"What the hell did you think you were doing there? Huh!"

Tania angrily snarled.

The minute I excused myself, to the changing room to contemplate Lady Rook's identity.

She stepped from the shadows, just like she had been watching me.

"What do you mean?"

I arched a brow, asking like in unawares.

Like Emily said, I would get lots of enemies around here.

I already thought these through before I even started, in the first place.

"Trying to seduce the beast, and sneak in some points?" she stated, once more.

I held the hems, of my dance attire, looking at her confidently.

"I have no idea, of what you're talking about, Tania,"

I replied.

"You don't?" she snarled.

"Then maybe this will remind you,"

She cornered me, with her hands fisting. Next, she raised them up to hit me.

I noticed she had no weapons.

This made me reflexly used my arms to block her fuming outburst. I was about to bring out my dagger from my underwear, when a voice spoke.

"What's happening here?"

It suddenly called out.

I looked towards the direction, and so did she, only to see Knight Lydia, with her assistant coming in through the door.

"What you think you're doing, Tania? Attempting to hit the beast's chosen?"

Lady Lydia stated.

"The beast's chosen? Aren't we all?" she asked.

"Wasn't this game, the survival of the fittest, Knight Lydia?"

She savagely added, with a frown on her face.

"It still is," she answered. "But since tonight, that changed for Ava here. Getting the beast to throw his Royal clothing, signifies she's now one of his favorites," she explained.

"You don't want to be responsible for harming his favorites because it's a crime punishable by death."

Lydia constructed, before swaying her hands, towards the door.

"Now, scurry away,"

Just as Knight Lydia rounded it up, Tania gave me a death glare.

If looks could kill, I would be six feet under.

Tania slammed the dressing room's door, in anger. The moment she was out, Knight Lydia turned to face me fully.

"Number 100,"

She called out.

"Somehow, I didn't notice you around here." she remarked.

"What is your name, dear?"

"Ava...Ava Goodchild," I replied affirmly.

"And, what district are you from?"

"Demon Scavengers,"

I answered.

"Hmm...interesting. Another one from a brutal village, you must be quite intelligent and manipulative, for gaining the attention of the beast tonight,"

She stated.

"Flattered you think so, Knight Lydia."

I replied, with a slight bow.

"You do not have to be. Focus more on the game to survive dear,"

She answered.

"Felicia," Lydia called out to her assistant.

"Yes, Knight Lydia?"

"Lead her to the beauty room. Make them prepare her for the beast tonight,"

"Your wish is my command, Lady Lydia,"

She answered.

Before we left, Knight Lydia drew closer to me. With a hand on my shoulder and a look of trust and responsibility.

"Using your opportunity tonight matters, as well, remember."

I nodded in response.

Before following her out of the dressing room, with my heart thudding at each walk, towards the beauty room.

...

By the time the welcome party was over, I became more nervous than ever. Reminding myself, over and over again, as to why I was doing this.

I reminded myself of why I was playing the game.

And why I had to survive.

At every moment of this, at all costs.

People relied on me.. without me, Piper wouldn't be the same.

Mother won't be. Neither will Moses. I watched mum cry, so much after Jasmine's demise.

I couldn't add to that.

I just couldn't add to that.

"Pick a color, My Lady,"

One of the maids, told me.

Setting various colors of robe in front of me.

"Anything that looks good, I guess."

I retorted, unsure of what color to pick.

"Then this would do." she smiled saying. "Pairing it with this of course."

Her hands spread out on an underwear, really exposive.

"You think so?"

I said, after seeing the blue beauty she just set aside.

"Yes, I do. It would compliment your raven dark hair and glow, just like the stars in the sky."

She explained.

"Thanks, I'm Ava. What's your name by the way?"

"Cassandra... It's strange you're asking because, no one has ever asked me for my name,"

"I feel so honored, My Lady," she stated, curtseying.

As she did, I noticed more of her stature.

Cassandra was a little plump, with a wavy hair and some freckles just at the sides of her cheek.

Couldn't deny the freckles made them rosier and prettier.

"Then get used to it. Cause you deserve so much more."

I said.

She brought some vanilla scenting oils, applying them on my hands and the part of my skin that showed.

After a few moments, she worked my hair, preparing me to stand up.

"You're ready,"

She breathed out, smiling at my reflection.

I looked into the mirror, unable to recognize myself.

"How does this work?"

I asked.

"My lady, what do you mean?"

"The breeding, I mean. How does one breed a baby for the beast."

I stated.

"My lady, surely your mother would have explained it to you. I'm quite sure you're aware of it." Cassandra said.

"She didn't. That's why I'm asking."

I said, taking her hands in mine.

Mother always restricted me from these topics. And, I was left wondering, most of the times.

A door suddenly opened, with another maid rushing in.

"I'm afraid we must head out now, milady."

She said, with a submissive stance.

"Yeah sure,"

I said, taking one last glance at Cassandra. She gave me an assured look.

The maid led me to a guard, who introduced himself as Jaskier.

He took it from there, leading me to the beast's chambers. The minute I got in, I found myself almost hyper ventilating.

I mean, what if I failed everyone?

I risked it all to get here, and I didn't even know how to breed his so-called child.

I had never felt so powerless in my life.

The door slammed shut, as soon as I got in.

On my spot, I trembled, with my hands shaking.

"Welcome, little Ava."

A sinful voice let out.

....

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