She....

Scene 25

Location: Auction Hall

Maam Fiona had sent Astraea ahead, as the number of slaves being sold was dwindling, and it was almost her time to be auctioned. She sent Jigu along, knowing Astraea behaved better when Jigu was with her. The bond between them was one of the few things that seemed to bring Astraea some comfort.

After bidding Astraea goodbye, Maam Fiona stood still, watching her walk toward an uncertain fate. The sight of Astraea's calmness gave Fiona an uneasy feeling, a deep restlessness stirring within her. To ease her anxiety, she instinctively made her way to the only place that offered her some peace during such moments.

Behind the curtain at the back of the stage, Astraea peered out, observing the auction with quiet composure. Jigu, ever by her side, noticed her curiosity.

Jigu: "Don't peek, Astraea. You know you'll get punished."

Astraea (still peering through the curtain): "Are all the slaves sold?"

Jigu (glancing at her): "What do you think? It's Merchant Nior. Even if a slave isn't attractive, he still manages to sell them at a decent price."

Astraea (turning her head slightly): "Don't mention that devil's brother. Even the devil feels ashamed of him." (She sighs and turns back to the stage.) "I don't have the energy for it."

Thoughts raced through Astraea's mind — I hoped to be sold first so I could try to influence my buyer to purchase Faris as well. But Faris had already been sold, and I could only pray that his buyer had some shred of decency. Keep him safe, Almighty. she silently begged, "Let his fate be kinder than mine."

Jigu studied Astraea. Despite whatever thoughts were clouding her mind, Astraea remained calm, poised, as if she'd already accepted the fate that awaited her.

The silence between them grew, and Jigu finally broke it.

Jigu: "You'll be going on stage soon. How do you feel?"

Astraea snapped out of her thoughts and turned to Jigu.

Astraea: "Honestly? I feel nothing. I'll just go with the flow."

Jigu (curious): "When you arrived here this morning, you were so rebellious. You even tried to escape the moment Maam Fiona left your room."

Astraea (surprised): "You saw that?"

Jigu: "I was outside. I watched from a distance. It's rare to see someone with your beauty here, so I was curious."

Astraea smiled, and suddenly, she hugged Jigu, who hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace.

Astraea: "When I come back, I'll take you and Maam Fiona with me."

Jigu: "Don't give me hope, Astraea. No one ever comes back. If they suffer, they blame this house, and if they find happiness, they forget it ever existed."

Astraea (holding Jigu by the shoulders, her eyes unwavering): "I will come back. I promise."

Jigu looked into Astraea's eyes, searching for even the faintest hint of doubt, but there was none. Astraea was sincere. It was a promise, not a dream. Jigu managed a small, uncertain smile.

Jigu: "In just a few moments, you'll be sold to someone you've never met." (She glanced toward the stage, her voice softening.)

Astraea turned her gaze back to the stage, taking a step forward to hold the curtain in her hands. Her eyes focused on the place where she would soon stand, a silent object for the highest bidder. Her expression remained neutral, but Jigu noticed the weight behind her stillness.

Jigu: "Have you ever served anyone before?"

Astraea: "No."

Jigu (raising an eyebrow): "So, you're untouched."

Astraea: "No."

Jigu (startled): "You're not? But you said you've never served anyone."

Astraea (smirking): "I've had people serve me."

Jigu: "Where are you from, Astraea? Where did you come from?"

Astraea: "East Turkan Empire."

Jigu's eyes widened in shock.

Jigu: "The largest empire on the continent. No one dares to challenge it."

Astraea gave a slight nod but remained silent, her smile faint and guarded.

Jigu: "I've heard stories about the eldest princess. She's a legend, everyone's dream."

Astraea turned to look at Jigu, her smile deepening just slightly.

Astraea: "Even princesses carry burdens. Suffering isn't reserved for the common folk."

Jigu (skeptical): "What kind of suffering could a princess possibly have? Struggles over fabric choices or jewels, perhaps?"

Astraea (her voice softer, more thoughtful): "I can't speak for other princesses. But if you're talking about Princess Artha, you've misunderstood her."

Jigu (intrigued): "Why? Is she different?"

Astraea: "She's not just beautiful. She's a master of swords and strategy. Her mind is sharper than her blade."

Jigu (impressed): "It sounds like you know her quite well."

Astraea said nothing, simply keeping her eyes on the stage. Sensing that Astraea wasn't going to elaborate further, Jigu changed the subject.

Jigu: "So, did you have servants attending to you in bed as well?" (She raised an eyebrow, half-teasing, half-curious.)

Astraea leaned in close, her voice a whisper in Jigu's ear.

Astraea: "No. I had a Harem. Of men."

Jigu's eyes widened in shock. A harem? That was a privilege reserved for the royal family of the East Turkan Empire. Only royalty had the right to maintain a harem. She opened her mouth to ask how it was possible, what Astraea's true identity might be, but before the words could escape her lips, Merchant Nior arrived.

Merchant Nior (grinning): "Time to earn some gold! Let's go."

He grabbed Astraea's arm and led her toward the stage. She didn't resist, instead glancing back at Jigu with a smile, waving goodbye as she disappeared behind the curtain.

Jigu stood there, still processing Astraea's words. Her mind raced as she realized what Astraea had just implied. There could only be one explanation if Astraea was telling the truth. Her heart pounded as the realization hit her like a wave.

Jigu (thinking): She... she's...

Without wasting another second, Jigu bolted from the backstage area, running as fast as she could. She needed to find Maam Fiona, and quickly, as if her very life depended on it.