A week's trial?
How dare he? Who does he think he is to give her a week's trial?
Aseära had had just about enough of her new husband's high handedness, and as of today she is going to let him knows just as much. As a matter of fact, she is going to be the exact opposite of what he asks of her, defiant and disobedient. After all, she wanted nothing more than to fail his stupid week trial and go back home. Her father, the Edōr might be upset for a period but he will surely get over it eventually. So she hopes.
***
"Aslana" Aseära, the new lady of the northern kingdoms, called to her hand maiden who was currently preparing her outfit for the day.
"Yes, my lady" Aslana answered her lady
"I would not be wearing any of those fancy dresses today, as a matter of fact" Aseära was saying, getting up to her feet, "I will not be wearing any dress to luncheon today"
"What would you wear then my lady?" Aslana asked failing to get her lady's point
"You see that's the thing" Aseära started then paused as if considering her next words, "I was wondering, you see, if you could maybe lend me a spare dress of yours?" the words came out nervously like a question.
"One of my dresses, my lady?" Aslana asked, seeming perplexed
"Yes, that's exactly what I am saying" Aseära replied rushing towards her maid. "I would pay you for it, if that's the case" she added seeing the unsure look on her maid's face.
"No, my lady, it is not about the money I worry, but how could you wear my worn dresses, they are no fit for a lady such as yourself, my lady" Aslana was not liking this idea at all.
"Oh come on, Aslana, is not as though it is that big of a deal" Aseära said.
"I am not so sure, my lady, it is not proper" Aslana insisted
Aseära saw she wasn't going anywhere with this and decided to use her upper hand by reason of her being the lady of the house.
"As your Lady, I insist on it, Aslana" She said, putting on her best ducal look, though she doubted she looked as imposing as her mother when she did it.
Somehow, it seemed to have the desired effect on Aslana, who then easily obliged saying, "Well, if you insist on it, my lady"
"I do insist on it"
"Alright my lady, if you will excuse me for a minute, let me go find one suitable for you"
As the maid left, Aseära did a little victory swoop. Her plan was going swimmingly well; her husband has not seen anything yet.
~.~
Lathiok, the aged butler of the house of the Noble of the Tazin kingdoms was walking past the courtyard, his mind on the soldiers newly added to the home guard security of the Darklord, not like the Lord himself needed any protecting, it was more for their safety and necessary protocol. However, a particular young guard out of the lot of them, seemed to be giving him more headache than the feeling of security. The boy had barely grown a single hair on his chin and was having significant difficulty understanding that his duties does not include charming the young maids in the kitchen.
How the boy even got approved to be a guard of the lands and residence of a Lord by the high council, was beyond Lathiok.
He sighed.
He has managed to keep the boy's incompetence away from the Lord's ears, however, he doesn't know how long he can keep that up.
As he crossed back into the main house, he was stopped in his tracks by the sight that greeted him.
The lady Aseära was dressed in the clothes of a maid, her hair styled like one, her face dirtied too as though she had been doing manual work not fit for a lady of her status. Why, she looked no better than a scullery maid, a chamber maid even.
"My Lady!" Lathiok exclaimed as he walked up to the lady Aseära, "Why in Tazin do you look like a chamber maid?!"
"I beg your pardon, sir!" Aslana being the supplier of the Lady's outfit from her very own closet, was offended by the words of the butler and didn't know when she spoke out of turn. With a look from Lathiok however, she realized herself and stepped back behind her lady, holding her tongue.
"Why that is the point, Lathiok" Aseära answered twirling the long, worn skirts of her maid's dress. Aslana brought her best dresses for her to choose from, which were pretty decent, she preferred however, to pick the most worn one of the lot as her dress choice for the day.
"Is it not rather fetching? I think it is nice for a change" Aseära continued as she spoke to Lathiok.
"I suppose it could be, but on a maid, milady" Lathiok said looking rather tired. He really hoped the master of the house won't see her dressed like this, he undoubtedly would not approve. "My lady, you are the Lady Aseära of this house, wife of the noble of the Tazin kingdoms, you cannot be seen dressed in such. His Lord would not be happy"
"I am glad you are finally catching up with the plan" Aseära said with a mischievous smile on her face, "You see I always knew you were a smart one, Lathiok" she said with a wink.
"Shall we continue, Aslana." She said to her maid as she continued on to wherever she had been headed before seeing Lathiok, "We do have to find Torva and Susrette, I believe you three still owe me tour of at least one library.
Lathiok having realized this defiant young wife of his master is doing this to get a rise out of his master, how foolish and reckless that might be.
"I strongly advice that you have a rethink on what you are doing" he said to her hearing just before she turned the corner at the end of the hall.