it's a nightmare but it's one exciting ride

of-the-night-sky

"Does the beast of this palace treat you well?"

"Very well, sir. I like it here."

of-the-night-sky

"Mm.

Why do you stay here?"

"I did not like the treatment I was getting at home, so I ran away. I found myself here, quite without meaning to. But it's a fine place to run to. The Beast doesn't beat us, or scream at us. There's always enough to eat, if you still have to. And," she raises her hands and flexes fingers jointed like gauntlets, "I like this body."

of-the-night-sky

He peers at her finger joints. Impressive. "This is the Beast's work?"

"Yes. It was created by magic, not in a forge, but he still had to design it."

of-the-night-sky

"I see. Did he send you to summon me?"

"No, sir, just to bring you supper."

of-the-night-sky

"Thank you. Do you know if the food is safe?"

"...I suppose he could have poisoned it, but he's never done so before that I know of..."

of-the-night-sky

He supposes either way he has agreed to stay here in the Beast's domain, subject to the Beast's whims. If the Beast chooses to drug Chu Wanning, he is hardly in a position to resist.

He sits down in front of the food. "Where is he now?"

"The last I saw he was in the garden, but he might have left by now."

of-the-night-sky

"Where does he spend most of his time?"

"The garden. Or the library. Or his room."

of-the-night-sky

"Have you been in his room?"

"No. I've seen it through the open door a few times, but I've never gone inside."

of-the-night-sky

"Hm.

Thank you. You may leave." If he is about to drug himself, he would rather not do so before an audience.

She bows again and leaves, shutting the door behind herself.

of-the-night-sky

He folds his legs neatly and begins to eat.

The food contains 0% drugs! Either that or the drugs are subtle enough that he doesn't notice them from the inside.

of-the-night-sky

Well. This appears to be good news.

He picks up the emptied tray and carries it from the room; he can explore while he tries to find the kitchen.