The Next Morning
Amelia was woken up by a splash of cold water all over her body. She sat up quickly, shocked. She had never seen someone like this woman before. It didn't even cross her mind that someone this cruel could exist here.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Eve shouted at her.
Amelia stared at her silently. She couldn't say a word. Of course, she was now a slave. Even a common maid had the right to speak to her however they wanted. She could even throw dirty water on her while she was sleeping.
Amelia stood up quietly and walked out of the room. Eve followed behind her.
"Get to the field, princess," Eve said in a mocking tone.
The other maids around started laughing.
Without saying a word, Amelia walked slowly to the field. She hadn't eaten or drunk anything. It had been two days now since she last saw the so-called king—the man who took her, her brother, and her maid away from their home.
Meanwhile…
Henderson woke up to the soft sound of music playing in the background. He went to the washroom and stood in front of the mirror for a while before washing his face and brushing his teeth.
When he stepped out, Omega was already in his room, standing with his head bowed.
"Good morning, my lord," Omega greeted with a smile.
"Good morning, Omega," Henderson replied.
"What do you have for me this morning?"
"Well, my lord… I saw the princess working in the field," Omega said quietly.
Henderson nodded slowly. "Get me the wine."
Omega brought the wine and poured a glass for him. As Henderson took the glass in his hand, Omega spoke again.
"My lord… I'm sorry to say this, but the princess… she might die."
Henderson stopped and looked at him.
"I'm sorry, my lord. What I meant is… maybe you should reduce her punishment. She hasn't eaten in two days."
"Why are you so worried about her?" Henderson asked.
"She's a slave now. My slave," he added.
"My lord… she's still a woman. What about my mother? She was a woman too. But her father didn't care. He raped her until she died!" Omega shouted, his voice full of pain.
Henderson stood up, still holding the glass of wine.
"I'm sorry, my lord…"
"She has to pay for the sins of her heartless father," Henderson muttered. He picked up his phone and walked out. Omega followed him.
Henderson went into the study and pulled out his laptop. He started working on it. Then, he looked over at Omega, who was still standing nearby.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, your highness. I'm just worried about her little brother. He's also worried about her," Omega said softly.
Henderson sighed and went back to what he was doing.
Two Days Later
Amelia fainted while working in the field. The other people nearby noticed, but they were too afraid to say anything. One of the guards saw them whispering and looked around. When he didn't see Amelia, he stepped into the field and found her lying on the ground.
He called for help. Other guards rushed in and carried her to her room. She hadn't eaten since she arrived at the palace.
Henderson was in court with his council when a guard rushed in and whispered something into his ear. His eyes widened.
"Where is she?" he asked sharply.
"In her bedroom," the guard replied.
The council members began whispering. Henderson looked at them and sighed.
"I'll be right there," he said calmly. The guard nodded and left.
"Tell them to come back tomorrow," Henderson said. Omega nodded and did as he was told. Twenty minutes later, the courtroom was empty. Omega also left.
This would be the third time Henderson had seen her.
He walked to her room. The doctor was already there, treating her wounds. He waited silently until she was done.
"She needs rest," said the doctor, Jackie.
"What's wrong with her?" Henderson asked.
"My lord, you know she's not used to this kind of hard work. I suggest you reduce her punishment. She's a woman," Jackie said kindly.
Henderson remembered Omega had said the same thing days ago. He looked at her and sighed.
"So, she needs rest?"
"Yes," Jackie replied. "Just for a few days."
"I'll think about it. I might reduce her punishment, but I don't think she'll actually rest. Anyway, that's her business," Henderson said.
"That would be good," Jackie said softly.
"Alright. Thank you. I'll take my leave now," she added.
"Thank you," Henderson said quietly.
Jackie left. Ten minutes later, Henderson returned with his guards. The room Amelia had been in was messy, so he ordered the maids to prepare a better room for her. They did.
Two Hours Later
Amelia woke up in a new room. She looked around slowly, confused. She sat up and removed the blanket, then stood and walked to the bathroom, even though her arm was hurt.
She stepped under the shower. The warm water ran down her skin. She stood there for thirty minutes, lost in thought.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. She quickly turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping a towel around her body. Her thighs were showing.
She stepped out to see her maid standing beside the king, who had brought her food.
"Maya…" Amelia said with a smile.
"I didn't bring her here for anything else. She's your maid. That's why I asked her to bring the food," Henderson said.
"And since she's your maid, she'll keep serving you," he added, though his eyes couldn't stop looking at her thighs.
Amelia noticed. She walked slowly, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, and hugged Maya.
"Your highness…" Maya whispered.
"Maya, how are you?" Amelia asked.
"I'm fine, your highness. Richard has been asking about you," Maya said.
"I'm fine," Amelia replied, glancing at Henderson. He quickly looked away when she caught him staring.
"How's Richard?" she asked.
"He's fine, your highness," Maya said, smiling.
Henderson watched them quietly as Amelia smiled.
"When you're done, come to my chamber," Henderson said and left.
"Alright, my lord," Maya said, bowing her head.
Amelia grabbed Maya's hand. They sat on the bed.
"Maya… I hope the king hasn't done anything bad to you or Richard," Amelia asked softly.
"No. He's just… a little harsh," Maya replied.
She stood up and went to the closet to find clothes for Amelia.
"Maya, you shouldn't be doing this. We're the same now," Amelia said.
"No, your highness. I'm still your maid. Remember what the king said," Maya replied with a gentle smile.
"He's punishing me for what that man did…" Amelia said quietly, looking down and playing with her fingers.
"Please don't worry yourself, your highness. Everything will be fine," Maya said, watching her.
"If only he'd understand… and stop this madness," Amelia muttered.
"What do you mean?" Maya asked.
"It's nothing. I just really want to see Richard," Amelia said, changing the topic.
"I hope the king listens to you," Maya said.
"It's okay. I have to go now, before I get in more trouble," Amelia said with a small smile.
Maya helped her get dressed. She noticed the small bruise on Amelia's arm but didn't ask too much. They left the room, but Maya turned back as Amelia made her way to the king's chamber.
When she got to the door, the guards stepped aside for her. She entered the room slowly.
"Your majesty…" she said, bowing her head.
Henderson looked at her. His eyes ran over her nightwear. Her thighs were still showing. He had already picked out what she was to wear to his room.
"Strip and lie on the bed," he said coldly.