Servant of Jotunheim

Consequence

As I lie there in my bed the following morning, I fear that the guards will burst through my chamber door at any moments to take me away to the dungeons.

After yesterday's events, the King never spoke another word to me for the rest of the day. He simply allowed me to carry out my duties as his personal servant without any further instruction.

Perhaps he will have me lashed once more, but I am ready. Perhaps his next form of punishment shall be far worse, but I will accept it either way.

I dress for the day and leave my chambers. It is quickly apparent that the eyes of the every other palace servant here are on me as I approach the seating area where we eat breakfast.

Ruth: "How did your duties go yesterday?"

Me: "Quite well" I lie to her.

Sara: "The King must have approved of your performance" she smiles cheerfully.

Me: "He did not say".

Ruth: "Did you not receive word?"

Me: "Word of what?"

Sara: "The King has granted you the honour of being his full time personal servant, Anya".

Did I hear her correctly or has she gone completely mad?

Me: "There must be some mistake?"

Ruth: "It is no mistake, Anya. You have proven yourself time and time again with all your hard work and the King has clearly taken notice".

Me: "I do not understand?"

Sara: "There is nothing to understand, Anya. This is an amazing opportunity that most servants here would kill for. He has never requested a full time servant before today".

It soon dawns on me that this is it, his own personal form of punishment is one where I cannot avoid him. I must now be at his beck and call every moment of every day.

He could have brought to his chambers in the middle of the night for no reason other than to deprive me of sleep if he so wished.

Me: "I shall finish my breakfast and start my duties then".

Ruth: "We are so happy for you, Anya".

I can see the two servants who openly mocked me in front of the King, River and Nala, glaring at me with utter disgust and envy as Ruth hugs me tightly.