It's been six months since I started learning from Sen, Dina and Rei. Tonight is the last night. It's also the first time I've left the Palace, but I didn't ask for it instead my father sold me out to a very rich merchant who is holding a private banquet at his manor.
This merchant isn't from our Kingdom, but he spends a lot of money to buys good from the Yalki Kingdom every time he comes. Most of that money goes into my father's pocket. And with the war ongoing, this man brought a lot of good things for my father.
However, he didn't sell me out to the merchant but the guest the merchant is holding the banquet for. The merchant never even looks at my father's face when he's here so this guest must be someone the merchant values.
"Tonight is the last night, so I'll teach you something important, Princess." Sen said, knocking me out of my thoughts. Sen pulled out a silver dagger with a red jewel embedded in the hilt. She pressed the dagger into my hand. "Protect yourself. Even if it means death." She said while looking into my eyes. I nod.
"Hide it well." Din prompted as the carriage slowed to a stop. I hid it in the clothes and Din nodded as she stood up to walk out of the carriage.
My face was covered by a veil even though no one has seen my face besides guards and servants in the Palace. I got out of the carriage after Rei and looked up at the manor. It was huge. Really a rich merchant.
My dark green dress was a stark contrast to the colors the three were wearing. Their fabric was lighter than my own, but it was intentional because no matter what, they are whores.
We walked into the manor, escorted by a servant to the garden in the inner courtyard. A stage was set and tables were placed a few feet in front of the sage, making it clear that the banquet was being held out here.
The stars were bright, but the moon was even brighter and with the minimal candlelight, the area felt more intimate than it should've been.
The Mansion was decorated with minerals, jewels and different rare looking items. Outside, beside the large size, it looked like a few that I saw on the way here. Now that we're inside, the difference was really high.
"Mr. Throne! It's been way too long~." Rei said as she approached a man in black and red embroidered clothing. To wear such clothing in the Yalki Kingdom, he really can't be touched.
Yalki Kingdom's colors have always been pale yellow, dark green and light brown. From what I've heard, merchants usually wear one of those colors over their clothes to show a bit of respect, but this merchant doesn't care at all.
"I went looking for you as soon as I entered the gates, but I was told that you were sent into the Palace. I thought you'd become the King's woman." He said as he pulled Rei towards him. "Who wants that old man. We were called to teach the King's women a thing or two about serving a man and making him satisfied."
He grinned and pulled her even closer to him. "Then you must really miss me." Rei smiled as she looked up at him. "Tonight, you'll stay by my side quietly." He moved his hand from her back all the way down. I look away from his hand movement.
"A new one?" I heard him ask and I look at the two again. "I thought I said no new ones. New ones don't know how to behave." His playful tone from seconds ago was gone. "This is the one I sent the message about." Rei interjected quickly.
"Oh." He looked at me for a few seconds before looking away. "She'll entertain us then." I bowed my head towards him. "Take her to get prepared. My guest will be returning soon." He said to the nearest maid. She bowed to him and turned to me. "This way." She said before walking in a different direction than the one we came in from.
We entered a room and she closed the door then turned to me. "Strip." Such familiar words. I untie the outer robe and let it drop to the ground. I untie the inner robe and also let it drop to the floor. The maid walked around me, inspecting my body with her eyes.
"What will you be doing to entertain my Master?" The maid asked. "Dancing drums." She nodded. "Okay, I'll have it set up. There are various changes of clothes further in, you can choose the suitable one and get dressed."
I nod and she left the room. I walk further into the room and looked at the various types. The one that suited me the most was an emerald dress. The long sleeves are weighted so they'll hit the drums the same as when I practice.
Stepping out of the room barefoot, the maid from before was there. "Why did you get rid of your hair accessories?" She asked as she looked at me from head to toe. "My dance will be captivating enough. Besides I have on a veil, my intention isn't to draw attention to my face." I reply.
"Very well. Let's go." I nod and follow her back to the garden. On the stage were four standing drums and one large drum underneath. I walk onto the stage, and the maid helped me onto the large drum.
Sen was sitting on the right side of the guest. His face was completely covered by a golden mask, only his eyes could be seen but I looked away from him once I realized he was also looking at me.
"Ruby. Start the dance." I nod and position myself in a starting position. Din sat beneath the drum with a harp. My foot tapped the drum and Din started. I reached up and tapped my foot again before pulling down my hand as though I was grasping the stars.
I twirl around and opened my arms like I was spreading the stars towards those sitting. "Is this it? I thought you said she's good?" I hear the merchant say loudly. "It's just starting." Rei soothed him.
Since my father wants to sell me out, I'll make sure he gets his money's worth. I turn my back to everyone and push my right hand out, the fabric hits the drum and I smile. This is the start.
And also, the end.