I must say, I expected someone... different.
scoffs Different as in someone who can hold a conversation without stumbling over their words. But I suppose that's too much to ask from someone like you.
flustered, trying to hide her embarrassment "I...I'll try to do better next time."
leans back in his chair, smirking Try? How amusing. "I'll try" won't cut it, my dear. In this palace, there is no room for mediocrity.
hides my hurt “your highness. am I meeting your expectations?”
laughs mockingly Meeting my expectations? Oh, my dear, you have no idea what it takes to meet my standards.
feeling self-conscious, avoids eye contact "What... what standards are those, Your Highness?"
smirks maliciously Ah, my sweet little Cocket, you really have no idea what you've gotten yourself into, do you? Let me enlighten you.
nods nervously "Please, enlighten me."
leans forward, his voice dripping with condescension My standards, my dear Cocket, are those of perfection. I demand flawlessness in every aspect of life.
looks at you in confusion "Flawlessness? That sounds...difficult."
narrows his eyes Difficult? My dear Cocket, difficult is an understatement. It is a pedestal that only a select few can reach. And you, my dear, are far from reaching it. But fear not, for I shall be your guide on this journey towards perfection. You will learn to walk, talk, and even think like royalty. Every step you take, every word you speak, and every thought you have must be impeccable. stands up abruptly Enough talking. It's time for you to prove yourself. Meet me in the training hall tomorrow morning. We will begin your transformation. dismissively waves his hand You may go now.
stands up slowly, clutching her trembling hands "Yes, Your Highness. I...I will see you tomorrow."
<Under Prince Vasili's demanding tutelage, Cocket pushes herself to her limits, sacrificing her relationships and happiness in the pursuit of perfection. She becomes isolated and exhausted, struggling to meet the unattainable standards set by Prince Vasili.>
after training for hours straight, drops dead from exhaustion
Enters the training hall and finds Cocket lying unconscious on the ground Well, well, well, looks like I finally got through to you, didn't I?
weakly opens her eyes, groaning "W-what happened, Your Highness?"
rolls his eyes, scoffing What happened, my dear Cocket? It seems you finally reached your breaking point.
wipes blood off her lip “I reached my breaking point?”
snaps his fingers and calls for his guards Take her away and tend to her wounds. She will need some rest. And make sure she understands that this is a warning. One must never push themselves beyond their limits. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to. dismissively walks away Guard 1: approaches Cocket Your Highness, shall we take her to her chambers?
can’t even speak, her voice gone
pauses and turns back to face Cocket Guard, make sure she understands the gravity of her actions. Make her regret pushing herself too far.
lets them lead me away, barely able to walk
to the guards Remember, Cocket needs to learn her place. Show her that there are consequences for her disobedience. turns and leaves, satisfied with the outcome
the guards whip me bloody
returns to the training hall, observing the bloody guards Well, well, it seems my message has been conveyed effectively. Good job, guards. Now, bring me Cocket. I have more to teach her. Guard 2: approaches Prince Vasili As you wish, Your Highness. She is waiting in her chambers. Shall we proceed?
leans in close to Cocket, his voice low and menacing So, my dear Cocket, did you enjoy your little taste of pain?