Chapter 1
Entering the alley, the deep market atmosphere blows toward the face. The men sit in two... each facing a gambling slab, whispers are heard from every corner of the alley, here gossip is discussed without fear, and information is traded without commotion.
"The sky maiden is hosting a grand show tonight".
"What's new they always do that when they welcome new girls into the house..."
"I heard that the daughters of Duke Haugherian's household will go to the highest bidder"
"What a disgrace for daughters trained to become noble women to be reduced to the point of being mistresses to selfish unsatiable men"
"The court sentenced his family to be slaves in the Northeast county..."
"Ahh, you don't need to speculate the minds of the nobles, they make their own decisions"
As the country of Phyrra celebrates the union of King Ferguson and Queen Violet, most nobles prepare to attend the sky maiden's auction including the king
"Your majesty, the Queen is waiting for you in her chambers" Demetrius, the king's eunuch informs him.
"You can tell her that I'm busy and unable to meet her tonight" Ferguson replies while changing out of his royal robe, "I'll be going out of the palace if anyone asks after me tell them that I do not wish to be bothered"
"But your majesty it's against the rule" Demetrius tried to stop
"I make the rule here" he replied and walks out.
"Arianna, you have a chance to be with me now and not step out tonight," Duke Augustus said to Arianna who is dressed in a pink muslin gown and sitting on a dresser to paint herself.
"When you blocked my family carriage and insisted on bringing me here, were you not expecting me to serve as a showgirl toward lustful big-bellied men"
"I'm being sincere here"
"My answer to you Duke will remain the same even in the future, no, I won't be seeing you out, Duke. Maria, walk the Duke to the door".
Duke Haugherian, is a soldier who gained a noble title through military feats and gained envious stares from many families from the upper class. He only gained recognition after marrying the daughter of Grand Duke Philip, a titled prince.
