IN THE CHAMBER

Augusta's POV (Her past life):

"Is everything okay?" The maids noticed her tension. "It's like you aren't prepared for this."

"Of course, she isn't prepared, Kathryn. Look at her innocent eyes." Trying to calm down, Augusta turned back to the mirror thinking of other things as she tried to take her mind off the fact that she was a sex toy. She sighed, before turning back to the mirror. She watched as Kathryn tenderly wiped the blush off her ear. She closed her eyes, trying hard to think about anything aside from what was trying to force itself in.

"I've been thinking...."

"About what m'lady?" Kathryn asked.

"Do you women have to live this way?" They glanced at each other. "I mean where I come from it's just... different. Women are free to express themselves and their thoughts." Silence reigned. It was so quiet the soft fluttering of the light curtains could be heard. Augusta suddenly felt dumb. Almost like she'd said the dumbest thing ever. The women glanced at themselves once more and laughed. She instantly knew it was impossible to change their minds.

"That can never happen in the centuries to come. I simply can't imagine it. Women aren't equal to men here. We're weak here. Changing it is mission impossible. It's the stupidest thing to do if you ever go against a man here. We must always do as they say if not, we could get punished or killed. Where you come from proves how privileged you are. But we are not in this province, we're just as good as slaves." Odette chucked.

"No woman had ever attempted such a thing before, and no woman ever would again. Still, she couldn't stop herself from wondering. Why did society grant men more rights and privileges than women? Why are women constantly viewed as weak, incapable, and too emotional to achieve greatness? Why am I even asking these questions? I wish I could come to your city, maybe I would know what it's like to live in a place where it's not a curse to be a woman."

"Lady Dionne, permit me to instruct you. Lord Arram hates the idea of women trying to talk other women into being equal with men. He hates the idea of women being equal to men. So please do not mention or even think about that when you are around him because he may choke you to death.

"It's often said that a woman's greatest pride is her dignity and poise. Some people might argue that men aren't attracted to women who speak up for themselves or who want to be treated as equals. However, this line of thinking is deeply flawed. No one should be reduced to a single, static category, and people of all genders deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Every individual is complex, and every person's value cannot be determined by a single characteristic or belief. We should strive to see people for the complex, and multidimensional individuals that they are. All of us have the right to live authentically and pursue our unique path. No one should be pressured to conform to a predetermined role or stereotype. When we accept this truth, we create a more diverse, dynamic, and accepting world for all people, regardless of their gender identity. A woman's worth is not determined by her marital status or her ability to bear children. All people deserve to pursue their sense of fulfilment, happiness, and purpose."

Augusta's words shot through their bones.

Augusta never wanted to live that life. She would have to abandon her life as an ordinary woman and live such a lonely life. Nobody wanted to be lonely, everyone wanted friends, and to be around other people, is that not where joy is located, in the presence of people? She did not want to be isolated. And again she couldn't stand the criticisms that would come from that. She could even be killed. She chuckled to herself, what a pathetic ideology.

"But it would be wise if you just live this peaceful life. You already have an expensive roof that any woman would die for above your head. I mean well...you could make the best of that." Augusta nearly rolled her eyes, the best out of what?

"Could you not have found a tender way to mention it?" Kathryn questioned.

"But it's true, I may be blunt, but I'm honest., Odette stated. "This is a well-done job. M'lady, you look stunning." Dionne stared at herself in the mirror. Odette hurried up to bring her dress. They were small, though visible, but still small. So the dress suited her body and hugged her chest well, but they were see-through.

"It's time for your encounter." All the memories came rushing back to her head. She visibly gulped but proceeded anyway.

She stepped into the room, her eyes immediately drawn to a large portrait hanging on the wall. His captivating features were familiar, but not quite the same as the man she had seen earlier. The man in the portrait had clear, he did have a similar determined, almost solemn expression. He observed her body and see-through gown with absolute nonchalance. He didn't even care about her body. He only wanted to be satisfied. He too was in a garment as well with his upper body exposed. Was it a weird thing that her heart thumped in her chest at the sight of him? He walked towards her and before she could say anything, lifted her. She yelped as he carried her towards the bed, before laying her down. She knew something about him, he didn't love to kiss. He thought it was too intimate to do so. But having sex was nothing for him. That was strange because sex was way more intimate than a kiss, but either way, he didn't care. Instead, he ripped her gown off her as she expected. He didn't even look her in the eyes, as he thrusted into her, not caring whether or not she was dry or wet. She bit her lips in pain. He was heartless, not caring about anything except his pleasure. He was merciless, thrusting into her while her hands gripped the sheets in pain. There were only a few moments of pleasure till she began to push him away from her but he didn't even bulge till he came inside of her. As tears dropped from her eyes, he leaned down and whispered into her ear.

"I'm taking you to the city with me."