"I'm the knight, and you're the damsels I must rescue."

"I would like to pretend we are in one of the classic stories," you tell the maids. "I'm the knight, and you're the damsels I must rescue."

"I like that idea," says Dorcas.

"I like it, as well," Senelle agrees, "Truthfully, I have often fantasized about being saved by a gallant knight."

"So have I," Dorcas admits.

"Well, now you have an opportunity to act out one of those fantasies," you remark, "Even if we ARE just pretending."

They both nod along. Dorcas remarks "Very well. We'll be the captive maidens, and you'll be our knight in shining armor."

"You mean our knight in thick nappies," Senelle jokes. You blush a bit, and the two maids get a laugh at your expense. But you think of a way to get them back."

"I know this is just a game, but why don't we try to strive for authenticity?" you propose.

"How so?" asks Dorcas.

"You remember those ropes you used to tie me to the queen's bed yesterday?" you remark.

"Yes," says Senelle, "What about them?"

"Could you get them?" you request.

The maids hesitate at first, but they obey. They reach under the queen's beds and remove the four ropes from the previous day.

"Good," you say in approval, "Now, both of you; put your hands behind your backs."

Dorcas and Senelle do as they are told. You step behind them, set aside two of the ropes, and use the other two to bind the maids' hands behind their backs. They do not resist, though they do seem a little nervous.

"Relax," you tell them softly, "I won't tie it too tight; just enough to make sure you can't wiggle free."

Soon, Dorcas and Senelle have their hands securely tied behind their backs. After that, you have them stand with their backs facing each other. You use the third rope to bind their already-bound hands together. This ensures that they will not be able to slip their hands under their legs.

As you pick up the last rope, you have them sit down on the bed. You wrap this rope several times around their waist, forcing them to keep their backs to each other until you release them.

After checking the knots, you mutter "You're almost a perfect pair of damsels in distress. One thing missing, though. But what?"

You know that if two women really were being held prisoner, their captors would likely cover their eyes to keep them from seeing their surroundings, or cover their mouths to keep them from calling for help.

Which do you do?