Arianna/Thea

I stood in the bustling Serpent's Square, nestled before Rococo's imposing building, the last of the sun rays falling on the building and casting long shadows.

"If mistress finds out you will be in big trouble, you still have time. Return to your quarters," Cosmo warned.

I choose to ignore the warning, standing firm, my determination unwavering.

Cosmo remained hidden from my sight. Though unseen, I knew he trailed behind me, his little commentary of how foolish and naïve I was, making sure to alert me of his ever-watchful presence.

My life is not the same as it was, and it will never be the same after the events of the past days, something changed in me.

Even if I were to return to the comfort of Aradia, the familiar routines and sheltered existence could never hold me captive again. The path I walked now was one of uncertainty, veering away from the predestined course set by others—a fate I refused to embrace.

Within the depths of my being, a flame flickered a yearning to transcend the confines of a princess destined for political alliances.

I longed for a greater purpose, a life beyond the confines of tradition and expectation.

I can sense it in my very bones, an innate calling to seize control of my destiny.

Fixing my gaze upon the entrance, I took a steadying breath, knowing that stepping through that door would mark the beginning of the change I so ardently sought.

Maybe I will find something along the way. Something that gives me the freedom to be who I want to be.

Perhaps I might never have to return to Aradia.

There were so many people inside, everywhere I see there were big bulky men, and some women sprinkled among them.

'Why are there so many people here?' I thought, is this some kind of gathering of the thugs?

It looks like every sketchy-looking man in Kysoria was present here in this building

I made my way to the stairs, walking to Rococo's office, which was on the fourth floor.

It was quiet on the fourth floor, with a lot fewer people, but there were many compared to yesterday night when I had visited.

I saw Rocco across the hall as he said something to a guy, and hurriedly walked into his office closing the door.

I was about to follow him when someone blocked my way.

I looked up to find a short, lean guy, staring at me with a creepy smile.

"The courtesans are not allowed on the fourth floor, let me take you to my room," he said, taking a step towards me, his hand extended towards me trying to grab my arm, his eyes roaming the length of me.

I stepped back out of his reach, my narrowing on him.

How dare he think I am a courtesan. Not that I don't respect courtesans, it is insulting to me that he didn't think I could be working here just as he is.

I want to smack the shit out of him, but I refrained as this is my first day at work and I don't need to make more enemies than I already have.

"I am here to meet Rocco," I said, sidestepping him as he tried to invade my personal space. "And I doubt any courtesan in the whole of kysoria would even like to share the same space as you."

Someone laughed from behind him when they heard my response. The guy in front of me turned beet red from embarrassment.

I turned away shaking my head at him.

Before I could take more than a couple of steps, an unexpected force shoved me from behind, causing me to lose my balance. Instinctively, I braced myself with outstretched hands, avoiding a full-blown fall. Swiftly regaining my composure, I pivoted, preparing to defend myself against the impending attack.

The same guy was staring at me, his face contorted in rage, his hand raised to attack me.

But before he could do anything, he was thrown back by an unseen force.