"I am most happy to announce that our Queen has chosen her new courtesan!" The herald declared, holding her trumpet to the side.

The participants stood on the risers placed onto the stage, lining up on each riser by height. As Sans was one of the shortest, he was at the very front.

The room held their breath as they waited for the fated name. For the winner who would be deemed the best courtesan of the year, for their skill in the "art" and their own unique personality.

"Mr. Falkov's entry, Sans!" The room burst into applause as the rest of the concubines shared devastated looks and shot jealous glares at the small, purple-eyed skeleton. "But he's so small, he's practically a child!" One of the others complained. "How good could he be in bed, as little as he is!"

The others muttered in agreement, but the Queen had already decided. There was no arguing against a royal decision.

Sans's master, no, his previous master, walked up to the stage, baring an arrogant smirk. He patted Sans roughly on the back, almost knocking the small skeleton over. "C'mere boy. Let's go greet yer new mistress." Sans followed his lizard-like superior obediently, hurrying along quickly to keep up with his longer strides.

The pair approached the raised dias, where the royal couple sat in their high-backed chairs. Sans stood behind his old master, eyelights cast downward in submissive obedience. The queen looked down at the little skeleton who had intrigued her so greatly. She smiled, nodding at a servant waiting off to the side of the table.

The servant approached, kneeling in front of the lizard monster before holding up a pillow with the treasured prize that every concubine wished for. The royal collar.

The black leather collar, lined with felt on the inside, had been tailored specifically for Sans in the short time between the performances and the decision. The border of the collar was a thin, delicate line of purple that matched the colour of Sans's eyelights.

But what stood out the most was the ornate golden tag in the shape of the royal crown that dangled from the collar. Sans reached up, feeling the collar he was wearing. It was green, the colour that represented his old master's house, with a dull metal tag sporting his name and master.

The lizard monster turned to him, grinning a sharp-toothed smile. He beckoned Sans closer, and helped him to unclip his collar. Taking the offered collar, he put it around Sans's cervical vertebrae, fastening it on. Sans looked down at his new collar. He wanted to cry in sadness. No matter how high up he was, he would always be someone else's property. He would never be free.

But he put on a mirthful expression, looking properly happy at this joyous time. This award was the greatest that a concubine could ever receive. Anyone in his place would be ecstatic.
So he hid his real emotions underneath his facade, like he always did, and smiled softly at everyone clapping around him.

He was one step closer to achieving his goal.