SO YOU ARE NOT A HARLOT?

I strolled down the corridor and, out of the blue, bumped into the guards who had escorted me to the king's room earlier. The guard shot me a puzzled look, his eyes sizing me up and down, clearly searching for answers in my eyes. But I played it cool, keeping my head down and my lips sealed.

"So, why the speedy exit?" He glanced over my shoulder and then back at me, a confused expression on his face. "You didn't see his Majesty in there

"He was indeed in there," I replied, my voice low, still avoiding eye contact. Should I spin a tale here? It didn't seem like the truth would be my ticket out, and I needed a quick plan. Without a word, he seized my arms, and we began walking briskly down the corridor.

We reached Mistress Eleanor, who was engrossed in devouring her meal. Her puzzled expression was like the guards' earlier express as she asked, "How did she manage to get out so quickly? And in one piece, no less?"

"I can't say for sure, but I was hoping she would fill you in on all the details from the king's room," the guard gruffly pushed me toward Mistress Eleanor, cautioning, "Just make sure my involvement stays out of whatever happened, and ensure my payment is on its way." With that, he departed, leaving me alone with Mistress Eleanor. I nervously rubbed my palms together and bit my lower lip, a habitual gesture of mine, avoiding eye contact.

"What on earth have you done?" Mistress Eleanor's confusion and anger were obvious. It seemed she had caught onto the fact that I had deliberately caused trouble.

"Eleanor," a woman who appeared to be in her forties, looked stunning in her flowing white dress, complemented by beautiful gold jewelry. With a friendly smile, she strolled over to Mistress Eleanor, though the smile authenticity was not certain.

I couldn't help but notice the immediate change in Mistress Eleanor's expression after spotting this woman. Her initial frown transformed into a strained smile as she said, "Hello, Coraline. I wasn't expecting you here."

Coraline let out a soft chuckle, her eyes filled with amusement. "You know me too well, Eleanor. I couldn't resist an event like this."

Their conversation crackled with unspoken rivalry, and it was clear that Coraline was the source of Mistress Eleanor's jealousy, even during her absence. As they exchanged pleasantries, the air seemed thick with competition, making it impossible to ignore the discomfort in the room.

"I see... your girls are as charming as ever," Mistress Eleanor observed, trying so hard to hold back her jealousy.

Coraline chuckled, her eyes flicking toward me. "And it appears you have gotten yourself some fresh faces. That one with the intriguing hairstyle, how much did she set you back?" She asked referring to me

"A hefty sum of zens, but she's not available for purchase," Mistress Eleanor stated firmly, her hand firmly placed on my shoulder. "She's an exclusive member of my brothel."

Coraline smirked mischievously, "Pity none of your girls seem to catch the king's eye anymore. If you ever need some advice on spicing things up, you know where to find me."

Mistress Eleanor maintained her composure, replying with a serene smile, "I appreciate the offer, but I prefer to handle things in my own way."

"Very well then," Madam Coraline replied with a sly grin. "Feel free to do as you please. But I'll let you in on a little secret: one of my ladies is currently keeping his Majesty quite entertained in his chambers."

"His Majesty is in his chambers?" Madam Eleanor questioned, and I could sense trouble looming.

Coraline nodded, her tone filled with delight. "Oh, you didn't know, Eleanor? Well, none of your girls have ever quite caught his Majesty's attention, so it's no surprise." She took a casual breath and added, "Excuse me, Eleanor, but I've got a busy schedule. As you can see, there are plenty of eager gentlemen waiting to enjoy the company my ladies." With that, she strolled away, leaving a trail of curiosity behind her.

Mistress Eleanor turned towards me, her expression seems to be filled with anger as she queried, "What happened in the king's room?"

I nervously bit my lip, attempting to speak but hesitating, unable to find the right words. The thought of Mistress Eleanor discovering the truth about what had transpired between the king and me filled me with fear. While I had never witnessed her anger, I just knew she was evil and might just be capable of doing a whole lot to me. That slap I had received earlier was a sign of how ruthless she might just be.

"Never mind," she glanced around and whispered something to one of the burly men who always served as her bodyguards. Then, she turned to me and said, "Let's go, right now."

My heart raced as soon as those words left her lips. I was eager to leave without question, but her abrupt decision left me shocked. I didn't want to stick around and risk being handed over to dying old men, but I also had no idea what awaited me if I chose to leave with mistress Eleanor right now.

The huge bodyguard, whom I now knew as Thorne, nudged my shoulder, signaling for me to move ahead.

Quietly, I walked behind Mistress Eleanor as we sneaked away from the booming party. My heart raced, and my hands trembled. I couldn't tell what she had in mind. All I could do was hope that tonight wouldn't be my last, given the anger in her eyes that hinted at dark intentions.

How could I escape this ordeal?

How could I ever escape this wretched planet?

What was about to unfold in this very moment?

The music at the party suddenly stopped, and I noticed the change in ambiance, though my mind was too occupied with thoughts of what Mistress Eleanor was going to do to me to think too much about it. All that mattered was the uncertain fate waiting for me under Mistress crazy authority.

As we neared the exit of the party venue, two huge royal guards suddenly appeared, blocking our path preventing us from walking any further.

Mistress Eleanor's brow furrowed with confusion as she asked, "What's the commotion here?" I shared her confusion, unable to understand their motives for their sudden action. The guards, however, remained still, simply gesturing for us to turn around.

Filled with curiousity, we complied, and to my utter surprise, I found myself staring into his intense gaze.

What in the world was he doing here? Series of questions raced through my mind, and my heart quickened its pace as his penetrating eyes seemed to bore into me.

Why had he chosen this moment to appear?

What was he searching for, especially now?

He approached me, and my anxiety increased as I obediently lowered my head, nerves coiling within me.

Standing directly before me, he coldly requested, "Lift your head." At that instant, it felt as if the entire room had turned its focus squarely on us, making me feel even more uneasy.

I slowly complied, meeting his eyes, his silence only adding to adding to my fear as he stares at me. He briefly shifted his eyes behind me, probably acknowledging Mistress Eleanor, before returning his attention to me and his next words shocked me,

"So... you're not one of the Harlots, huh?"

This is it. I am dead. I am fucking dead!

God, please, save me...