First sixteen

The room Ronald told us to get in was particularly clean than what ever we saw earlier . I sat down on the chair in the middle of the room and Ronald sat down in front of me . Derek remain standing next to me , seems like he doesn't like Ronald too much .

In the meantime I enjoyed Ronald's beautiful face as much as I can . His face should be preserved . His eyes are glowing in the dim light in the room . But it's really mesmerizing .

"So how have you been princess . You can take off the hood now , it's fine ."

"Hm.... I have been well . What about you?"

The food came in the meantime . But with Derek throwing dagger with his eyes I didn't took a bite though .

"HAHAHA.. it's fine food my lady . It maybe commoner's food but not poisoned ."

"No it's alright , you carry on . What did you mean by 'nice' that time?"

"You are very persistent princess."

"I know I am."

"HAHAHA.... alright I will talk...pfft."

"Stop laughing before I make you."

Derek's voice cut down his laugh midway.

"Hm... well princess what do you like about the scene in the city main street?"

"Are you crazy , there is literally nothing to like there . The scene was horrible and pathetic."

"I knew it , if it's you it would be perceived."

"W.. what do you mean by that?"

"Why do you think the state of a city inside the capital is so bad?"

"Um...I think they are neglected?"

"Not entirely false . But the truth is much bigger."

"Say properly , don't waste my time."

"Basically they needed to be in bad shape."

"WHAT ..are you insane?"

"No princess , it's the truth ."

He looked at me and put down his fork .

"I'm listening, continue."

Derek was uncomfortable , but I have to listen.

"The merchants pick the usable children and take them away to do labor ."

I was stunned but I know there's more . Ronald continues...

"Hungry children don't know anything except some food ,so it's easy to pick them up . Some buyer pick up women who can work to sold them and use as prostitutes."

I am sure my face was burning up but with anger this time .

"The men are sold for the soldiers to use as shield in a war . The poor are driven to the furthest corner so that the down city can be the only escape in the capital ."

The room was silent . None of us spoke for a moment .

"But the empire make sure that no slaves exist . And the emperor take extra care of those in needs . Then how..."

"Do you really believe that? If there were no slaves then where did you find that bodyguard of your?"

"But..."

"Let me tell you this even if you don't believe me , this whole business is controlled by a royal family member and the emperor is aware of it too."

My jaw dropped , my head hurts . And the weird feeling in my heart is uncomfortable . The mere thought of my blood relationship made me sick now . But I sat up straight again , because I have to do this .

"Tell me more."

Ronald smirked a little . I guess he is satisfied .