Lady Jane stood at her threshold, as graceful as ever, gazing at the two of us.
Lady Jane?”Vera exclaimed, breathless. All feelings of anger dissipated from her body; Lady Jane offered a slight smile that failed to reach her eyes.
“Might we converse, Lady Vera?”Jane enquired.
Vera assented promptly.
“Certainly,” she replied, narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips into a thin line. “Remain outside the door.” Disrobe, kneel on the ground, and raise your hands.
My eyes expanded in astonishment at her remarks.
She could not be earnest.
I… I beg your pardon?”I stuttered; even Lady Jane appeared astonished by her directives.
If you choose to behave promiscuously, I will respond accordingly. “Allow the palace to witness the true nature of your servitude,” Vera spat through clenched teeth.
She exhibited gravity.
What has she accomplished?”Lady Jane enquired, arching her eyebrows.”
“Dishonoured Prince Jayce,” Vera remarked, redirecting her attention to Lady Jane. “I cannot permit my handmaiden to bring dishonour upon my prince.”
Lady Jane paused in contemplation of Vera’s remarks before finally nodding once.
“I presume not,” Lady Jane remarked, gesturing for me to comply with Vera’s request.
I sensed my breath constricting in my throat.
What is the delay?Vera demanded emphatically, “Leave.”
“Yes, my lady,” I replied, barely audible as I passed Lady Jane and entered the hallway.
I faced them, my fingers quivering as I removed my blouse and let my skirt fall to the floor. I stood in the hallway, shielding my bare body with my hands, trembling uncontrollably under their gaze.
Vera regarded my body with a look of revulsion.
“Disgusting…” she spat. “Raise your arms and kneel on the ground.” You will remain in that position until I instruct otherwise.
I collapsed to the ground with my arms raised. She derided me and gazed for a moment longer before retreating into her room with Lady Jane.
My extremities have become entirely numb as I waited outside Vera’s chamber for over an hour. Lady Jane exited Vera’s room approximately 30 minutes prior. As she traversed the hallway, she regarded me with a semblance of pity, which was subsequently supplanted by shame.
She uttered no words as she traversed the hallway towards her chambers. Vera had departed, instructing me to remain stationary. The corridor had grown frigid, and goosebumps enveloped my skin. I trembled while kneeling outside her door, arms raised, knees pressed against the unyielding floor, and my body exposed for the palace to observe.
I felt like an object of observation for passersby.
I overheard the soft conversation of Vera and several other women as they approached Vera’s bedroom. Vera halted before me and squinted her eyes.
The assemblage of women accompanying her gasped upon witnessing my unclothed form before them.
What actions has she undertaken?Lady Alora enquired, diverting her gaze from me to Vera.
Vera derided.
“She behaved promiscuously in the presence of Prince Jayce,” Vera stated. “She made advances towards him.” He spurned her, resulting in her humiliation.
That statement is false. I did not pursue him. I would never do such a thing.
“Foolish maid,” Lady Alora chuckled, joined by the other ladies as they entered Lady Vera’s chamber.
“Lady Vera,” I called after her before she could vanish; she turned back to me, and her frown intensified. “May I lower my arms?””I enquired, my voice sounding hoarse and unaccustomed.”
She averted her gaze and turned away from me.
“Not until I permit.”
As she vanished, tears streamed down my face and a sob escaped my lips.
…
Another hour elapsed, and Lady Vera’s bedroom door opened. The ladies re-entered the hall, regarding me as they dispersed in various directions. Vera remained stationary, maintaining her gaze upon me for an extended period. I endeavoured to conceal the anguish on my face and to prevent my body from betraying the discomfort and numbness I experienced.
“You are excused to your quarters,” she stated with bitterness. “I require you to be well-rested for this evening.” Prince Jayce will be present at a dinner in my chamber this evening, and you are to serve the meals. Comprehended?
I lowered my arms and shielded my body with my hands.
“Indeed, my lady,” I replied as I rose from the ground. I collected my garments and donned them once more, relieved to be fully attired again.
She retreated into her room as I endeavoured to traverse the hallway towards my own bedroom. My legs were numb and felt gelatinous; I feared I might collapse. I had to rely on the wall for support to maintain my balance.
Unfortunately, I had to traverse past Jayce’s chamber to reach the handmaiden’s quarters. As I passed his door, I discerned the subdued conversation of Lady Jane and Jayce within. Their exchange appeared to be troubling, and Jayce’s tone was not one of satisfaction.
They appeared to be engaged in a dispute. My curiosity overcame me, prompting a brief pause to eavesdrop on their conversation.
I surveyed the hallway to ensure no one was present before pressing my ear against his door. Although I could discern little sound, I listened for a moment longer, nearly toppling forward as the door abruptly opened.
I encountered two perplexed expressions: those of Jayce and Lady Jane.
“Your Majesty, my lady,” I stated, curtsying, apprehensive that they were unaware of my eavesdropping.
What was I contemplating?
“Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?””Lady Jane enquired, gazing down at me with disapproval.”
I sensed the warmth ascending to my face as I shook my head, attempting to articulate a defence.
