chapter 2

We walked through the streets, both of us holding a few bags each. I wasn't one who enjoyed shopping, but Anna was the complete opposite. She dragged me into yet another store, this one covered in antique tea sets.

I frowned, already thinking of how much money we're going to owe this store. Anna is clumsy, I would be surprised if we walked out of hear without breaking one thing.

"Hello, how can I help you two lovely ladies?" a voice asked

My eyes snapped to the counter to see the face of a young woman. She wore a bright smile and had a small baby bump.

"Just browsing" I said before Anna could open her mouth

I wandered around the store, glancing at Anna every so often to make sure she wasn't causing any trouble. My eyes caught on a paper fan, the black material smooth under my fingers. A red dragon was stitched across the fan in a beautiful design.

"Do you like it?"

I jumped, not having hear someone walk over. I looked up and froze. The man from last night stood before me, not a hit of recognition in his eyes. not only that, but he wore the same aurmor as the king's personal guard.

I smiled politely, " I do,"

He smiled, a completely different side to him then last night, "my sister runs this shop, maybe she can give you a discount."

"No need, I can pay for it without problem"

I walked towards the counter where Anna was waiting. She watched the man through squinted eyes as he greeted his sister.

"I'm guessing you're only visiting your poor sister because the king is in town?" the girl asked amused

"possibly" the man shrugged

the girl rolled her eyes before handing us our bags, "let me guess, confidential?"

"you guessed it!" the man smiled, his eyes trailing to me, "have a lovely rest of the day"

I rushed out of the store, dragging Anna along with me. I blinked back tears as I pulled her into the shadows between two buildings.

"it was him, wasn't it" Anna said grimly when she saw my face

I didnt respond but she didnt need an answer as she hugged me tightly. Tears ran down my face and I was never more grateful for waterproof makeup. I didnt often cry and I usually put on a brave face, but last night was the worst I've ever been through. Anna might have seen the few bruises on my arms, by my entire torso was covered in them. I was glad we had two days to ourselves, giving me time to heal.

"lets head back for lunch," anna said, changing the subject, " I'm sure the mistress will be angry if we're late."

I nodded and wiped my face, picking up the bags we dropped and heading out into the busy street again. I straightened my bad and held my head high as we walked away from the store.

***

Anna had told the absolute most cheese joke and I could help but laugh as we walked into the brothel. Our laughter immediately stopped when our eyes landed on the Mistress and the guests.

"your majesty" I said, sweeping into a bow, Anna quick to follow

"you've taught you girls well, Mistress. I wonder how well you've trained them though"

"it'd be an honor for any of our girls to serve you. unfortunately most of them aren't here for the next few days."

"I'm a very penitent man"

My eyes flicked towards where the king himself lounged comfortably on the living room sofa. Three guards flanked him protectively, barely batting an eye toward us. The king is young, maybe a few years older then me. His pale blue eyes boardly regarded anna and me, running a hand through his messy black hair.

the brothel door swung open and the missing guard stepped in, "my apologies your majesty, I went to visit my sister and you know how girls like to talk..."

his words trailed off slightly as his eyes met mine. he cleared his through before resuming his position near the king.

"it's fine, Ryan. I understand your worry over your family" the king dismjssed

"Excuse us" I smiled, grabbing Anna's hand and dragging her to my room

"What do you think the kings wants?" she whispered quietly, knowing well how think the walls were

I shrugged, "one of us most likely. he probably wants some more whores to worship and please him"

"Vera!" Anna said in a warning tone, "he'll have your head for saying that"

I ruffled her hair, "I know, I'm only playing. why dont you go unpack the things you bought"

she nodded before heading to her own room. I pulled out the paper fan, the one meaningful thing I bought and hung it on the wall with the others.

"I didn't recognize you until now"

I turned to see the guard, Ryan, standing in the doorway. His eyes shifted around my room, taking it in as the sunlight made it more visible. His eyes then landed on me, looking me over.

"sorry if I was... too rough with you." he hummed, "I promise to be gentle next time"

I scoffed lightly, "there wont be a next time."

he frowned, entering my room without permission, " I'm close to the king, need I remind you. I can do whatever I want with you. you're just a filthy little whore"

I bit my tongue, thinking of a million things to use against him. If I spoke even one of them it'd mean my death. His hand gently slid around my throat, a smile on his face.

"Ryan!" a voice snapped

Ryan jumped away from me, turning to see the king in the doorway with a cold glare.

"your majesty" Ryan bowed

"Ryan, if I see you near one of the women here again I wont hesitate to dishonor you. These girls are off limits until I've had my pick"

"yes, your majesty"

Ryan rushed out of the room and the king sent me an odd look before shutting the door, leaving me confused as to what just happened.