“No, I won't take a client, Danica. "

"But he specifically asked for you!" She said agitatedly

How did he know me? I had voluntarily chosen to work in the shadows. Why was Danica so insistent? It wasn't her style.

Under other circumstances she would certainly have shrugged her shoulders and declared that she would find someone else.

But it had been about ten minutes now and she hadn't changed the subject. I thought as I gently twisted my spoon in my teacup.

It was not the Sunday I expected. Normally work-related discussions took place at the Silver Whip. The cafe was full on Sunday morning. Families gathered around round tables to drink tea and taste the Emperor's hand.

It wasn't really a hand, but an orrakk-based cake. A juicy fruit that gave its name to the planet it came from, Orrakk. It was not a rare fruit, but it could only be eaten in small quantities. If the Orrakkians could eat it without feeling any side effects, we couldn't. In large quantities this delicacy became a vicious poison. The orrakk trade was controlled by the Emperor and according to legend the first Emperor created this cake. For this reason it had been named the Hand of the Emperor.

I loved this cake and yet I hadn't had the chance to taste it yet, I thought with a little bitterness, my eyes fixed on the slice that had been delicately placed on an embroidered handkerchief.

I reached the end of my patience when for the umpteenth time, Danica gave me an argument intended to change my mind.

“Enough Danica. "I say to interrupt her

" What's going on ? Why are you insisting? Tell me the truth. "

Danica looked at me nervously

“He is a prestigious client. Too prestigious for us not to respond to his request. He is able to force us to close the dungeon. I need this job Anya and you too. The choice is yours, but he would be your only client and that would only last a month. You would only have 5 sessions with him and you would not have to do any cleaning until the end of the contract. Think about it. "

I hated being caught off guard. But I felt like the future of ten people lay in my hands. Did I really want to have this on my conscience. It would only be 5 sessions.

I sighed

“I don't know how to be a dominatrix. "

Danica's mischievous smile failed to reassure me.

“Thanks Anya, you won't regret it. I am sure you have what it takes to be a Grandmaster. »She declared

"I already agreed, you don't need to flatter me. "

I expected to wait for her laugh, but she gave me a serious look.

“I'm not trying to flatter you. But you're still struggling to be in control. Too long you have suffered from the choices of others. I think you will soon discover a new side of your personality. I saw it and this client noticed it. Don't be afraid to be who you are. "

I eyed her dubiously, then emerald-colored eyes came to mind. I quickly chased that image away.

“It's only temporary Danica. After these 5 sessions, I will go back to my brooms and brushes.

" We will see. She said as if she knew something I didn't know.

"So these lessons?" »I insisted

I wasn't going to jump into the pit unprepared.

Danica stood up abruptly.

" Follow me. " she says

" Where are we going ? »I asked

" Go shopping ! "She exclaimed

“It's Sunday, the shops are closed. Each empire had its laws. But only one had never changed. Work was prohibited on Sundays. There were only a few exceptions. Restaurants and cafes were one of them.

" Not this one. It is sponsored by the Emperor. "

Ah… it was that type of store.

The emperor had granted a few establishments the privilege of being open on Sundays and heavily sponsored them. Strangely, all these places were located in Cinradin and were closely or remotely attached to the gangs.

"What place of vice are you leading me into?" "

"The red den. "

Of course it had to be that place.