The door slammed shut as the General left the room. I pulled myself up from the floor and stumbled towards the dresser, rifling through the clothes before selecting a modest burgundy dress to put on.
THUD. THUD. THUD.
"Princess? Are you in there?" Amanda whispered, knocking on the doors.
"Yes! Come in!" I called out, glad to finally be together with a friendly face.
The doors opened and there stood Amanda, accompanied by a soldier. "Oh my god Amanda! What are you wearing?" I asked the handmaiden, surprised to see what she was dressed in. An attire even a tavern whore would have been embarrassed to be seen in.
Amanda placed the tray of food on the table before explaining to me the newly implemented uniform rules for the handmaidens. I sighed and pulled Amanda into my embrace and took brief solace in each other's company.
"Time to go." The soldier standing at the door called out, indicating it was time for Amanda to leave. The handmaiden made her exit, leaving me alone in the room with the soldier standing at the door. I could almost feel the lustful eyes of the soldier burning into my skin as he lingered. I felt naked and exposed, even as I was fully dressed. The soldier took his time to appraise body before leaving and shutting the door.
I ate a little of the breakfast and went back to the window overlooking the courtyard below. I gazed outside and watched the soldiers training in the courtyard, but lost interest quickly. Hours passed, and I found myself pacing across the room repeatedly, bored to bits alone in the room, with nothing to do. Is it safe for me to take a walk outside? Am I even allowed outside of the room? The General never made that clear to me.
Cracking the room door open slightly, I peered out at the corridor. It was empty. I stepped out of the room and started walking apprehensively. My heart raced as I noticed two soldiers walking towards my direction. I composed myself, put on a brave front and continued walking with a steady pace, letting out a sigh of relief when they passed. The soldiers smirked at me as they walked past, but did not attempt to stop me. I could sense their eyes following me as they walked past, lingering at my butt. Women know. We always know.
Feeling more confident, I headed down the stairs, went past the training soldiers in the courtyard and into the garden. The garden was my favourite spot in the entire castle. I sat on the bench and enjoyed the cooling breeze. Watching the squirrels play on the trees and the butterflies fluttering above the patches of flowers, I recalled all the time I spent with Clayton at this castle. I wondered if Clayton was doing better today. The General promised me. I hope he kept his promise. How are the handmaidens were doing? My heart wrenched as I imagined the ordeal they must have gone through last night. Some of them are like sisters to me. I pondered too about why the General did not do the same to me. He tried to, and I could tell he wanted to. But for some reason I could not comprehend, he did not. Does he have other plans for me? Does he have trouble with his...thing? Or perhaps I'm not attractive enough for him?
After some time, I felt my stomach rumble and made my way to the dining hall for lunch. I sat alone at the table, in the same seat as the night before. The seat beside me was empty. I was glad that the soldiers in the hall kept their distance from me. Although I was keenly aware of the lecherous stares from some of them, I did my best to ignore them. The General did not show up for lunch.
After lunch, I roamed aimlessly along the maze of corridors, getting lost in a quieter part of the castle.
"Umphh. Umphhh... Ahh.. Umpphhh." I turned a corner and came face to face with one of the handmaidens kneeling on the ground on all fours, the soldier behind her driving in and out of her.
