Follow.

Miriam holds your hand as she leads you out of the room and into the chamber across the hall. The other three women follow.

Where your room is simple and small, this room is the antechamber to a great many rooms. Wide open doors lead to a lush garden, and this room is filled with fine furniture and ornamentation. A handsome man sits in a chair with children at his feet, girls who range in age from four to fourteen, and a two boys who cannot be any older than five. The man is reading to them from a book, but looks up at your entry and smiles. "Alright children. We will resume the lesson tomorrow. You are free."

Some of the children let out a whoop or a giggle as they scamper away, most of them heading out into the garden. The teacher, Tiras lays a thin ribbon in the crease of the book to mark his place, and stands to greet you. "Miriam," he acknowledges your companion by name and bows his head. "The mistress has been waiting for you. I will tell her you've come." He retreats into one of the adjoining rooms.

A thin woman of stately bearing emerges at the door a few moments later. She has dark skin and eyes. Her hair is not visible as she wears an elaborate headdress adorned with gold and jewels. It is impossible to guess the woman's age. She has a timeless beauty that contrasts with her matronly air.

"Come here to me Gen" She beacons you over as she takes her seat in a chair as decorative as a throne. You hesitate, but Miriam urges you forward.

You approach the intimidating woman who does not smile, but awaits you with a firm stare. With a gesture she orders you to your knees, and you do no dare to disobey. She leans her face close to yours. She orders you to open your mouth and inspects your teeth as if you were an animal in the market. "She's healthy enough I suppose, and pretty to be sure, but how are her manners?" She does not address the question to you, but to the women behind you.

Pearl is the one who answers. "Less wild than Miriam was when she first came to us, but it's too soon to be certain. I don't doubt she is well behaved enough to please the master, but she is of peasant stock so I wouldn't expect much of her."

The mistress looks back at you, "My name is Ifrit, but you will always call me Mistress. My husband is Silas, but to you he is Master. You will serve my husband's bed, and in every other capacity as he demands, but you must not forget your place. In my presence you will not speak unless asked a direct question. You will obey silently and without objection. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am," you answer.

"Yes Mistress," she corrects.

You nod your head and repeat her, "Yes Mistress."

"Good. In general I object to living among those of common birth, but my husband has an eye for beautiful toys no matter where they come from. I indulge him in this, but make no mistake my husband heeds me in all things. If you displease me he will punish you. You may also serve my son at his pleasure, but no other man my touch you without my husband's permission. If he offers you to a guest of this house, you will serve that guest with the same devotion you show my husband. You may also do as you like with the women, but in all other aspects you must keep yourself pure. If you rise in rank, as Adah has, you may earn the right to choose your own lovers, but for now you will bed men only upon my husband's command."

She turns her head to look at Tiras who is still standing in the doorway of the mistress's chamber. "Escort this girl to my husband. I do not doubt he will want to see her."

"Yes Mistress," he answers. "Come with me," he says, and he leads you out the door.