Tattoos
Vivian
Master got out of the carriage and helped Vivian out of the carriage.
“Vivian, I will have to act like a master here. Everyone knows that only Sari slaves have tattoos like those. So if I am cruel, don’t take offense.” Vivian nodded and followed him into a shop. “Excuse me, sir. I am here to find some suitable clothing for my Sari pet.” He gestured almost nonchalantly at her.
“Why is she not clothed better? Did you steal her?” the tailor asked.
“No, sir.” Master pulled a bill of sale out off his satchel as proof. “It used to amuse me to have her dress in my hand-me-downs, but she has done so well as my domestic that I shall reward her by letting her pick a few new dresses. Something simple of course. I wouldn’t want her to think that she is allowed the pleasures and privileges of a free woman.”
“Of course not, Lord Gabriel. Come, girl. Does she have a name?”
“Vivian. I’ll return in an hour to pick her up. Oh and one more thing, sir Tailor.”
“Yes, Milord?”
“The Sari is mine. She has been ordered tell me if anyone else touches her, and, as I have not yet tried her out, I wouldn’t want anyone to be before me, would I?”
“Of course not, Milord,” the tailor said. By his blush, Vivian could tell he was thinking it. She shuddered as she thought of his calloused unwashed hands on her body and his unclean breath against her neck.
She picked a simple design that could be easily reproduced in colors that reminded her of home: the dark indigo of the sky at night, the pale green that showed in the ice and in the auroras, and the white of the new-fallen snow. Three plain cotton dresses. And a pair of servant’s sandals. The tailor was finishing the hemline of the last dress as her Master walked into the shop.
“Is it done?”
“Yes Milord,” the tailor replied.
“Did he touch you?” he directed this to Vivian, who averted her eyes and shook her head. “Good. How much do I owe you?”
“Thirteen silver crowns.” Master handed him a gold sovereign. “That should cover it. I’m not quite sure of the exchange rate, but I don’t much care. You did well. I shall tell my friends and allies.”
Yes, she thought but did not say. She knew that she was his property, and that her feelings didn’t matter to him. She should not feel rebuked by him. She shook her head instead.
“Tell me the truth, Vivian,” Her Master ordered. The Sari girl sighed.
“Yes, a little. I became used to your treating me as an equal, and back in the shop…” she stopped talking.
“Vivian, that wasn’t me. I only acted how people here expect me to. Once we get to Haven Falls, I won’t need to act like that. As far as I’m concerned, you are my equal.”
For years afterward, she looked on that moment fondly as the day she fell in love with her Master. ---------------- I promise that there'll be more action in the next chapter and it'll probably be longer, too.