My new life

Episode 2,,,,,,

Scene 1

Location: Inside the Royal Carriage

As soon as Kael uttered the name, Astraea stared at him in shock. Kael, beaming with pride over his choice, pressed on.

Kael: Your name will be Artha. (Noticing Astraea’s stunned expression) Do you not like it?

Astraea quickly regained her composure.

Astraea: It’s a beautiful name. What does it mean?

Kael: It means riches and wealth. (Shyly) You are precious, so it’s a fitting name for you.

Kael patted the back of his head nervously, blushing slightly, his flirting skills still unrefined.

Astraea (to herself): I know very well what it means. How could I not? (A mocking smile crosses her lips.)

Turning to Kael, Astraea asked,

Astraea: Where did you hear this name? Is it common here?

Kael: No, it’s not. The name I’ve given you belongs to a princess. You resemble her, which is why I thought it would be perfect.

Astraea: Resemble her?

Kael: She also has bluish-purple eyes, is calm and composed, and excels in various aspects of life. She is very intelligent.

Astraea: You seem to know her quite well. (A hint of fear lurks in her voice, but she asks anyway) Did you ever meet her?

Kael: No, I haven’t. My companion from the war saw her and told me about her. I would love to meet her one day for a friendly duel.

Astraea: A duel? Why?

Kael: Because Sir Drovan praised her as an exceptional sword master.

Astraea (in her mind): Sir Drovan!

Kael: From today onward, your name will be Artha. You are my person and free to do as you wish. Remember that, Artha.

Astraea nodded slightly, her face brightening at the name.

Astraea (to herself): How life can change in an instant. Moments ago, I was Astraea, brought here to be sold as a slave. Now, I am a prince’s companion, and my name is Artha.

The carriage came to a halt, drawing Astraea from her thoughts. Kael turned to her.

Kael: Let’s go, Artha. Your palace awaits. (He extended his hand.)

Astraea: It’s a pleasure to have you in my life, my prince. (She took his hand and stepped down from the carriage.)

As Astraea emerged, one leg on the stair and the other still in the carriage, she descended holding Kael’s hand.

Astraea (to herself): From this moment, I am Artha, a slave brought by Prince Noah and his companion. I never imagined I would live this life. It feels like a disgrace, yet many would give anything for it. I will live it with honor and respect. I, Artha, will return to my home someday. I will endure until then.

(From now on, the girl's name will change from Astraea to Artha, and the story will continue with the name 'Artha.')

Artha walked alongside Kael as he guided her through the palace gates, entering through the main entrance instead of the back where other slaves entered.

Artha gazed at the palace, its grandeur leaving her speechless. Towering spires, intricate carvings, and lush gardens painted a picture of regal beauty.

The palace loomed before them, a magnificent structure that radiated power and grace. Its towering spires pierced the sky, clad in pristine white marble with intricate accents of black and ash, creating a bold yet elegant contrast. Massive arched windows, lined with silver, reflected the sunlight, while the grand front entrance was framed by sculpted pillars that seemed to invite royalty alone.

Surrounding the palace was a lush, sprawling garden that enveloped it on all sides—verdant lawns, flower beds brimming with exotic blooms, and stone paths weaving through groves of ancient trees. In the very center, the palace stood like a majestic monument to an empire’s strength and legacy.

Kael led her inside, holding her hand, his thumb gently reassuring her with every tap.

Kael: Do not be afraid. Here, nobody will treat you harshly. If they do, just let me know.

Artha: What will you do, my prince?

Kael: I will make their lives worst than hell. Trust me.

Artha: I trust you.( smiling slightly)

Kael halted before a servant, a lady in a long brown skirt paired with a cream-colored blouse, accented with a bow at the waist. Her slick bun framed a gracious face marked by age.

Kael: Madam Margaret! Meet her!

Kael introduced the lady as Madam Margaret and proceeded to introduce Artha.

Kael: This is Artha. (He placed an arm around her waist.) You must take excellent care of her. Never leave her alone and attend to all her needs.

Artha greeted Madam Margaret with a slight bow. Madam Margaret smiled warmly and returned the greeting.

Madam Margaret: Your Highness, it will be my honor to care for your person, and I will do so with great attention.

Kael: Wonderful! Artha, go with Madam Margaret. I’ll come to see you later.

Artha (looking at the prince): When will you come?

Kael: Why do you ask? Are you planning to wait for me? What if I tell you? (He stepped closer to her.)

Artha: I will wait. Spending time waiting for you is my greatest joy. Just thinking of you brings me peace, my prince.

Kael gazed deep into her eyes as she spoke, each word taking his breath away. Her gaze weakened him, almost causing him to lose himself.

Kael: I will let you know when I can come, or Madam Margaret will bring you to me.

Artha: As you wish, my prince. (She bowed her head.)

Kael smiled shyly and turned to Madam Margaret.

Kael (clearing his throat): Please teach her the palace rules and show her around so she doesn’t get lost. (Turning to Artha) Take care, Artha.

Kael left with Karlus to attend to his duties in the palace. Artha, along with Madam Margaret and the other servants, greeted them as they departed.

Madam Margaret led Artha away, taking her to the bathhouse first, a royal rule that applied even to the cleanest newcomers.

...****************...

Scene 2

Location: Loggia—a sheltered passage offering a transition between the indoors and outdoors, with one side facing the palace and the other overlooking a garden.

Kael and Karlus walked side by side. The serene atmosphere seemed to match the mood Kael was in. After a long time, he looked genuinely content, and Karlus, noticing it, couldn’t help but feel happy for his friend.

Karlus (teasing): "You seem unusually happy, Your Highness."

Kael stopped, turning to face Karlus. Karlus halted too, waiting for Kael’s response.

Kael (smiling): "I am. It’s been so long since I felt this kind of peace. I thought I’d lost her forever, but then... when I had all but given up, I found her."

Karlus: "And now, she’s here, in your palace. You can see her whenever you wish."

Kael took a step toward the garden, gently touching a small flower blooming on a nearby shrub.

Kael: "She’s beautiful, isn’t she?"

Karlus recalled his brief encounter with her and nodded.

Karlus: "Without question."

Kael raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

Kael: "And how would you know?"

Karlus (snapping back to reality): "It’s not like I didn’t see her. Though I wasn’t up close, I can still tell you have exceptional taste in your choices."

Kael (smirking): "That’s true. But it’s not like I haven’t seen women before. There were plenty of them on the battlefield."

Karlus: "And yet, not one ever entered your tent."

Kael (shrugging): "I never had the need. In the midst of war, where I fought like a madman, how could I think of bedding someone? It didn’t seem right."

Karlus: "And yet, as soon as you returned, you brought a woman back from the auction. You claim you did it to save her, but it’s obvious—you’ve fallen for her."

Kael paused, his expression thoughtful.

Kael: "I don’t know what it was about her. I’ve seen beautiful, alluring women, but none of them ever held my attention. After seeing her, no one else seems to compare."

Karlus: "I’d have to agree. There’s no one around here that matches her level of beauty. You’ll find many attractive women, but not like her."

They shared a smile, but the moment was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. A servant girl came running towards them, stopping in front of Kael and bowing respectfully.

Servant girl: "Your Highness, Crown Prince Kael."

Kael: "What is it?"( looking at the flower )

Servant girl: "The king and queen, along with the prince and princess, are waiting for you in the Queen's drawing room."

Kael gave a faint smile and turned to Karlus.

Kael: "Looks like we’ll have to continue this discussion later. Come by my chambers early tomorrow. We’ll head out for the inspection."

Karlus: "As you wish, Your Highness."

Kael gave Karlus a light pat on the arm before heading off to meet his family. Karlus remained standing there with the servant girl.

Karlus: "Do you have anything else for me?"

Servant girl: "The queen has ordered a room to be prepared for you in the palace. If you're ready, I can take you there."

Karlus (shaking his head): "No need. Please inform the queen that I’m grateful, but it would be better if she didn’t go out of her way for me."

Servant girl: "As you wish, sir."

Karlus: "What's your name, little one?"

Servant girl: "My name is Duna."

Karlus: "You can go then."

Duna bowed and hurried to catch up with Prince Kael. Karlus watched her go, his gaze drifting to the spot Kael had touched earlier.

Karlus (thinking to himself): "She truly is remarkable... calm, kind, beautiful. I don’t know whose fortune is greater—hers or his."

He let a sad smile flicker across his face before turning to leave. Karlus made his way toward the northern section of the palace, where the army’s quarters were located.

...****************...

Scene 3

Location: Prime Minister Mulak Dorian’s House.

In the bathhouse, Faris was bathing alongside the other purchased slaves. Sitting in a corner, he poured water over himself, his demeanor distant, as if nothing in life really concerned him anymore.

A Slave: "You came with us, didn’t you? Why are you not saying anything?"

Faris, lost in his thoughts, didn’t hear the question.

The Slave: "Hey! I’m talking to you! You with the blue eyes!" (growing slightly irritated)

Finally, Faris glanced at the slave, because among the nine of them, only his eyes were blue.

Faris: "Were you asking me something?"

The Slave: "Yes, I was! We’re all talking here, and you’re sitting with your mouth shut! Or do you think you’re above us?" (mocking him with a mix of humor and sarcasm)

Faris: "let's not talk about status. I just don’t like talking much." (he smiled as he said this)

Another Slave: "But you can talk to us. It’s not like we’re your enemies! We came together, we’ll leave together."

Faris: "We won’t leave together. I’m going to the Royal Palace from here. I don’t know where you’ll go."( firmly )

The other slaves fell silent for a moment, exchanging glances. Then, they burst out laughing, convinced that Faris was daydreaming.

A Slave: "That’s good! Dreaming is good! But not every dream comes true."

Faris: "It’s not a dream, it’s reality. And one day, it will certainly come true."

The rest of the slaves thought something was wrong with Faris' mind, so they stopped asking him questions and finished their bath in silence.

Just as they were about to stand , the door opened, and the head maidservant entered, carrying towels for everyone.

She handed each one a towel and gave them simple clothes. All the slaves dressed, but seeing Faris, they couldn’t help but feel envious. Even in slave garments, he looked like a prince.

Head Maidservant: "You all should sleep now. I will show you to your rooms. Tomorrow morning, you’ll meet the masters of the house. Be mindful, no misbehavior. Now, off to bed."

Faris went along with the others. The room could accommodate six people, but no one wanted to stay with him because of his strange talk. So, he was placed in the last room. It turned out that all the occupants were male prostitutes from the Spring House. Faris knew some of them, but not too well.

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