Soft glow of moonlight

Scene 17

Location: Prison Room of the Spring House

Astraea lay on the cold stone floor, drowsy from fatigue, her mind drifting. She thought about her life before arriving here—how it had been filled with love and protection. She had lived a life shielded by those around her, always accepting the responsibilities placed upon her shoulders. Her prayers had always been for peace in the empire, but now, that peace seemed forever lost.

Suddenly, the sharp sound of the door swinging open interrupted her thoughts.

(Dashhh!) The door slammed against the wall.

Several girls entered, carrying large plates laden with luxurious garments, jewelry, and fine accessories. The sight of such wealth would normally dazzle anyone, but Astraea merely watched in silence, observing Maam Fiona, who appeared more weary than usual despite the smile on her face.

Maam Fiona (commanding the girls): Put those here, and those over there.

Astraea slowly sat up, her eyes scanning the lavish items placed before her. She caught a glimpse of Maam Fiona, whose jaw bore the unmistakable imprint of a hand. It was clear someone had roughly grabbed her, though she now wore a façade of calm and cheerfulness.

Astraea (in her mind): A handprint on her jaw... someone has punished her. And yet, here she is, pretending nothing's wrong.

Maam Fiona, sensing Astraea's gaze, turned toward her, her smile broadening.

Maam Fiona: Don't stare at me, girl. Look at the jewelry, the fabrics. These fine things will adorn you today. You'll be the most eye-catching of them all.

Astraea didn't respond immediately. Her sharp gaze remained on Maam Fiona.

Astraea (coolly): Am I not already eye-catching? How else did I manage to catch the attention of Sir Nior?

For a moment, Maam Fiona faltered, discomfort flashing across her face at the mention of Sir Nior, but she quickly masked it, her tone firm.

Maam Fiona: These treasures are for you. Not everyone is as fortunate as you to see such luxury in a single lifetime.

Astraea glanced at the jewelry, recognizing many pieces she had seen before in her previous life. Wealth did not impress her—it never had. But that fact was lost on Maam Fiona.

Astraea (standing up gracefully): They are beautiful. You selected them yourself?

Maam Fiona nodded, visibly relieved and pleased that Astraea seemed less defiant than before. Astraea's eyes then fell on a red diamond—a rare gem in Theomov but common in the East Turkish Empire. She smiled subtly, her mind working.

Astraea (with a knowing smile): You have an excellent eye for jewels, Lady Fiona.

Maam Fiona's eyes widened in shock at the sound of the title. She hurriedly approached Astraea, grabbing her by the shoulders, her voice trembling.

Maam Fiona: What did you just call me?

Astraea: Lady Fiona.

Maam Fiona (her grip tightening): Say it again.

Astraea understood immediately—this title, this word, had not been used in years. With a small, knowing smile, she indulged Maam Fiona's fragile pride.

Astraea: Lady Fiona. Lady Fiona. Lady Fiona.

Maam Fiona closed her eyes, savoring the sound, her face softening as if reliving a distant memory. For a brief moment, happiness touched her worn features. But it didn't last.

A knock at the door shattered the moment, jerking both women from their reverie.

Maam Fiona (clearing her throat, regaining composure): Come in.

A male servant entered, bowing respectfully.

Servant: Sir Nior has requested that Astraea be brought to the Auction Villa in twenty minutes.

Maam Fiona (irritated): Fine, you can go.

As the door closed, Maam Fiona's frustration became evident. She clenched her fists, muttering under her breath.

Maam Fiona: That man doesn't understand a thing about beauty. (approaching Astraea, gently caressing her face) How can I possibly prepare this stunning creature in just twenty minutes? Augh!

Astraea (in her mind): Has she finally gone mad? She looks more like a giddy child than a middle-aged woman. Heh.

Maam Fiona turned back to the girls, venting her frustration before directing them again.

Maam Fiona (snapping back into action): Girls, hurry! We need to dress her now. She must look like the sunshine of the day and the moonlight of the night!

The girls quickly set to work. Astraea was bathed and scrubbed with fine oils and creams, the scents lingering in the air as perfumes were applied to her skin. They dressed her in a lavish silk gown of purple roses, its long sleeves lined with golden thread to match her rare blue-purple eyes. A headpiece crafted from diamonds in the shape of jasmine flowers was placed delicately upon her head. A blue-purple necklace, round and shimmering, adorned her neck, and a bracelet with a single red diamond gleamed on her wrist.

As the preparations continued, the room seemed to glow with the radiance of the finest jewels and fabrics. In just a few moments, Astraea had been transformed into a figure of overwhelming beauty—dazzling as the midday sun, yet mysterious as the soft glow of moonlight.

Maam Fiona (stepping back, admiring her work): Perfect. No one will be able to take their eyes off you.

But Astraea's thoughts were elsewhere. Beneath the layers of silks and jewels, her mind remained sharp, calculating her next move.