-Dawn-
Olga washed my scalp with rose soap. I remained quiet, listening to her humming a melody while the soap lathered up in circular motions. It was very soothing, and I closed my eyes, feeling her hands pulling the strings of my hair, and I drifted away a little.
The water wasn't as hot anymore, and Olga soon began rinsing my hair before scrubbing my body thoroughly.
"You're clean now; come, my lady," Olga said, holding a towel. I got out of the tub so she could dry my body, and afterward, she led me into the bedroom again. "I'm just gonna put this oil on your skin before dressing you, my lady," Olga said before rubbing oil between her palms and onto my body. I had never been touched like this before, and it was a peculiar and vulnerable position. The only ones who'd seen me naked before were my mom and sisters, and I started cleaning myself when I was five. I've never smelled anything like this. The scent was sweet and very intoxicating.
"What scent is this, miss?" I whispered quietly when Olga seemed to be done.
"It's vanilla, my lady," Olga replied, leading me to the center of the room.
"Have you ever worn a corset before, my lady?" Olga asked when opening up the wardrobe. "A corset? No, I don't think I have, miss," I answered, feeling my cheeks redden.
I had no idea what a corset even was. Olga held out a black piece of fabric with lacing on the back. "This is a corset, my lady, and it will support your breasts and your shape," Olga said and wrapped the fabric over my chest.
She tightened it on the back, pulling the strings, and I struggled to stand still.
"Hold still, my lady, this is something you'll gonna have to get used to wearing now," Olga said. It's easy for you to say that you're not the one who's being exposed and left out with no say in this matter. I thought to myself.
Olga dressed me in a red dress after and then put me in a chair while brushing out my hair.
I was utterly overwhelmed. It was hard to breathe while wearing the corset and very uncomfortable, and I knew I could never get used to it.
"When we walk into the great hall, my lady, you and the other ladies will follow the Mistress and form a line before the altar, where the King's throne stands. The Mistress will present you all by name, and you will kneel once she calls out yours, and you will remain still until the King acknowledges you." Olga said, and I nodded to show I understood. "But my lady, listen carefully," Olga whispered, leaning down next to my ear, "Remain still as your life depends on it, my lady, and beware of his eyes. Do as you're told, and remember to address him as your King." I gulped, feeling my heart beat faster. "I will, Miss," I whispered back.
Olga bared my hair in a long, beautiful Dutch braid as we remained silent until it was time to go to the great hall. "It's time, my lady," Olga announced, and we left the room. We walked down a long hall and around a corner where Donna and the other ladies stood waiting. "I will come get you after the presentation, my lady," Olga said quietly and hurried away.
"Ladies, listen up. Keep your head down and your sight on the ground. Don't forget to kneel while I present you and remain down. Don't make eye contact with your King before he has acknowledged your presence and allowed you to stand up again. Only speak when spoken, and always address him as your King." Donna looked us over with a stern face. "Yes, mistress," We replied.
"Very good. Please form a line behind me, ladies, and follow my lead," Donna said, and I was the last one in line, right after Elena. She looked gorgeous in a dark blue satin dress. The other girls wore black, brown, and purple.
The great hall was huge, and I couldn't help but glance up quickly to see chandeliers and lit candles hanging from the ceiling. A long, slim, black carpet was laid as an aisle to the altar where the throne was, and Donna had us form a line before it.
We stood quietly, waiting for Donna to start the presentation, when a door creaked open. Footsteps were approaching from the left of the altar and soon stopped before the throne. It must be the King. I let my sight wander slightly and saw his black, shiny boots.
"Shall we begin, Mistress?" His dark voice caused a cold core to crawl along my spine, and my heart beat faster with the second. "My King, let me present the five ladies standing before you this evening. Lady Daria, Lady Camelia, Lady Zandra, Lady Elena and Lady Dawn."
We all fell and kneeled before him, awaiting to be announced in his royal presence.