The Crown Prince's Courtesan - Chapter 20
Yes, she was a recessive Omega. They had tried mocking her, saying there was no way His Highness would ever favor someone like that, but even that didn’t seem to get a reaction. Watching the other maids tilt their heads in confusion, not quite following what she meant, the woman who spoke gave a knowing, almost sly smile.
“She still doesn’t understand her place. In the end, a courtesan is there to spread her legs and soothe His Highness’s pheromones. His Highness gave her a short grace period, but soon his pheromones will begin to thicken, and he’ll seek out an Omega.”
“Ah… that’s right.”
No Omega had ever been able to handle Russell. And a mere recessive Omega? She would surely break down, howling under the weight of his powerful alpha pheromones. And yet, she wouldn’t be able to run. She’d be pinned beneath him, unable to escape.
The maids laughed in unison. Surely, after that one night, the wretched courtesan would finally understand her place and suffer for it!
* * *
Meanwhile, despite their plotting, Marie was genuinely having the time of her life.
Perhaps there had never been a moment this good in her entire life.
“This is even better than I imagined.”
Her body felt languid from the sheer luxury — so indulgent it almost stirred a twinge of guilt. Marie knew full well what a courtesan was meant to be, but still, everything was new and wonderful.
Even though the maids spoke harshly, their hands moved with habitual grace and courtesy. Their refined care didn’t feel bad, and because of that, Marie didn’t harbor any resentment toward them.
The fabrics were soft, never rough against her skin, and the dresses were so extravagant that she’d never even imagined trying one on. It left her a little embarrassed just to wear them.
But most of all, what she loved the most was that she could study to her heart’s content.
‘It’s a mistake to think a courtesan is just some cheap mistress peddling pheromones, Miss Marie. From now on, you’re His Highness’s mask. If you fail to play your part in society, it reflects poorly on him. Do you understand?’
‘Yes.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘I’ll study hard. Please, teach me as much as you can.’
‘…’
High-quality education poured in. They held back nothing, lecturing her on every topic imaginable, and she welcomed it all.
Marie loved learning. She was bright enough to get into the academy. If not for financial issues, she had always wanted to continue studying.
The maids were cautious at first, but as she grew more comfortable with them, she didn’t mind their increasingly cold attitudes, their pranks with her food, or their whispered cruel gossip.
Because the life she was learning, the life of a noble lady, was just so fun.
In the mirror, the plain girl from a few days ago was nowhere to be seen. In her place was a striking beauty with delicately arched eyes and an elegant poise.
“This is so strange… But Marie Alphrose, why are you smiling?”
Her red hair gleamed with oil, and her skin shone with a healthy glow. The sheer indoor gown she wore was so revealing it felt indecent, and her bright golden eyes sparkled like gemstones with excitement.
She looked beautiful even to herself, but the image in the mirror still felt like a stranger. And as she stared at that unfamiliar reflection, Marie was reminded once more of her reality.
Of Freya’s absent face, of her aunt’s worn features, and of the debt collectors whose fates she could only hope had been dealt with properly.
A heavy weight settled in her chest.
“Right. I need to stay focused.”
Her smile faded, lips drooping into a somber line.
She hadn’t come here to be loved like a princess in a fairy tale. Since that day, she hadn’t seen the crown prince’s face again, but not a single moment had passed without thinking of him.
‘Whatever I demand, you’ll accept. Be it humiliation. Be it pain. If I say spread your legs, you will. Your pheromones exist solely for my pleasure.’
Because of those words, every night, Marie waited in dread for the moment he might open that door and step inside.
What if it’s tonight?
What should I do?
She trembled, barely hoping that the hour when she would have to endure his overpowering Alpha pheromones might be delayed one more day.
The maids hadn’t forgotten to prepare her for the bedroom either, so each day brought fresh embarrassment and alarm.
‘Do you know what an Omega has to do to release an Alpha’s pheromones? I heard you’re a recessive Omega, but you at least know how to open your pheromone glands, yes?’
‘I can release pheromones, but…’
‘Good heavens, you mean you’ve never done this before? Sigh… we’ll have to start with the basics. Listen closely, Miss Marie. From now on, you’re going to…’
Marie was horrified by the ongoing s-x education. Of course, even without any experience, she hadn’t grown up completely unaware. She’d heard things, like anyone her age.
But still, really? She had to actually do that? Use her mouth, her hands, on something that big, that raw and fleshy…?
The more she learned, the less confident she felt.
But her situation demanded it.
‘Freya… Auntie… I miss you both so much. I’m scared. Please, tell me I’ll be okay. Just once. Please.’
They said being with someone could be sweet, tender. But Marie already knew that whatever happened with Russell, it wouldn’t be that.
She wasn’t going to be held or cherished. She was there to serve him. The Crown Prince wouldn’t care about her being new to this. It would hurt. It would be humiliating. It would be awful. So she prayed, again, that maybe, just maybe, she could be spared for one more night.
But the world was cruel and once again, her desperate prayer was trampled.
Knock knock. A knock came at the door and without waiting for permission, it opened.
There stood the maids, wearing cold, amused smirks.
“What is the matter?”
They looked at her dazed face and chuckled like they’d been waiting for this moment.
“Miss Marie, His Highness is calling for you. It’s time you fulfilled your duty as a courtesan. Please prepare yourself.”
Ah. Finally, the crown prince, Russell, was coming.
Coming to devour her that night…
Marie’s face drained of color. Ice-cold fear settled in her bones.
