Things were finally back to normal. At least... for the most part. Ever since their acts of adultery, Trender's become more affectionate and (Y/n) has barely flinched upon the sight of every sudden movement. She still had her moments, but they weren't as frequent.

They had a thorough discussion about their relationship the next morning, their bodies against each other seeking the others warmth. Trender then explained how sexual acts will carry out in the future. If (Y/n) wanted sexual intimacy, she'd have to ask.

However, (Y/n) didn't know how to ask, so she kept quiet as she awaited their dinner with his family so she could ask Rowen. So without knowing how to ask, as well as patiently waiting for the family dinner her husband would be taking her to, Trender continued his teachings. He even gifted her her own sketchbook in case she has any ideas of her own.

Unlike before, when he'd instruct her on how to carry out the process. He was now more physical, guiding her hands on how to do things as well as hovering over her, subconsciously teasing her with his warmth. She only indulged in that feeling once and cut her finger.

Now, she found herself putting a little more effort into her appearance. She'd apply a light blush and a soft red lip. His compliments always filling her with warmth and joy.

So far this week, he's seemed  to grow more comfortable being around her. Now when she was getting dressed he didn't mind entering or being in the room, as long as she was alright with it. He's also seen her change a plethora of times this week.

(Y/n) had learned that while he was upset he had been making new clothes for her: from nightgowns to evening dresses, she would eventually have a full closet. Though she found it slightly odd, considering he was upset with her, she also found it oddly sweet.

However, none of these were (Y/n)'s favorite change. Her favorite change was the more innocent intimacy. They'd cuddle, he'd let her sit on his lap, and just the other day, he fell asleep on her lap. That had been an interesting hour. She didn't know what to do and she was too afraid to move and wake him up. So she sat there for an hour until he woke up. It was both uncomfortable and brought her great joy.

"(Y/n)?" Trender's voice removed (Y/n) from her thoughts.

"Yes, husband?" She asks, turning to face him. She had a bright smile on her face. Ever since their talk, she found herself to be more happy in his presence.

"My tailor parlor is opening back up today. Are you ready to review what you need to do?" Trender asks, having been going over everything all week. (Y/n) nods, confidently, feeling very prepared.

The two enter his store which was through the usually locked side door of the kitchen. They stop at the desk and he motions her to sit down.

"Now, I walk in and ask for a patch job, what do you do?" Trender asks, pacing before stopping directly in front of her. Her heart began to race as she thought up her answer.

"Patch jobs start at 25 silver but can go up depending on the size of the hole." She answers, not a stutter in her voice. Trender nods.

"Good. I come in and ask for a dress to the ball next month. What do you do?" Trender asks, (Y/n) bites her lip and thinks.

"I-I explain that dresses start at 300 gold pieces and will go up d-depending on what they want." Trender motions her to continue so she nods and thinks a second longer. "Then they explain what they want, I-I consult you th-then explain the cost to them. If they agree to the price, I take them to see you, if they don't... get you?"

"Yes, but only if they refuse to leave the store. If they leave, don't worry." Trender explains, "what about appointments?"

"Check the calendar and consult you." She answers confidently, once more.

"And if they buy something off the rack?"

"They pay and leave, but if they want it tailored to their size I consult you."

"I think you're ready for today." Trender states, making (Y/n) nod confidently. She was excited to finally become his helping hand, apparently he's had a difficult time with running the place alone. It was difficult to catch someone stealing when you were in a different room.

Surprisingly, their day had gone by smoothly, though they were quite busy. Perhaps just because they had been closed for two weeks, but everyone was just happy the tailor was open once more. (Y/n) worked confidently, Trender had noticed. When she did something, she always seemed to do it full heartedly.

The two worked together quite well, (Y/n) scheduling appointments and taking care of the sales and patches, while Trender did the much more complex work. (Y/n) worked with a small, honest, smile: though it seemed difficult for her to keep up.

They had a couple rude people, such as the people who remembered (Y/n) as a slave rather than recognized her as the royal tailors wife. Trender had no problem coming up and holding her waist to help prove his point. He even kissed her, just barely out of sight, to prove his commitment.

It was quite the bonus to see his little darling wife light up like a match struck in the rain, as well. The end of the day came rather quickly. Most days ended this way, quick and busy.

Today was a little different: the day ended slowly and as soon as it ended, they were alone as Trender put the final touches on her evening gown. (Y/n) relaxes her arms, trying to remain calm with his face so close to her waist.

"I hope you are not worried about dinner. There's only two more people for you to meet." Trender chimes, noticing how she'd tense ever now and then.

"I am not concerned about retrieving others approval. I have found that not everyone is going to like you." She says, looking down at the crouched man.

"I'm glad you feel that way. However, I'd still like to know what it is you're concerned about." Trender inquires, looking up at her, pausing momentarily in his movements.

"I am not concerned... it is just that... last time we were in this position, things ended differently then how I imagine tonight will end." She mutters, embarrassed. Trender chuckled, making the woman shudder in response.

"Oh, of course. My apologies dear. I did not realize I had made you uncomfortable." Trender apologizes, a smirk falling on his invisible lips.

"Who else is it I'm meeting?" She questions, wanting to get away from the topic. Trender hummed, missing what she had said. "Who else am I meeting?"

"My brothers Offender and Splendor." Trender answers, rising to his feet once more. "Can you move alright?"

(Y/n) moves her arms, sways her hips, and leans forward slightly. Trender caresses her shoulder down to her hand, pulling her hand back to her front and pressing her back to him.

"Have you ever danced before?" Trender asks, resting his head atop hers, earning a small giggle from her.

"I have... though I lack any grace." She responds, her cheeks heating up as he spun her around and took her hand. "You seem to have some experience."

"Of course and I'll have to teach you how to dance, with grace of course." Trender states, chuckling softly as her smile grew. "The carriage will be here in an hour, if you need a moment to get ready, do so."

(Y/n) nods, staring at his face, or rather his glasses. She hesitated before pushing herself up by her toes and planting a gentle kiss on his skin where his mouth would be. She wanted to close her eyes a second longer or just absorb his warmth, but she was too flustered. Nervous about taking action first and excited about being so daring.

She went off as soon as she had kissed him. A pep in her step as she quickly went up to the bedroom. (Y/n) took a brush to her hair, not wanting to embarrass her husband for looking a mess. She didn't care much for makeup, but some powder never hurt.

(Y/n) looked herself over, the beautiful dress pressed against her skin, the contrast of skin and fabric quite lovely. She hadn't been entirely sure on how to style her hair, but she did something simple.

Was this pretty enough? Would this pass a test? She wasn't really sure. Though she was tempted to continue messing with her image, she decided to stop and head downstairs.

(Y/n) tried her best to avoid him, trying to make herself appear busy while they were waiting for the carriage. She didn't want to get cornered by him before they left, knowing she'd be stuck in the carriage with him for however long anyway.

"(Y/n), dear, are you ready to go?" Trender asks, appearing in the doorway of the dining room where she had been sitting. Nodding, she rises to her feet and approaches him, ready for him to lead the way.

Outside of the home and store was a large carriage. It was beautiful and made of dark wood, metal and stone. The horses attached were large and looked much like reaper horses. They were large, black and intimidating with their shining red eyes. Perhaps they were reaper horses?

"Wife." He says, a tease in his voice that made (Y/n)'s face turn red and her heart flutter, as he helps her into the carriage. She gives him a nod and enters the carriage, sitting next to the window in the large space.

Trender sits across from her on the opposite side of the carriage. She tried not to look at him, instead focusing her gaze out the window. Even as the carriage jolts at the sudden movement of the horses.

She takes a glance at him, feeling his gaze against her skin and yet she couldn't tell if he was looking. She assumed he wasn't, because if he was he was shameless, not moving his head to look away. (Y/n) took her chance to stare, her heart beat speeding up and her chest tightening.

She looks away, back out the window, the desire to say something overwhelming her. After another glance, the far sight of the castle came into view. It was breathtaking. The castle was dark and imposing with vines crawling up the towers. If it wasn't for the already dark kingdom, perhaps the castle would strike fear. However, she did have to remember she was married into the family.

'Married into the family...' her mind repeats this thought, digesting it as something sweet rather than bitter. It made her smile, the silly little thought all children had was her reality. Though she would never be addressed as a princess, as Trender would never be addressed as a prince. Now that tasted bitter. 'Prince Trender... weird.'

She bites her lip to stifle a giggle as she turns her gaze to her lap, then her husband. His head turned away and this time she knew he was staring.

"Husband..." his title left her lips and suddenly her confidence drained from her body and anxiety flooded in.

"Yes?"

"I'm nervous."