Chapter 40
Content warning: strong language, non-consensual drug use
“Eat up.” A man said as he slid a tray of food and what was supposed to be a cup of water, through the slot in the bars of the cell.
The woman looked at the day-old rice, a white piece of chicken that looked so rubbery it could bounce off the floor if given the chance, and a bruised apple in disgust. Even the water looked murky and had floating specks in it.
“What the hell is this shit? I am not eating this.” The woman proclaims loudly as she slings the contents of the tray all over the cell floor. “I am your Queen, go tell the kitchen to make me some fresh White Truffle Tagliolini and bring a chilled bottle of white wine. And someone needs to explain to me why I woke up in a cell and not my bedchamber. When the king finds out about the one who did this, I will make sure to have them beheaded for this treason.”
“My apologies your Highness,” The man bowed, mocking her, “I am new here, and did not recognize your greatness. I beg you to please forgive this lowly one. Is there anything else you require, my lady?”
“Yes, have my handmaiden bring me new clothes, I will shower while I wait for my food, I refuse to leave this cell and have anyone else see me in this abomination of a dress.”
“At once, ”He walks over to the door and yells to another, “Valdin!”
“What?”
“Go and retrieve her highness the coldest bottle of white wine from the kitchen and tell the chef to cook some fresh White Truffle Tagliolini and have it sent to the suite.”
“You can't be serious?”
“Of course I am, her majesty has requested it, and we must not disappoint her.”
“Alright.” He replied and headed towards the kitchen.
“Also, have Maisy bring the ‘Queen’ a clean outfit.”
“I don’t get paid enough for this shit.”
“I will make sure you are taken care of when you return.”
“You better.” He yelled behind him, as he walked away.”
“What is your name?”
“Raumel, your highness.”
“Well, Raumel, let me out. I don’t know how I ended up in this cell to begin with."
“Of course, I swear on my life that I shall find the culprit for such a heinous crime as this. And as you have mentioned, you do not want anyone seeing you at the moment. So, if you are willing, I can take you to the Captain's suite. There you can bathe and eat, and when you are ready I will escort you back to your chambers."
“You are truly a loyal servant. I can guarantee that before the end of the day, you will be rewarded handsomely."
"Thank you, your majesty, you are very generous, but there is no greater reward than serving my queen."
Raumel walked three steps behind her, as he 'escorted' her to the suite. Not only was it to humor ‘the queen’ but it let him acknowledge Maisy without her knowing.
“You are not my handmaiden. Where is Annika?”
“M’lady, Annika is sick, I will be taking her place until she is better.” Maisy bowed as she presented her the dress.
“Alright then. Stand up, what is your name?”
“Maisy, m’lady.
“Well, Maisy, serve me well today, and you shall have a permanent position among my personal staff.”
“Thank you m’lady.” She bowed to her again, in thanks, and continued, “I have laid your clothes on the bed. Is there anything else I can do for you while I wait for your food?”
“Not at the moment. I will call when I require your services.”
“Of course, m’lady.” Both Raumel and Maisy waited in the hallway as ‘her majesty’ went to bathe and change.
“What the hell is going on?” Maisy whisper-yelled at Raumel. “Who the hell is that woman? And why did Valdin tell me to play along with this scheme?”
“For some reason this bitch thinks she is the queen.”
“That still does not answer the question of why we are playing along.”
“It is quite simple, you see, I am just very, *very* bored.”
“So you decided to play pretend with a delusional woman? What do you get out of this?”
“Behind all that dirt and grime, she is not so bad looking. I plan to have some fun with her and Valdin later.” He said with a sadistic grin.
“What do I get out of this?”
“What do you want?”
“A future favor, no questions asked.”
“Sure, why not? It sounds easy enough. It is a deal.”
“Here is the wine you requested,” Valdin says as he hands it to him.
“Hold on a second before you take it in.”
Valdin took out some powder he had in his pocket and poured it into the bottle, mixing it with the wine, then resealed it.
“What is that?” Maisy asked them.
“GHB,” he answered, “Now let us know when she is asleep.” Raumel said, passing it to Maisy.
“Here is your wine, m’lady. I have also been informed that your food will be served momentarily. I figured with all the stress you would enjoy a little wine before your food arrived."
“Thank you Maisy, that is very considerate of you. You may go until my food is ready to be served.”
“As you wish, m’lady.”