Throughout the night, I am woken up several times by Stephanie's restlessness. She tosses and turns, moaning softly in her sleep. I'm not sure if she's having nightmares or what. The cold floor doesn't help much either. As the morning light begins to filter through the curtains, she finally seems to settle down. I must have fallen asleep at some point, because the next thing I know, she's shaking me awake again. "Time to get up slave," she says with a yawn. "We've got a busy day ahead of us."

She helps me to my feet, and I can barely stand from the stiffness in my legs. "First things first, let's get you out of those rags," she says, gesturing to my dirty clothes.She leads me to an small bathhouse for one person, where she fills the tub with steaming water. "Take off your clothes and get in," she orders. I do as I'm told, feeling self-conscious about my nakedness as I lower myself into the water. She hands me a bar of soap and a loofah, instructing me to wash myself thoroughly. As I scrub my body, I can't help but wonder if she's just being kind or if there's some other motive behind her actions. After I'm clean, she hands me a towel and a stack of new clothes. They're not exactly fashionable, but they're much cleaner than what I was wearing before. I dress quickly, feeling grateful for the warmth they provide. She nods her approval and leads me back into her room. "Breakfast is ready," she says, she picks up the tray handing to me, but before I can grab he she pulls it away. "Now, from now on you're going be a good girl for your mistress right?"I nod, feeling a twinge of guilt as I do. "Good," she says, "then you can eat." I sit on the floor and dig into the food, grateful for the energy it provides. Once I've finished eating, she motions for me to sit down next to the table. "Today, you're going to learn how to be a good pet," she explains. "That means obeying my every command and pleasing me in every way possible." She sits down in the chair next to me. "Now, give my feet a massage while I read."I hesitate for a moment, but then remember the consequences of defying her. I kneel down beside the chair and begin massaging her feet, using the techniques that I learned from Alden. As I work, she closes her eyes and sighs contentedly. It's strange to think that just a few days ago, I would never have dreamed of touching another girl like this. But now, it feels almost natural. As the morning wears on, she has me clean her room, and wash her clothes. She never raises her voice or loses her temper with me, but there's a constant undercurrent of authority and dominance that I can feel pressing down on me. It's as if she's training me, molding me into the perfect pet."Stephaine's mother calls out from the kitchen, "Honey break fest is ready!"She looks at me, "Good girl, you've been working hard. Finish cleaning my room and come join us for breakfast." I nod, grateful for the small reprieve. I quickly finish cleaning her room and then join her in the kitchen. Her mother is a kind-looking woman with graying hair and warm smile. "Stephanie, it's good to see you're taking care of your new friend," she says, pouring me a glass of orange juice. I smile shyly and take a sip, trying to ignore the awkward feeling in my stomach. "Wait, I recognize you, aren't you one of Lady Thorn's slaves? "I nod, not saying a word. The mother then glares over a Stephanie. "Young Lady, would like to explain yourself?" "I used my birthday money to buy her." Stephanie calmly says taking a sip of her drink. The mother looks surprised and slightly annoyed. "You know the rules, Stephanie. I told you that you could have a pet, but not a human one. I hope you're not planning on keeping her." Stephanie shrugs. "I'll find a way, Mother. She's not going anywhere." She looks at me and smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry, you'll be well taken care of." "No, she won't." Her mother glares at her, Stephaine and her mother look like they're about to argue, after I get up and head to Stephaine's room no wanting to be around for it. 

Stephaine looks like she's about to say something before she sees my face, then remains quiet.

I walk back inside her room leaving the door wide open, I hear Stepahine walking behind me as I walk in, she stands inside the door. "Duna... she says in a timid tone you didn't get to eat anything yet, come back and eat." She says trying to sound confident. I slowly turn around glaring at her. "Come." I say in a calm tone She looks at me, widening her eyes "Come. Inside." I gesture with my finger. She stands there in silence with widened eyes before closing the door.

A few moment pass before I hear a knock at the front door from Stepahine's room. 

"I'll get it" I hear Stepahine yell before the door creeps open, revealing Alden. Alden gives her a neutral look before saying I'm from house thorn, may I come in? He askes in a calm voice eyeing Stephaine down. "Um...Sure." Stephaine mutters before Alden pushes past her and walks towards the kitchen. 

Alden turns the corner seeing Stephaine's Parents. "Tell me." Alden starts "Are you trying damage relations with house Thorn? Because kidnapping one of our slaves is a good way to do it."

Stephanie's mother gasps, "Kidnapping? This is hardly kidnapping! I'm just helping Stephanie take care of her new pet." She says defensively. Alden just looks at her, not even bothering to answer. He turns to Stephanie, "I suggest you hand her back, now. And I don't want to hear any excuses." Stephanie looks like she's about to cry, "I can't, Alden. I... I love her." She blurts out. He rolls his eyes, "Well, that's not going to change anything. You know the rules, Steph. Hand her over." She looks at her mother, who sighs heavily. "I'm sorry, dear. You know I can't let you keep her." Alden turns to Stephaine, "Where is she?" Stephaine points to her room. Alden slowly opens the door.

As the door slowly opens, I look up from the book I'm reading frowning, Expecting to see Stephaine my face softens at the sight of Alden. "Duna, let's go." He says calmly.

I nod, slowly walking over to Alden. "Thank you, Master. For coming to get me." I say softly, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness. He turns to me. "I told you to stop calling me that." Hope on he gestures to the carriage. Stephanie's mother looks like she's about to say something, but Alden silences her with a look. "Let's go, Duna." He leads me outside and we climb into the carriage. The driver gives us a knowing look, but says nothing as he whips the horses into motion. "Take us to Castle Darkmoon." Alden says as he hands him a gold coin. We ride in silence for a while, with only the sound of the horses' hooves and the wind in our ears. Finally, Alden breaks the silence. "You know, if you ever want to go back to the old ways, you can. I won't force you to do this." I look at him, surprised. "But I want you to know that it won't be easy. You'll be alone and you won't have any of the things you have now." He gestures to the carriage, then looks back at me. "You have a home with me, Duna. And I'll make sure you're always taken care of." "I.. want to stay with you, Alden" I say softly. He smiles at me, a real genuine smile. "I'm glad to hear that. Because I don't know what I'd do without you." He reaches over and takes my hand in his, giving it a squeeze. "You're not just a slave to me, you're my friend. My confidante. My family." The carriage pulls up outside Castle Darkmoon, the Market district venders scurrying around trying to sell their goods. We walk up to the front door and open it to reveal Lady Thorn smiling back at us." Ah, Alden. Good timing. I was just about to send a message to your father. It seems there's no need to though, you're both back safe and sound." She glances at me and smiles. "Welcome back, Duna. It's good to have you back where you belong." I can't help but smile back as I follow Alden and Lady Thorn into the castle. I start to tear up with tears of joy as I walk back in. The grand hall is filled with people, servants, and nobles alike. All of them seem to stop what they're doing to look at us as we pass. I feel a sense of belonging and security wash over me as I take in the familiar sights and sounds. We make our way to Alden's chambers, where he finally lets go of my hand and motions for me to sit on the bed. "I need to speak with my father about what happened. I'll be right back." He says before leaving the room.

Lady Thorn hovers nearby, watching me carefully. "You've grown up so much since you were first brought here, Duna. Alden is a lucky man to have you by his side." She says with a warm smile. I blush and look down at my hands, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, my lady." I manage to reply. "And you are most welcome, my dear. Now, why don't you get settled in? I'm sure Alden will be back shortly." She suggests, already starting to leave the room. I nod and begin to unpack my things, humming to myself as I work. As I place my necklace on the dresser, a knock is hear on the door. I pause, before saying "Come in." Not used to giving permission. The door slowly opens as Vergo stands there smiling at me with a plate of food. "Hungry?"

"That smells amazing. Thank you, Vergo." I say, taking the plate from her. She closes the door behind her and sits down on the edge of the bed. "So, how are you feeling about everything?

"I don't know" I mutter as I eat quickly, not wanting to seem ungrateful. "It's all happened so fast. I mean, one moment I'm in the dungeon, the next I'm free and being treated like a princess. I don't know how to feel about it all." I pause, thinking about the weight of the pendant around my neck. "But I do know that I don't want to go back to the way things were before. I want to stay with Alden. He's made me feel safe and loved, and I don't want to lose that." I look up at Vergo, hoping she understands. "I'm grateful to you both, for everything you've done for me. You saved me, and you gave me a chance at a new life. I don't know how to repay you." 

"Oh, you don't need to repay us, Duna. You've already done that by trusting us and allowing us to help you. "She pauses for a moment, considering her words carefully. "Listen, you don't have to decide anything right now. Take some time to adjust, and to think about what you want. We'll be here for you, no matter what you decide. Just know that we only want what's best for you." I nod, feeling a bit relieved by her words. "And in the meantime," she continues, "enjoy being pampered. You deserve it." She stands up and takes the empty plate from me, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving the room. I take a deep breath and lie down on the bed, staring up at the intricately carved ceiling. So many thoughts and emotions are swirling around inside my head, it's almost dizzying. But one thing is certain: I don't want to be without Alden. He's become my rock, my anchor, and I can't imagine going back to a life without him.

The door creaks open, and Alden pokes his head inside. "You okay?" he asks, concern etched on his features. "We can talk more about this later, if you need." 

"I'm... I'm okay. Just thinking." I sit up and offer him a weak smile. He crosses the room and sits down beside me, taking my hand in his. His touch grounds me, makes me feel safe and protected.

"You don't have to decide anything right now. Take all the time you need," he says, his voice gentle. "And when you're ready, we'll figure everything out together." I nod, feeling a little overwhelmed by his understanding. It's like he can see right into my soul and knows exactly what I'm thinking and feeling. "Hey, want to go for a walk in the gardens after lunch?" he asks, trying to distract me with a smile. "It's such a beautiful day outside, and I think it would do you good to get some fresh air." I smile back, feeling grateful for his attempt to cheer me up. "That sounds lovely," I reply, squeezing his hand in agreement. The rest of the day passes in a blur of activity. Lunch is a lavish affair, with delicious food and an assortment of fruits and desserts that I've never seen before. Vergo and Alden chat animatedly about court politics and various nobles, but I find myself more interested in the food. The servants are attentive and polite, making sure that our plates are never empty and that we have everything we need. As the sun begins to sink lower in the sky, Alden leads me out into the gardens. The air is warm and fragrant with the scent of roses and lavender. We stroll along the winding paths, occasionally stopping to admire a particularly beautiful flower or to watch a fountain dancing in the center of a courtyard. "Yo, if it isn't my little sister!" Marik comes strolling over I look at him in shock and confusion. Alden's face falls, but he quickly recovers. "Ah, Marik. Good to see you. How have you been?" Marik grins and extends his hand to shake, ignoring my dumbfounded expression. "I've been well, thanks for asking. And you, Duna? You're looking lovely today." He gives me a wink, and I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "I heard you had quite an adventure getting here." Alden clears his throat, changing the subject. "So, Marik, I heard you've been working for Lady Thorn. How's that going?" Marik shrugs nonchalantly. "It's alright. She's a demanding lady, but at least I get to see the ins and outs of court life now." He glances at me and winks again. "And who knows? Maybe I'll find a way to use that knowledge to my advantage one day." Alden nods, not seeming entirely convinced. "So... are you two gonna be a couple?" Marik states out of the blue, making Alden and I both turn to look at him in surprise. "I mean, you two look pretty cozy, and you've been hanging out all day. Just curious. "I feel my face flush even more as Alden clears his throat again. "Well, Marik, Duna and I have become friends. That's all." There's a long pause before he continues. "And as for the other... we'll see."Marik smirks "Don't bother trying to hide it I can sit right both of you, just make sure you treat her right kid, now if you'll excuse me I have some guards to beat up- I mean train, eh same thing to honest."  With that Marik takes off running, laughing manically. I can't help but feel a little unsettled by the whole exchange. Alden, on the other hand, seems unfazed. He takes my hand in his and leads me deeper into the gardens, away from the sounds of Marik's laughter. The air is warm and humid, the scent of flowers heavy on the breeze. "So, Duna," he begins, his voice gentle. "I wanted to talk to you about something." I swallow nervously, wishing I knew what he wanted to say. "I understand that this is all very new and overwhelming for you, but I want you to know that you can trust me. I won't let anyone hurt you, and I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe."His words bring a sense of comfort that I haven't felt in days. I look up at him, trying to find the right words to express my gratitude. "Thank you, Alden," I manage. "I appreciate that more than you know."We continue to stroll through the gardens, the sounds of insects and the fountains providing a soothing backdrop to our conversation. Alden asks me about my life back in the village, and I tell him stories of my family and our farm. He listens intently, laughing at my anecdotes and offering thoughtful insights.As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the air cools and a gentle breeze picks up, rustling the leaves around us. Alden leads me to a secluded area of the garden, where a small table has been set with a candle lit dinner. "This was my mother's favorite spot," he explains, lighting a few candles. "She used to read here sometimes, when she wanted to be alone with her thoughts. I thought it would be nice to share a meal with you here. "The candlelight flickers softly against Alden's features, casting his face into shadow and highlighting the gold flecks in his green eyes. He pulls out a chair for me, and I sit down, taking in the simple yet elegant meal of roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, and a crisp white wine. As I savor the first bite, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. It's been so long since I've felt truly safe and cared for. Alden sits across from me, watching me intently. "Duna, I want you to know that you can trust me with anything. Anything at all. I'm here for you, and I will never betray your trust." His words send a shiver down my spine, and I find myself leaning in closer to him. As we continue to eat, we talk about our hopes and dreams for the future. Alden tells me about his plans to one day lead the kingdom and make it a better place for everyone, especially the common folk. I share my dreams of starting my own family and raising children who will always know the value of hard work and love. The conversation flows easily between us, and I find myself losing track of time. It feels as though we could sit here talking for hours, but eventually, the candles begin to burn low and the moon begins to rise in the sky. Alden stands, offering me his hand, and I take it, allowing him to help me to my feet. As we walk back through the castle, the sounds of laughter and music drifting down from the great hall, Alden's hand finds its way back to mine. He laces our fingers together, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. The warmth of his touch sends a pleasant shiver through my body, making my heart race. We reach his chamber, and he releases my hand only long enough to light a candle by his bedside. The flickering light casts soft shadows across his features, making him appear even more dashing than usual. "We've both had a long busy day, let's get some sleep." I nod Alden takes off his jacket and cloak, revealing the sword belt that holds his sword and dagger. He hangs them on a hook near the door before sliding between the cool sheets of his bed. I watch as he adjusts the pillow behind his head and pulls the covers up to his chin. His chest rises and falls with each steady breath, and I can't help but wonder what it would feel like to touch his skin. The air in the room feels heavy with anticipation, and I struggle to find my voice as I undo the laces of my dress. The silk slides down my body, pooling at my feet, and I slip beneath the covers, feeling the soft sheets caress my bare skin. I lie on my side, facing Alden, watching as his chest rises and falls with each breath. The flickering light from the candle casts shadows across his defined muscles and the scars that mar his skin. The weight of the day finally catches up with me, and I close my eyes, letting the darkness claim me. As my mind begins to drift, I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring for us.