<div style="text-align: justify;">Elizabeth felt strange while they had that conversation. It was a warm and fuzzy feeling, but at the same time, it felt just a little bit like fear. Liz knew she should have seen it coming, of course. Hans and herself had always been together while they grew into the young man and woman they were now. And of course, as years went by, the relationship had developed into something they couldn't explain, but could feel.<br/><br/>At certain moments, Elizabeth had even thought she was the only one to feel it. But knowing that Hans felt it too put her at ease. One of Elizabeth's biggest fears - one that she wouldn't share with Hans any time soon - was that he would start visiting those ill-reputed houses when the ship went ashore. That was something Elizabeth was really willing to avoid, no matter what it took.<br/><br/>And now, she knew what it took. It would take her becoming Hans' wife, if not officially, in deed. The idea made Elizabeth blush a little. But he was right. If they did become a couple, there wouldn't be any reason for anyone to say anything about Hans standing up for her. And her standing up for herself if any of the crew members tried anything funny.<br/><br/>And of course, her position in the ship would be secure, even if she did remain as 'the wife', Elizabeth would at least have a place there and be able to keep on helping.<br/><br/>"I would never be a run-of-the-mill wife", Elizabeth replied with a smile. "Even though I do most of these tasks for the ship. Being ladylike, though, I would never manage, even if you asked me to".<br/><br/>Feeling butterflies in her stomach, Elizabeth nodded at the question Hans asked when he put his hand on her waist.<br/><br/>"Whenever you want me to", she replied softly.</div>