Steph loses the final bet

The castle comes into view, and you swiftly cross its gates. “Good job! We reached the castle. And it only took seventeen minutes!”

“…” Steph stops moving, her back inching forward almost as if bowing to an invisible king. She looks like a toy who just had her batteries removed.

“Err, Steph. You good?”

She doesn't know what to say, except. “Fine, let's take shelter from the rain.” Taking off the harness, a very annoyed Steph runs as fast as she can inside the castle where she trips on the carpet and falls. “Ow... I guess I am still a bit shaken from my challenge... “

You strut along. “Why don't you head inside and warm by the chimney? I'm sure all your ex-servants will be delighted to see you soaking wet, shivering, and naked as the day you were born.”

“My old servants. I don't know what is going to happen, but I'm afraid to find out. Will they be mad at me for losing the duel? Will they laugh at me? Will they ignore me as I am not their master anymore? Will they help me and be nice to me? This is going to be awkward...”

“It's been a long day. I'll tell the cooks to prepare you a warm meal and a bath. I think it's best if you get to rest for now. Remember, we still have two more weeks to go, and you owe me two more forfeits from the blackjack games!”

“That is way too long. Is there any way I can pay back your bet in another way? Please, tell me! I don't want to be anyone's pet for so long, it's embarrassing!”

“Sure, we can keep playing games. I'm sure you'll win at one eventually. But not now, I think it's time to turn in for the day.”

A tired Steph can only grunt in agreement. She crawls under a thick blanket and closes her eyes. “He is so lucky, winning all the time. Why can't I be as lucky as him?” she mutters before falling asleep.

You got a feeling that It's going to be a fun couple of weeks.