And human furniture

A small blush makes its way onto her face as she awkwardly walks further into the room. One of the table’s legs was the kind girl from the baths. The only other one that could be seen was Red, a split lip on her scowling face. She tongues the broken lip, reopening the wound - it wouldn’t heal any time soon if she kept doing that. She looks up at Helen, then shakes her head, staring bashfully back at the floor, cheeks blushing heavily.

The man waves his left hand dismissively and the girl holding the cheese plate rises and walks away. He look ignores the newly entered girl, taking a walnut from the plate next to him and popping it into his mouth.

Helen sets the plate of tarts on the floor and kneels next to her friend, “Are you okay?”, she asks worriedly. The kind girl’s and Red’s eyes widen and whispers hurriedly “Yes! Go away!” While the other one shakes her head, a frightened look on her face, silently mouthing “Don’t.” The Master coughs, to get her attention. “Helen, was it?” He asks, raising his eyebrows.

The girl stands up, nodding, anger quickening her pulse. He simply smiles kindly. “She is alright, little one. This is their punishment. Slaves, why are you table legs?”

Red stares at the floor, ashamed. “I tried to kill a girl for pinching my nipple.” The girl next to her adds “And I broke her lip in self defense.” The man nods.

“I tried to drown the new girl.” She heard Flat-chest from the other side of the table. “And I used excessive **** stopping her, then left said new girl alone, not completing my assignment.” The Master looks back at Helen, amusement clear on his face.