Love and War

20: Anastasia

*TW: SA/violence.
Anastasia's POV:
Serena, the other concubines and I stood behind thin pink curtains. I could faintly make out a small arena in front of us.

We each wore the same outfits in different colors.

I was wearing a white veil over my face that only left my eyes and black hair revealed. The top was long sleeved with gold embroidery but a little see through but not enough that I'd be fully exposed. I wore a skirt that started low on my hips and had one long piece on the front and one in the back leaving my legs and hips completely exposed but not my butt. We were barefoot with gold jewelry.

Serena wore red. This past week they had Serena teach me the dance we were going to perform tonight. It was meant to impress and from there all the royals attending tonight could choose a woman for the night. Or as many women as they like.

That part terrified me the most but we couldn't mess up the routine.

A woman Kassie wore the consequence of doing that all over her messed up hands. I felt sick when she showed me. Her left hand's middle finger is a bit twisted and she doesn't have a thumb on her right hand.

It was horrible and I didn't want to know what the rest of the women here have been through.

Mrs. Steinfeld came to us through the curtain and motioned for us to take our positions. I wonder how she ended up working here at the palace. She is a kind old woman but fierce. She'd yell and make a fuss when we'd mess up the routine or forgot to do any chores. I think it's her way of protecting us though. Better for her to "discipline" us than those guards or worse the king.

We quickly formed a circle on our knees around Serena and 2 other main dancers who stood in the center of that circle with their hands forming strange yet beautiful shapes.

The lights turned on and the crowd was massive. In the center of it was King Santiago who I didn't need to have seen before to identify. It was like the seats were built around his massive throne. He had black hair and tan skin. His brows were furrowed expressing deep anger and his big brown eyes stared us down.

I hoped he wouldn't know it was me. If he did...

All around us were other royals who I didn't know but they were probably just people who served in his court. There were also villagers and in the corner of my eye, I saw Jonah and Landon in handcuffs sitting down surrounded by two soldiers as well as other prisoners.

Jonah had bruises on his face and looked lifeless. My heart ached but I couldn't do anything to help him right now.

The soldiers have probably been hurting him. I tensed up but relaxed realizing some people were noticing. I relaxed and tightened my lips into a small smile.

The music started and had the situation been different... I may have actually enjoyed myself.

We danced in sync and didn't miss a single beat. Our feet didn't make a sound as we twirled and swayed seductively to the music.

For a second I could've convinced myself we were at Redwood again, dancing and partying amongst the townsfolk. How I wish I could turn back time and go back there, I would've cherished it all more.

Everyone was captivated and wanted more. We danced and danced for hours. My feet were throbbing but whatever the king wanted we must comply.

I only did it because of Jonah, Landon, and Serena. I would've stopped and surrendered and ended this torture on myself.

But I had to continue.

As the dance finished everyone threw jewels and riches towards us. We weren't allowed a single piece of it. We left in a single file line to where Mrs. Steinfeld was waiting.