“I’m not a virgin” Five said after a pause. I continued to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Daphne laughed, “We girls from Ground never are. Right? Aw, don’t be like that. Trust me better that you aren’t, cuz that’s a condition that wouldn’t last long at all.”

“Is the master cruel?” Five asked sheepishly.

There is a rustle and a slap. Five exclaimed, “What are you doing?”

“So, you’re a fighter,” Daphne said. “I was too when I first got here. I’m grabbing you down there as a matter of course. All these Skye lords will do it, and if you fight back like that you can expect to get a lashing. If they want to put their hands up in your little slit, best you coo like it’s the sweetest thing that ever happened to you. Especially with the missuses. If she catches wind you don’t like something you can be guaranteed she will do it just because she can. She delights in breaking sweet little things from the dirt below.”

Daphne continued, “No, he ain't cruel. But he will take from you whatever he is wanting. After all he paid a hefty sum for your services and is setting you a safe place to live. Be mindful, it's in your contract to be obedient. If you breach… well, let's just say Ground would begin to seem like a much safer place.”

“But… this isn’t what I expected.” Five said. “I thought I’d be taking care of secretarial or household duties. Nothing more… If I knew what it really meant to sell myself, I…”

“And I wanted a pony when I was a little thing.” There was a hiss and Daphne continued, “This suite is yours. Bedroom there. Bathroom there. Kitchenette as you can see.”

There was a long pause with the occasional click of Daphne’s heels. I was certain she was giving the new girl a tour.

“Stand here, careful, it’s raised just a hair,” Daphne told the new domestic. There was a pause and a mechanical whirring.

“What is it?”

“Scale and a scrying mirror. Based on your weight and figure it's filling the wardrobe with clothing picked out just for you.”

“How does it do that?”

“Magic? Pixie dust? Not my worry, all I know is that you stand here in front of the mirror and it fills the wardrobe with clothes the Lords like.”

“What about what I like?”

“You’re property now, your wants are of no one's concern. Not even mine.”

“This mirror is floating.” Five said after an awkward pause.

“Oh wonders of Skye. You’ll get used to this ridiculous extravagance. Why have a normal mirror on a wall when you can have one that floats, lists all your tasks for the day, and shows what you might look like with a new haircut? These people are decadent, right down to the very mundane items that we take for granted.”

There was a ping.

“Clothes are ready. Come over to the wardrobe.”

There was some rustling then Daphne said, “Try this.”

“It's nothing but beads.”

“What the Masters like, not you. Put it on.”

More shuffling then Five said, “My nipples peak out.”

“They sure do.”

“This is what they like?”

“This is what Madame likes. I don’t know that Sir has ever had an opinion.”

“This won’t work. Every time I move… its distracting.” Five explained.

“I’m sure Madame knows exactly that.” More shuffling. “Wear this too.”

“More beads. What is it? A belt?”

“It’s a skirt. Like this.”

“This fringe isn’t going to cover anything.”

“No, but it will conceal. A little bit.”

“I’m expected to work like this?”

“Would you prefer to be naked as a babe?” There was a pause and Daphne continued. “Ok then. Be glad you’re getting anything. Some Sirs and Ladies keep their domestics entirely nude. You’ve worn heels before?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Here. These aren’t too extreme, but Madame does like the way they make legs look. And remember this, she will touch you when she sees you in heels. Okay lets do makeup now.”

I tuned out as the two discussed makeup. As I had some work matters and mails to attend this turned out to be perfect timing.

Minutes later Daphne exclaimed, “There we are. Perfect!”

She sounded like a girl satisfied dressing up a favored doll. I suppose in a way it was exactly that.

“Bravo. You are a miracle worker dear Daphne.” A new voice.

There is a frantic shuffling and then Daphne replies, “Thank you, madame.”

There is a clicking of heels, someone walking across the domestic quarters. Marleana continues, “Her hair was oh so droll at the auction. That you could even accomplish this is a testament. Go ahead and schedule yourself with me tonight. I’ve earned a reward, I think. All the stress of finding a domestic and worrying that she wouldn’t live up to the high standards of our house.”

“Thank you, Madame,” Daphne squeaks.

I consider leaving my work and going to Five’s quarters with haste. But, I’m curious to see how things play out. I lean back and listen.

Marleana speaks in a low husky murmur, “And has he had a chance to sample you yet Five?”

There is a whimpered sigh. I know Marleana is touching Five forcing those whimpers out. “No. Not yet.”

Marleana’s voice is hard, “Madame! Show respect dirt girl.”

There is a pause then she continues, “Daphne, schedule two lashes for Five. Insolence has consequences in this house. Ensure that I am present for Five’s correction. I very much want to watch this one get a taste of civilization. That is if she can be civilized at all.”

“Yes, Madame. I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Come along Five. You have duties to perform this evening. He purchased you, and he will be the one to wear you in. Although I would love the opportunity to do so myself.”