The corridor

Amid the quiet steps echoing in the corridor, Mulan spoke with a mixture of desperation and determination, "Steve, you've seen the injustice here. I can't go back to a life of a slave and torment. Please, help me."

Steve, his expression softening, acknowledged, "I can't disregard what's happening, but defying orders has consequences."

Indeed, Steve, though ordered to bring Mulan back to the castle, hesitated. His sense of duty conflicted with a growing awareness of the injustice surrounding Mulan's situation.

Steve, looking at Mulan, spoke with a measured tone, "I have my orders, but I can't ignore what just transpired. Tell me, why exactly are you running, Mulan?"

Mulan, meeting his gaze, shared the hardships she faced within the palace. Steve, torn between allegiance and empathy, found himself grappling with a choice.

Steve: "Mulan, I understand the pain you're going through, but defying Nunew's orders is not a decision to be taken lightly. There will be consequences, and they could be severe. I personally won't tolerate it!"

Mulan, her eyes pleading for understanding, responded, "Steve, I can't endure a life of servitude any longer. I need a chance to live with dignity and freedom. You've seen the injustice. Please, help me."

Steve, his expression reflecting a battle within, sighed. "I can't promise what the outcome will be, but I can't let this injustice persist. Let's find a way to address this without causing more harm. We need a plan.
I can't turn a blind eye to this. I'll take you back, but I'll also speak to Nunew about what I witnessed here.
I will take you back, but it has to be done quietly. We can't afford to alert anyone."

Mulan, recognizing the delicate balance Steve maintained, nodded in agreement. "I appreciate your help, Steve. I just need a chance to change my fate."

Steve, keeping his voice low, replied, "I can't promise anything beyond getting you back unnoticed. Once inside, find a way to make things right. I can't be openly involved in this."
… … .
Steve led Mulan to Bella, the mischievous-looking maid, whose initial scolding turned into a surprisingly warm embrace as they discussed the events that unfolded.

In the dimly lit room, Bella's eyes widened at the sight of Mulan and Steve. She scolded Mulan angrily at first.

Bella: "Mulan, what have you gotten yourself into? Do you have any idea how much trouble this could cause?"

Mulan, standing beside Steve, pleaded, "Bella, please understand. I didn't mean to, but I kept hearing voices in my head, and the only thought that came to my mind was to escape.
I can't endure the suffering anymore. I need your help."

Bella's stern expression softened as she glanced at Steve, who stood with a conflicted demeanor.

Bella: "Fine, but we need to talk about this later. Steve, you should get out before someone sees you here."

Steve, complying with Bella's request, quietly exited the room, leaving Mulan and Bella alone to discuss their plans.

As they spoke,the door swung open. Nunew entered, his eyes narrowing at the unexpected gathering.

Nunew: "What is the meaning of this? Why are you alone with her, Bella?"

Bella, standing her ground, retorted, "She needed someone to talk to. Someone who understands."

Nunew, his temper flaring, dismissed everyone else from the room, leaving him alone with Mulan.

Alone with Mulan, Nunew's anger boiled over as he harshly reminded her of her place in his world.

Nunew's: "You ungrateful girl! I bought you with my hard-earned money. You are mine to command, not to scheme and plot behind my back."

Mulan, defiant despite the fear, replied, "I won't live a life of servitude any longer. I deserve more than being a possession."

Nunew, enraged, raised his hand to strike, but hesitated.

"What did you just say?" He asked with a slow menacing voice.

Mulan, holding onto her courage, repeated firmly, "I won't live a life of a slave any longer. I deserve more than being a possession."

Nunew, his face contorted with fury, approached Mulan with a menacing demeanor.

Nunew: "You insolent wretch! Do you truly believe you can defy me? Don't you know that I bought you with a million gold coins? You could have been killed by your buyer!"

Mulan, though trembling, stood her ground. "I believe in my right to freedom and dignity."

As Nunew's anger simmered, Mulan, sensing the impending threat, fell to her knees and began to plead with desperation in her eyes.

Mulan: "Please, Master, I beg you. I didn't mean to defy you. I'm just tired of the suffering. Spare me, and I'll return to my duties. I beg for your mercy.
I am sorry. As your slave, I should have never thought of running away.
I deserve all the punishment in the world. I have let you down. I am very sorry." Mulan started blabbering, throwing out words one after the other, none of which were true.

Nunew, momentarily appeased by her display of submission, considered his next move.

The man was not yet done talking and he curved his lips upwards to ask her a ridiculous question.

"So you must be feeling very guilty for letting your master down?"

Mulan's mouth twitched and she lightly nodded. "Yes, your highness."

"Are you regretful that you didn't serve me well?"

She again nodded.

"You vow to make up for it for the rest of your life?"

She gulped and again nodded, not liking where this was heading to.

Nunew: "You've tested my patience, Mulan. Your insolence won't be tolerated. I'll spare you this time, but remember your place. You are mine, and your fate rests in my hands."

As Nunew left the room, Mulan, still on her knees, felt a mix of relief and determination. She knew the path to freedom wouldn't be easy, but the spark of rebellion within her remained unquenched.

Bella, witnessing the exchange, approached Mulan with a knowing look.

Bella: "You're playing a dangerous game, Mulan. Nunew won't tolerate disobedience for long."

Mulan, rising from her knees, replied with newfound resolve, "I won't submit to a life of oppression. I'll find a way to break free, with or without his approval."

Bella, her expression a mix of concern and caution, spoke with urgency, "Mulan, defying Nunew is a dangerous path. He's not one to forgive easily. You must tread carefully; your actions could have severe consequences."

Mulan, undeterred, met Bella's gaze with determination, "I can't endure a life of perpetual torment. I'd rather face the consequences of disobedience than submit to this oppression."

Bella, torn between loyalty to Mulan and the fear of repercussions, sighed, "I understand your pain, but there are smarter ways to seek freedom. Open rebellion will only lead to disaster. It always does."

Mulan, contemplating Bella's words, questioned, "What do you suggest, then? I can't go back to the way things were."

Bella, choosing her words carefully, advised, "Play the game, but from within. Gain his trust, find allies. We can't overthrow him outright, but we can strategize for a better future."

As Mulan weighed the risks and rewards, a plan started to form in her mind. The struggle for freedom within the palace walls was a complex game, and Mulan was determined to play it with cunning.

Bella, resigned but supportive, concluded, "Just remember, Mulan, the journey to freedom requires patience and guile. Don't let desperation cloud your judgment."