Chapter-52 Velvet Smiles

The hours dragged on, the sultry haze of the Velvet Veil lingering thick in the air. Perfume, candle smoke, and the lingering sweetness of wine clung to every surface, saturating the senses. The music had slowed, the crowd thinning as the night wore on.

Frederique stood near the same spot as before, arms crossed tightly, her mind a storm of thoughts she couldn't untangle.

Amelia's words echoed louder than the fading music.

' Solas makes sure they can't take anything. The world out there? It's worse.'

Yet there was still pain behind those words. Submission wrapped in silk.

A cage.

But was it the truth for all of them?

Frederique found herself scanning the room more closely, eyes lingering on the figures who remained. The courtesans moved gracefully, their bodies draped in velvet and lace, lingering at tables, exchanging whispers and laughter with those who remained.

And then her eyes caught her.

A young woman leaning against the bar, untouched by the languid exhaustion beginning to settle over the room. She was laughing, vibrant, the sound musical and clear as she tossed back her golden hair. Her gown was shorter, clinging, a bold scarlet that shimmered in the low light.

She didn't look trapped.

She looked... alive.

Frederique hesitated, the hunger curling low in her stomach... not the same gnawing ache from before, but the need to know.

' What's different? '

Before she could second-guess herself, Frederique stepped forward, moving toward the woman.

The courtesan noticed her approach immediately. A flicker of interest sparked in her eyes as she tilted her head, lips curving into a playful smile.

"Well, well," she purred, voice warm and rich.

"Finally worked up the nerve to speak to me, did you?"

Frederique blinked.

"I... uh... was just... "

The woman laughed, not unkindly, leaning closer with a teasing whisper.

"Relax, sweetheart. I'm not gonna bite... unless you're into that sort of thing."

Frederique flushed, shaking her head.

"I'm not... I'm just curious. About this place. You work here, right?"

The courtesan arched a perfectly shaped brow, clearly amused.

"Obviously. But if you're hoping to 'sample the goods,' I'm afraid my rates are quite high."

She winked, then added more gently, "Or were you just here to chat, sugar?"

Frederique nodded quickly, heart pounding.

"Yeah. Chat. Please."

The woman's smile softened, and she leaned one elbow on the bar, offering her hand.

"Name's Verena. What's yours?"

"Frederique."

"Pretty. Fits you."

The compliment was casual, but Frederique felt heat rise to her cheeks anyway. She shifted uncomfortably.

Verena noticed.

"You're not used to this, huh? Being... here?"

Frederique shook her head.

"Not really. I'm not working here. I'm just... It's complicated."

Verena gave a light shrug.

"Everything's complicated here. It's part of the fun."

Frederique hesitated, then finally asked what had been gnawing at her since Amelia left.

"Are you... happy here? Really?"

Verena blinked, her smile faltering for just a heartbeat before it returned, even brighter.

"Happy? Honey, I'm thrilled. Best job I've ever had."

Frederique narrowed her eyes.

"Really? You're not just saying that?"

Verena leaned in, lowering her voice, but the grin remained.

"Why would I lie? The pay's good, the rooms are warm, and the clothes... " She gestured down at her shimmering dress. "... well, you don't get gowns like these working in a tavern."

Frederique nodded slowly, watching her carefully.

"And Solas?"

The name felt heavier on her tongue than she expected.

Verena's expression shifted again, softer this time, almost dreamy.

"Solas is... everything."

Frederique blinked.

"You... love him?"

Verena's smile widened.

"Of course I do. Who wouldn't? He's powerful, he's beautiful, and when he touches you..."

She shivered slightly, closing her eyes for half a second before focusing back on Frederique.

"I chose this life, you know. No one dragged me here. I could leave if I wanted to. But why would I? It's perfect."

Frederique felt a chill beneath her skin.

' Perfect.'

It didn't match what Amelia had said. Not at all.

"But... doesn't it feel like you're waiting for something? Like you're... proving yourself?"

Verena shrugged, unconcerned.

"Sure. But that's life, isn't it? If you want something, you work for it. And if you love someone, you give them your best."

"But you can't leave if you wanted to, right? Not really?"

Verena tilted her head, the playful spark dimming just a little.

"Of course I can. But why would I? Out there..."

She gestured vaguely to the curtained windows.

"It's cold. Dangerous. This... " she twirled her finger around the room. "... this is safety. Beauty. Power."

Frederique's stomach twisted again.

Two women. Two stories.

Both claiming to be safe.

Both sounding trapped.

Before she could speak again, Verena suddenly straightened, eyes shifting toward the far end of the room.

"Ah. My next appointment. Gotta keep the customers satisfied."

She flashed another dazzling smile, turning gracefully on her heel.

"Stay beautiful, sweetheart."

And just like that, she was gone.

Frederique stood in the lingering silence.

The Velvet Veil was beginning to quiet.

Curtains drawn.

Voices fading.

The first pale streaks of sunlight bled through the tall windows, casting a fragile gold light against the velvet walls.

The hunger stirred again... not the painful ache for flesh or blood.

But for truth.

For understanding.

Something isn't right here.

And she was going to find out what.