The evening sky had already begun to darken when Sirene finally reached the western side of the palace.
Her legs ached from hours of walking across the sprawling royal grounds. Maya walked ahead of her with steady confidence, while Sirene followed a few steps behind, exhausted but determined.
"It has been a long day, my lady," Maya said kindly. "But you've done very well."
Sirene smiled weakly. "I had no idea the palace grounds were so enormous," she admitted, glancing around in wonder. "Traveling from one residence to another feels like crossing an entire city."
Maya laughed softly, "That is not far from the truth."
She gestured toward the distant buildings.
"The royal family—meaning the king, the queen, the crown prince, and his household—live in the North Residence. It is the grandest part of the palace."
Sirene nodded quietly.
"The concubines live in the East Residence. And this," Maya continued, "is the West Residence."
Sirene looked around curiously.
"It's where royal guests usually stay," Maya explained, "but for now it belongs to the princess."
Sirene blinked. "She lives here? Away from the royal family?"
"Yes. The princess prefers her distance."
Maya pointed toward another distant complex barely visible under the evening light.
"The South Residence is still under construction. That is where your family stays now."
Sirene's eyes brightened, "You think they are comfortable there?"
"I know they are," Maya said reassuringly. "They receive meals regularly, and their residence is near the library, the fishpond, and the shrine. They will not suffer boredom."
Sirene sighed with relief. "I'm glad to hear that."
Maya slowed her pace.
"We are almost there."
...
The Princess' Residence
Three women stood outside the princess' chamber doors.
The moment Sirene approached, the oldest among them—Tanaya—raised a hand. Two maids stepped forward, blocking Sirene's path.
Maya frowned. "What do you think you're doing? This is Consort Sirene."
Tanaya remained unmoved. "She cannot enter. You must turn back."
Maya's voice hardened, "Are you unaware of royal customs? A new consort must formally greet the princess."
"I assure you," Tanaya replied coldly, "customs are… flexible on this side of the palace." Her voice dropped to a sharp whisper, "Leave."
Maya shook her head, "If the consort fails to greet the princess today, I will face consequences."
"The princess cannot see you," Tanaya insisted, "Come back later."
Sirene sighed heavily, "I have walked from the North Residence to the East and now here."
Her exhaustion bled into her voice. "I must finish this and finally rest. So please move aside."
Tanaya's patience snapped. "If I allow you in, I will be punished!"
"And if we leave," Maya replied sharply, "I will be punished."
A voice suddenly echoed from inside the chamber.
"What in the gods' name is happening out there?"
Tanaya bowed toward the door, "Forgive me, princess. Consort Sirene has arrived to greet you. I told her now was not a good time, but she refuses to leave."
A brief silence followed.
Then—
"Let her in."
Tanaya hesitated. "But princess—"
"Must I repeat myself?"
"No, my princess."
The servants stepped aside.
Sirene walked forward and pushed open the door.
...
Inside the Princess' Chamber
Sirene froze as shock flooded her face.
Princess Arasinta lay naked in bed.
Beside the bed stood a tall, muscular man—also naked—his head bowed in embarrassment, his hands desperately covering his manhood.
Sirene immediately lowered her gaze.
"I—I'm sorry," she stammered. "I will come back later."
"Why?" Arasinta asked lazily.
Sirene's voice trembled, "You are… occupied."
"You insisted on coming," Arasinta replied coolly. "You seemed quite stubborn earlier."
Sirene swallowed nervously, "I did not realize—"
"Come in and close the door."
Sirene hesitated.
Arasinta's voice turned deadly. "I said come in and close the fucking door."
Shaking, Sirene obeyed. Her eyes remained fixed on the floor.
Arasinta studied her with amusement.
"Why are you shaking like that?"
Sirene remained silent.
"Is this your first time seeing a naked man?"
Sirene nodded.
Arasinta smirked. "Raise your head."
"I'm fine—"
"Raise your head!"
Sirene lifted her eyes reluctantly.
"Tell me what you think of him," Arasinta said.
Sirene blinked in confusion. "What?"
Arasinta turned toward the man.
"And you—take your hands off."
The man, who seemed to be used to the abuse, obeyed. He removed his hands, revealing an erect part of himself.
Sirene gasped and shut her eyes instantly.
Arasinta burst into laughter. "Is this the first cock you've ever seen?"
Sirene nodded again, tears forming in her eyes.
"Well," Arasinta said gleefully, "today is your lucky day. Now that you've seen it… you will touch it."
Sirene's breath caught. Her heart began to race. "No."
Arasinta tilted her head.
"It will feel like touching a banana."
Sirene immediately collapsed to her knees. "I beg you, princess. I am betrothed to your brother. I cannot touch another man. You are asking me to commit a sin."
Arasinta's smile vanished. "Oh? You just called me sinful. That was a mistake."
She stormed toward Sirene and grabbed her by the hair. Sirene screamed as Arasinta dragged her across the room and forced her to kneel before the man.
"Touch it." Arasinta commanded her.
"I beg you—"
"If you refuse," Arasinta hissed, "I will send my guards to the South Residence."
Sirene froze.
"They will do unspeakable things to your precious sister."
Sirene's tears flowed freely, "What sin did I commit—"
"Say the word sin again," Arasinta snapped, "and touching him will be the least humiliating thing you do tonight."
Sirene stared at her trembling hands.
Slowly—
She lifted them.
Her fingers approached the man's body.
But just before she touched him—
Arasinta shoved the man aside.
She burst into laughter. "I accept your greeting, Consort Sirene."
Sirene's breathing grew frantic. The room spun around her. Then everything went black.
She collapsed.
Arasinta returned calmly to her bed.
"Servants." She called.
Her ladies-in-waiting and Maya rushed inside.
"Take her back to her chambers."
They carried Sirene away.
Arasinta smiled coldly.
"Welcome to the palace, little lamb."
***