I wake up early, the next morning feeling very rested for the first time since I got here. I rub my eyes expanding my knees at bit to get a view on alden he is still sleeping. I sit back down, thinking back to the day before. I decide to not talk as much to try an make him happy with me, I pray that he's not still mad at me when he awakens. "Good morning, Duna." Lady Thorn's voice startles me, making me jump to my feet. "You're up early today." I nod, my throat feeling dry. "Yes, mistress. I was just getting ready to make your breakfast." She smiles warmly at me, her expression softening. "That's my girl. Alden will be joining us soon, so be sure to have everything ready." I nod, hurrying to the kitchen to start preparing her favorite dish. As I'm setting the table, I hear the sound of footsteps approaching, and a moment later, Alden walks into the dining room. He glares at me, his expression unreadable. "Good morning, Alden." Lady Thorn says cheerfully. "Did you sleep well?" He mutters something incoherent and takes his seat at the table. I bite my lip, feeling the tension in the air thicken. But to my surprise, Lady Thorn doesn't seem to notice. Instead, she thanks me for the breakfast and begins to eat, chatting amiably with Alden about the day's plans. I sit back, watching them carefully, wondering if perhaps Alden's mood has changed. I walk around to the back of aldens chair and stand with my head down as they keep chatting. After a while, Lady Thorn glances in my direction and gives me a small, encouraging smile. "You know, Duna, you've been doing such a wonderful job lately. Alden, don't you think she deserves a day off?" Alden looks up at her, surprise flashing across his face. "A day off?" He repeats, his voice faint with disbelief. "I suppose that's not such a bad idea." He says finally, glancing at me. "Very well, you may have the day off, Duna. I look at them both surprised almost in disbelief." Thank you, mistress. Thank you, Alden." I say quietly, my voice shaking with emotion. "I'll make sure to put it to good use." Lady Thorn nods, seeming satisfied with my response. But as I turn to leave, Alden's voice stops me in my tracks. "Wait," he says, his tone cold and commanding. "I want you to do something for me while you're off." I hesitate, not wanting to disappoint Lady Thorn or anger Alden further. "And what would that be, Master?" I ask cautiously. He leans back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "I want you to go into town and buy me some new clothes. I'm tired of wearing the same old things all the time." I blink, surprised by his request. But before I can respond, Lady Thorn speaks up. "That's a lovely idea, Alden. I'm sure Duna would be happy to help you with that." Alden shoots her a look, but she just smiles innocently back at him. "Very well," he says finally. "But make sure you get something suitable. I won't tolerate any mistakes." I nod, trying to hide my relief. "Yes, Master. And with that, I leave the dining room, "Before you go duna, stand still for a moment" Alden says as I pause turning around I glace at him. He stands up and approaches me. "Now you wouldn't try and run away now would you?" "No, Master" I tense up at the question "Well just in case you can wear these while your out side" he grins as he pulls out a pair of shackles the same ones I wore at the slave auction "I kept your other pair as well" He clamps them in place around my ankles. I gulp, trying not to show my fear. "Good girl. Now go and get those clothes for me." He says as he walks back to his seat. With a heavy heart, I leave the castle, the sound of Alden's voice ringing in my ears. As I walk through the town, I walk through the marketplace, the shackles clanking against my legs with each step. I try to act normal, but I can feel the stares of the other villagers burning into my back. Finally, I find a vendor selling clothes and approach him, trying to keep my shaking hands from betraying me. "I'm looking for some new clothes for my master," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. The vendor nods, looking me up and down. "Something in particular he's looking for?" He asks, his eyes traveling over my shackled ankles. "He wants something suitable," I repeat, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sure we can find something that will fit him well." Um, can I get the nicest and most expense clothing you have?" I know that lady thorn, said I could get something for myself but I would rather keep alden happy so I don't get punished. So I spend it all on him.The vendor nods, understanding my dilemma. "Of course, miss. I'll get you the finest clothes we have. And don't you worry, I'll make sure they fit perfectly." With that, he begins to select various articles of clothing, carefully folding them and placing them in a small sack. As I wait for him to finish, I can't help but feel a mix of hope and dread. Hope that Alden will be satisfied with my choices, and dread that he'll find some small detail to criticize. Finally, the vendor finishes and hands me the sack. "That'll be five gold coins," he says. I hesitate, glancing back at the vendor, but he gives me a knowing smile. "Don't worry, miss. Your master will get a good price for these clothes. And you've done a fine job selecting them." With a heavy heart, I pull out the five gold coins from my pocket and hand them over. "Thank you sir." The vendor bows his head in thanks before hurrying off to another customer. With the clothes in hand, I head back to the castle, my steps slower and more hesitant than before. The shackles seem to weigh down on me even more now, a constant reminder of the impossible situation I find myself in. I tense up as I open the doors and walk inside looking for my master.As I walk through the castle, I can feel the weight of Alden's eyes on me. His disapproval is palpable, and I struggle to keep my pace steady. I hear footsteps approaching from behind, and Lady Thorn's gentle voice calling my name. "Duna, dear, come quickly. Master Alden would like you to bring the clothes to his chambers." My heart sinks, but I force a nod and hurry to obey. As I enter Alden's chambers, he looks up from where he's been sitting at his desk, his expression cold and unreadable. "You've taken your time," he says, his voice like ice."I hope you didn't spend too much of my money." I take a deep breath and hand him the clothes my fear having it's full grip on me "Well, well, look at this." He says, pulling out the finest clothing from the sack. "These will do perfectly. Thank you, Duna." I feel a small twinge of relief, but it's quickly replaced by the dread of what might come next. Alden stands up and walks over to me, his hands moving to unclasp the shackles from around my ankles. "Now, let's see if these fit." He says, pulling the shackles off and stepping back to assess me. I hold my breath as he eyes me up and down, his expression unreadable. I stand with my eyes locked on floor. my fear climbing back up again. Finally, he speaks. "They'll do. Now, go and tell Cook to prepare a bath for me. I'll want to try these clothes on when I'm clean." I nod, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety wash over me. "Yes, Master." I say, turning to leave. "Oh, and Duna?" He calls after me, his voice hardening. "Yes, Master?" I reply, stopping but not daring to turn around. "Don't forget to scrub the floor while Cook is busy. It's been in need of a good cleaning." I bite my lip, "You said the had the day off" I mutter making my voice as low as I could. "Silence!" He roars, making me jump. "You will do as you're told, slave!" I swallow hard, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Yes, Master..." I say quietly, tears starting form in my eyes I grab a sponge and start scrubbing, As I start to cry. Alden passes by stepping on my hands "Whoops he says grin doing at me sliding his heel on both my hands. "Enjoying your day off?" he grins down at me and keeps walking. I keep scrubbing as my hands start to bleed. As I scrub for a few more minutes before hearing Lady thorns voice "Hey, what's wrong?" A voice asks, making me jump again. It's Lady Thorn. "N-nothing" I try and hide my tears. as I keep my face out of sight. "Really, Duna? Because you look like you're about to burst into tears. Is Alden being too harsh on you?" She asks, her voice gentle but firm. I shake my head, "No, Mistress" I my voice not so convincing this time as I tears start to flow down my face unable to be stopped. "Well, you know where I am if you need to talk." She says softly, patting me on the shoulder. With that, she turns and leaves me alone with my thoughts and my tears. I finish scrubbing the floor and return to aldens bedroom hoping I can still take my day off." You're back, Duna. Master Alden is in the bath. Go on in and help him get dressed." Lady Thorn says, not taking her eyes off the book she's reading. I nod, feeling a mixture of fear and determination. As I step into the bathing chamber, I see Alden soaking in the steaming water, his back to me. I approach silently, not wanting to disturb him. "Master, I finished scrubbing the floors like you asked. " I whisper recovering from my crying. Alden turns to face me, his expression unreadable. "Very well. Hand me the first set of clothes on the left." I do as he says, carefully handing him the clothes. He takes them and begins to dry off, never once making eye contact with me. "Now, help me put these on." He says, his tone still cold. I swallow hard, trying to steady my trembling hands as I help him slip on the clothes. Once he's dressed, he turns to face me again. "Well, that will do. You may go now, Duna." He says dismissively, his eyes back on his book. I nod, unable to muster up the courage to say anything more, and quickly exit the room, closing the door behind me. I return to alden's room and sit on my blanket not moving for the rest of the day. The sun begins to set, casting a warm glow across the castle grounds. I stand up, stretching my stiff limbs, and make my way back to the servant's quarters. Lady Thorn looks up from where she's been sitting by the fire, her expression concerned. "Duna, are you feeling alright?" She asks, her voice gentle. I don't respond just nod. "Come here, child. Let me see your hands." I slowly extend my hands toward her, revealing the bruises and cuts that have formed from Alden's abuse. Lady Thorn gasps, her eyes widening in horror. "I'm going to talk to Alden about this," she says, her voice steely. "You will not be punished for this, Duna. I won't let you." I just look down, unable to find the words to express my gratitude. "Come with me," she says, taking my hand and leading me to her chambers. "You can sleep here tonight. I slowly walk to the foot her bed finding the warmest spot I can on the floor and lay down eager to sleep." Goodnight, Duna." Lady Thorn says softly, her voice gentle. "You're going to be all right. I promise." Her words lull me into a fitful sleep, and I don't wake until the sun streams through the window the next morning. Despite how nice she's been to me I don't have much expectations for things getting better. I slowly sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I'm still sore from yesterday's beating, but at least I feel a little better today. Lady Thorn is already up, dressed, and tending to her morning chores. I watch her for a moment, wondering how she can be so kind to someone like me.My thoughts are interrupted by alden calling for me my eyes widen in fear as I start to tense up once again. I slowly stand up and make my way to his chambers, my heart pounding in my chest. As I enter, I see him sitting at his desk, his expression unreadable. "You're looking well today, Duna." He says, his voice cold. I swallow hard, trying to find the courage to speak. But can't. I just stare at the floor waiting for what he has in store for me. "I've decided to give you a special task today." Alden continues, his tone still distant. "You're to clean the main hall and prepare it for a banquet this evening. " I turn to leave bumping into lady thorn. "Just a minute she says holding me in place. "Alden do you remember what I told you back when we went shopping?" "Yes, I do. You told me that if I ever needed anything, to ask you." Alden replies coolly. "Wrong" Lady Thorn says in a stern voice "Duna hasn't spoken at all today or yesterday for that matter" her eyes narrow in on Alden "I told you what would happen if you didn't take care of her did I not?" She says her voice turning even sterner then before. Alden looks surprised for a moment before regaining his composure "Forgive me" he says with a sigh "I forgot" he says to me. "You forgot?" her eyes narrow once again. "I warned you son, now I'm taking her from you, I allowed you to buy her so you could have a friend" She looks at Alden who looks like he's about to protest, but she continues "I won't have you mistreat her any further. "What, no you can't she's mine" alden bursts out angerly. "No, Alden she's mine. I paid for her. Not you. "Now, Duna" she says with a warm smile "You're dismissed. Take care of the hall, and if you need anything, just ask." I nod and hurry out of the room, a weight seeming to lift off my shoulders as I leave Alden and Lady Thorn arguing behind me. I clean and prepare the hall, my mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. When the servants begin to arrive for the banquet, Lady Thorn appears, beaming with pride. "Duna, you've done a wonderful job." She says, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Why don't you go and rest now?" I nod gratefully, following her suggestion. As I make my way to the servant's quarters, "Duna" I freeze in place looking back a her. "Yes, Mistress?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "You're going to say with me for the time being so head to my room "Lady Thorn's words are a relief, a small reprieve from the turmoil of the past few days. I follow her to her chambers, my heart racing with anticipation and fear. As I enter, I see her sitting by the fire, her expression soft and caring. She gestures for me to sit on the edge of her bed, and I do so gratefully.

"Wait here please" she turns to leave bring alden into the room a few minutes later. He glares at me hatefully, but says nothing. Lady Thorn sits down beside him, her voice gentle but firm. "Alden, do you know why I let you keep this slave after you brought her without permission for what 5 gold coins?" "No, Mother" Alden's voice is bitter, but he listens. "She was supposed to fill in for your father after he left. And I was hoping you two would be friends" Lady Thorn looks at me, her eyes full of sadness. "But instead, you've treated her like a piece of property, like she's worthless. You're still a child sweetie despite being a noble, and I don't I see you playing with her ever. Why is that?" Alden looks away, unable to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry, Mother," he whispers. Lady Thorn nods, but her expression does not change. "Now, would you like a friend your age or shall I get rid of her?" I shrink back into myself, waiting for Alden's response. Alden looks at me, his expression conflicted. After a long moment, he finally speaks. "I want to keep her. But I'll be nicer. I promise." His voice is barely audible, but it's a start. Lady Thorn smiles, and places her hand on his shoulder. "That's my boy. You have until the end of the week to prove yourself. If you can't make her happy, then you'll have to give her back. Do you understand?" Alden nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "Good." Lady Thorn stands, "Now you're both dismissed "As they leave the room, I feel a mix of emotions. Part of me is hopeful that Alden will keep his promise, and we can be friends. But another part of me is still wary, remembering the cruelty he's shown before. I decide to take things slowly, and wait to see what happens. We walk into the empty dark mess hall. Alden walks to his room I follow behind at a distance standing in the door way with my head down. "Duna?" Alden's voice is soft, almost hesitant. I look up at him warily. "Do you want to come in?" he asks. I hesitate for a moment, then nod slowly. Alden steps aside, and I enter his room. It's a large, lavish chamber with a four-poster bed, a dresser, and a window overlooking the castle gardens. The walls are adorned with tapestries and paintings, but they feel cold and empty without any personal touches. I walk to the foot of the bed siting, not saying a word waiting to be given permission to sleep. Alden looks at me, his expression uncertain. "You can sleep there, if you want." "Or you can sleep on my bed, if you'd prefer. It's a bit big for me." I study his face for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. He seems sincere enough, but I'm still cautious. "Can I just sleep in my usual spot?" my voice a whisper my eyes glued to the floor not daring to look at him. Alden nods slowly. "Of course. Whatever you're comfortable with." "Thank you master" I mutter. still feeling a sense of fear in his presence. I lay down and pull my new blanket over me. 

The night passes quietly. "Master, why are you always so mean to me?" I know I'm a slave but..." I venture to ask. "You don't have to call me master" Alden mutters. "I'm sorry" I reply quickly trying to cover my slip up. "It's just that I don't understand" I continue.  "I don't know" he mutters. "I just... I guess I'm not used to having someone my own age around. My other friends are all nobles like me, and they think it's funny when I do things to you." His voice trails off, and I can see the shame in his eyes. "I'm sorry" I whisper. "I don't have any friends either, so I don't know what it's like." "That makes two of us." I say back to him. I can't believe I just said that out loud. I've never spoken to anyone about my loneliness before. It just slipped out. "Don't you have parents too?" Alden askes quietly. "I did, but they were burned alive they told me to hide in a closet and I did, But I was found and hauled off after. Now I regret it, I wish I just died with them" I start to tear up. "Duna, you didn't do anything wrong. It wasn't your fault." He says, his voice gentle. I look up at him, tears streaming down my face. "Yes it was, I should have stayed with them, I should have died with them." I sob. Alden moves closer, and carefully wipes away my tears with his thumbs. "No, you shouldn't have. You deserve to be happy, and you deserve to have friends. Even if I'm not the best one, I'll try to be a friend to you." His words are surprisingly comforting, and for a moment, I feel a tiny spark of hope. "Really?" I ask in-between sobs. "Really." He says, and for the first time since I've known him, his voice sounds sincere. I sniff and wipe the rest of my tears away. "Thank you, Master." I whisper.

"Don't call me that. Just call me Alden." He says, and I can see the relief on his face. I say back to him. And for the first time since I became his slave, I feel a genuine connection between us.

"I perfer to call you master. If that's ok" "No, it's not. I want you to be comfortable calling me by my name." Alden insists. "And if I want you to call me Alden, then that's what you'll do." His expression softens. "Look, I know I've been a jerk to you in the past, but I really want to change that. I want to be your friend, Duna." His voice cracks slightly on the last word, and I can tell that he means it. "Ok, I'll try but I have a habit of calling you "Master" So please don't punish me if I slip up Alden. "He nods, understanding. "That's fair enough. And if you ever need anything, if you ever want to talk, I'm here for you, okay?" His words warm my heart, and I feel a small glimmer of hope. I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. "Yes, mast- I mean Alden, may I sleep now?" He smiles at me, and the light in his eyes makes me feel like everything is going to be all right. "Of course, Duna. Sleep well." 

I fall asleep another well rested night.