord Leandre''s neck with his lips. None of them seemed to mind the interruption.


    ¨CMaiden, set the table for two and fetch another bottle of wine afterwards.


    ¨CYes, master.


    Emily did as she was told, managing to overhear part of the conversation in the process. Apparently, one of the boy''s fathers was a jurist who had been sent to jail recently due to his fraudulent practices.


    ¨CI know he made a mistake; he was in high debt and acted recklessly. But our family loves him and needs him back. He is his children''s main support at the moment.


    ¨CYour father is a liar and a thief; he deserved to be arrested. Even so, I can talk to the judge and convince him to spare his life.


    ¨CWould you do that for me, Sir?


    ¨CBe a good boy and we''ll see.


    Emily felt sick inside. Everyone knew adultery was a blamable act. Perhaps Lord Leandre only cared about religion when it was convenient to him. In addition, he was taking advantage of his privileged position to obtain sexual favors.


    ¨CIt is a shame that you are married. We could spend many lovely evenings in this mansion. Lord Arthur is very lucky.


    ¨CHe is my better half.


    ¨CWhy did you choose him, if I may ask?


    ¨CHe is charming, intelligent, and extremely good-looking. Most importantly, his grandfather was a legendary warrior, so his entire lineage was blessed by the gods. I want that for my future heirs.


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    Emily finished her task and left the room with silent strides. She was not interested in her masters'' business, whilst part of her pitied Lord Arthur. He seemed to be a good person, and he certainly deserved better.


    *


    Emily worked the night shift for a couple more days. The rest of the maids were fully aware of Lord Leandre''s business. They enjoyed the gossip, but none of them would dare to speak out loud or denounce him to the religious council. According to Jenna, the last worker who tried was accused of blasphemy, beaten up and sent to a prison camp for the rest of her days. Lord Leandre had brought two more lovers over, one of them even slept in his bed. His husband probably found out what was happening during his absence, because as soon as he returned home the couple got into a heated argument. The housekeeper had heard them yelling in their bedroom. Emily had never been in a relationship before. Still, she knew Lord Arthur must have felt humiliated and hurt by his partner''s betrayal. Certainly, she was not expecting to run into him the following night.


    She was getting ready to leave when she heard strange noises coming from the west wing of the mansion. Emily stopped in her tracks. Her masters were already asleep, and almost every maiden was back at the dorms by then. Could it be a mouse roaming the warehouse? She turned around and decided to take a better look. To her surprise, Lord Arthur was in the wine cellar, sitting morosely in his silky nightclothes. She almost jumped at the sight of him.


    ¨CLord Arthur! What are you doing here?


    She approached him slowly, raising the candle to illuminate his face. He was drunk, yet his eyes imbued something sweet and smitten.


    ¨CGoodnight, Emily. I am fine; sorry for scaring you. I just wanted to be alone.


    He lifted his gaze and took another sip of red wine, drinking straight from the bottle. He looked so miserable, sitting alone in the darkness, that Emily felt the need to comfort him. She knelt down by his side, reminiscing all the times she also felt lost and broken inside.


    ¨CAre you okay? Do you need me to call your husband?


    ¨CHonestly, that is the last thing I need right now.


    Emily became silent and locked her stare at his for a moment. He had been crying. Throughout her years, she was told males were not supposed to be vulnerable, to give in to sentimentality. She was starting to realize Lord Arthur was not the archetype of man everyone expected him to be. In soothe, there was something beautiful about that natural divergence.


    ¨CDo you want me to leave?


    ¨CYou were right, Emily.


    ¨CHuh?


    ¨CYou were right about the book, about Rosetta''s Lonely Maiden. The character''s main motivation was not a personal perspective of love, but transcendence and equality. I don''t know why I did not see it before.


    Emily smiled, slightly pulling away from him. It was clear their brief conversation in the study had an impact on him as well.


    ¨CPerhaps you were interpreting the text from your own experience. What does love mean to you, Lord Arthur?


    He took a deep breath and finally pushed the bottle aside. His big hand almost brushed Emily''s, making her pulse soar. She could not help but peek at his sculpted, svelte body, from his broad shoulders to his short beard.


    ¨CI used to think true love was about sacrifice and daily commitment. Nowadays, I have no idea. What about you?


    ¨CI do not know, master. Women are not supposed to understand the sublime experience of love.


    ¨CPlease, stop. Both of us know that is bullshit.


    Emily was taken completely by surprise. She understood Lord Arthur''s was getting emotional; however, his last statement was an open call for blasphemy. Even so, she could not deny she felt the same way.


    ¨CIndeed, master. Unfortunately, none of us is allowed to acknowledge it, unless we want to take a shortcut to the afterlife. Matter of fact, if Lord Leandre finds you here with me¡­


    ¨CFuck that unfaithful bastard and his religious council. I''m sick of being afraid.


    Afraid? Men were not supposed to be frightened. They were free, weren''t they? They ruled and controlled everything around them. Perhaps nobody could escape society''s yoke, after all.


    ¨CLord Arthur, you had too much to drink, you clearly do not know what you are saying. You should return to your bedchambers.


    Emily''s firm tone helped her master come back to his senses, at least for an instant. He nodded and rose to his feet.


    ¨CI guess you are right. This is embarrassing. Please, forgive me.


    Emily sighed, touched once more by the grief in his voice.


    ¨CDo not be ashamed. Everyone has rough days. Also, we can leave this incident between me and you.


    Lord Arthur''s semblant lit up, giving a hint of a smile. Without prior notice, he pulled Emily for a hug, desperately seeking comfort in her company. She instantly froze between his arms. It was the first time she ever transgressed the frontiers of what is permissible; the first time she ever touched a man''s warm, vigorous body. Just like in her dream, she was unable to pull away. On the contrary, her hesitating hands slowly reached for Arthur''s neck; her avid lips nervously encountered his in the dark. Their kiss was equally soothing and fateful, completely enigmatic for both. It was, undeniably, a newfound stream of passion.


    --Come here...

 Between Me and You

    Emily''s mind became hazy, as she found herself defenseless in Lord Arthur''s firm embrace. It was easy for her to abandon fear and surrender to a dormant desire. Her fingers lingered in his sharp jaw, his nape and his strong torso, whilst he was stealing her breath with every single kiss, pulling her closer and closer to his energetic chest. She eventually felt his swollen length pressing hard against her belly. Her knees turned weak, and she fought the urge to grasp his body tighter.


    ¨CMaster¡­


    ¨CDon''t call me that.


    Arthur pushed her against the nearby wall, leaning down to kiss her with greater ease. Emily allowed him to slide his ardent tongue inside her mouth, embracing every new sensation. He seemed to be in control of the moment; however, he hesitated for a second when his curious palm reached Emily''s cleavage. She decided to guide him then, grabbing his hand and helping it explore her breasts. He had never touched a woman, and she had never touched a man. Therefore, they were both equally swooned at each other''s shapes and textures.


    Gradually, Emily mustered up courage to move his hand further, all the way down to her hips. He traced her waist, her butt and her pubis, pausing finally between her trembling thighs. Emily groaned in arousal, allowing him to discover her humid and throbbing femininity. She raised her skirt as Arthur promptly fell to his knees, yearning for more.


    ¨CGo ahead, take my panties off.


    Arthur breathed heavily; his eyes were gleaming like Rosetta''s ancient night sky. He undressed Emily very carefully, gliding his fingertips across her naked south. He ventured himself inside her, piercing the folds hiding behind the trail of thin hair. She was pleasantly soft, torrid and wet to the touch, like anything he had experienced before.


    ¨CDo you like that, Emily?


    ¨CYou can tell I do.


    Arthur pulled away momentarily, taking off his trousers and revealing his ribbed erection. Emily gasped at the sight of it. She had learned about men''s anatomy through her books. She had also fantasized about it numerous times. Even so, the discovery was still staggering for her. Lord Arthur noticed right away. He grasped his stiff manhood and stroked it before her eyes.


    ¨CYou have never seen one before, am I right?


    ¨CCan I¡­.?


    Emily''s cheeks flushed brightly as she reached out to touch him. She satiated her intense curiosity, circling her thumb over the thick, pink tip. Arthur moaned, so she started to squeeze it more firmly, incessantly. It was not long before he was panting and melting in her palms.


    ¨CFuck¡­ Turn around for me.


    Emily followed his command and rested her hands on the cellar''s wall, bending her tush for him. Arthur lifted her skirt and gripped her waist tightly, adjusting himself right behind her. His desirous manhood rapidly found its way inside her, sinking deeper with each diligent thrust. Emily bit her lip hard. Her femininity ached and burned, as if he was ripping it apart. Despite that, the increasing friction was making her squirm beneath him. Her pulse spiked, and arousal rapidly burst inside her. Arthur increased his pace. He was about to reach his peak too. However, he suddenly pulled away in haste. Emily''s legs were shaking uncontrollably; every nook of her body craved more. Nevertheless, as soon as she saw him pour his hot seed on the floor, she realized what he had done. What they had done. She felt so overwhelmed by emotion, she immediately fixed her clothes and ran away.


    ¨CEmily, wait! Please don''t go¡­


    *


    Emily could barely sleep that night. She did not feel remorseful for her desires. After all, she despised the religious council''s prudery and refused to believe a simple inclination could be deemed abhorrent and condemnable. What truly wrecked her nerves were the possible consequences of her encounter. Loving a man was already a risk, let alone her master and Lord Leandre''s trophy husband. She reproached herself for being so bold and acting recklessly. A casual affair could cost her life. In addition, she was a woman; therefore, she would never win the judges'' favor. In the worst-case scenario, Lord Arthur could even try to save his skin by accusing her of using witchcraft to seduce him. She prayed he was cautious enough to keep the secret and stay away from her from now on. She also hoped no one had heard them talking in the cellar.


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    Emily did not have to work the next day, which was a tremendous relief for her. Jenna left the room at sunrise, and she was able to sleep in. She also took her time cleaning herself, pouring scented water all over her body. Part of her did not want to forget Arthur''s rough touch, the ravishing feeling of their flesh merging. She was even tempted to caress herself in the washroom, recalling each forbidden tingle. She headed to the dorm''s kitchen shortly after. She almost lost her cool when she heard the staff gossiping about Lord Arthur. She spied on their conversation, terrified. Fortunately, no one mentioned her name.


    ¨CHis father is coming for a visit. Truth be told, he is a weird man, indeed!


    ¨CWhat''s wrong with him? I heard he is a renowned artist. He painted one of the most beautiful murals I have ever seen.


    ¨CHe is; he is a kind man too. The thing is, one of my former sisters knows him very well. Rumors claim he is¡­ well¡­ too fond of women.


    ¨CSo what? Many men are fond of maidens. They spy on them when they bathe in the river.


    ¨CAnd they have intercourse with them, of course; that''s where their babies come from.


    ¨CYes, but everyone says he took it a little too far, if you know what I mean. Actually, he never got married. And that would make Lord Arthur¡­


    ¨CA bastard.


    ¨CHush, both of you! How dare you refer to your master in such a vile manner?


    ¨CWe have nothing against him. We are just being honest. He was not conceived during the Moon festival, with the blessing of the gods. If it wasn''t for his illustrious lineage, he would have turned into a pariah.


    ¨CRight. Some people even speculate that the bond servant who gave birth to him raised him as if she was some kind of¡­ second father.


    ¨CGross!


    Emily served herself some stew and rushed to the dining hall. So, Lord Arthur had been secretly raised by a woman; that made sense to her. He came from a diverse background. Therefore, it was easier for him to understand different perspectives. Moreover, his father had been rebellious and impious, at least in private. Arthur''s backstory made Emily root for him. Even so, she realized she had to forget about her feelings and stay away from him for good, for the sake of everything they had ever known.


    *


    Emily resumed her duties the next week, including her regular working hours. Winter festivities were just around the corner, so Lord Leandre was busy with the mandatory preparations and the final feast for Rosetta''s elite citizens. According to Jenna, the top religious council and the royal family attended his ball every year. It was hard for the staff to meet Lord Leandre''s demands for the event. However, it was worth the struggle. The maidens were allowed to throw their own party afterwards; sometimes they even received lavish gifts from the guests. Male laborers were equally happy, because they were paid an additional contribution by the end of the season. Emily focused on the garden and the floral arrangements. Luckily for her, she did not run into Lord Arthur in the following days. He was probably busy spending time with his father. She saw Lord Leandre a couple of times, though. He seemed so full of himself, strutting down the hall and ordering everyone around. He would lose his mind if he ever knew the truth about his husband, and that mere idea scared Emily to death.


    She was sitting next to the gardener''s hut, working on a flamboyant floral ornament, when she heard Lord Arthur''s voice in the distance. He was greeting some of the workers and asking them about the harvest. Emily stood still and lowered her gaze, selecting the most suitable rose bushes and gardenias in the nearby basket. Arthur walked past her and their gazes did not meet. However, he discreetly tossed something right beneath her dress. Emily almost cursed. At first sight, it looked like a crumpled piece of paper. Although, she could tell exactly what it was. She reached for the letter with a swift move and hid it inside her bodice. She did not dare to read it until she was completely alone in her room.


    "Dear Maiden:


    I have attempted to write this letter over a dozen times. I never know how to start; and I certainly never know how to stop. Part of me wishes we had never encountered each other. Part of me understands the implications and the immorality of our actions. I am also ashamed of myself for putting you in such a scabrous situation. Even so, I try my best not to think about you and I end up defeated every single time. You are kind, passionate and clever. You are marvelous in every aspect, a pleasant surprise in this ordinary world. Most importantly, you are true to your fierce soul and leave a trail of wonder everywhere you go. I want to see you again. I long to make you mine somehow. If it is all the same to you¡­ Meet me in the pond''s shed tomorrow at midnight.


    Ps. We can keep this between me and you"

 Slaves of Providence

    Emily read the clandestine letter multiple times; her heart was bursting in her chest. She found herself torn between her desire and her good judgment. She yearned for him too, she longed for his touch and his earnest heart. Despite that, she could not give in or endorse Lord Arthur''s provocations. No affair in the world was worth the risk of execution. Moreover, Arthur belonged to someone else, someone he willingly swore to love and serve for the rest of his life. Emily was about to burn the letter when Jenna stepped in the room, making her flinch and drop the candle.


    ¨CBe careful, girl! You are going to burn down our last decent desk.


    ¨CI''m sorry, I was just cleaning out my documents and¡­


    ¨CJudging by the look on your face, I assume that is not a letter from your former sisters.


    Emily sighed in defeat. She certainly could not fool Jenna so easily. She had a keen eye for detail and natural astuteness. She probably had more experience keeping secrets than anyone else in the dorm.


    ¨CAlright, you got me. I was about to burn a love letter. A secret admirer left it in my mail last night.


    Jenna unveiled her wide, radiant smile once more. She rapidly fell on the bed; her gaze was beaming with curiosity as she whispered.


    ¨CA secret admirer? Emily, that is so sweet.... And impassioned. Any clues about her possible identity? Does she work here? Or does she live in the village down the road?


    ¨CShe? Oh, no¡­


    Emily''s cheeks flushed so brightly Jenna immediately let out a gasp.


    ¨CHe? He is a man!


    ¨CI don''t know! I have no idea who she or he is, and I don''t care either. I am not interested.


    Jenna laughed spontaneously, unbothered by Emily''s nervousness.


    ¨CPlease, do not be embarrassed, sister. Whether you decide to respond or not is completely up to you. Your secret is safe with me anyway.


    ¨CThank you, Jenna.


    ¨CIf it makes you feel any better, I''ve written a couple of those myself. Everyone needs a little romance in their lives, right? Still, I care about you, and I need to warn you: do not fall for men''s flirtation and allurement. The majority of them use maidens to experiment in bed, some of them even pay for it, just to leave them exposed and dishonored for life. For instance, a few years ago, one of the girls on our staff started a secret affair with a farmer. When Lord Leandre found out she was with child, she was immediately arrested and deemed a wicked woman, despite being one of the most upright people we had ever met.


    Emily swallowed hard, assimilating the gravity of the scenario.


    ¨CWhat happened to her and her child?


    ¨CI do not know for certain. I heard she was publicly shamed and sentenced to a prison camp. She gave birth to a girl, so the child was later sent to a community orphanage, like every other female in Rosetta. The farmer, on the other hand¡­ He may have faced backlash for his deeds. He was flogged and forced to pay Lord Leandre a juicy sum of money. But he remains a free man up to this day. He moved on with his life, he got married¡­ All he had to do to save his head was bribe the religious council and blame the maiden for her lewd temptations.


    ¨CSon of a bitch.


    ¨CExactly. She risked herself and lost everything for a man who did not care about her. The moral of the story is: us women do not have the privilege to make mistakes, nor to pursue our deepest desires and come out unharmed. We need to be very careful, especially when it comes to men.


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    Jenna''s advice was devastating, but necessary. It helped Emily reassert her resolution. She had to address Lord Arthur and firmly ask him to stay away from her, no matter how hard it may seem for both.


    *


    The next day, Emily sneaked out of her bedchamber at the brink of midnight. The dorms were dark and completely empty, since all the maidens were already asleep. Jenna was also deep in slumber. However, if, for any reason, she noticed Emily''s absence, she could simply tell her she had made a short trip to the outdoor latrines.


    Emily put on a coat and headed to the back of the building. The pond was not that far off from the maiden''s garden. She could even take the short-cut through the glade. The road was so dark she could barely watch her step, although that was beneficial somehow. Maidens were allowed to walk around the property. Nevertheless, if someone saw her wandering alone in the middle of the night, it would definitely arouse suspicion. She made sure there were not any sentinels guarding the forest before rushing to the pond''s quiet shed. Lord Arthur was already expecting her, sitting behind the rusty shelves. Emily could not discern him clearly in the gloom. Yet, she caught a glimpse of a smile on his handsome face.


    ¨CEmily, you really came.


    ¨CI did, Sir; I shouldn''t have, though. Don''t you think Lord Leandre will wonder where you are?


    ¨CHe knows I suffer from insomnia.


    He tried to reach for her hand, but Emily recoiled. She had to make things as quick as possible to avoid any unnecessary temptations. After all, she was as hungry for his touch as the very first time they kissed.


    ¨CListen well, Lord Arthur. I know you were frank about your¡­ inclinations. But I need to put an end to this.


    ¨CI thought you wanted me too.


    ¨COf course I want you; I think that is clear enough. But you are being reckless and irresponsible. What happens if we get caught?


    -You have your powerful husband to save you from jail. I have nothing.


    ¨CYou are right, my powerful husband would not send me to jail¡­ He would execute me.


    ¨CWell, you love that man. You chose to share your life with him.


    ¨CI do not love him, not anymore. When we first met, I was too young to realize the type of person he was. When he showed his true colors I decided to cancel our wedding plans, but then he threatened to¡­


    ¨CStop. I''m not here to hear about your relationship. You love that entitled piece of shit, Arthur. You were drinking and crying your eyes out for him just the other night. You are confused, I understand, but you need to come to your senses. We must stay away from each other henceforth. Please, do not talk to me or send me a letter ever again. If you truly care about me, promise me that.


    Her harsh tone finally made Lord Arthur back down and nod, disappointed.


    ¨CI give you my word, Emily. I am sorry, and I wish you well. Thank you for coming.


    Emily fought the urge to kiss him goodbye. She knew intuitively that both were slaves of providence, slaves of their circumstances. Unfortunately, she was the one who could lose the most.


    ¨CGood luck, Arthur. Perhaps in another lifetime¡­


    *


    The next days were particularly hard for Emily. Her wretched heart recreated her last conversation with Lord Arthur over and over again. She did not regret her decision, though she lamented being denied the right to love and dream beyond society''s stigmas. At least she heard Arthur was doing better. According to the maids, Lord Leandre was trying hard to make up for his infidelity. He did the most to grovel and keep his his husband happy. He bought him a sumptuous new carriage, plenty of fine horses, and entire workshops in the center of the realm. Emily knew Lord Leandre''s greed and hunger for power was unmatched. She had heard him numerous times in his study complaining about the royal family''s mismanagement of certain plots of land. He was always planning strategies to allocate more resources to the religious council''s fund, which sometimes evolved into his private investments. Lord Arthur was probably well aware of his practices, and Emily wondered if he shared his ambitions. She had no idea what it meant or how it felt to own anything, not even her own body; she simply knew men were consistently losing their souls and their lives in the name of possessing.


    Later that week, when the first massive pilgrimage to the religious headquarters was about to take place, she was requested to arrange her sisters'' holy offerings. They usually consisted of flowers, fruits, or white squabs that were slaughtered in the altar. Men, on the other hand, were expected to contribute to the temple with donations, including cattle and gold. Emily was almost done preparing the cart when the housekeeper requested her presence back in the dorm. Her knees flattered once she stepped in the room and recognized the fateful golden scepter in her palm.


    ¨CEmily Ratzer? Come here, please... As you already know, Winter''s Moon Festival is the most important one of the year. According to holy tradition, it is also the perfect time for a married couple to conceive their first child¡­


    Emily turned pale beforehand.


    ¨CCongratulations, fair maiden. Lord Leandre himself has chosen you to bear his firstborn. Praise the gods!

 The Chosen One

    ¨CCongratulations, fair maiden. Lord Leandre himself has chosen you to bear his firstborn. Praise the gods!


    The housekeeper''s announcement was imbued by admiration and genuine enthusiasm, yet to Emily it felt like a death sentence. Being forced to be a mother in an unjust society was devastating enough, let alone carry a baby for such a vile master. Her heart skipped a beat, but she tried her best to keep a straight face.


    ¨CWhy did Lord Leandre choose me if I may ask? I am new here, after all.


    The housekeeper frowned at her response, slightly surprised. She wrongly assumed Emily would be happy with the news, since pregnant women from wealthy households usually enjoyed plenty of privileges.


    ¨CThat is one of the main reasons for his decision, in fact. Most of the maidens around here are already established in their routines. He also took into account traits such as physical strength, temperament, health condition, the quality of your teeth¡­


    Emily''s stomach turned in disgust as she imagined Lord Leandre meticulously analyzing her profile, as if he was about to buy a pure-breed steed. She tilted her head and looked down to hide her anguish. Her superior sighed then, reaching for her shoulder with a reassuring gesture.


    ¨CEmily, I know you are nervous. It is normal; motherhood is a life-changing experience indeed. But you are not alone, and you will be okay. Our merciful deities and everyone in this household will take care of you; we will guide you on this important journey. You should consider yourself fortunate. You will be exempt from work until you finish breastfeeding the baby, you will move to the mansion, the gods and the religious council will reward you for your service. If you give birth to a girl, she will be sent to a community orphanage, where she will live a happy childhood. Whereas, if you give birth to a boy, he will become our honorable masters'' heir. Isn''t that a tremendous achievement for any devout Rosettan woman?


    ¨CI am sorry, Miss Jade. I do not think I can do it.


    According to the sacred norms, Emily''s refusal was a blatant display of disrespect for her masters. Although, Jade was not bothered by her initiative. On the contrary, she seemed to pity her.


    ¨CEmily¡­ If you are unprepared, perhaps you can address the situation with Lord Leandre. Maybe we can persuade him and his husband to choose someone else.


    Emily instantly lifted her gaze, entranced by hope.


    ¨CCan we do that?


    ¨CI wouldn''t recommend it, but¡­ We can try if you really want to.


    ¨CThank you, Miss. Thank you very much.


    ¨CPlease come with me now. Master Leandre is expecting you.


    A few minutes later, Emily followed Jade towards the mansion''s lavish dining hall. Everyone at the house was getting ready to start the annual procession to the religious headquarters, so the corridors were particularly busy. Lord Leandre was almost done having breakfast. His husband was not in the room; Emily assumed he was still occupied in his fencing practice. She bowed before her master, while Jade took a step forward.


    ¨CMy Lord, Emily Ratzer is here to discuss her duties. I suggest you¡­


    ¨CThere is nothing to discuss; she already knows the holy protocols. I know she is not under the moon''s influx right now; hence, we will present our sacrifice at the temple today and request the gods'' blessing as intended. Prepare a room for her in the east end in the meantime.


    Emily raised her head and intended to speak, but Jade interceded in anticipation.


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    ¨CMy Lord, I strongly believe you should consult Emily and your husband before we move forward, because¡­


    Suddenly, Lord Arthur stepped into the room, still cleaning his gold-plated sword. As soon as he recognized Emily, his countenance conveyed dread. She quickly realized he was both confused and mortified.


    ¨CGood morning¡­ What is going on over here?


    Lord Leandre grinned and calmly bit the apple in his hand.


    ¨CCome here, love. Remember I told you I had another surprise for you? Well, if the gods see fit, we will be starting a family soon.


    ¨CWhat? During the winter''s Moon Festival?


    ¨COf course, everyone knows that it is the most convenient holiday to conceive a first born. I know it may feel hasty, but don''t you worry. I am the older partner, so I am supposed to procreate first.


    Lord Arthur faked a laugh as he approached the broad table. His distraught eyes met Emily''s for an instant. Like some kind of symmetry, they knew exactly what occurred in each other''s heads.


    ¨CLeandre, I understand you intend to strengthen our marriage, but this is not what I had in mind.


    ¨CThat is the entire point of surprises, in case you haven''t noticed.


    Arthur was about to speak up, but his husband stood up and grasped his arm with a decisive move.


    ¨CWe will discuss all the details along the way, love. There is no time to lose. Jade, organize the female pilgrims. Emily, secure the scepter and follow us to the carriage¡­


    *


    The major pilgrimage was an annual event that gathered the faithful from all over the realm. Some families came from the most distant corners of Rosetta, forming a multitude of pedestrians, horses, and wagons in the main avenues. People danced and chanted in the streets. The stalls were full of traditional food and colorful costumes. Men carried their offerings proudly, including the mandatory tithe to the religious authorities, whilst many women gifted flowers and sweets to the children. Emily was amazed by the cheerful atmosphere; despite that, the ride was completely unbearable for her. She sat right next to Arthur, almost frozen in her seat, while Lord Leandre emphasized the importance of respecting sacred traditions. He also lectured his husband on the value of marriage and family life, as if he was preaching at the temple.


    To Emily''s misfortune, she would not realize how influential her master truly was until she witnessed his grandiose arrival at the religious headquarters. A group of maidens immediately prostrated themselves and threw rose petals as he passed by. All the priests rushed to greet him, the devotees lauded him, and Rosetta''s crown king in person bowed down to kiss his hand. Emily simply stood behind the couple, trying to slip by unseen between the distinguished guests. However, her presence was eventually announced by Lord Leandre himself.


    ¨CThis is Emily Ratzer, one of my maidens. I am beyond honored to have her here today. Arthur and I are about to request the gods'' blessing to conceive our first child. She is the chosen one.


    Lord Leandre''s friends and lackeys were delighted with the news. They congratulated the couple and praised her for her holy mission. Lord Arthur, on the other hand, was visibly uncomfortable. Emily was only waiting for the precise moment to pull him to the side and discuss her thoughts. Eventually, she managed to address him at one of the balconies of the top hall, while Lord Leandre was distracted.


    ¨CLord Arthur, you need to help me, please. I am not ready to be a mother. And even if I were, I would not stand to sleep with that repulsive man you call a husband and bear his child, no offense.


    Arthur pierced her gaze with a mix of longing and impotence.


    ¨CWhat do you want me to do? He already made up his mind.


    ¨CYou need to help me persuade him. He cares about you; he will listen to your advice.


    ¨CYou clearly have no idea who we are dealing with.


    ¨CPlease, I beg of you¡­


    Arthur was about to turn around, but Emily''s disheartened pleading made his body shiver. He simply could not bear to ignore her call, not after all they went through.


    ¨CLike I said, I cannot go against him. However¡­ If, for some reason, he felt unwell for the rest of the Moon Festival¡­


    ¨CBut how?


    ¨CThere is a herbal remedy, a common plant frequently used to cure constipation. When administered in elevated doses, it can¡­ Well, you already know what I mean. I could make him sick enough to stay in bed for the rest of the week. That way, he would have no choice but to cancel his plans.


    ¨CAre you sure that will work?


    ¨CWe must give it a try.


    A couple of seconds later, Lord Leandre returned to the spot. He was holding a glass of sparkling wine.


    ¨CIs everything alright?


    ¨CYes, love. We were just practicing our litanies.


    ¨CDon''t be nervous, I will lead you both. The ceremony is almost ready, praise the gods¡­ But first, Emily, go fetch more wine for my husband.


    ¨COn my way, master.


    Emily turned around and Lord Leandre pulled Arthur for a kiss, embracing him dearly and fervently behind the velvet curtains. She stared at them from the corner of her eye. For some reason, the way Arthur yielded to his touch and wrapped his arms around him made her soul ache. It was complicated for her to decipher her own feelings: up to that day, she never knew what true jealousy looked like.

 The Moon as our Witness

    The religious council''s main temple was astonishing from every angle. Emily could tell the building was carefully designed to be imposing and magnificent, from the golden cupula to the perfectly crafted statues, pillars and murals. She followed her masters to the altar, lining up with the numerous devotees that requested the gods'' favor. It was her first time attending the pompous celebration; nevertheless, just like every Rosettan citizen, she knew the guidelines perfectly. They went through the mandatory rituals, including the litany of the harvest, the sacrifice of emendation and the collective prayers. Afterward, Emily washed herself at the Fountain of the Moon, an emblematic monument of fertility and womanhood. She completed the protocol in silence, gathered with many other young maidens. Some of them looked genuinely happy to become mothers, whilst others seemed reluctant. Emily asked herself if the goddess of the Moon, gleaming distantly in all her alleged glory, could truly rejoice and bless the servitude of her daughters. Perhaps she was afraid to speak up as well.


    Emily returned to her bedchamber later that night. She did not even want to take part in the lively celebrations. People were dancing, feasting and getting drunk everywhere across the realm, but all she could do was cry. She had not given up the chase, though; she trusted Lord Arthur''s word and prayed his plan would work out as intended. In case he did not succeed, she could find another way to avoid her destiny. For instance, some forbidden books described methods and remedies to prevent impregnation. Regrettably, she would still be forced to cohabit with Lord Leandre and entertain him. Refusing to fulfill such obligations was not a choice for a bound servant, and she did not want to end up freezing to death in a prison camp. She was hoping to run into Jenna to discuss her doubts and fears, maybe even request her advice. But she was summoned to the east wing of the mansion almost right away.


    Jade had assigned her a splendid room on the top floor, embellished with numerous bouquets, fine textiles and art pieces. She had a privileged view of the front garden, her own bathroom with an engraved tub, a large closet full of garments, and possibly one of the most comfortable mattresses in the entire realm. She was also provided with plenty of books and delicacies. She suspected those luxuries were not really meant to indulge her, but Lord Leandre, who was supposed to sleep with her for an entire week. Emily was growing more anxious every single hour. However, a whole day passed by and her master was still nowhere to be found. She was about to leave the room and request Jade''s guidance when someone finally stepped in. She was instantly relieved to meet Lord Arthur''s peaceful gaze.


    ¨CGood evening, Emily, I am sorry to bother you. Unfortunately, Lord Leandre is feeling indisposed. He must stay in bed for a couple of days. The doctor is on his way, but I am afraid he won''t be able to fulfill his obligations.


    Emily almost let out a scream of joy. She wanted to thank Arthur for his brilliant collusion; though she decided to let him conclude with his speech first.


    ¨CI originally intended to take care of him and engage in the public holidays. Turns out he has different plans¡­


    He closed the door very carefully; his cheeks were beginning to flush.


    ¨CThis was not what I expected, and I know you did not want to hear from me at all. But Leandre insists that the winter''s Moon Festival is the perfect time to conceive a first-born. Therefore, he asked me to substitute him on his¡­ task. Please do not freak out, I will not sleep with you, I just need to pretend to. I am sorry for the inconveniences it may bring.


    Emily took a deep breath and smiled, moved by Arthur''s sincere courtesy.


    ¨CIt is alright. Thank you for everything, Sir. I owe you one. And, please, do not apologize. I cannot deny you are very pleasant company.


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    His face lit up for a moment, and Emily caught a glimpse of longing in his regal stare. He took off his fur coat and headed straight to the fireplace, while she sat on the unmade bed.


    ¨CWhat happens if your husband gets better, though?


    ¨CDo not worry. Even if he happens to recover prematurely, I bet he will have a blast counting his tributes and cheating on me.


    ¨CI am sorry about that.


    ¨CMe too.


    He turned his back on her and started to light up the fire. He sounded hurt, yet incredibly accepting. Emily wondered if she could ever achieve such a level of tolerance, if she could ever learn to be unfortunate.


    ¨CYou should leave him. I heard some men are granted permission to divorce.


    ¨CIt is not that easy, and Leandre would never accept it; it would harm his reputation. I think I told you before, I used to love him deeply when I was a teen. Nowadays, I am starting to believe he never loved me back¡­ It is not so bad, anyway; I tend to focus on the good.


    ¨CAt least I hope he is a decent lover.


    Lord Arthur laughed out loud, equally amused and embarrassed by Emily''s natural boldness. She chuckled too, growing more comfortable in his presence. Deep inside, she was excited to spend time alone with him, although she doubted she could resist the temptation to explore his body once again. The intimacy of the scene, the serenity of his company and his undeniable appeal were a dangerous combination. She preferred to stand up and head to the bathroom, avoiding his gaze at all costs.


    ¡ªI will take a bath now. See you later, master.


    ¨CSee you later, dear maiden.


    Emily decided to use the opulent washroom for the first time, pouring clean water and rose petals into the marble tub. She took her time examining the candles and the objects on the shelves and was immediately impressed by the variety of scents and textures, including soap bars, brushes and bottles of perfume. She also found a wardrobe made of ebony, full of handmade towels and bathrobes, along with a nice set of porcelain silverware. She tried to reach for the teapot on the top, mesmerized by the beauty of it, when suddenly the contiguous vases began to crumble down. Emily did her best to save the set, but some of the utensils ended up crashing on the floor and shattering to pieces. She gasped, worried, and noticed a thin wake of blood in her right foot. A few seconds later, Lord Arthur rushed in, visibly concerned. Emily almost jumped, as she was completely nude and defenseless before his eyes.


    ¨CMaster!


    ¨CAre you okay¡­? Oh, shit¡­ I am so sorry¡­


    Emily pulled a towel to cover herself; her cheeks were burning. Lord Arthur, for his part, took a couple of steps back, hesitant. He automatically regretted his intrusive entrance, but he still wanted to help Emily. Therefore, he grabbed a jug and some soap from the nearby counter.


    ¨CYou are hurt. Please, let me take a better look.


    ¨CDon''t worry. It''s nothing. Though I think I just ruined Rosetta''s most beautiful tea set.


    ¨CYou should be locked up for that.


    Emily took a few cautious steps and sat on the edge of the bathtub. Lord Arthur leaned down and lifted her ankle very carefully, examining the wound and helping her clean it. Something about his gentle, diligent hands on her skin made her quiver from inside out. In addition, the proximity of his warm chest and the trail of his aroma felt tremendously familiar to her, imbued with her ravishing fancy for forbidden fruit. She held her breath as his fingertips caressed her toes. Only then, she realized his igneous stare was locked to hers.


    ¨CYou will be just fine, my dear Emily. All you need is a gauze and¡­


    Emily finally reached for his open mouth, ravenous for his touch, and made the words disappear in the corners of his lips. Arthur embraced her tightly, surrendering to his most vehement instincts. He pushed her hard against the tub, kissing her without restraint, as if she was about to fade away between his hands. Afterward, he tugged her hair and removed the towel that concealed her trembling nudity. Emily was enraptured by his energetic response. She could tell how much he yearned to be with her, how much they had missed each other''s reactivity. She pulled him inside the bath, forcing him to take off his soaked clothes. His strong torso was full of scars, yet she found it extremely attractive in many ways. He had been blessed with might and vigor, but he was equally elegant and graceful. Emily could not keep her eyes off him, and she certainly did not want to. She decided to save her fears and guilts for a brand-new day. All she knew was that she was meant to share that moment with him, regardless of doom, regardless of the aftermath, and despite being irremediably condemned by fate.

 Somewhere Beyond the Stars

    Far beyond guilt and hesitation, Emily pulled her lover closer, unfurling her eager body in the lukewarm water. Arthur adjusted himself on top of her, as their nudities merged between the scattered petals and the lush foam. She instinctively arched her back and wrapped her thighs around his waist, rubbing her pubis hard against his stiff manhood. Arthur sank into her shortly after, holding on to the edge of the tub. Each energetic thrust made Emily''s body shudder and bounce against the marble bottom, rekindling the burning arousal inside her. Simultaneously, Arthur''s curious fingers roamed around her neck, grazing her collarbone and her quivering breasts. Emily seized him and shook her hips until she was moaning and gasping for air. She tried to lock her gaze to the ceiling, but Arthur gripped her chin and forced her to stare back at him. She realized his amber eyes were so bright, that they could somehow comprise Rosetta''s thousand splendors.


    Suddenly, he groaned and pulled away from her, breathing heavily. Emily thought he was about to leave, so she reached for his hand once more. To her surprise, Arthur did not turn around as she initially assumed. On the contrary, he tugged her hair and forced her to bend on the adjacent wall. A few seconds later, one of his big hands pressed her swollen bud, massaging it very gently, while his wet fingers worked their way between Emily''s buttocks. She shivered as soon as she felt Arthur''s thumb circling around her tight entrance; she knew exactly what was about to take place. She stood still and allowed him to break her resistance little by little, from his thumb to his index finger and his staggering length. The initial contact made her sore and tense, but her body gradually expanded and adjusted to his size. Just then, an unexpected stream of pleasant sensations vanquished the pain, and she pleaded for his impetus all over again. They reached their climax together, in complete symmetry and correspondence. Fortunately, Emily did not have to run this time. She was able to hold him close to her chest and kiss his lips in silence, as if it was meant to be that way from the very beginning.


    *


    The next couple of days were some of the happiest in Emily''s life. She would spend her evenings conversing with Lord Arthur, contemplating their pasts, discussing their favorite books, and exploring each other''s bodies. They made love on the bed, on the floor, and on the couch, unafraid to immerse themselves in the delights of fervor and imagination. And even though Arthur had to leave the room every morning to check on his husband or attend to his business, he was always excited to come back and find her sitting by the fire. Emily simply could not get enough of his tender, intelligent character. She found it easy to cuddle in his arms and talk to him for hours; she almost forgot about the daunting difference that pulled them apart, the inflexible dynamics that bound women to their masters. She had to remind herself that Lord Arthur would never view her as an equal, even if his affection seemed genuine, and that he owed his love to someone else. Despite that, she still found herself longing for him and daydreaming about a future together.


    ¨CHave you ever wondered if there is some kind of place, somewhere beyond the stars, where a couple like us could share a life in peace?


    Her odd question took him by surprise, but he did not look flustered at all. He reached for her hand and kissed it dearly, as they lay naked on the unmade bed.


    ¨CPerhaps there is¡­ Right across the ocean.


    ¨CWhat?


    ¨CMy grandfather did a lot of sailing during the war. He told me about the land of the pagans.


    ¨CThe savages?


    ¨CThey are not savages, Emily. Their culture is different, that is all.


    ¨CThey murder their own children.


    ¨CThat is a blatant lie. Our soldiers made that up to justify their brutality. They pillaged and annihilated entire towns. Yet, they dare to call their enemies beastly.


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    Emily nodded, taking in the revelation. It was not entirely shocking, though. She was well aware of powerful men''s constant tactics to control and manipulate their subjects'' beliefs.


    ¨CThat explains why they despise our people and our religion so much.


    ¨CThey can be hostile, and some of their customs may be shocking to us. However, we are also alike in many ways. They work, they dream, they struggle, and they suffer just like we do. The thing is, marriage between men and women is endorsed in their culture, while same-sex relationships are severely punished.


    ¨CReally? Shit, isn''t there some place in the world where people can simply love and marry who they want to?


    ¨CI am afraid our societies are not ready for such a degenerate outcome.


    They laughed with ease, and Emily rested her head on his placid chest once more. She suddenly remembered the obscene rumors about Arthur''s father; she wondered if his celebrated and heroic grandfather had ever dared to sleep or even to marry pagan women during his numerous expeditions. She pictured how scandalous that would be.


    ¨CArthur, our realm needs urgent reforms. People should not be afraid to be different, or critical, or curious. We should be able to question and reinvent ancient traditions. I heard the king is coming to your annual ball. Perhaps you could address the situation with him. You are a respected man; he will listen to your proposals.


    ¨CThe king is a reasonable and benevolent ruler, but there is not much he can do at this point; he is about to retire.


    ¨CThen hopefully one of his heirs will advocate for change, and you can be part of it.


    ¨CI would love to. Regrettably, the religious council would never allow it. It is their duty to designate the king''s successor. And they will always choose someone who endorses their interests.


    Emily sighed, frustrated. Arthur was right: Rosetta''s theocracy was extremely rigid and deep-rooted in every aspect of social life. Most importantly, religious authorities were completely aware of their power and they would never renounce their privileges.


    ¨CWell, I believe the religious council should be overthrown.


    Arthur''s eyes automatically widened out of shock. He certainly had never heard such a radical statement before, despite labeling himself as a critical thinker.


    ¨CYou are taking things too far, Emily. You should watch your mouth.


    His lack of tact made Emily pout.


    ¨CWhy? Because I am talking about your boastful husband?


    ¨CYes, you are talking about my husband, but also about our realm''s entire belief system.


    ¨CEasy for you to say, being part of an elite that oppresses people like me.


    An awkward silence followed her reproof, and Lord Arthur became sullen. Part of him understood her rage; he simply did not know how to embrace it. Emily tried her best to calm down, but her eyes got teary. Her lover pulled her closer then.


    ¨CI am sorry, I didn''t mean to bring you down.


    ¨CPlease be honest with me, Arthur. Do you really care about me? Do I mean something to you? Or am I just an experimental game?


    ¨CDon''t be silly. Of course I care about you. If this were a perfect world, I could prove it; I could give you my life. Unfortunately, we will never be more than a forbidden affair. There is no hope for us. You said it yourself that night at the pond.


    Emily was hurt by his words, even though she comprehended them. She decided to change the subject. It was futile to think about the future; they still had to focus on their present challenges, for instance, Lord Leandre''s family plans.


    ¨CI guess you are right. We were not even supposed to be here in the first place. Thank you so much for helping me out.


    ¨CDon''t worry about it. It was a delight to share my nights with you. I tried my best to avoid impregnation, so you do not have to struggle with an unwanted pregnancy. When Leandre finds out you are not with child, he will probably assume there is something wrong with you, and he might select another maiden for the springtime.


    Emily leaned in to hug him, brushing his neck with her fingertips.


    ¨CYou are a great man, Arthur. If I ever were to become a mother, I would be more than happy to bear your child.


    They were about to kiss, but suddenly the bedroom''s heavy door swung open. They almost jumped as they recognized Lord Leandre standing at the threshold.


    ¨CHolding hands, huh? Just like two peasant maidens... Anyway, I hate to interrupt, love, but the festival''s final party is about to start. Hurry up, go get dressed. Emily is coming too; I want to introduce her to the royal family.


    Arthur quickly rose to his feet, giving one last glance at his restless lover. Emily tried to convince herself that their ardent affair would conclude as soon as he walked out that door, but it was impossible. She did not want to admit it; she might even hate herself for it. However, she could not deny it anymore: she was in love with her master, and no amount of risk or judiciousness could change it from there on.

 The Royal Ball

    Emily put on one of the fancy nightgowns she found in the closet; it was not tailor-made, but it fit her properly. She also braided her hair and tried some of the makeup and perfume kits in the bathroom. As she crossed the mansion''s embellished corridors, she ran into a couple of her fellow sisters. They all greeted her with particular respect and admiration, though some of them stared at her in envy. Emily realized many Rosettan women would be jealous of her current position. Even so, being the luckiest slave in the room certainly did not make her feel any better. She was approaching the main hall, where the ball would take place, when she saw Jenna walking by. She smiled brightly and immediately rushed to meet her.


    ¨CEmily! Look at you! You are so beautiful in that dress.


    Emily pulled her for a hug, touched by her sister''s genuine enthusiasm. If she only knew all the painful emotions she was dying to pour out.


    ¨CThank you, my dear. Lord Leandre wanted me to meet the royal family, so I tried to dress accordingly.


    ¨CEveryone will be charmed, no doubt about it. Just be yourself and enjoy the show. Do not drink too much, though. You might be blessed with a baby soon. I am so happy for you!


    ¨COh, yes¡­ Praise the gods.


    ¨CI am in a hurry right now; we need to finish preparing the feast, but I will see you later and we will go through everything. Good luck!


    Jenna stormed back to the kitchen and Emily continued walking down the corridor. Briefly after, she peered at Lord Leandre standing by the staircase, conversing with a younger man. Judging by the emblems on his jewels, Emily quickly deduced that he was one of the king''s sons. Apparently, he wanted to request Lord Leandre''s advice before the event started, but she intuited that something was awry. Her master did not seem to mind her presence, though. He listened to the prince''s speech with growing impatience.


    ¨CLike I was saying, my Lord, I am completely devoted to Rosetta''s wellbeing, and I have numerous ideas to boost our industrial development. I am also a fervent believer.


    ¨CI know that. You are a suitable successor, and I appreciate your solid conviction. However, if you really want to ascend the throne you need to prove your worth to the religious council.


    ¨CI am aware of that, Sir. I don''t know what my brother may have promised you and your colleagues, but I guarantee I can improve the bid.


    The prince muttered his last sentences. Despite that, Emily was still able to hear him as she passed by. She also grasped Lord Leandre''s dishonest intentions.


    ¨CYou are a clever man, I like that. The religious council is interested in exploiting and administering the vacant lands by the shore. Perhaps we can discuss that later¡­


    Emily seethed with anger as she left. The elite''s barefaced corruption was simply incredible. The religious authorities did not care about the gods'' will or the citizens'' devotion. Most of them were only after the money. And all an aspirant king had to do to fulfill his personal ambitions was to buy the council''s favor. The worst part was that the majority of Rosetta''s population still believed that men like Lord Leandre were essential to maintaining the realm''s sacred welfare.


    She reached the main hall feeling restless. The splendid chandeliers beamed over the dining table, the flower arrangements, and the grand orchestra. Lord Arthur was greeting the first guests, while a few maidens saluted them and handed them glasses of sparkling wine. Just like Jenna had commented before, some of the attendees brought lavish gifts for the staff, including fine hats and veils. Emily sat at the back and peeked at all the distinguished men: prominent religious authorities, renowned soldiers, successful merchants, and their corresponding families: a bunch of tidy little boys and their female babysitters. Lord Leandre stepped in shortly after. He presided over the royal family''s glorious entrance. Emily had to stand up and pay her respects then, just like everyone else in the room. Lord Leandre gripped her wrist as soon as he saw her, driving her to the middle of the crowd.


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    ¨CFor those who don''t know her yet, this is my lovely maiden, Emily Ratzer. Hopefully, she will give birth to our first child by next fall. Please, be kind enough to keep her in your prayers.


    Emily faked a radiant smile, as everyone around her took turns to congratulate her. The king and his partner complimented her on her good judgment, and they gave her a magnificent pair of earrings as a token of their appreciation. Arthur was staring at her from the corner of his eye, sipping champagne in silence. He eventually snuck away, heading to his father''s seat in the back. Emily did not understand why many people called his father weird or depraved; at least to her, he looked like a completely regular person and a loving parent. Perhaps his only "fault" was his natural distaste for men.


    Emily did her best to mingle and enjoy the party, just like Jenna suggested, but she felt uncomfortable among those fancy strangers. She danced with other bond servants and conversed with some of the guests, including a few leaders from the religious council. They all seemed polite, charming and educated at first glance, yet Emily sensed they were most likely greedy and malicious like her master. Lord Arthur, on the other hand, would spend most of the night eating and drinking with his husband. Emily longed to be with him, to touch his perfect face and kiss his lips once more. She wanted to confess her feelings to him. However, she realized that would only make things worse. She decided to avoid him for the rest of the event, focusing on the lively music and the delicious food instead.


    Out of the blue, she recognized Lord Leandre on the dimmed balcony, visibly drunk, flirting with the king''s son. He whispered something in his ear and patted his back discreetly. The young man seemed fascinated. It was just a matter of time before they turned around and disappeared towards the lonely gardens. Just as Emily assumed, a few other guests had noticed too, including Lord Arthur himself, who immediately stood up and left the room, enraged. Emily felt so sorry for him, she simply couldn''t conceal her indignation either.


    *


    Arthur finally mustered up courage to challenge his husband in the middle of the garden, as soon as he was done fucking the prince behind the glade. He watched the king''s son kneel on the cold ground and suck him dry, while Leandre tugged his hair and made him gag. Arthur waited until they parted ways to address him privately, blocking his way back to the mansion with a decisive stride.


    ¨CI have tolerated countless snubs for the sake of our marriage, but you''ve gone too far this time. I will not allow you to humiliate me in front of my family and the entire court.


    Leandre recoiled slightly, taken by surprise. He was embarrassed and intoxicated, but he still managed to excuse himself.


    ¨CI am doing this for us, too. That man is about to become the next king of Rosetta. I want our firstborn to marry one of his future heirs. Do you understand the importance of that alliance? Our family would gain control of the entire realm. Moreover, the lands by the shore are only the beginning of our deal. I could also put pressure on him to send troops to the pagan islands. I heard some of their villages are struggling with famine right now, so it is the perfect opportunity to conquer them and spread our faith.


    ¨CAre you serious? What the fuck is wrong with you?


    ¨CWhy would you even care about the pagans, love? Your grandfather used to slaughter them in hordes. That is how he earned his titles, remember?


    ¨CYou are a shameless liar and a plunderer. I can''t believe I used to dream about a future together.


    ¨C Arthur, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I certainly don''t give a damn about the prince or any other lover. Everything I own is yours: the fields, the horses, the mines, the shops¡­ Those rich islands could be yours too.


    Leandre tried to caress Arthur''s hair with his slick hand, but he automatically pushed him away.


    ¨CYou don''t understand. I am sick of you. I will leave you for good, and in case Emily is expecting, I am taking my child with me.


    ¨COur child. He belongs to me, and so do you, until your last breath.


    Lord Arthur became infuriated. He instinctively reached for his sword, which made his partner whistle to his sentinels.


    ¨CLet me remind you something, you filthy bastard. Not only am I your husband, but also your religious authority. So you better watch your next move carefully, unless you want to spend the rest of your life extracting coal in a prison camp, you and your sinful, disgusting mother¡­

 Worlds Apart

    Rosetta''s weather was not particularly harsh, though temperatures decreased considerably during the wintertime, making dew freeze every night. Despite that, Emily sat for almost an hour on one of the garden''s benches, waiting for Arthur to come back. The party was still lively in the main hall, where a few talented maidens danced and sang for the distinguished guests. Lord Leandre had already returned to his spot on the dining table. He was eating lamb racks with mint sauce and washing it down with more red wine. His husband, for his part, was now heading back to their bedchambers. Emily rushed to meet him as soon as she saw him walking by. The orchard was dark and solitary, so it was the perfect place to address him in private.


    ¨CArthur! Are you okay?


    He turned around and tilted his head. He appeared to be serene, yet his eyes conveyed immense rage and impotence.


    ¨CI''ve been better, but thanks for asking, dear Emily.


    She took a deep breath before reaching for his shoulder. Her touch was somehow soothing enough to make him smile for a second.


    ¨CYou won''t leave him, don''t you?


    ¨CI can''t. I am so sick of it. Every time I try to stand up for myself or put an end to this, he threatens to hurt my family.


    ¨CYour family?


    Arthur took a step back, on the verge of tears again. His cheeks were burning with shame.


    ¨CWell, you probably have heard something about it by now¡­ My father never got married; that makes me a bastard. Not only that, to this day, he secretly shares a bed with my mother. They are in love, Emily. And they raised me as a couple.


    Emily swallowed hard. She found it hard to believe that a master could love a woman so much to put his entire life and his son''s custody in jeopardy.


    ¨CI certainly couldn''t care less about your origin, Arthur. You are a good man, and your family loves you, that''s all that matters.


    ¨CYou are right, that is all that should matter. However, Rosetta''s citizens would never approve of it. Leandre could have us all killed or incarcerated with a single announcement.


    A long pause followed. It was difficult for Emily to gauge the implications of coming from a "deviant household", as some used to call it. Yet, she understood the gravity of the situation: Arthur''s hands were tied, and so were his loved ones''. She pulled him close for a hug.


    ¨CI bet your mother is a brave, intelligent woman.


    ¨CShe is a keen poet with a heart of gold. I would never let anyone hurt her¡­ I don''t want anyone to hurt you either, my love. You are the best that has happened to me, a true blessing in this wretched world, and I need to protect you at all costs¡­


    Her pace fastened; Arthur''s warm breath on her neck and his passionate speech were making her swoon underneath the crescent moon. She felt the urge to grasp his hand and press it tightly against her restless chest. She wanted to tell him that she loved him, that she craved his affection, beyond fear and prohibition, against all odds and common sense. But he pulled away before she could even choose her first words.


    ¨CI am sorry, Emily. I think we made it clear enough that we shouldn''t talk to each other again. Thank you for everything.


    ¨CArthur¡­ Please, don''t go¡­ I need to tell you s¡­


    He turned around and walked away in firm strides, until his shadow disappeared behind the trimmed bushes. Emily''s response was also lost amid the cold trees. All that remained was a piercing, hollow pain.


    *


    Emily began a new life at the mansion, where she was supposed to stay until she finished breastfeeding her future baby. She still had to wait a couple more weeks until her pregnancy was confirmed or dismissed, though she already knew what to expect. As soon as she was under the influx of the moon once more, Lord Leandre would send her back to the dorms, where she would resume her prior routine. In the meantime, she spent most of her days reading, knitting, pacing the gardens, or visiting Jenna at the pond. She felt miserable every time she ran into Lord Arthur in the corridors, who always pretended not to notice her. She thought about him every single night, and sometimes she would well up in the dark, wondering if he recalled their last kiss too. At least his married life seemed to be improving, or so they said. He was back with Lord Leandre, watching stage plays and draining expensive bottles at Rosetta''s elite parties.


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    Emily assumed she could brighten up her evenings by befriending the maidens that worked in the main house, but somehow it was hard for her to approach them. Just as she deduced before, most of them were jealous of her current position. One of them was Lily. She was a beautiful, orthodox, and diligent woman who had served Lord Leandre for many years. She always dreamed about bearing one of his future heirs. Unfortunately, she had a skin condition from birth that probably made her less desirable to his eyes. Emily tried her best to get along. Nonetheless, Lily was constantly scorning her. For example, she reproached her for wasting her free time with vacuous literature, instead of visiting the temple every day, praising the gods and praying for the child''s wellbeing. Emily sensed the contempt in her voice, still, she wanted to keep things friendly.


    ¨CThank you for your concern, dear sister. But master Leandre did not request that at the moment.


    ¨CLord Leandre is responsible for our realm''s prosperity and spiritual welfare. He has a lot of things to worry about. A lazy, faithless maiden shouldn''t be one of them.


    ¨CWell, Lily, I think that is up to him to decide.


    Emily did not care about Lily''s slights, though she knew she had to be very careful around her. Rosetta''s religious education was so intrusive that many citizens would blow the whistle on each other''s offenses. Many maidens were also genuinely devoted to their religious authorities and despised those who went against the stream. Emily discussed the situation with Jenna one day when they were taking a walk to the nearby village. Apparently, she was not fond of Lily either.


    ¨CJade also warned me about her. She is a lapdog. She is constantly doing the most to impress everyone and become an example of religious excellence, but she is bitter, mean, and envious behind the scenes.


    ¨CIt is not her fault, I guess. Life is hard, everyone just does the best they can.


    ¨CAnd speaking of hardships¡­ What is the problem with Lord Arthur? Have you heard something about it? A maiden saw him drinking alone the other night. I don''t know what is going on in his head, but he seems to be heartbroken.


    ¨CWell¡­ Lord Leandre keeps cheating on him; what do you expect?


    Emily''s chest felt tight, and she found it hard to breathe for a second. Luckily, her friend stopped under a leafy tree to pick up some scattered plums.


    ¨CHe shouldn''t have married him then. Men are mysterious, volatile creatures, aren''t they?


    Jenna chuckled and resumed her walk down the olive hills. Emily tried to focus on the distant mills and the chimneys that surrounded the lush crops, but her mind was bound to Arthur once more. She yearned to comfort him, just like the very first time they met in the gloomy cellar, and she simply could not push that thought away.


    *


    Later that night, she sat alone in her luxurious chamber and started writing a letter to him. She did not even know if she would be brave enough to deliver it, yet those soulful lines helped her vent her own sorrow. She chose her words meticulously, to avoid any detail that could give away her or his identity. She simply made it clear that she missed him dearly, that she cared about his future, and that a heart like his deserved nothing but pure love and happiness. She hid the note in her dresser drawer, between a few fragments of poetry, and weighted on her alternatives. She never suspected that Lily would dare to sneak into her room to spy on her private correspondence.


    Emily was just coming back from the pond when she saw Lily standing in the middle of her bedroom. Judging by her ashen apron, she had been cleaning the fireplace. Emily walked in and said hello to her. She did not expect a warm response from her fellow sister, although she seemed to be in a particularly good mood. She approached Emily confidently and proceeded to expose the wrinkled paper in her pocket, scanning it with an insolent look.


    ¨CEmily Ratzer¡­ What is the meaning of this letter? Who are you talking about?


    Emily turned as pale as a ghost, almost flinching at the sight of it. Despite that, she remained firm in her demeanor. She could not let Lily intimidate her and gloat over her fear.


    ¨CFirst of all, who gave you permission to violate my privacy and sniff around my room? And secondly, what makes you think that is an actual letter?


    ¨CDon''t try to fool me, sister. I knew you were hiding something. You should be worried about your pregnancy and your spiritual health, yet you are having a carnalaffair with someone.


    Emily took a step forward, flushing with anger.


    ¨CThat is a very serious accusation, Lily. You have no right to defame me so shamelessly. I did not admit any of that. Besides, I don''t need to explain myself to you. Mind your own business.


    Lily rolled her eyes, visibly delighted.


    ¨CYou are right, dear sister. You won''t explain anything to me; you will discuss it with master Leandre.


    Just like every other person in the vastness of Rosetta, Emily faltered to the sound of his name.


    ¨CWhat? Do you really plan to bother him with such an absurd claim?


    ¨CHe is already informed. Follow me, please¡­

 A Holy Mission

    Emily followed Lily towards their master''s study, analyzing her next move very carefully. Lord Leandre was a sharp man; she could not simply lie to his face. If she really wanted to convince him she had to come up with a plausible explanation. The fact that she had cohabited with Lord Arthur so recently could arouse his suspicion, but she had been cautious enough to avoid commenting on anything about him or their sexual encounters. She did not even dare to touch on the subject with Jenna during their private reunions. Moreover, she knew Lord Leandre thought so poorly of women that he would hardly believe his husband could ever fall for one.


    She bowed to him as soon as she walked in, while Lily announced her presence with brazen hypocrisy. Lord Leandre brushed aside his parchments and stood up. He handed Lily a silver coin before sending her away with a gesture; then he poured himself a glass of hard liquor. At least he appeared to be calm.


    ¨CI read your letter, Emily. I didn''t know you had a soft spot for poetry.


    ¨CYou never asked, master.


    He took a sip and scratched his beard, staring at her with an inquiring expression.


    ¨CWho is the recipient?


    ¨CHer name is Sarah Ronny, one of my former sisters. She lives with her master in the west area. We write to each other very often.


    Emily''s alibi was easy to corroborate. And she knew Lord Leandre wouldn''t be too interested in her correspondence with other maidens. Even so, she had to make clear she had been wrongly accused.


    ¨CI am very fond of Sarah; I''ve always been. But Lily is misinterpreting my words and deliberately trying to harm my reputation.


    ¨CYou know? It has always blown my mind the way maidens fall so easily for one another. It''s kind of sweet, to be honest. Still¡­ You may be expecting. This is not the right time to engage in a carnal affair; you should know it.


    ¨CThat is what I am trying to explain, Sir. I haven''t seen this woman in months and I certainly haven''t experienced physical love with her. Lily is smearing my character. And she had no right to peep around my room and read my personal writings.


    Leandre gave a hint of a smile. He had handsome features, yet his semblance was always pervaded with something rough and imposing.


    ¨CLily is a devout woman who worries about other people''s bad deeds. Can you say the same about yourself?


    ¨CWell, you chose me to bear your future child, master. I assume that makes me a decent maiden.


    Emily''s stomach was turning out of nervousness. However, she managed to keep a straight face and a confident tone. Lord Leandre seemed satisfied with her response. He took another sip and returned to his high-backed chair.


    ¨CRight, I chose you, so you better meet my expectations. Do not neglect the sacred teachings and your holy mission. Most importantly, never forget your place.


    ¨CAt your mercy, my lord.


    ¨CWell said. You are dismissed.


    Emily sighed in relief as she left the room. Nonetheless, she did not have time to assimilate the situation. Lily was standing at the side of the marble staircase, probably waiting for her to come out. Emily wanted to confront her and berate her for her ill intentions, though there was not much she could do in her current position. Men were legally allowed to challenge each other and fight duels when their honor was compromised; maidens did not have that choice. She had to outsmart her enemy somehow.


    ¨CYour behavior is outrageous, Lily. I have shown you nothing but support and respect, as every fellow sister is supposed to do. How can you spy on me and lie to our master so shamelessly? What are you trying to achieve? This is not about religion or about coins. You are actively trying to frame me, but I will not stand for it. I will discuss the situation with the housekeeper, and I will make sure she forbids you to approach me or my belongings ever again.


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    Lily looked down, slightly intimidated. Her face still conveyed pride and contempt.


    ¨CIf you really were a virtuous maiden, people wouldn''t suspect you. You better watch your step, dear sister. Everything in the dark comes to light. Praise the gods.


    A few guards passed by and laughed at their dispute. Emily decided to leave then. The last thing she wanted was to put on a show for them.


    *


    A few days went by without further incidents. Emily reported Lily''s infringement to Jade, who made sure to reprimand her in front of her other sisters and ban her from Emily''s chambers. Lily was not ashamed or repentant. Evidently, her master''s approval meant more to her than the dorm''s codes of conduct. At least the majority of the maidens backed Emily up. They could tell Lily was jealous and that her accusations were misleading. In fact, that was the very first time Emily heard Jenna speak flagrantly about Lord Leandre, once they were all alone in the room.


    ¨CI know Lily acted on her own, but our master is clearly promoting and rewarding that kind of nasty behavior. He is the one pinning maidens against each other. How is he so concerned about his servants'' carnal affairs when he rides a different dick every couple of days?


    ¨CHush, sister. All that talking out your neck might have us both killed. And I have the feeling that is Lily''s ultimate goal. She wants to get rid of me, no matter the cost.


    *


    Jenna wanted to cheer her friend up, so she invited her to the nearby town to stroll around and drink some tea. They would spend Jenna''s free evening on the village''s main street, roaming the colorful marketplace, the plain white houses, and the loud taverns. Many peasants enjoyed playing cards and drinking on the sidewalk. Some of them would spit on the ground and harass the maidens that passed by. However, Jenna always made sure to earn their respect by pointing out that they belonged to Leandre Beacon and Arthur Lasey, indisputable lords and masters of those fields. She had lunch with Emily and they visited the chapel before returning to the mansion. Every population had a temple of their own, a symbol of faith and gathering for the local community. Emily only intended to join Jenna in her daily prayers, but the celebrant on the dais quickly caught her attention. Judging by the solemnity of his speech and the vast crowd, something important was taking place.


    ¨CThank you for coming, parishioners. You probably heard that Lord Leandre Beacon, an honorific member of our religious council and devoted servant of our homeland, spoke yesterday at the main temple. His message is a transcendental call for all the people and a tremendous blessing from the gods. For those who don''t know, the pagan islands have been struggling with famine in the past months, to a large extent due to the mismanagement of their leaders and to their infamous customs that infuriate the gods¡­


    Both Emily and Jenna stopped in their tracks and lifted their gaze to the altar, bewildered.


    ¨CCenturies of tension and confrontation between our realms have separated our people; and after the war most of us assumed we could simply part ways and ignore our neighbors'' bad deeds hereinafter. Our grandfathers were wrong. Unfortunately, the pagans'' actions have angered the gods so badly that it is only a matter of time before they have an effect on our lives as well. Do not forget that the gods'' favor is inherent to our harvests, to our physical health, and our spiritual wellbeing. Their despicable ways threaten to deteriorate our land and its thousand splendors.


    At that moment, many people in the multitude started whistling and yelling, calling to slaughter the pagans. The priest was forced to raise his voice then.


    ¨CCalm down, brave citizens. It is not too late; there is a solution. We cannot continue disregarding the pagans'' abominations, nor can we eradicate them through a never-ending massacre. We must conquer them, once and for all. The gods rewarded Rosetta''s hard work and blind conviction with prosperity, while our enemies were weakened and scattered. Hence, this is the perfect time to seize their lands, impose our sacred traditions, make them pay for their past crimes, and save our children from the wrath of our deities. Rosetta''s glory will never perish; we will not allow it. We are destined to guide, control, and rule the entire archipelago. That is, indeed, our holy mission. The religious council and our military forces have already come to an agreement on this strategy. Only the king and his chamber are hesitant about the resolution. In this sense, Lord Leandre Beacon himself is requesting your undying support. Please, if you care about our homeland''s beliefs and supremacy, head tomorrow to the royal palace or to the nearest public court to manifest your common will.


    Emily stood still, speechless, as the men around her cheered, stirred up by the celebrant''s energetic exhortations. Jenna was utterly shocked too.


    ¨CHold on. Does this mean¡­ that our people are going to war?


    ¨CThis won''t be just a war, sister. It will be an occupation. And it seems our merciful master is right behind it.

 A Chance for Us

    Emily and Jenna returned to the mansion in the midst of a tumult. The news of the holy conquest was spreading rapidly throughout the realm, from the religious council''s headquarters to the most distant houses of prayer. Most Rosettan men hated the pagans; they did not need too many excuses to lash out against them. In addition, fervent believers were easily manipulated by the council''s preachers, so they were already calling for an intervention. Maidens were not allowed to engage in political affairs, but they were expected to express their loyalty and support for religious dispositions. Because of that, Jenna was very careful in choosing her words as they made their way back uphill.


    ¨CWar is a terrible thing; it devastates everyone and everything it touches. I pray, from the bottom of my heart, that our government can come to a more favorable resolution. Our king is a self-proclaimed pacifist. He wouldn''t want our people to be massacred, or to seize foreign lands. There has to be another way.


    ¨COf course there is another way, Jenna. Regrettably, most conflicts are rooted in greed rather than principles or natural differences. The king and his chamber are cornered. The religious council wants to conquer the archipelago and they won''t stop until they achieve it. They have the military and the faithful on their side anyway.


    ¨CAnd they have the gods'' blessing, or so they claim¡­


    Emily had a hard time restraining her emotions. Not only did she understand her friend''s fears and uncertainty, but she also assumed Lord Leandre''s ultimate ambitions. Men like him did not hesitate to deceive, corrupt, and decimate entire populations, shielding themselves behind a glorious purpose or a collective demand.


    As soon as they arrived at the mansion, they saw Lord Arthur standing in one of the lateral terraces, addressing all the guards and male laborers on the property. A group of maidens was also listening to his speech, so Jenna and Emily proceeded to join them, standing at the back of the crowd. Emily watched her former lover from a safe distance; he did not appear to be gloomy anymore. On the contrary, his outstanding jewels were beaming underneath the declining sun, and his elegant countenance caught everyone''s attention.


    ¨C...In this respect, it is important that we collaborate with the council''s designs and attend the public manifestations of our faith. However, we must look after our regular duties as well. The hard work of our citizens and their strong sense of community is what will keep our realm thriving under any circumstances. That being said, please resume your activities with the usual effort and demonstrate your loyalty to my family''s holy mission. Lord Leandre will be gone for the rest of the week. He will be very busy with the current negotiations at the royal palace. I will take care of all his business in the meantime, so approach me directly if you have any important inquiries. You are dismissed. Praise the gods.


    Emily was awestruck by his confident statements and commanding tone. Did he know about the conspiracy all along? Could he be selfish enough to support his husband''s initiatives? Perhaps he was just like his grandfather and the other men in his lineage, who were bold enough to question or disobey the sacred teachings in private, but they would still endorse the system that granted them their privileges. She felt disappointed and betrayed somehow. Although all she could do at the moment was lower her head and resign, as society intended her to do for as long as she lived.


    *


    Emily locked herself in her room for the rest of the evening. Her mind was tormented by catastrophic possibilities. She despised war, its leaders'' arrogance, and their hateful threats. She simply could not comprehend why men were constantly calling on violence, why their love for the homeland or for religion led them towards hate and oppression instead of fraternity and equality. She also wondered if the pagans embraced similar ideologies. According to Lord Arthur, they were not as cruel and brute as the ancestors depicted in their chronicles. Still, they had plenty of good reasons to loathe Rosettans and they would not hesitate to take revenge on them if given the chance.


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    She put on her nightgown and wrapped herself in the fur blanket, ready to blow off the candles on the nearby table, when a subtle knock on the door took her aback. It was late already. All the workers had left the mansion and the maidens were supposed to be back at their dorms; perhaps only a couple of guards were still roaming the property. Could Lord Arthur truly dare to visit her in the middle of the night? She rose to her feet and headed to the door very quietly, breathing faster with each step. Her master walked into the room shortly after, sneaking in from the dark, cold corridor. Emily flinched as he closed the door behind him.


    ¨CLord Arthur! What are you doing here? This is far from appropriate and¡­


    ¨CEmily, please, there is no need to pretend. We are alone; the right wing is completely empty. I need to talk to you.


    She sighed and raised the candlelight to illuminate his gaze. He was right, Lord Leandre would be gone for the rest of the week. Even so, it was not entirely safe to interact with each other, especially after the incident with Lily.


    ¨CYou need to leave now. I am not a game for you to enjoy while your spouse is away. I cannot go back and forth with you anymore. It is both dangerous and exhausting.


    ¨CWait, please listen to me. I did not come to play with you, not even to discuss our current situation. I am here to talk about the war.


    Lord Arthur lowered his voice and Emily could tell he was being serious. She gradually dropped her guard then.


    ¨CRight. Your husband has been causing quite a stir.


    ¨CI hear that very often.


    He paced the room with silent strides, reaching for a chair next to the hearth. Emily handed him a cushion as he mirrored her tender smile, reminiscent of the impassioned evenings they spent by the fire.


    ¨CSo, why would you bother to consult me about the holy conquest? Seems to me that you and your powerful family will be one of the main beneficiaries.


    ¨CDo you really think so low of me? You know my heart, Emily. I would never take pride in the suffering of thousands of people. I do not crave fortune, not even glory. All I want is freedom. And I know I''m not the only one, that''s why I''m here¡­ You were right about the religious council, about everything. Someone needs to put an end to their reign of terror.


    He leaned closer to her, almost brushing her bare shoulder. Emily held her breath for a second.


    ¨CAre you¡­ planning to murder your husband?


    Arthur chuckled, stunned by her forwardness.


    ¨CI am tempted, believe me. But that wouldn''t stop the war at this point. He has already persuaded the council, the devotees, and the soldiers. Moreover, my entire family could face the consequences of my crime. My approach is completely different¡­ See, my father has organized a small group of dissidents, a squad of people like you and me, those who refuse to be silent and afraid forever simply because they can''t comply with society''s ruthless norms. We have one goal in common: we want to steal a ship and escape to the pagan islands. Not only do we wish to settle somewhere safe to live in peace with our loved ones, but we also plan to warn the villages about the invasion, so they can prepare themselves and wage an effective counterattack.


    Emily paled, grasping his words and their definitive, determined outcome. She wanted to reply, but she found herself stuttering. Arthur had to embrace her more tightly then, uplifting her with the trace of his lips.


    ¨CWait, what you are trying to say is¡­


    ¨CWhat I am trying to say is: There is a chance for you and me. Come with us, join our cause, and live a happy, free life by my side. No woman deserves to be possessed, subjected, or exploited for the sake of tradition, especially not the one who helped me understand and experience the genuine essence of love. I love you, Emily Ratzer. Blasphemy, abomination, sin¡­ No matter what people call it, or if they try to tear it apart. It is true, it is pure, and it is all I can put my soul into henceforth. So, please tell me now, would you be odd enough to run away with me?

 On the Brink

    Emily''s heart pounded hard on her chest as her lips found their way back to Arthur''s eager mouth. She could almost savor the danger in his words, the ultimate implications of their secret escape. She craved him, and she yearned for freedom even more. Yet, she was not fully convinced she could risk it all in an attempt to reach the other side.


    ¨CArthur¡­ I love you, too. You have no idea how much I wish we could run away and never look back. But are you completely sure about this plan? Even if we are lucky enough to get on a ship, crossing the ocean is extremely difficult, even for experienced sailors. We have all read the chronicles about the navy, the storms, and the sea monsters. Also, your husband will probably send an entire fleet to hunt you down. He may not care about your feelings, but he certainly cares for his pride.


    ¨CI know it sounds complicated, but my father and I came up with an appropriate strategy. He has a vessel ready, along with a competent crew of dissidents and their families. He will take the ship to the east side, far from the main dock, the naval base, and the fishing towns. He is a noble, so no one will question his moves. In the meantime, I will pretend to do business on the shore. I will tell Leandre I want to buy a shipyard. I always bring a couple of guards and maidens when I am on a trip. This may be the only chance I have to escape, but I can''t leave without you, Emily. I would never forgive myself for it.


    He embraced her tightly, pressing her little by little against the fine couch. Emily was instantly captivated by the grip of his palms and the power in his voice, the untethered passion it entailed. She felt her skin gradually warming up under his clever direction. All she was praying for in life was to be free. Still, she never wanted to belong to someone so badly. Love was a beautiful contradiction indeed.


    ¨CI will join you, Arthur, but there''s no backing down now. If we fail our mission, we are both doomed; I hope you know it.


    ¨CI know it, dear maiden. But I would rather face my demise by your side than live a prosperous life without you.


    He removed her silk nightgown very gently, while she searched for his crotch underneath his trousers. She grasped his manhood and rubbed the hardening tip on her lips, caressing it with her tongue. Arthur groaned as he pushed himself deeper into her welcoming throat. Emily knew exactly how to make him squirm; she had learned to read the reactions of his rough body. Her free hand cupped her lover''s butt and her forefinger roamed his tight entrance, gradually making its way inside him. She would suck him and finger him simultaneously, until Arthur became so aroused that he pulled away and climbed on top of her. He filled her up with a single, ravenous thrust then, and made love to her so vehemently that Emily had to cover her mouth to restrain her screaming.


    *


    A couple of days later, Lord Leandre returned to the mansion with marvelous news: the king and his chamber had successfully signed a decree to conquer the archipelago. The first troops would be sent in the middle of the summer and their first target was Sphinx Island, famous for its yellow hillsides and emerald mines. He walked into the main hall with his entourage, ordering the help to cook a few suckling pigs and fetch his best barrel of wine. Emily heard the racket from the nearby corridor and decided to show up; Lord Arthur was already there. He congratulated his husband and pulled him for a big kiss. The rest of the staff were taking turns to pay him respect, so Emily proceeded to join them. If she really wanted to succeed in their plans, she had to act as innocent as possible. She bowed to her master with usual courtesy and reached out for his hand to kiss it.


    ¨CThank you for ensuring our realm''s flourishing, Sir.


    ¨CDo not thank me, dear maiden. That is what I live for, and for my lovely family, of course.


    He snapped his fingers to request a chair and made Emily sit by his side. Lily''s cheeks were burning with anger. She could barely keep a straight face as she filled her master''s golden cup. The housekeeper also approached him to express her support and admiration, though she was genuinely concerned by the ultimate consequences of the war. She tried to ask him about it, but Lord Leandre disregarded her questions with his natural lack of care.


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    ¨CYes, Jade, sacrifice is an essential part of both personal growth and social transformation. Keep our people in your prayers and trust the gods'' guidance¡­ Also, tell the errand boys I need an orchestra, my favorite singers, and a few acrobats to perform tonight. I want to celebrate.


    ¡ªOf course, my Lord.


    Lord Leandre would spend the rest of the evening discussing the importance of the conquest and the ancient prophecies, along with his ideas to convert the pagans and help them embrace the holy traditions. However, as soon as he got drunk, all he could talk about were the monetary benefits and the business opportunities to come, including the tithe increase. Lord Arthur took advantage of the situation to express his intentions to buy a shipyard and invest in a couple of warehouses by the shore. His husband seemed pleased with the initiative; he even suggested a few favorable deals. Emily had left the table by then. She was busy conversing with Jenna in the back of the house.


    Emily had no doubts about her friend''s impeccable character, intelligence, and bravery, and she trusted her more than anyone else in the world. Therefore, she could not simply escape and leave her behind, condemned to a life of servitude. She wanted her to join the mission, or at least have a chance to decide on her fate. She still was not sure how she was going to react, after all, dissidence was a tremendously scandalous subject. Nevertheless, she knew by heart that Jenna would never reveal her secret or reprimand her for being who she was. She finally mustered up the courage to speak about the plot, right after Jenna expressed her open disapproval for Lord Leandre''s plans. Now that they were completely alone, she was comfortable enough to criticize the war propaganda and mock her master''s hypocrisy.


    ¨CYou were right, Emily, the king has yielded to the religious council''s demands. Our people have been fooled and manipulated, thrown into an absurd conflict that will result in thousands of losses and incalculable human suffering. This can''t be the gods'' design; I refuse to believe it. Leandre is not satisfied with us; he wants the pagans'' souls as well. That bastard is preaching and laughing all the way to the emerald mines. I wish we could repudiate our masters, just like they repudiate immodest maidens.


    ¨CJenna, there is something we can do about it¡­


    Emily reached for her hands and held them tightly. She did not realize how reckless the plan sounded until she said it out loud for the first time. Jenna listened thoroughly, without uttering a word, and eventually pulled her friend for a hug, displaying a benevolent smile.


    ¨CDear Emily, you are so brave. I am proud of you, and I wish you nothing but the best. I will pray for you every step of the way; I promise you that. But I cannot follow you in this mission. I have a life here and¡­ love too.


    Emily raised an eyebrow, taken by surprise.


    ¨CDo you have a lover?


    ¨CYes, Jade, the housekeeper. We have been together for a while. She is the most beautiful woman I''ve ever met, inside and outside. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She would never leave Rosetta; this land feels like home to her, and she feels like home to me.


    Emily breathed out, moved by her tender confession. She understood Jenna''s reasons, although it was hard to accept her refusal.


    ¨CIt is alright, I''m happy for you. Perhaps one day our society will change for the better, and no one will ever be afraid to fight or to love. See... I have a lover too; I also want to spend my life by his side.


    ¨CHis? Emily! Who is he? Is he that secret admirer you told me about?


    ¨CPlease don''t make me say his name. All you should know is that his husband is preaching and laughing all the way to the emerald mines.


    Jenna''s jaw dropped and she almost jumped in her spot.


    ¨CSister! Have you gone mad? I heard some people find a certain allure in danger but¡­damn, you definitely crossed the line.


    ¨CWe shouldn''t have done it; I am completely aware of that. But it is too late to stop. We are in love, Jenna. And we have no choice but to run away together.


    Jenna tried her best to calm down, even though her mind was running wild.


    ¨CWe can''t choose who we love¡­ You will be fine, as long as you care for each other, and he treats you with respect. But what about your child? Lord Leandre will never let you leave the house in your current condition.


    ¨CDon''t worry; I will be under the moon''s influence by¡­Oh, shit.


    Suddenly, Emily felt her stomach turning. She had been so immersed in the plot in recent days that she had not noticed her period was delayed. Her friend looked at her right in the eye then.


    ¨CEmily¡­ are you expecting?

 Star-Crossed Lovers

    The unequivocal question made Emily shudder, holding Jenna''s hand once more. The mere possibility of carrying a child and bringing him to an uncertain future frightened her. In addition, her pregnancy would be a tremendous obstacle to her scheduled escape. Jenna was right: Lord Leandre would not let her leave the property in her delicate state, let alone travel all the way to the shore to assist Arthur on his business trip. Despite that, even in her current predicament, the idea of baring her lover''s baby and raising him together made her heart blossom with newfound joy.


    ¨CYes, Jenna; I think I may be expecting. But that doesn''t change my plans. I don''t want my baby to be snatched away from me. I wish to become a mother, in every sense of the word. If I give birth to a girl, I want her to grow up in a free land, in a home where she is allowed to be strong, creative and sagacious. And if I give birth to a boy, I want him to be kind, sensitive and conscious about others. Our children do not deserve to be afraid, to abuse or be abused.


    Jenna''s eyes began to well up. Her friend''s defiant speech seemed to echo in her past, in every bittersweet memory and forbidden nook.


    ¨CDear sister, now I am convinced that you have completely lost your mind¡­ But in the best way possible. Don''t worry; I have a plan to help you sort this mess out¡­


    *


    A few days later, Emily followed Jade towards Lord Leandre''s private study. He was not in a good mood; he had too much to drink in the previous evenings and he was feeling sick. Lord Arthur sat next to him, drinking tea and examining the latest accounting records. Both of their heads turned as Jade announced her arrival. Emily walked right behind her, wearing a light linen dress and a handmade shawl. It was hard for Arthur not to stare and marvel at her presence; it reminded him of the sprouts and the birds in the spring. Jade bowed before her masters and proceeded to expose a small spotted muslin. Lord Leandre glared at Emily as soon as he saw the crimson stain. However, he was polite enough to remain silent throughout the housekeeper''s explanation.


    ¨CMy Lords, I am sorry to inform you that your chosen maiden, Emily Ratzer, just entered the influx of the moon, according to her natural calendar. After the pertinent examinations, I can confirm that she is not with child. Fortunately, she is in perfect health and ready to reinstate her prior duties.


    Emily took a step forward and lowered her gaze, actively trying to avoid her lover''s hazel eyes. She had not been able to address him in private. He did not know the truth about her pregnancy yet and she was not sure how he was going to react in the first place. Lord Leandre stood up, visibly disappointed. He was about to grab his whip, but Lord Arthur stopped him halfway.


    ¨CLove, it is not her fault. Not all maidens are blessed with fertility. Clearly, the gods have other plans for us. They want you to conceive our firstborn.


    Leandre breathed out, nodding in agreement. Emily decided to intervene then.


    ¨CI am terribly sorry, Sir. Perhaps we can try again during the Spring Festival. I heard that sometimes¡­


    ¨CHush. Kneel before us. Beg for our forgiveness and request the gods'' absolution.


    Emily was bristling with shame and humiliation, but she had to comply with the bond servant''s sacred obligations. She fell at her master''s feet and expressed her most solemn regrets. Lord Arthur was uncomfortable, so he remained in his seat. Lord Leandre, on his part, made sure to guide Emily through her prayers. In the end, he patted her head and helped her rise.


    ¨CAlright, dear maiden, cheer up. You may not be good enough to bear our son, but you can still find purpose in life. You could¡­learn how to play the flute or something.


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    ¨CThank you for your kind words, master Leandre. I truly appreciate it.


    *


    Later that evening, Emily packed her few belongings and returned to the maidens'' dorms. She could not be more grateful for Jenna''s and Jade''s complicity, though she did not like the idea of them running risks on her behalf. She wished she could talk to Arthur before they departed for the shore and address the situation together, but she knew he would be too busy preparing for the trip and discussing his alleged business opportunities. Moreover, the last thing she wanted was to put more pressure on him.


    The news of her unsuccessful pregnancy was already spreading across the household, and Emily assumed many of her fellow sisters would secretly rejoice in the outcome. After all, that would give them the chance to stand in for her. Some others, like Lily, would probably take advantage of the situation to speak ill against her and question her moral integrity. Because of that, Emily was not surprised to hear her name echoing across the dorms'' narrow corridors; she did not even mind the murmuring. What truly caught her attention were the women who talked about the war, sitting across the maidens'' private garden.


    ¨COf course we don''t want our men to go to war, we need our masters right here.


    ¨CDo we really, though? Perhaps we would be better off without them. They can conquer the whole world if they please. But while they are gone, someone will need to take care of the fields, the shops, the public courts, the schools, and the sanatoriums¡­ Us maidens could cover for their jobs.


    ¨CPraise the gods, that would make them appreciate us a lot more. It would show them we can handle many of those things too.


    ¨CAnd we definitely could make some improvements¡­ I''m just saying.


    Emily walked past them and smiled to herself. She had not considered it before, but maybe Rosetta''s external conflicts could also lead to deep structural transformations. The war was an opportunity for women to rise and renovate their roles in their communities, especially while soldiers were away. A spark of hope budded in her chest and the dream of a free, more equitable land lingered in her mind for the rest of the day.


    *


    The next couple of days were particularly tense. Emily resumed her work in the kitchen, the stables, and the laundry room. She tried to stay away from gossip or any type of controversy. Even so, she was startled when she heard a group of soldiers discussing the importance of hunting down possible dissidents and "enemies of the holy conquest". According to them, the religious council had signed a special mandate to impose additional surveillance and disciplinary measures. For instance, citizens who reported suspicious activity related to blasphemy or disobedience would be rewarded with an incentive, whereas those who covered up for any offense would be punished for collusion. Emily was so stressed out that she could barely sleep. At least Lord Arthur''s idea seemed to be working out. Lord Leandre did not suspect his betrayal. In fact, he was looking forward to the next moon festival to conceive his first child, and he was planning to welcome at least two babies per year in the following decade. Half of them would become his heirs, destined to a life of leisure and opulence, while his daughters would end up sharing a bed in the nearest community orphanage.


    *


    The highly anticipated day came along with the monsoon season. A cold drizzle caressed the fields and the muddy roads. The peasants were already singing their praises to the God of Rain and blessing their seeds at the local temples. Like every year, Lord Leandre made sure to send sacks of grain to reward the most faithful families in the nearby villages. He was also supposed to oversee the upcoming celebrations. Lord Arthur said goodbye to him early in the morning, once they were done with their generous breakfast. Leandre tried to pull him back to bed, but Arthur insisted on leaving as promptly as possible, since the maidens had already packed his luggage and the carriages were waiting for him in the front of the mansion. He put his coat on and headed to the staircase. Emily''s eyes lit up as she saw him. It was happening: they were about to embark on a journey of irreparable uncertainty, a step that would either save them or vanquish everything they had ever known. But they were together, and that single thought made Emily reassert her hope and strength.


    The guards saluted him and the bond servants followed them towards the door. Jade had strategically placed Emily among his entourage, respecting her master''s initial instructions, and no one had questioned her for it. A sweet, older maiden was supposed to join them too. Nevertheless, Emily lost her temple when she recognized Lily standing right behind her. The distress was evident in Jade''s face as well.


    ¨CI am sorry to interrupt, my Lord. Your husband is genuinely interested in your comfort. So, he asked me to send a third maiden to assist you during your business trip. He personally requested Miss Lily Skys.


    Arthur almost grimaced as Lily bowed down to him, displaying an attentive smirk.


    ¨CAt your mercy, master Arthur¡­

 Never Look Back

    Arthur responded to Lily''s gesture with a courteous smile, though her unexpected presence put him under great stress. She was definitely one of the most attentive servants in the household; however, he intuited the actual reason why Leandre had sent her. She was a "religious spy"; in other words, a person who assisted the religious council in their secret labors. Lord Leandre was probably unaware of his husband''s plot, yet he needed to make sure he did not do anything inappropriate behind his back; for instance, revealing delicate information or starting an affair with another man. Emily was also struck by her appearance, but there was nothing she could do about it. They would have to come up with a strategy to concretize the escape under her watchful eye.


    Lily joined the entourage and followed them to the front of the mansion. Two high-end carriages were waiting outside. One of them was meant to carry Lord Arthur and his maidens, while the other was destined for his escort. He greeted the horsemen warmly; they handled the luggage and everyone got in their respective vehicles. Fortunately, the rain had ceased temporarily, and the journey seemed promising. They just had to make a couple of stops before reaching the nearest shore. Emily found a spot next to the window and sat in silence, ignoring Lily''s disdainful stare. At least Amelia, the other maiden present, was easing off the tension with her placid comments. She was almost fifty-five years old, an elderly citizen according to Rosettan standards, who was looking forward to her well-deserved retirement. She had proudly served the Beacon family for over three decades, and she had given birth to four of their children, including one of Lord Leandre''s dearest brothers.


    Lord Arthur was thanking her for her laudable labor, as they departed the property and reached the main road. Emily wanted to do the same, but suddenly she felt her stomach swirling. She eventually became so nauseous that she turned pale and was forced to open the window. Her abrupt malaise took everyone by surprise. Arthur requested the horseman to stop for a minute, and Amelia rushed to assist her. Lily was equally rapid in expressing her disgust.


    ¨CShe is sick; she should stay in the house. She cannot work in this condition; besides, she is going to ruin our schedule!


    ¨CDon''t be so harsh on our fellow sister, Lily. She is not used to traveling, it is normal to get dizzy. All she needs is a few drops of crimson flower¡­


    Emily threw up on the side of the path and washed her mouth with pristine water. She recovered very quickly, yet Amelia tenderly wiped off her cold sweat and poured drops of herbal remedy underneath her tongue. They resumed their journey shortly after, despite Lily''s complaints. Emily was not bothered by her constant attacks; nevertheless, she could not help but feel threatened. After all, vomiting was a well-known symptom of pregnancy. Every maiden in Rosetta could recognize the early signs.


    The group would reach their first stop some hours later: a busy tavern in the center of the realm. The trip had been relatively uneventful. The passengers had spent most of their time reading, although Lily had also encouraged them to pray along the way to help their master succeed in his business plans. Lord Arthur was very uncomfortable around her, but he managed to dissimulate. He even thanked her for her tireless efforts and promised to reward them accordingly.


    Once he entered the ample establishment, he requested three tables and ordered the special stew for everyone on his team. The servers did not even have to glance at the insignias on his jewels to tell he was a noble. Only the wealthiest men in Rosetta could afford to walk around with numerous servants and armed guards. They escorted him to the best spot in the room, right next to a stage where a group of maidens were singing and dancing. He was handed an expensive bottle of wine and multiple free appetizers to enjoy the show. In addition, the owner of the tavern took his time to welcome him with unnecessary flattery. Emily found it hard to believe that a master could give up a life of power and privilege to start over new. Perhaps a heart like his could never be bought, and that was what made them one of the same.


    Once everyone was done with their meal, Lord Arthur made sure to cover the bill and add a generous tip for the servers and the kitchen staff. Afterward, they departed for the last destination planned for the day: a modest hostel on the outskirts of the realm. It was located in one of Rosetta''s ancient fishing towns, very close to the vacant beaches. Despite being nervous, Emily had enjoyed the route so far. She had plenty of time to peer at the landscapes she was about to leave behind forever. The realm consisted of several small populations; each of them had a distinct name and some were celebrated for their particular guilds or cultural background. Emily saw many of those prosperous neighborhoods, their clean tree-lined avenues, massive temples, and colorful shops. However, she was mostly captivated by the suburbs, those areas that were considered problematic due to their historical reputation. Their loud streets were filled with minor criminals, beggars, and drunkards, but they were also home to most of Rosetta''s pariahs: all types of people who failed to meet the rigorous religious standards and had been publicly shamed for it. Many of them were former convicts and had trouble finding proper jobs, housing, or social assistance. Lily had fun speaking ill about them and their scandalous behavior. Yet all Emily could think about was the courageous dissidents she was about to meet.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    They reached the hostel at dusk. Emily was instantly blown away by the peaceful setting. A white lodge rested at the very end of a narrow road, surrounded by a few quiet cottages, barns, and orchards. Emily peeked at some boys playing, running barefoot around a clothesline, and a couple of fishermen coming home from work. She could also sense the rumbling from a nearby beach. She quickly realized that she had never been face to face with the ocean before; many sailors described it as a frightening, yet entrancing experience. She simply prayed she was brave enough to get on that boat and never look back. The horsemen took care of the steeds and guided them towards the stable on the side of the establishment. In the meantime, Lord Arthur headed to the reception. He needed three rooms for the stay: one for him, one for his maidens and one for his sentinels, who would take turns guarding his door during the night. He was already used to traveling, so it was easy for him to negotiate with the innkeepers. He also made sure to instruct his bond servants properly.


    ¨CWe will be staying here for a couple of days, until I am done exploring the businesses and the workshops in the area. I will visit the old shipyard tomorrow morning, so I must leave after sunrise. Lily, make sure to fetch my breakfast. Emily, be kind enough to run my bath, and Amelia, please have my clothes and my books ready. We should all have some rest now. I''ll call you if I need anything else or if I want you to clean my chamber pot.


    ¨CGoodnight, master Arthur. Praise the gods.


    Lord Arthur settled in a spacious room upstairs, while the maidens were assigned to a smaller chamber on the first floor, next to the outdoor latrines and a vegetable patch. Emily''s nerves were wrecked already, though she was trying to act naturally. She helped her fellow sisters handle the luggage, turn on the candles and fetch some water from the lodge''s well. Amelia even took her time to clean the table and place fresh flowers on a small vessel.


    ¨CThese hostels are usually smelly, especially during the monsoon season. Luckily, I brought enough scented soap. I also have my herbs ready in case you feel sick, dear Emily.


    Emily turned her head slightly, as she combed her hair by the window. She had been standing there for a while, carefully analyzing her surroundings. According to Arthur''s plan, she had to sneak out of her room unseen and meet him in the back of the building at midnight. He would have a horse waiting for him and they would rush all the way to the beach, where they would meet with a couple of dissidents before his father arrived with the ship. She had been so immersed in her challenge that she had barely paid attention to Amelia''s tender talk so far.


    ¨CThank you, sister. But that won''t be necessary. I am feeling much better now. Matter of fact, I like this place a lot.


    ¨CIt is beautiful, indeed. We should take some time to walk around tomorrow. I heard you can find the most delicious seafood in this town.


    Lily seemed displeased with the conversation, or perhaps she was simply tired. She laid down in one of the beds and proceeded to wrap herself in the worn away eiderdown.


    ¨CCould you please save all that blather for later? I need to get through my prayers before I fall asleep¡­


    Emily certainly could not rest, despite being exhausted by the extended trip. She was forced to lay on her mattress for hours, awaiting quietly in the dark. She eventually heard Amelia snoring next to her. She could also distinguish distant voices or footsteps in the adjacent rooms. However, by midnight, silence reigned across the gloomy hamlet. She patiently waited for the right time to leave the bed and cautiously head to the door. She only took a small bag with clothes and medicine: the only belongings that would follow her on her journey to the unknown. She glanced meticulously at the corridor before walking to the garden. The building appeared to be empty, even so, she could not put herself at risk of being caught by the hostel''s workers or by Lord Arthur''s guards. None of them was his accomplice or even aware of his intended escape, and they would most likely support Lord Leandre instead of him in case something happened. Matter of fact, in the worst-case scenario, they could all be sentenced to death for high treason.


    Emily had to push away all those dreadful thoughts as she finally stepped out of the property and stormed towards the obscure grove. Little did she know that Lily''s evil, confounded eyes were stalking her from the edge of the window.

 Open Sea

    Emily rapidly slipped away between the dark trees; her skin was shivering from the cold and the fright; yet, as soon as she recognized her lover''s tall figure standing by the fence, every dismal shadow seemed to fade behind her. He lifted her in his arms and she kissed him adoringly, as if it was the very first or the very last time. Arthur had been expecting her for a while. It was a lot harder for him to sneak away from the hostel, since he had to climb the railing of his window and jump towards the garden without making any noise. He also had to examine the perimeter in advance to make sure his guards were in their required positions at his bedroom''s door and that no one was using the outdoor latrines. Emily grasped his hand with renewed spirit as he guided her to the nearest path: a winding road that led to an empty beach and a few scattered farmhouses. One of the dissidents had left them a horse tied up to a branch.


    ¨CHold on tight, dear Emily. We must reach the agreed spot at the beach. My father has already parted from the east shore with some of the dissidents. They are coming our way. We will meet the rest of the group now and wait for the ship to arrive. It shouldn''t take us long to get on board and finally depart for the pagan islands.


    She carefully mounted the horse and embraced Arthur from behind.


    ¨CWhere are we heading exactly? I know each territory is remarkably distinct in its culture and organization, but I have the feeling that the majority of them won''t be too fond of a crew of Rosettan strangers.


    ¨CWe intend to disembark on a vacant shore very close to Sphinx Island. The adjoining villages are known for their peaceful ways; we''ll come to them as refugees. Hopefully they will listen to us about the holy conquest and help us warn the rest of the archipelago.


    ¨CYour grandfather would be so disappointed in you. Praise the gods.


    They rode for some minutes underneath the silver moon, an eternal witness of lovers'' crucial turns. The nearby houses were completely silent and empty. However, they were disturbed by the flickering of a distant lantern. A small group of men were coming in their direction. Arthur cursed very softly and considered switching routes, but Emily gripped his wrist halfway.


    ¨CWait; those are not soldiers. I have an idea. Let me off the horse.


    Arthur slowed down and Emily quickly jumped to the ground, holding the reins confidently. They resumed their path shortly after and walked past the lively men, who turned out to be a group of drunk friends. Emily wished them goodnight and turned her head, pretending to be in the middle of a heated discussion.


    ¨CYou can''t be doing this every night, master Edward! You have children to raise; you should be ashamed of yourself! I suggest you stay away from those ungodly taverns and focus on your prayers, like your husband said¡­


    Arthur lowered his gaze and played his role to perfection. The pedestrians simply chuckled at the scene and continued walking.


    ¨CThat was close, Emily. Great improvisation, by the way.


    ¨CIt was not hard to come up with it. Lazy and irresponsible masters are a widespread problem¡­


    He helped her return to her spot and they rushed to the beach at the end of the road. They galloped until they discerned several silhouettes hiding between the rocks and the sand: rebels from different regions and social stratums. They welcomed Lord Arthur very discreetly, using a secret whistle. He was eager to greet each one of them and corroborate their attendance. He also introduced Emily as his loving maiden, an expression she had never heard before. Apparently, it was an euphemism to describe a female lover.


    Emily was awestruck by the diversity of the attendees. She saw other women there too. Some had been severely mistreated or repudiated by their masters, others were openly anti-religious. One of them had even run away from her household and disguised herself as a man in order to survive. Emily admired her courage and determination. Crossdressing was deemed a degenerate, unholy offense; in addition, a maiden who pretended to be a male and managed to fool everyone around could only be labeled a witch. After all, she was living proof that females could act, think, and love the exact same way as their masters, if only given the chance. Surprisingly, everyone present appeared to trust and cherish Lord Arthur''s leadership, who made sure to give them a last instruction imbued with energy and inspiration.


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    ¨CAlright, dear friends. We are all gathered now; the vessel is on its way. Even so, our difficulties are far from over. We have a complicated journey ahead; we must confront the inclemency of the ocean and all the challenges that entail discovering a foreign land. However, we are about to accomplish a priceless mission: our liberty. We are not fighting for ourselves or our personal interests anymore; we are doing this for the ones we love, for the dreams and the principles we share. We are a community of outcasts; some of you have already paid the price of going against the stream. Fortunately, that only made you strong, unafraid. And we can also become unbreakable, as long as we stick together.


    Emily''s heart throbbed with longing and admiration. She could not be prouder to call that man hers; and she would finally be able to proclaim her love openly for the days to come. Moreover, the child in her womb would call her mother and they would be free to build a loving home side by side. They just had to be strong enough to overcome their tempestuous circumstances.


    A couple of minutes later, the shadow of a ship materialized on the horizon. The small crowd immediately ran towards the water, carrying their exiguous belongings. Many of them did not know how to swim, so they would require some boards and ropes to reach the vessel and climb to the deck. Arthur was organizing them when, out of the blue, one of the dissidents on the back of the beach started whistling: it was an alarm sign. Lord Arthur''s escort and Lily were approaching their secret spot with torches in their hands.


    ¨CThere they are! I told you I saw them leaving¡­ Wait a minute, what the heck is going on?


    Lily instantly gawked at the distant sight of the rebels, and so did the sentinels behind her. One of them drew his sword, making his way in between the sharp rocks.


    ¨CI have no idea, but I don''t like how it looks. Should we call the armada?


    They were not even done analyzing the situation when they were ambushed by three armed rebels, including Lord Arthur. The guards fell to the ground, trying their best to fend off the unexpected attack. Lily, on her part, let out a scream and ran back to the road. She was about to reach one of the horses and flee when, suddenly, a familiar body tackled her and dragged her on the rough ground.


    ¨CI am sorry, but you are not going anywhere.


    ¨CEmily?!


    The women wrestled and fought fiercely. Lily even pulled Emily''s hair and managed to rip off her coat. Nonetheless, Emily had come prepared. She threatened Lily with a knife to her neck and forced her to surrender. Then she tied her hands behind her back, and her torso to an adjacent trunk. Her rival twisted and gasped, but eventually found herself completely immobilized and defenseless before her.


    ¨CEmily, what the hell is wrong with you? I don''t know what you are trying to achieve, but you need to come to your senses. I promise I can make Lord Leandre forgive you, if you release me now and explain everything you know.


    Emily took a deep breath before stepping away, wiping the blood on her lips.


    ¨CI don''t need anyone to forgive me, Lily. I already know what I want for myself. Good luck being a vicious lapdog for the rest of your life.


    ¨CYou fucking wench! Don''t you dare leave me here! You will regret this!


    She ignored Lily''s desperate, empty insults and returned to the beach with a triumphant smile on her face. The other guards had also been captured and successfully disarmed by the rebels. Some of them were pondering whether they should punish them for their oppressive tactics throughout the years. However, Lord Arthur dismissed the proposal.


    ¨CWe shouldn''t wreak revenge on these men. They simply did as they were told all their lives. Besides, why would we waste our time punishing them? Let them report back to the man they chose to serve. I bet that is what they fear the most right now.


    *


    The last passengers were finally able to get on the boat with the help of some trained crew members. Emily reached the deck under Lord Arthur''s skilled guidance. The water was cold and pitch-black, yet she was feeling secure in her lover''s gentle arms. He handed her a change of clothes and a warm blanket. He also prepared an herbal ointment to treat the light wounds Lily had caused her. Everyone on board was cheering and crying out of joy. Arthur''s parents were there as well, and Emily could meet them at last: that brave, tireless couple who had defied an entire empire for the sake of love. Undoubtedly, Arthur was a pellucid reflection of his mother. Her beautiful hazel eyes were a beacon of vigor and intelligence.


    Emily found it easier to breathe as the boat began drifting away towards the open sea. The swinging of the vessel made her dizzy and the salted breeze was sending shivers down her spine. Despite that, not even ten lifetimes would be enough for her to describe her actual happiness. She found herself reminiscing about her childhood, about Jenna and all the beautiful people she had encountered and left behind the vastness of the ocean. She prayed for them and promised herself to treasure their memory and their priceless advice. Then she pulled Arthur closer, while he embraced her waist on the trembling edge of the ship. She rediscovered in his lips the delight of being. Not only that, but she also opened to him about the precious things to come; about the bewitching destiny of those who dare to love beyond frontiers.


    ¨CArthur¡­ we are having a child.

 Birth of a Legend

    ¨CArthur... You are going to be a father. I know I should have told you before, but I just couldn''t find the right time¡­


    Emily''s confession took him by surprise, and he almost pulled away in awe. He was unsure, afraid perhaps. But he was with her at last, and that was somehow enough to make him smile from ear to ear. He caressed her belly and slowly fell to his knees, cupping her hands and kissing them frenetically. All Emily could do was drown herself in his touch, as enrapturing and unpredictable as the ocean.


    ¨CThere is no such thing as the right time, my love, only the right people. I used to dream of a perfect escape¡­Turns out all I ever wanted was someone to escape with. And now, thanks to you and our baby, I have finally found a perfect reason to stay. I love you, dear Emily. I long to stay with you forever. You were the light that was leading me home all along.


    Emily reached for his hand and pressed it tightly against her chest. Her eyes got teary. She felt warm and secure in her lover''s arms; yet she could not disregard the dangers that laid ahead. They were forced to welcome a baby in a foreign, possibly hostile land, far from everything they had ever known or cherished. In addition, the crew had to watch their next moves very carefully. War was just around the corner, and in tempestuous times, no one truly knew what a new day might bring.


    ¨CI love you too, Arthur. You are a true warrior and a leader. Most importantly, you are a benevolent man who looked past his privilege to be himself and protect others. I couldn''t feel more honored for carrying your child. However, this incident changes everything. It is no longer you and me against the world. Now we have to take care of a child as well. Aren''t you afraid of what''s next?


    He rose to his feet once more and caressed Emily''s restless skin, igniting her spirit with his gentle fingertips.


    ¨COf course I am worried; we all are. These are hard times. We sacrificed stability for our freedom, and we must endure the consequences. The only thing I have clear at the moment is that I must keep fighting; I must be brave and strong for the ones I care about. I can''t forecast the weather. But I will be the best father I can be. That is my oath to you, my love.


    Emily took a deep breath and nodded in silence. She slowly came to realize that no matter how dark the horizon appeared to be, it was always more inspiring than the wretched place they came from. Their love was just like a legend: the more troubled it seemed, the more powerful it was.


    *


    Lord Leandre was working in his private study on a typical morning. He was writing a book about the gods'' designs in matters of warfare, which featured his latest spiritual approaches to the holy conquest. He had just sent away one of his favorite lovers, a handsome, robust man who sang at the temple regularly. As usual, he had paid him a generous amount of money for his visit. He was about to finish the second chapter of his manuscript when the thick wooden door swung open. Leandre instantly knew something was awry. It was unusual for his guards or his guests to walk in unannounced.


    A couple of members of the realm''s official armada were now standing in his presence, along with Lily and Lord Arthur''s escort. It was clear they had been beaten up badly. Leandre immediately stood up to address the soldiers.


    ¨CWhat the hell is going on?


    Those present were so nervous that it was impossible for them to even look him in the eye or articulate properly.


    ¨CMy Lord, we are sorry to inform you that¡­ A fisherman found your maiden and some of your personal guards tied up on a beach, in the fishing town of Onive. They were injured and severely dehydrated. At first, we assumed they had been robbed. Turns out they actually witnessed an act of dissidence. They caught a group of rebels trying to escape on a ship. Our preliminary investigation reveals that some¡­ maladjusted citizens had been planning to leave Rosetta and head to the pagan islands. Their ultimate intentions are still unknown to us, but we have a few names already.


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    Lord Leandre tilted his head and frowned, visibly confused.


    ¨CMaladjusted citizens, you say? Those pariahs won''t last a day in the open sea. They set sail straight to their demise; praise the gods. But what were my men doing there in the first place? Where is my husband?


    One of Arthur''s guards finally mustered up the courage to speak.


    ¨CYour husband and his father were leading the operation, Sir. He left his room at the hostel in the middle of the night and sneaked away to the beach to join the dissidents. He took Emily Ratzer with him.


    ¨CWhat?


    It took Lord Leandre a few seconds to process his shock. He found it hard to believe that Arthur was a traitor. Could he be sharp enough to fool him and plan an outrageous escape behind his back? And why would he neglect his holy obligations or give up a comfortable life to pursue a hopeless mission? It simply did not make sense to him.


    ¨CThose are some serious accusations, aren''t they? Can you swear on your life?


    ¨CYes, my Lord. We saw everything. We have already written a complete declaration for the court. We tried to stop them, but the rebels outnumbered us¡­


    Lord Leandre let out a sarcastic chuckle. An unprecedented rage was starting to stir inside him.


    ¨CIdiotic pieces of shit! You were supposed to watch Arthur''s back! How could you be so stupid to let him sneak away? I will make you pay for this!


    ¨CWe are utterly sorry, Sir. We had no idea that he was up to something. We were in our usual positions, but he jumped out the window close to midnight. Actually, if Miss Lily hadn''t seen Emily leaving the property¡­


    ¨COh, that too. You just said that Arthur took Emily Ratzer with him. Why would he do that?


    A stony silence followed Lord Leandre''s livid reproach. Lily decided to step in then, bowing down to him with trembling knees.


    ¨CBecause they were in love, master Leandre. I followed Emily to the grove at the back of the hostel, and I saw them kissing in the dark. They ran away and reached that ship together.


    Her words cut Leandre''s pride like a blade. He had never felt so hurt and humiliated in his entire life. His husband did not love him anymore; perhaps he had never truly loved him purely. He had embraced a carnal affair with a woman and chose her above everything else: his fortune, his heritage, even his own salvation. How could someone be so irrational? How could he dare to betray him so shamelessly? Lord Leandre clenched his jaw and looked down. Evidently, he had been so immersed in his egotism that he did not acknowledge the signs. Now he had to deal with his stained reputation.


    ¨CArthur Lasey, in love with a maiden¡­ Holding hands and braiding each other''s hair in a ship full of rebels. That has to be one of the most pathetic scenarios I''ve ever pictured¡­


    He paced the room morosely and eventually returned to his spot behind the desk, where he poured himself a glass of liquor.


    ¨CNo one will know about this, understood? We will tell everyone that my husband was captured and kidnapped by a group of savage dissidents. I also need you to investigate everything regarding this collective escape. I want the names of everyone involved: who got on that vessel, who was aware of their intentions and who helped them fulfill their plans. Every single collaborator must be prosecuted for complicity. I will summon the entire religious council today to address this problem and implement proper measures. We cannot let these bastards win. We need to set an example for Rosetta''s devoted citizens. Matter of fact¡­ I want these incompetent guards to be executed tomorrow at sunrise. And make sure their families are in the front-row on the scaffold.


    The aforementioned men took a step forward and begged him to spare their lives, but Leandre barely glanced at them. One of the official soldiers had to intervene then.


    ¨CPlease, have mercy, Sir. These men did the best they could; so did your pious maiden Lily. We can fix this. We can send the navy to track them down. Our ships are superior, and our sailors are way more experienced than them. Moreover, if they manage to survive their journey, they will probably try to disembark and settle on one of the closest islands. A crew of foreign refugees won''t be so hard to find¡­


    Lord Leandre gave a hint of a smirk, even though his heart was aching for the first time in decades. He wanted to cry, but he did not allow himself to. All he could convey from there on was an inscrutable thirst for vengeance.


    ¨CAt least you are right on that: once the entire archipelago belongs to us, there won''t be a single crevasse left for them to hide.

 Promised Land

    Emily had read a lot about the ocean, from the myth of its creation to the importance of tides in maintaining the delicate balance of life. There was something sacred about it, no doubt. Its incommensurability had granted her a new perspective on time and space. However, she had not yet witnessed its natural capability to break and shape the human spirit, as the experienced sailors claimed.


    They had been navigating for a few weeks already. Emily''s sea sickness had not gotten any better. But she had plenty of time to meditate and to get to know the rest of the crew. She found herself very comfortable among that clan of outcasts. They seemed to understand and connect with her story on a personal level. She met a young man with the same last name as her, which meant they were somehow blood related. His name was Edwin; he came from a humble family of loggers, but he had been sentenced to five years of hard labor for standing against the religious council''s questionable management of forestry resources. Emily was quickly drawn to his untamable character. Part of her wished to believe that, just like Lord Arthur, she came from a lineage that refused to cope with the norm.


    She spent plenty of time with Arthur''s parents as well. She helped them administer the crew''s provisions and keep the warehouse clean. They would also sit on the deck and discuss their political ideas and their hopes for the future. It was clear to them that escaping Rosetta and starting over was not enough; they yearned for the religious council''s downfall, and they wanted to help the pagans defeat them if possible. Nevertheless, all they could put their hearts into at the moment was the news of Emily''s pregnancy. They were extremely excited about welcoming their first grandchild and having a chance to raise it as a loving family. Arthur''s mother was particularly enthusiastic.


    ¨COh, dear, you have no idea how much I cried the day my boy decided to marry that cocky son of a bitch. He assured us that he would be fine; that he would make things work and our family would be safe under that man''s protection. He has always been like that: he feels the need to see the good in people and sacrifice himself for those he loves. I''m so glad he found someone as bold and kind as him. I can tell how much you care for each other. Thank you for making him so happy.


    Emily wrapped her arms around her mother-in-law''s svelte body, as her vibrant energy rubbed on her. Who would have thought? Rosettan women were denied the right to have a family of their own, yet they always seemed to find a home on each other.


    ¨CThank you, Miss. He makes me happy too, as happy as a person can be. And I am lucky to now be part of his remarkable household.


    ¨CYou are more than welcome, dear Emily. I assume you have plans to get married.


    Emily raised an eyebrow. The mere concept of marriage sounded so strange to her, completely alien.


    ¨CWhat?


    ¨CIn case you haven''t heard about it, a man can legally enter the bonds of marriage with a woman in almost every part of the archipelago. I will finally be able to marry Arthur''s father, the love of my life. You can do the same if you feel like it.


    ¨CSounds lovely, Miss. Arthur has not mentioned anything about it, though. How does it even work? Am I supposed to get on one knee and ask him?


    Both of them laughed out loud.


    ¨CThat is a great start, dear daughter!


    *


    Traveling across the sea was no easy job, even with a solid, diligent team on board. The weather was unpredictable and usually unmerciful. Storms were helpful in obtaining fresh water, but they implied a tremendous amount of risk. When violent winds and turbulent waters made the vessel shake, the entire crew had to put in great effort to avoid a wreck. Emily had managed to handle the stress so far, yet many of the passengers were frightened and disheartened. Some of them had also fallen ill due to the extreme conditions. Lord Arthur made sure to comfort them and prepare them for what was coming.


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    ¨CI understand that our journey has been harsh; no one is fully prepared when it comes to the ocean. But we are getting closer to the islands. It is only a matter of time before we reach our destination. We need to remain calm, strong and focused. We will disembark on an uninhibited shore, surrounded by other peaceful communities. We can build a small dock and a few huts by the beach. The rest of the archipelago is struggling with famine, so their resources are limited. Still, we need to find a way to support them and warn them about the military operation. If Rosetta loses the war, the religious council will falter. That will be the best opportunity to end their reign at last.


    Arthur''s words were always a haven of hope for everyone on the ship. His guidance had become a symbol of both inspiration and resistance. Even so, no speech in the world could prepare them for their next challenge.


    *


    It happened one evening, underneath a pristine auburn sky. Emily was washing her garments on the back of the ship. Arthur was teaching some other rebels how to properly use a sword, and a group of women were eating stew next to the prow. Suddenly, Emily heard Edwin yell from the top of the main mast. He had never sounded so alarmed before.


    ¨CSea monster! Sea monster! Helm hard to port!


    She immediately stood up and looked around. They had done plenty of drills before; the most experienced sailors were supposed to handle the situation, while the rest of the crew hid in the shelter. Emily called Arthur''s name, as commotion began to spread all over the ship. Then she laid eyes on the beast, gawking at its sight from the edge of the vessel. It did not resemble the historical drawings, and it certainly surpassed her imagination. Its skin was dark and scaly, similar to a snake. It was hard to tell how big it was, since it moved beneath the turbid surface. But Emily could discern a long, slick tail and a set of menacing horns. Her knees weakened, and she thought she would faint any minute. Only the firm grip of her lover''s palm helped her recover.


    ¨CThere is no time to lose! Help me get everyone in the shelter. I will assist with the sails.


    Emily jumped straight into action and started guiding the children to the secure spot. Arthur''s father was busy at the helm, and the vessel rapidly changed its course. Emily could hear the rumble of the ocean and the wind, imposing itself above the crew''s screaming. She crouched in the back of the warehouse with the rest of the passengers, holding on to each other. Some of them were crying, some others prayed, just like they would do at a traditional Rosettan temple. None of them knew what was happening outside; they simply hoped that the sailors on board were clever enough to prevent a disaster. Emily consoled a lost child and embraced him close to her chest. She promised him, and maybe herself, that everything would be alright, as long as they did not give up the fight.


    A few minutes later, a loud crash made the entire watercraft tremble. They had been hit and pushed away violently. The ship spun around, in a whirlwind of chaos, and Emily feared they were about to sink. However, the vessel eventually stopped moving and, despite being severely damaged, it managed to resume its original trajectory, far from the monster''s jaws. Emily could not restrain her impetus. She took the child to his father and stormed back to the deck, looking for Arthur. He had fallen from one of the masts, so he was lying on the wooden, wrecked floor. She promptly helped him rise to his feet, shedding tears of emotion.


    ¨CArthur! Are you okay?


    ¨CI am alive; and so are you. Praise the gods.


    A small group slowly gathered around him, including the doctor. Some other crew members had also suffered minor injuries, but they could consider themselves very lucky. Only a couple of sailors could brag about confronting a sea monster and making it out alive. Surprisingly, that was not the only encouraging news. Edwin was now back at his position on the main mast, after making a preliminary examination of the damages. He was holding his binoculars high towards the dying sun.


    ¨CMy! What do we have here¡­ I think I see¡­ Land! Land ahoy!


    The whole crew instantly burst with joy, as if they had revoked a millinery grudge. Emily could not help but jump into Arthur''s arms, covering his bruised face with tender kisses. They had reached their promised land; it was the beginning of a new path and a new facet of their love. Perhaps all those golden, happy endings from the books were real after all; or maybe they were simply a beautiful, perfectly crafted illusion. Either way, they had the rest of their lives to find out together.


    They were far away from their fears, and far past the place they were born.


    Yet they were home at last.


    THE END