Scene 5:
Location: Another room in the Spring House
Merchant Nior sits on the edge of the bed, visibly enraged. Maam Fiona paces back and forth, her heels clicking against the floor.
Merchant Nior (furious): I told you to keep an eye on her! I knew she'd try to escape. (His voice trembles with anger.)
Maam Fiona (matching his frustration): Sir, we had our best guards watching her, yet she still found a way out. Where did you find such a rebellious girl? (Her tone sharp.)
Merchant Nior: She came from the East Turkish Empire. Rebellion runs in their blood.
Maam Fiona (scoffing): No matter where she's from, girls in her situation usually accept their fate. But this one—she's fighting against it, as if defying destiny itself.
Merchant Nior stands abruptly, closing the distance between him and Maam Fiona.
Merchant Nior (coldly): I don't care what she thinks she's fighting. What I care about is that she will be the most valuable item at tonight's auction. (He leans in, his voice turning threatening.) I want her here before the bidding starts.
Their eyes lock, tension heavy in the air. Maam Fiona's face hardens, but she doesn't flinch.
Maam Fiona (through clenched teeth): That girl won't surrender easily.
Merchant Nior (mocking): Didn't you surrender once? Make her do the same.
Maam Fiona's eyes flash with fury at the mention of her past. The anger boils in her throat, but she swallows it down, her silence more dangerous than words.
Merchant Nior smirks, knowing he hit a nerve, and strides out of the room, leaving Maam Fiona alone in her seething anger.
Maam Fiona (shouting): GUARDS! FIND ASTRAEA—NO MATTER WHAT!