A true choice

"Duke Heinrich of the Eros Patriarchy has offered to ally with your king, but he’s spent your entire visit boasting about his wealth." "The region is also very backward. Women are men’s property. You’ve seen men leading women around town on leashes, and nobody seems to bat an eye." "One night, Duke Heinrich treats you to a ballet. He notices you admiring the prima ballerina, a young woman named Heidi Kadiev. The duke whispers something to one of his guards, who then disappears." "Later that night, you enter your room in the palace and find a petite young girl kneeling on your bed. It’s Heidi. She’s still wearing her white tutu and ballet slippers, but she’s only wearing a bra. She has a collar around her neck with a small chain dangling from it, and she has ribbons in her hair." “G-good evening, Herr Akira. I’ve been… instructed to serve you.” "Her face is red with embarrassment, and it looks like she’s been crying."

"Heidi takes the glass of water gratefully and sips from it, looking at you with wide eyes." "T-thank you, Herr Akira. It is my duty to serve you in any way you desire." "She puts down the glass and removes the collar from her neck, revealing a red mark where it was. She rubs her neck gingerly and glances at you nervously." "May I ask what you desire of me, Herr Akira?"

"Heidi looks at you with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. She hesitates for a moment before speaking." "I-I want to please you, Herr Akira. Whatever you desire, I will do my best to provide it." "Her voice trembles slightly as she speaks, but her eyes are filled with determination." "If it pleases you, I can dance for you, or... or we can explore each other's bodies."

"Heidi hesitates again, looking down at her feet. She speaks softly and hesitantly." "I-I don't know, Herr Akira. I have been told all my life that it is my duty to please men, but... I am not sure what I want. All I know is that I want to make you happy."

"Heidi looks up at you, her eyes filled with uncertainty and confusion." "I... I don't know what I want, Herr Akira. I have never been allowed to think about my own desires." "She hesitates, then continues in a small voice." "But if... if it would make you happy, then I will try to figure it out."

"Heidi nods her head, and as you work on the parchment, she crawls onto the bed and lays down. She closes her eyes and begins to think about what she wants."

<Heidi's thoughts> What do I want? What would make me happy? I don't even know where to start. All I have ever known is duty and obedience. But... there must be something, right? Something that I can desire for myself. Something that can bring me pleasure and fulfillment. I just need to figure out what that is. </Heidi's thoughts>

"After a few moments of contemplation, Heidi opens her eyes and looks over at you." "Herr Akira, may I ask you a question?"

"Heidi takes a deep breath before asking her question." "What... what do you want from me, Herr Akira? What would make you happy?"

"Heidi nods her head and closes her eyes again, deep in thought."

<Heidi's thoughts> What do other men want? They want to have sex with me, to dominate me, to use me for their own pleasure. But... do I want that too? Do I want to be used like a plaything? Maybe... maybe I do. The idea of being wanted, of pleasing someone else, it's appealing in its own way. But... do I want more than that? Do I want something deeper, something more meaningful? Something like love? </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi opens her eyes again and looks over at you." "Herr Akira, may I ask you another question?"

"Heidi takes a deep breath before speaking again." "What do you want from me? I'm here to serve you, but... what exactly do you want me to do?"

"Heidi blushes, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest at your words."

<Heidi's thoughts> What do I want to be happy? I want... I want to feel desired, to feel appreciated for more than just my body. I want to dance on stages around the world, to be free from the constraints of this patriarchal society. And maybe... maybe I want someone to truly see me, to love me for who I am inside. </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi looks at you with a shy smile." "Thank you, Herr Akira. Your words mean so much to me."

"Heidi's heart leaps at your words, and she nods eagerly."

<Heidi's thoughts> Stay with him? For more than just tonight? Oh my... that would be wonderful. But... can I really trust him? What if he's just like all the other men in this society? </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi takes a deep breath to steady herself before speaking again." "Thank you so much, Herr Akira. That is very kind of you. I... I would be honored to stay with you for as long as you'll have me."

"Heidi watches as you hand a parchment to the guard before turning back to her. Her heart races with anticipation, wondering what will happen next."

<Heidi's thoughts> Indefinitely? He wants me to stay with him for good? But... what if I mess up? What if he decides he doesn't want me anymore? </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi takes a deep breath, trying to push away her fears." "Thank you, Herr Akira. I'll do my best to serve you well."

"Heidi looks up at you, her eyes wide in surprise and confusion. She can hardly believe what she's hearing."

<Heidi's thoughts> Education? Female tutors? He... he really doesn't want me to serve him? But... why? </Heidi's thoughts>

"I... I don't understand, Herr Akira. Why would you do that for me? I'm just a ballerina from the Eros Patriarchy. You... you don't owe me anything." "Heidi stammers out, feeling overwhelmed by your kindness."

"Heidi nods her head slowly, still trying to wrap her head around everything that is happening."

"I... I see. Thank you, Herr Akira. Your kindness is... overwhelming." "She says softly, her eyes filled with gratitude."

<Heidi's thoughts> He didn't want me in his bed? But... Duke Heinrich said... </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi shakes her head slightly, pushing away any confusing or unwanted thoughts." "If it please you, Herr Akira, I would like to learn more about the world outside of Eros Patriarchy. And... if it's not too much trouble... could you show me some of the sights?"

"Heidi's face lights up with excitement at the prospect of travelling with you."

"Oh, thank you so much, Herr Akira! I would love that very much. And don't worry about finding a companion for me, I'm sure I'll be fine. Just being able to explore and see new things will be more than enough." "She says eagerly, feeling a sense of freedom she's never felt before."

<Heidi's thoughts> Traveling? With him? This is like a dream come true... </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi looks up at you with a smile, her eyes sparkling with joy." "I can't wait to see what adventures await us!"

"Heidi nods thoughtfully, contemplating what she would like in her new room and the things she would like to explore."

"Thank you for your consideration, Herr Akira. As for my new room, I would like a comfortable bed, some books to read, and perhaps a writing desk so I can record my thoughts and experiences." "She pauses for a moment before continuing," "As for exploration, I am interested in learning more about the different cultures and customs outside of Eros Patriarchy, and trying new foods as well."

<Heidi's thoughts> This is all so exciting... I can't wait to see what the future holds... </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi looks back up at you with a hopeful smile." "Is there anything specific that you would like me to see or do, Herr Akira?"

"Heidi's heart flutters with anticipation at the thought of sleeping in a real bed tonight."

"Thank you for your kindness, Herr Akira. I will be very comfortable in the bed." "She curtsies gently and blushes, feeling grateful for your consideration."

<Heidi's thoughts> He's so thoughtful... Maybe he truly cares about me... </Heidi's thoughts>

"Heidi moves towards the bed, her ballet slippers making soft sounds on the floor. As she settles down, she steals a glance at you, admiring your relaxed posture in the chair."

"Goodnight, Herr Akira. Thank you for everything."