5 Death

Mia was literally quiet as she was bathed by Isabella who continued to talk to her about how to act in front of the royals and nobles.

"You are to only associate with Prince Titus unless the emperor addresses you. Speaking to any other men, including the other princes, is considered very degrading to your benefactor. Also, you can associate with the noblewoman in the same manners that they do with one another, but you are to still give them respect of their position by bowing and by letting them initiate conversation. You are not to start a conversation unless you are spoken to. But if you do make a mistake, it is a redeemable offense. You have to apologize in front of the people who witnessed it and write a personal apology letter to the noblewoman. It is to show that they are still of higher standing. You also have to walk slightly behind the woman unless they give you an open invitation. In that case, you may walk next to them as an equal. However, they will address you as a Lady and you can often be considered good social advances for them, so you still are treated with high regard."

The skin on Mia's arms were going raw with all the scrubbing, but she never once flinched. It seemed some of the blood in the stadium must have sprayed on her. This was the second bath she had to take since the first was filled filled with dirt and blood. She somewhat frowned realizing that that white dress would be a reminder of how so many woman suffered on this day.

Hoping for time alone, Mia planned to burn the garments hoping to erase the vivid painful memories.

"Also my Lady, you will be given authority of the servants in the princes manor. He, and of course his wife if he had one, have absolute authority, but you remain the next in line. You will have your own bedroom and will be provided for with a weekly allowance. You can attend as many social events as you wish but please remember the rules. You are allowed upon all the grounds of the manor except the princes wing. That part of the manor has to be approved by the prince himself."

Mia grimaced. "I won't be attending any social events. And I wish to stay away from everyone if possible. Including Prince Titus."

Isabella stopped scrubbing for a moment, but quickly began brushing Mia's skin ignoring her remark.

"Now when it comes to the prince, you also can not speak to him until he initiates the conversation. Death can be a consequence because it is a serious offense. You are to follow him to the side but slightly behind since you do not have status to walk next to him equally. Even the emperors women don't walk next to him completely since they are consider beneath his status. But be warned Mia, you are not allowed to have audience with the prince unless he requests it. This is incredibly important. You stay out of his way until he is in need of you. If you do try to approach him or request time with him on your own, there can be serious consequences such as de-"

"Death." Mia finished the word for Isabella since it seemed somewhat hard for her to say. "So basically it's redeemable with the noblewoman but offensive to the royals?"

Isabella slowly stopped scrubbing and nodded her head. "Yes. Even though you are still lower in status to the noblewomen, you still are treated very closely to them. And most will be careful not to offend Prince Titus' concubine. But it's not such a redeemable with the royals."

"What if his brothers approach me and start a conversation?" Mia asked.

Isabella gave her an uncomfortable look. "Well if it is seen, the consequence is serious and can likely lead to de-"

"Death." Mia said again. It seemed anything to do with the prince was difficult. With the women she could be forgiven, but it was a much harsher reality when it came to royals. Even the thought of her approaching Titus or asking for an audience means death. Not that she wanted anything to do with him. She wanted nothing to do with this empire!

She literally would be useless to him except for her body. She then shook her head realizing how she did not like her predicament.

Sighing, Mia looked at her body defeated knowing she was not going to leave anytime soon. "I think I'm clean now."

Mia stood up while Isabella grabbed her a towel so she could start drying herself off.

"I really don't need help for this part."

Isabella nodded and stepped away saying she hold go grab the dress the Prince wanted Amelia to wear that evening.

Mia stood in front of a mirror and looked closet at her reflection. She knew that her appearance was not normal in this part of the nation, but she also knew many eyes watch her. Her hair was wavy and healthy and her body was slim with a small amount of curves. She looked very much like her mother.

For the second time in three months, Mia smiled.

The first was with Ryder, but now the memory of her mother brought her some peace.

"Are you ready for the dress my lady?"

Amelia turned around and took a deep breath stepping into the dress. When Isabella began to fasten the back, she took notice that the dress was completely black and did not have much fabric. It was simple but also elegant framing her small curves perfectly. It was floor length and had long black sleeves fitting her arms tightly.

"Is this a normal attire?"

As Mia asked this question, Isabella tugged tightly on the dress causing Mia to grunt in pain.

"Sorry." Isabella whispered. "The attire is a bit more simple than what others wear. It is also more modest. Most outfits are either overdone to show money and status, or they can be simple but women tend to show more skin. I must say though my Lady, you look breathtaking. Like a graceful princess."

Amelia slowly tilted her head. "Please call me by my name."

Isabella smiled into the mirror nodding letting out a small laugh.

"What is tonight? Are concubines attending? Do I have to go?" Amelia began all the questions in her mind. If she could, she would stay in this room all night and hopefully fall asleep never waking up.

"It is a feast for the emperor and his sons. Some nobles and concubines are attending. You are Prince Titus' only concubine so you will have to attend."

Isabella then led Mia to a chair and began doing her hair and makeup. Her face was kept mostly natural adding just the right lotions and products so Mia had more of a glow. And her hair was pushed to one side with the curls cascading down beautifully. The other side was pinned up with diamonds making Mia's eyes widen. She did not want to wear these jewels. Mia was simple and did not want this life!

"I must say Amelia, you are truly beautiful. Both outside and within. Perhaps that's why you are special."

Mia rolled her eyes standing up. She wasn't blessed to be here. If anything she was awaiting her death. Titus would grow bored and would eventually kill her off which meant she had little time to plan a quick escape.

"Ryder always joins the Prince at the feasts." Came a soft remark from Isabella who went to clean the bathroom while having a smile on her face.

A little bit of joy crept into Mia's heart. For some reason she knew that wolf was going to protect her. However Ryder was loyal to Titus first. So if the time came, would he kill Mia on Titus' order?

While lost in thoughts, a knock came and brought her back to her senses.

Isabella quickly ran to the door opening it looking at a disgruntled Nica.

"It's time. We need to escort her to the Prince. He's in the study room and will take her himself from there."

Nica had no emotion as she spoke. But Mia could sense hatred in her voice and actions.

Isabella then looked at Mia.

"Time to go my Lady."