5 This Slaves Name... (2/2)

He recovers quickly, ”certainly Princess.”

He turns, snapping his fingers. Beckoning to the two women standing several steps behind him. When they came, the first thing that became apparent is the large silver bands around their throats and wrists, slave collars. Anger at the injustice and sorrow at the inhumanity threatens to swell, and I quickly discard them.

/Don't think. Don't feel. It's not real./

The two women were in their early twenties. One is painfully pale with straight hair cut into a bob as white as her skin; her eyelashes are also pale. Her colorless iris is barely discernible from the whites of her eyes. Slightly pink lips are the closest thing to color she contains. She vaguely feels familiar, and her face is carefully blank. The other is younger and scrawnier with a shaved head, caramel skin, and deep sea green eyes. She keeps her eyes downcast never daring to look up. Long since beaten by circumstance. I secretly name them Yin and Yang.

He begins giving orders, never introducing them. Dubbing them unimportant and names not worth mentioning. Annoyed, I cut Scias off, ”what are your names?” I ask.

Everyone gapes at me, and I stand there trying to decide if I should be insulted by how often they get surprised.

Scias bows, forcing them to follow suit, ”Princess Nadia, as the firstborn to the King. The highest of all royalty, there's no need to bother with the names of a couple of low born slaves. These slaves don't compare to the dirt at the bottom of Princess' shoes. This lowly servant will be unable to rest easy knowing such unworthy names have entered the Princess' ears. Please don't concern with them.”

I stare at him for a beat, partially amazed he could say all that with a straight face. I sigh knowing if I make it all the way to the castle, it's going to be much worse there.

”Then I guess you're gonna have sleepless nights,” I look at the two, ”names?” Scias stiffens, but I ignore him.

The younger woman I dubbed Yang bows deeper than necessary and stammered, ”T-this lowly slave go-goes by L-Lina.” She has a faint tremor in her hands. I pretend not to see.

The other woman bows and says, ”This slave is named Ryo.” Her pale blank eyes reflect nothing.

Satisfied, I gesture for Scias to finish. He hesitates, confused but unable to question it.

”You,” he points to Ryo, ”set up Princess Nadia's temporary quarters.” He turns to me bowing once more, ”This servant will locate suitable clothing.”

”Lead the way,” I say. Silently, while keeping her head down Ryo begins walking over to the oza.