Chantelle was shocked by Anthony's assurance that Wolfe would release her. Thomas had chosen her as his slave the minute she'd arrived at the palace six months ago. He'd told her his plan to take Lady Elizabeth as jakara. However, that didn't mean he would release her. Knights could have up to three slaves if they had the ability to care for them all. Thomas was one of the few knights at Castle Hart to have only one, so it was really not surprising to Chantelle, that after all this time he might wish to take another to his bed.
It was customary for a knight to send his current slaves to other chambers when a new jakara was acquired. This time allowed the new woman to settle in and become familiar with her master and his ways. Chantelle knew all these things, so when Thomas offered her to Lord Hart, it came as no surprise. She had not, however, expected to be taken back to his chambers, or to be told she would be released. This was all too much for her to absorb at one time.
Then slowly she realized her new position in the palace and what this meant for her. No longer would she have to crawl on the floor naked. Never again would she have to kneel and greet after seeking permission to do so. As consort to Lord Hart, she would have freedoms given to no other slave.
Granted she would still be a jakara, but as first lady to Hart, she would be treated differently. He could still demand submission, still offer her body to other men, and yet if she understood his meaning, she would be as a free woman, here in his chambers.
“Milord, may this girl ask you a question?”
“Only if you will drop the 'this girl' crap and talk to me as an equal.”
“With pleasure, Sir.” Chantelle looked into his eyes before continuing and saw a smile in their depths. “If I understand the situation, you want me to assume the position of your first lady, with all the status and rights that title involves.”
“That is correct.”
“I will be allowed to wear clothes in the great hall.”
“Yes.”
“And here in your chamber, I am as a free woman. No submissive behavior required? I can tell you what I want, question you, tell you when something pleases me, or displeases me?”
“As I said earlier, I want a woman in my chambers, not a slave.”
“What of Lady Elizabeth?”
“What of her?”
“I was told you have been with her for two years. That is a long time, Milord. What happens when Wolfe tires of her as he has of me?”
“Perhaps you still do not grasp the situation here, my dear. Thomas Wolfe is in love with Lady Elizabeth and she is in love with him. I do not know what type of relationship they will have inside of their chamber. However, I can almost guarantee she will be naked, collared, and very submissive the next time you see her.”
“What if Lord Wolfe chooses to marry the lady?”
She watched as Anthony laughed deeply. “My God woman, you can't possibly believe Wolfe would marry her. He is knight, through and through.”
Chantelle thought about this statement for several moments. She couldn't help but doubt Anthony's words; after all, she knew Thomas better than anyone at Castle Hart. Reaching a decision in her own mind, she looked him in the eyes. Standing straight and tall she gave her consent. “I believe I can succeed at this game, Milord,” she smiled. “With pleasure.”