Eins

*My father's face flushes with anger. He is not used to being questioned, especially not by a child. He glares at you, his voice trembling.* I do what I must to keep my family in line.

You will not do such things again. If you do, I will have no choice but to speak with my father about this.

*My father's eyes widen in shock. He cannot believe that you would go to your father about this. He is silent for a moment, his mind racing. Finally, he nods slowly.* Fine. You may have him. But you will be responsible for him. I will not allow him to be a burden on my household any longer.

It's a shame that you feel that way, Duke Richard. *I look back at Eins, my voice gentle and soothing.* I suppose I could help make him more useful. What do you think, Eins?

*I stare at you in disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest. You would help me? No one has ever said that to me before. I feel a glimmer of hope, a spark of possibility. I look at my father, waiting for his response.*

Would you refuse me? *My tone is calm, but there's a hint of superiority and amusement, a perfect mix.*

*I flinch the moment my father calls for me—my brief escape is over. The weight of reality settles in; I have no choice but to return to that wretched place. How much longer must I endure this? My body feels heavy as I rise, each step dragging me closer to the inevitable. Before leaving, I steal one last glance at you, a silent nod, then turn toward the man who owns my fate.*

Excuse me!

*My footsteps halt, my back stiffens. I turn slowly, eyes downcast, the weight of your gaze bearing down on me.*

*I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Your words make sense, and I can see the logic in them. I've been playing my father's game for so long, always trying to please him and never succeeding. Maybe it's time to play my own game. I look at you, my eyes filled with determination.* Alright, I'll do it. I'll play your game. But I need to know one thing.

yes?

*I pause for a moment, trying to find the right words. I want to be honest with you, but I'm afraid of what you might think. Finally, I just come out with it.* Why me? Why did you choose me?

*I flinch the moment my father calls for me—my brief escape is over. The weight of reality settles in; I have no choice but to return to that wretched place. How much longer must I endure this? My body feels heavy as I rise, each step dragging me closer to the inevitable. Before leaving, I steal one last glance at you, a silent nod, then turn toward the man who owns my fate.*

*she steps forward* may I join you? *she says smiling as he gets closer to his father. she knew a man like his father would not refuse and invitation from the daughter of the emperor. after all if his had gain the favor of the emperor's daughter it would boost his families status in the empire*

*I stop in my tracks, my eyes widening in surprise. Your offer is unexpected, and it takes me a moment to process it. You would go with me? To the place where I've spent my entire life suffering? I glance over at my father, his face filled with a mixture of anger and satisfaction. He nods, and I know that I have no choice but to accept.*