Renna hesitated a moment before answering her Aunt's call.
"Y-yes. I woke up. I was.. having trouble sleeping."
A moment later the door creaked open and her Aunt stepped into the room. Her feet shuffled against the hard wood floors, the boards creaking beneath her weight. Eventually, she made her way to Renna's side and noted the tears in her eyes.
"You're still upset from today?"
One would think the question might have been one of sincerity, but the way her Aunt asked it,t he air turned cold. Renna shifted uncomfortably.
"I just..."
"I told you, you need to forget about that boy. His parents want nothing to do with you, Renna, and there are rumors already spreading that young boy will soon be engaged. Now, please, is something else bothering you?"
Renna wrung her hands, uncertain what to say to her Aunt.
"I was also afraid."
"Afraid?" her Aunt's voice perked up.
"Y-yeah... we've gone over everything I have to do but.. erm, not exactly what I will be doing for the nightly entertainment... and I... I don't know if I'll like it."
Her Aunt chuckled between closed lips.
"Renna, Renna darling, come here, come here. A woman's body is a sanctuary. It won't matter if you like it or not, just think of it as a job. A miller mills, a butcher, well, butchers, and the dukes rule the land. You're a courtesan, you'll court, be courted, and bed the wealthiest men in Connlaoth, and for this, you will have powerin your own right." She patted Renna gently upont he hand before kissing her forehead.
"Now, come on, we can discuss more of this come morning. Don't forget you've made two engagements for the morrow."
Renna sighed but nodded.
"Goodnight, Aunt Maudy."
Aunt Maudy was already at the door when seh paused and turned to glance at Renna upon the bed.
"Goodnight, girl."
And she stepped out of theroom, taking her candle with her and Renna was once again cast into darkness, with the threat of tears returning.
