There's not much of a choice for you

Yes, you arrived into the former seat of your father's power, You attempt to sit down, your sore butt protesting. Salim notices you grimacing.

"None of that would have been necessary if you were acting your part. Understand that, kitten?" he says. You nod meekly "Yes, sir."

Your carriage is headed straight to the great palace, your own home. Salim leans out of the window, screaming at the servants and knights. They all seem to be more than respecting his authority.

The carriage stops and Salim steps out, extending his hand. You stand up, but hesitate. Your dress is torn in the back and your hair is all ruffled. If anything, you look like a brothel worker at the end of the night. Will your humiliation never end?

You accept his hand and gently step out of the carriage. He locks arms with you and walks you through your own courtyard. What you mostly get are servants oogling and whispering as you enter the palace. Here you are led into a rather small room in the west wing, now Salim's chambers.

"Stay here until I have some use for you. And remember how cross I can get when you act stupidly." Salim says and leaves. You sit on the bed and fight the urge to cry for quite some time. There's something that really bothers you. Even when disguised like this, there are people who knew you since you were a little child, who'd definitely recognize you. Has everyone accepted this game of his? Your thoughts are disturbed by a knock on the door.

"Come in." you say hoping it's not Salim with his "use" for you. A young maid enters and bows.

"Ma'am, I was instructed to tell you that a bath is ready for you and to take you there." A bath? Well, you suppose it can't hurt. In fact, if you were still the one ordering people around, that's what you'd be telling them to prepare for you anyway. You let the girl guide you, even if you know where it is. A pool of warm water seems more than welcoming. There are flowers floating in it and lavender oils are prepared for you to clean yourself with. Two other maids come towards you and start helping you undressing.

"Uhh." is all you manage to get out before they let you step out of your panties, revealing the, if only small, surprise. The maids are visibly shocked, then start giggling. Trying not to notice that, you step into the water and for a brief moment, time seems to stop and you feel nice and relaxed. The maids help you wash your back and hair. They are quite gentle and apologize to you for being rude.

"We just didn't expect that from such a beauty, s..uh, ma'am." one of them says while drying off your hair. She also helps you braid it into a thick and very decorative style

You slowly begin walking out of the pool, maids jumping quickly towards you with warmed towels. You look for your old dress, but it seems to have disappeared. You ask about it.

"Lord Salim has prepared a wardrobe for you. ma'am. He says to join him in the study after you're finished bathing." the maid says and points to a laid out set of clothes. You should have expected that - it's a see-through night gown and black lingerie, including stockings and garter belt.

"But, but..the study is almost on the other side of the palace, how can I..." you turn to the maid, who looks down sheepishly.

"That's all we have prepared for you, ma'am." she says. With a heavy heart, you get into the clothes, that underline your feminine figure once again. You are definitely the prettiest one in the room, if not the palace or the city.You start to walk the hallways towards the study that belonged to your father.

On the way, you cannot stop blushing and all the men that pass you can't stop themselves from making truly filhy renarks or at least whistling. Such a humilation. But, even though you try to supress it, a part of you might be excited by this...

No, you hate Salim for what he's done. You need to work on your plan, especially to help your Captain, if he's still alive. Yet, until you get a better idea, you shall play according to Salim's rules. You stop in front of the royal study. You knock gently on the door and open it when you hear a sharp "Enter!".

Salim is sitting comfortably in the chair, drinking wine, but...he's not alone! The chief of the royal Mint is sitting in the chair across, enjoying the same beverage. This man definitely can recognize you, you're sure of it. He's also a fat greedy and opportunistic pig, whose betrayal is no surprise to you.

"You asked for me, my lord?"you say quietly, trying to avoid any eye contact.

"Yes, in fact, I have. I am going over the budget with Sir Lukanus and thought this stressful task could be easier if my lovely ward Mia helped me relax a bit. Brilliant idea, don't you think, blossom?"

You nod, your heart sinking into you stomach.

"Yes, sir."