You chose Blondie as your assistant!

"Hi, Blondie," you call down to her with a giggle.

The Queen gives a disgusted snort at your side, "Have you made your choice, Areli?"

You try to control yourself and conceal your excitement. It had been months since Tess had been transferred. Had you been lucky enough to find another friend?

"Yes, My Queen. I choose Blondie to serve as my first assistant!"

"Very well," the Queen responds flatly. She raises her arms to the small group of girls you now have reporting to you. "As Queen, I accept your nomination of Blondie as your First Assistant. As such, she will be your second in command responsible for the successful operation of your secretary pool."

She pauses for great effect. You admire her ability to command the room. All of the girls seem to hang on her every word.

"All of you are to follow Blondie's direction when Areli is away or unavailable fulfilling Master's will. Is that understood?"

"Yes, my Queen!" they shout in chorused response.

The Queen abruptly turned and exited without so much as a glance. You turn and stare at all of the girls behind you. They stare blankly back at you and you suddenly feel self-conscious. What are they waiting for? you think to yourself.

Blondie coughs at your side and whispers, "Mistress, you need to dismiss them."

Oh shit! I am so bad at this, you think.

You straighten a little higher and try to sound authoritative, "Resume your work!"

You aren't sure if you quite pulled it off, but all of the girls in the secretary pool immediately scurry back to their assigned stations and resume their work. Blondie beams back at you.

"Thank you, Mistress!" she exclaims, "I won't let you down. I promise!"

"Thank you," is all you can manage to say in response.