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.

–Emily? What are you doing with that?

–I'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.

–Give 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.

–Do not worry, dear maiden. We can keep this incident between you and me.

–Thank you, Sir. But I must clarify that book does not belong to me. I swear to you…

–There 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.

–Do you read Rosetta's Lonely Maiden, Sir?

–I 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.

–Thank 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.

–Wait, 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.

–Well, 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.

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

–What makes you think so?

–Back 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.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

–Your 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.

–Very 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.

–Shit. 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.

–I am sorry, master. I was given a preliminary register; I did not…

–Shut 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.

–Leandre, what is going on? What are you doing?

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

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

–Why 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.

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

–I 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.

–Fine. 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.