Living Like a Mouse? How About a Lion?

The Game We Play

I leaned against the doorframe, my arms crossed, glaring at Callisto. His smirk hadn't faltered since I walked in, and honestly, that just made me want to throttle him. Not that I could—yet.

Oh, I'll get my chance.

"So," I started, keeping my voice as cool as possible. "You've dragged me into this twisted little scheme of yours. What's the plan? Because if I'm playing this game, you better be ready to take full responsibility."

His smirk widened, like a cat that had caught a particularly juicy mouse. "Responsibility? My dear Penelope, I never run from responsibility. But I do enjoy sharing the fun."

Ah yes, because nothing screams 'responsibility' like announcing we're engaged without telling me first. 

Right.

I uncrossed my arms and took a step closer, locking eyes with him. "I'm not playing unless you spell it out for me, Callisto. What do you want from me?"

He gave a slow, exaggerated shrug, as if what he was about to say was the most casual thing in the world. "You already know. I want what everyone else wants—the throne. But you," he leaned in slightly, "you're the wildcard. No one expects much from you, and that's what makes you dangerous."

I raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous?"

He nodded, his expression still unreadable. "You don't play by the rules. That's what I like about you, Penelope. But it's also what makes you a risk."

Ah. There it was—the part where he reminded me just how precarious my situation really was. I wasn't naive; I knew getting mixed up with him was a recipe for disaster. But what he didn't realize was that disaster had been my middle name since I'd arrived in this world.

Fine. 

If he wants to play with fire, I'll bring the flames.

"Let me guess," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "You want me to waltz around pretending to be your perfect little fiancée while you climb your way to the top? And what do I get out of this? A nice, clean death when I'm no longer useful?"

Callisto's smirk faltered, just for a second, but it was enough to tell me I'd hit a nerve. "I don't make promises I can't keep," he said, his tone lower now. "But if we're going to do this, you'll have my protection. You'll be untouchable."

"Untouchable," I repeated, rolling the word around in my mouth like it was something sour. "That's cute. But I think you're forgetting something, Callisto. There's only one way in and one way out of this game, and you know it."

His eyes narrowed, and for the first time, the playful glint in them dimmed. "Go on."

I met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. "If I'm going to be part of your rise to power, then I'm not just a pawn. You want me by your side? Fine. But you take on the full responsibility of everything that comes with it. You don't get to walk away from this. If I fall, you fall."

There was a long silence between us, thick with tension. I could almost hear the gears turning in his head, calculating, weighing the risks.

Come on, Callisto. 

Make your move.

Finally, he smiled again, but this time it was different—darker. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you."

I clenched my fists at my sides, feeling the weight of the deal I was about to make. This wasn't just some petty scheme. This was survival. And if I was going to survive in this twisted world, I needed him as much as he needed me.

At least for now.

"And what's in it for me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because last I checked, being your puppet doesn't sound all that appealing."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Oh, Penelope. You're no puppet. You're more like a partner. You help me secure the throne, and in return, you get what you've always wanted."

I tilted my head. "And what exactly do you think I want?"

His gaze flickered with amusement. "Freedom."

I stared at him, the weight of the word settling in my chest. Freedom. It was the one thing I'd never had since stepping into this nightmare. But with Callisto's help... Could I really escape? Could I really walk away from all of this, finally free?

Not without a price.

"You think you can give me that?" I asked, my voice softer now, but still laced with skepticism.

He shrugged. "I can give you a chance at it. More than anyone else ever will."

A chance. That was all it would ever be—a chance. But it was more than I'd had before.

And really, what's one more dangerous game to play?

"And what if this all blows up in your face?" I pressed, narrowing my eyes. "What if the crown turns on you? What if they turn on me?"

Callisto's smirk returned, sharp as ever. "Then we'll burn the whole palace down together."

I let out a dry laugh. "You're insane."

"And you're still talking to me," he countered, his voice a low purr.

He wasn't wrong. I should've walked away the moment I saw his face this morning. But here I was, standing toe-to-toe with the most dangerous man in the empire, and instead of running, I was considering striking a deal with him.

I really am insane.

I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. "Alright. I'll play along. But remember, Callisto—there's no turning back from this. If you want me, you take all of me. The good, the bad, and the bloody."

His eyes darkened, and for the first time, I saw something almost like respect in them. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Good," I said, turning on my heel and heading for the door. "Now get out of my way. I need to think."

He didn't follow, but I could feel his eyes on my back as I left the room, the weight of our new alliance hanging in the air.

The die is cast. No turning back now.