10. Mister Couffaine
"I can see how much it bothers you to have to depend on male company."
The girl giggled.
"Please forgive me, it wasn't my intention to make you uncomfortable."
Luka laughed.
"You didn't. My mother is the infamous Anarka Couffaine, she has refused to follow any stupid rule imposed by the magistrates, and raised my sister and I under much more liberties and knowledge than children were supposed to."
"I believe that your mother is my new Saint."
Luka's amused grin twisted with concern.
"I fear that she might become a witch before a Saint."
"Freedom has a high price, most of the time it is loss," she sighed without thinking.
Luka narrowed his eyes with interest.
Damn it!
"I am so sorry, Mister Couffaine, " she pleaded, "I have been told so many times to think before speaking, but it simply is beyond my capabilities."
Luka shook his head.
"I learned from my mother that there is nothing worse than a quiet and docile person."
"Does that include women?"
"Especially women. I respect a woman who speaks her thoughts."
"It takes a very noble man to lend hearing to a woman's voice and consider her an equal."
Luka grimaced.
"Nothing about nobility, that is human decency and reasoning. I have learnt with my mother that a woman can do and think just as much as a man. And," he added, "in my personal experience, much more."
Marinette felt a tingling of pride and admiration for Luka Couffaine that made her cheeks turn red.
"You are a truly exceptional man, Mister Couffaine."
Luka clicked his mouth in disagreement.
"Please call me Luka, the actual Mister Couffaine is too busy whoring elsewhere to be present."
Suddenly, the man's eyes went round and he felt out of breath. This was a lady in front of him!
"Please pardon my rudeness, milady" he stuttered, "I beg of you, I should…"
"Think before speaking? An issue we share, I see."
The carriage stopped and they descended.
Luka kissed her hand and apologized once again for his improper wording.
"I, too, appreciate a man who speaks what he thinks, mist- Luka. Goodbye."