𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄:
Not for him, not any man, you.
(1354)

THEY FINALLY MOVED OUT OF THE CASTLE.

And finally had a house of their own. It was on a farm. Helen decided to start a market of her own, a business. And Genesis continued to learn how to become a Courtesan, her mother supported her, and it wasn't like anyone could stop Genesis from achieving what she wanted.

Genesis was in their garden, planting new seeds of plants that they needed for spells. She always loved gardening, so by getting in touch with nature, she can feel her magic connecting to the earth. It was her most favored hobby. She was never afraid of getting her hands dirty with a bit of mud and dirt.

For over two months, she has never thought of Alexander. And she knew the exact reason why. Amira had already told her when Genesis questioned her on why her infatuation with Alexander disappeared so quickly.

"Maybe because you like his wealth and lifestyle, that's why you wanted to be with him."

Yes, it was the main reason she wanted to be with him. To be a wife of a Duke offers many advantages, from wealth to beauty. And now she has all that without being with him in the first place.

She was a Courtesan now. Well, officially later tonight. She will make her grand appearance as a new Courtesan.

Never did Genesis think that she would be doing this. Maybe because being a Courtesan will make her feel seen. In a way she has never felt before, she was always ignored, belittled, or set aside.

She was a no-one.

Keyword: was.

Now all eyes with will be set on her. Her only.

And all that she felt was excitement.

She sang a melodic tune unknowingly while arranging the flowers in her garden. All thanks to the needed talents of Courtesan, Genesis has developed a love for singing, a natural-born talent as some would say that she had just discovered.

Amira had even suggested that Genesis could earn a living for her voice. That her euphonious voice could lure men without Genesis making an effort. It's delightful and soothing to listen to.

She has an advantage.

"A majestic voice you have," A deep voice says from her side. Oh, she knew well who the owner of that voice was. Alexander. She calms herself as she removes the dirt from her hands and wipes it clean with a towel.

She stood up and curtsied. "Your Grace," Genesis bows, purposely giving him a good view of her breast, which Alexander noticed. He waves his hand in dismissal as Genesis finally looks at him.

He isn't quite as good-looking as the first time she saw him four years ago. Amira is right once again. "If I ask, Alexander. Why are you wondering about the village?"

Alexander rarely leaves the castle. Except if he wanted to entertain himself during the night, but it was early in the morning as the sun shone towards them.

"Might as well get some fresh air. Father has been pestering me to settle down. Get married." Alex answers, looking at her colorful and lively garden, "Which is a good decision, now that I finally know who is the owner of such a wonderful voice."

Genesis blushed, burning red as a tomato. "Thank you, Alexander."

"I guess it's rude of me to disturb you. Might as well invite you to accompany me at the feast tonight?" Alexander smoothly asks as he combs his black hair back into place and smiles at her charmingly.

Genesis gives him a grin. "Well, how rude of me to decline. Of course, Alexander."

"Perfect!" He exclaims. "I'll send my couch to get you. I'll be waiting for you. My lady." He bows in dismissal as Genesis courtesies.

She turns around and walks back to the house with a smile on her face. Amira, who was just entering the house, made herself at home.

"Alexander just invited me to the feast tonight! Genesis exclaims as she greets Amira with a tight hug.

Amira squeals in excitement. "Splendid! Let us get you prepped, then. This is good for your first debut as a Courtesan."

Amira then drags her toward the bedroom and opens the wooden closet, revealing all the silk and hand sewed dresses.

"Here," Amira says as she pulls out a wonderfully patterned deep green silk dress with gold threads sewed at the bottom like vines.

"Green and gold. The color of luck and wealth." Amira tells her with a wide smile.

"He finally noticed me," Genesis says in delight as she sighs and plops on her bed.

"Remember you are doing this for you, not for him," Amira says as she hands Genesis a corset. Genesis wraps it around her waist.

"All that you worked hard for is for you. Not for him, not any man, you." Amira reminds her, and Genesis smiles at him and gives her a nod as Amira pulls the strings of her corset.

───⊱⁜⊰───

GENESIS ARRIVED AT THE CASTLE WITH AMIRA BESIDE HER.

"You do your best. Remember what I taught you." Amira tells her as she lets Genesis make her way toward Alexander. He saw her in an instant.

Who wouldn't?

She's the most beautiful woman in the crowded room.

And everyone is looking at her, and she's basking in it.

Alexander took her hand and kissed her knuckles as Genesis curtsied.

"A beauty you are, indeed." He compliments her as he looks at her from head to toe with a grin playing on his lips.

"Thank you, Alexander," Genesis says as Alexander leads her towards the dance floor as the music begins to play.

"I never did get your name," Alexander tells her as they sway.

"Genesis. Genesis Ackerman."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. It suits you."

"I'm drowning in your compliments, Alexander." Genesis giggles as he twirls her around.

"There is more where that came from."

Genesis returned home in the morning in delight as her features were in a state of bliss.

Author's Note:
— Sharing my joy because I fucking finally have an arctic monkeys concert. I hope y'all enjoy it!
— Do note that Act One will not contain Genesis being in New Orleans. It'll be in Act Three.