As usual, I slept peacefully that night since Lucien was missing this night as well. I know he might be with Arya, but I didn't care, as long as he stays away from me, I'm alright. Early morning I was awakened by the guards who cursed about escorting whores I ignored it as usual. I was taken to a salon or something similar where girls sat and were doing make up. There were loud voices and cursing. I swear I saw someone tripped over something in hurry.
My hands were soon taken by Mina, who explained to me that they were instructed to get ready and have to put some performances. It was all last minute,, so they had no time to practice. But I saw everyone doing their best, fearful of punishment. I wanted to avoid joining them, the last thing I wanted was to put out a performance for them while all I wanted to do was to pierce their heart using my arrow. I wasn't allowed to take my bow and arrow and was only allowed to use it in training field. They say they fear my safety,, but actually, they were worried about their own. I promised myself I will find some way to keep it. Amir says it was the rule that we ladies doesn't keep any weapons with us. I only huffed in response.
Another guard came by to announce that there is a performance which was specifically demanded by the king. We all came to a stand still at that. I prayed that lecher didn't want us dancing naked. "Where's this girl, Mara? ", he shouted. I hesitated, but I walked towards him. He looked at me for a second and found me lacking. I wanted to roll my eyes, but I stopped myself. "The king wants to see what you have learned so far?"he said. I simply nodded my head. Everyone else breathed a sigh of relief. I guess that my thoughts were echoed by them as well.
I was dragged again by Mina, and she made me sit in front of the mirror. I hated the waiting, I kept on moving my hands she slapped my hands playfully. I smiled and gave her a small smile. She pinched and prodded my face long enough for my thinning patience. I raised my hands and she huffed in frustration. "Enough" I said, shooing her away from me.
"I wish you let me finish my work, Mara. You will look more beautiful ", she said. "You heard him, the king wants to see what I have learned so far", I told her. "Go look in the mirror, that will change your mind ", she said. I walked towards the mirror, were all the girls were fighting themselves to catch a glimpse of themselves. But seeing me they stopped and let me pass, they gaped at me. I was worried for a second, I hope I look like me at least I prayed.
When I looked at myself,, I was shocked. I look like myself, only prettier. I wasn't looking like a stranger, more like a revamped version of myself. I liked it and was almost willing to let her touch myself again,, but I remembered that this wasn't a beauty competition. I was only being used by these lycans and my aim should be to kill each and every one and not to impress them with my beauty.
"So", Mina asked me. "I think we are done," I told her with a smile. "Damn it, Mara", she said. I gave her a finger salute,, and it reminded me of how Lucien gave me one when he thought I did a good job. The salon was once again in full swing. There were only minutes left. I was watching everything I saw the girls were enjoying themselves, I only wished if it wasn't for these killers. These girls deserve every stage, but those lycans don't deserve to see us or enjoy themselves. I even helped a few girls and held their things while they were preparing for their performance. I was feeling equally happy for once.
"Can I talk to you for a second", I am familiar voice that spoke to me? I immediately stiffened and turned around to see my aunt all dolled up in a pink gown. Her luscious boobs were on display, but her voice didn't mimic her confidence. I nodded my head. "In private ", she added, casting a wary glance at the girls. Some of them noticed us and was looking at her in awe. I knew they all aspire to be like her someday. They all want to catch Igor's attention. I have whiffed that these girls sleep with the king too. It was understood but only the prettier ones, but aunt Lima is the only one who was singled out by Igor.
I followed her to the washroom area and when inside she closed the door. "How are you, Mara?", she asked. "I'm good. I thought you didn't know my name", I told her. She winced as though I hit her. "I'm sorry ", she whispered. "It's not me who you should apologize, it's your sister whom you have betrayed. Her eyes shined with unshed tears. My eyes were misted as well. "I had no choice. You know how this works by now. If Sairee is here, she will do this too ", she mumbled.
"If you believe that, then you never knew your sister ", I told. "Grandma is unwell, she wishes to see you. You have to come and see her", I told her. "You know once you are here there is never going back", she told me, wiping the tears that escaped her. "I will protect you, please come with me", I pleaded with her. She put her hands up and touched my face. "You are so beautiful
Mara. I worry about you. Igor has noticed it too. He told me today that he only took me because I reminded him of someone. He means Sairee. Now he found that same spirit in someone else. I know he is talking about you", she told me.
"I have to go now", she said and gave me a quick hug and left me just like that. I felt abandoned and lost once again. I will take my aunt with me regardless of the consequences. For now, I have a performance to do and walked away following my aunt.