Tale of Four

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Rosalia wiped her face with the cloth given to her. From behind a drawer opened, followed by coins hitting against one another. William dropped a pouch beside her, and Rosalia looked at it for a moment before picking it up and looking inside.

”A little extra. For not being the client you wished.” William stared at her bare back as Rosalia dug around in the pouch, counting how much had been given. Watching her, he couldn’t help but strangely smile. Reaching to his side, he grabbed a box and opened it up, pulling out a cigar he would usually import from Oros. Biting the end of it, he picked up a small metal cube with runes on it and rubbed his thumb over it.

One end of the cube slowly turned orange, and placing the end on his cigar, he quickly let go before the entire thing became hot. ”Tell me?” Taking a deep inhale of smoke, he held it in his mouth for a moment before blowing it out. ”You a Lord’s bastard?”

Rosalia’s eyebrow twitched. The urge to smother William’s face with a pillow crept in. Sleeping with him was already humiliating enough, and now to be treated as a bastard was getting close to how much she could take. Fiddling with the money to calm herself down, she kept her face turned to hide her expression and shook her head.

After a few seconds of silence she awnsered.” No.”

”Strange,” William said, taking another deep inhale of smoke. ”You don’t have the body of a smallfolk.”

”What does that mean?” Rosalia asked, making William chuckle.

”No scars, no blemishes. Rather clean, white skin.” Taking another smoke, he leaned back. ”I thought you might have been born a bastard. Well, one taken care of at least.”

”My father was a merchant.” William burst into laughter.

”And you’re a whore. Gosh, did his business fail.” William struggled to hide his amusement at the thought,

”It was his business.” Roaslia lied on the spot. Using the knowledge she knew of brothels, she put together a believable story, ”He wanted someone to be Maddem of his establishments and had me trained with the previous one until I came of age. Of course, my body wouldn’t be that of a normal whores.”

”Then, I assume you can play an instrument.” Rosalia nodded, ”Read and write as well.” She nodded again. ”I may have you play some music at some point then, after all, the Prince is a troubling guest, and it is hard to find soemthing that he will enjoy.” Rosalia’s lips curled up. With a small breath, she suppressed the laugh that was coming.

Even if her plan had failed initially, there was soemthing to be won in the shame she had just experienced. Men had loose lips when they felt safe, and especially with women they believed wouldn’t repeat nor understand what they spoke of. Added to her new cover as a Maddem of a brothel, and it was likely William would seek her out more. After all, sex wasn’t a Madam’s only service. They were a comforting ear to some and a talented musician for others.

”If you wish for music, I will need an instrument, my lord. I have skill with a harp, but if one cannot be acquired, then I can play a piano.”

”Did you not bring a Harp with you?” Rosalia smiled and shook her head.

”The harp belongs to my father, not me.” Her lie was smooth and quickly believed.

”I should be able to acquire one for you. I’m sure there is an old one in storage somewhere. I’ll send word.” Rosalia nodded and stood up.

”May I dress my Lord?”

”Did you bring clothes, bar the thin outfits you presented yourself in?” Rosalia nodded before lowering her head. ”Good, if I am to present you to the Prince to play a song, you must at least have some class.” Ashing the cigar to the side, he took another deep inhale, staring at Rosalia’s body; the blatant desire for it was easily read.

Rosalia lowered her head, her fringe hiding her eyes. ’Sorrows are punishments. I have sinned and must suffer humiliation for it. This is my punishment, and I must serve it. I shall be rewarded only after I finish my mission.’

Speaking a prayer to herself, she lifted her head and smiled, ”Is there a way you would suggest dressing for the prince? I do not wish to sully him nor myself.”

”Do not worry about that. Your face is already beautiful as is; there is little to be changed. Just do not dress like a whore. I am sure you have outfits already prepared as a Maddem.” Rosalia’s lips curled in acknowledgement. ”Then it is fine; however, I must warn you.” William’s eyes hardened. ”Do not touch the prince without his consent. Don’t throw your body towards him like a common whore and believe it will entice him. Should you, he will order your head.”

Rosalia internally scoffed, ”Is it a crime to do such things?” Feigning ignorance, she asked, wishing to understand Vincent more. She knew he was vain. A man who cared for his own looks more than anything alive. Someone who was elitist and saw all who didn’t carry the Cosmaton name as beneath him. But they had also assumed his obsession with beauty led him to indulge in his desires. After all, there were numerous women who claimed to be his lovers, even if those rumours didn’t have much evidence behind them.

”No.” William said, ”Not a crime warranting death at least. No, the Prince hates being touched as well as touching others. Admire from a distance but do not dare get close. You will be paid well to entertain him, so even if your dream can’t be achieved, you shall have enough money to live comfortably for a year.” William took the cigar to his mouth again and took another deep inhale. ”Go now. I’m tired. The servants will have a room set up for you. Do not worry, so long as you stay here, there will be guards to ensure that no one random sneaks into the rooms and has their way. You’re here to provide a service, but they must pay if I have to.”

”Thank you, my Lord.” William didn’t notice Rosalia’s lip twitch as she bowed and walked off. The moment she stepped out, his smile fell.

”She is too obsessed with the Prince.” Telling himself, he sighed and rubbed his mouth, clicking his tongue in annoyance, ”A shame.” With the thought of taking her as a mistress falling, he placed the cigar to the side, letting it die naturally before drifting off to sleep.