The Caged Bird

03. The Harem

Night had fallen by the time she woke. She stretched her sore limbs and rubbed her eyes before sitting upright, quickly realizing that she wasn't in her own bed. Confused, she threw off the warm blanket that had been draped over her. She lay in a comfortable bed in a small, dark room. Patterned curtains hung from the walls and a mirrored vanity with a cushioned chair was nestled in the corner. Small colorful lanterns had been lit but kept low, casting shadows on a sturdy wardrobe and wash basin against the wall. It was much more luxurious than her childhood bedroom, and she nearly forgot her fear for a moment as she studied the artwork and beautiful furniture. Memories of her traumatic morning began flooding back. She wrapped her arms around herself to keep from shaking. The room was quiet and she could hear her own laboured breathing as she realized she was now being held in the prison she had been trying so hard to avoid.

Looking down, she noticed she had been changed out of her dress. It had been torn and dirtied during her ordeal and discarded, replaced by a loose cotton nightdress. She bristled, realizing someone must have changed her while she was unconscious. Was it him? A whine escaped from her but she just nestled into her nest of blankets and pillows and tried to stay calm. This was just an inconvenience. She would escape. She could still be free.

She sat quietly for over an hour trying to gather her strength. She had no idea what to expect from her new home and master. She tried to push away her fear but it crept back stubbornly. When her door opened suddenly, she yelped in surprise. The room was bathed with golden light as a beautiful human woman entered her chamber with an armful of towels. She was a radiant figure in a translucent white robe, wild golden hair tumbling down her back. She noticed Lark's frightened expression and appeared concerned.

"You're awake," she said hesitantly. "Are you alright?"

She rested the towels on the basin and sat on the edge of the bed. She extended a hand and patted Lark's leg.

"You're safe here," the woman continued soothingly. "I'm Ariane. What's your name?"

Lark cleared her throat, barely able to find her voice. "I'm Lark," she replied. "I'm alright. Where am I?"

"You're in the harem," she replied. "In the lord's castle. We have been excited to meet you." She smiled widely, grasping one of Lark's hands in both of hers. "I'm so happy I'm not the youngest anymore!"

As she spoke, another beautiful woman appeared in the doorway holding a folded garment. The woman had a dark complexion and long dark hair worn in thick, complicated braids. She smiled demurely as she laid eyes on Ariane and Lark.

"Ah she's awake," the woman said, setting the bundle of fabric on the bed. "We were worried. It's nice to meet you, Lark. I am Vayn." The woman's voice was thickly accented and musical, almost soothing in its quiet confidence. Lark had never heard a voice like it before but quelled the questions that bubbled up inside her. Her master must have pets from other countries. Due to the primitive nature of modern life, most villagers would never meet another human from so far away.

"This is for you," Vayn said, gesturing to the clothing she had brought. "It's nearly time for dinner. If you feel strong enough you are welcome to join us. Your lessons will begin tomorrow, so you should rest while you can." She nodded curtly and swept from the room. Ariane rolled her eyes.

"She's always like that," she scoffed. "So serious." Lark managed a small smile.

"What lessons?" she asked quietly. Ariane raised her eyebrows.

"Oh I'm surprised you didn't know. With all the excitement you didn't get to have an orientation. The pets in the harem all have to train when they arrive at the castle. We learn about language, dancing, music, art and etiquette. Because we entertain the master we need to be educated. I'm afraid the lessons are very dull and the tutors are strict. But most of us only had to train for a few months."

Ariane gave Lark an encouraging smile.

"And tonight we are having a special dessert to celebrate your arrival. I've heard it might be chocolate cake." She sighed happily.

"That's my favorite dessert," Lark admitted. She picked up the clothing Vayn had brought her and unfolded it to reveal a soft black robe. It was beautifully decorated with lace appliques and trim, quite similar to the white robe that Ariane wore. She slipped it on over her nightgown and smoothed her hair nervously.

"Will the master be there?" she asked. Ariane shook her head.

"The master doesn't join us every night. He is away on business. It will be just us girls."

"How many?"

"There are five of us, including you, " Ariane replied, understanding her question. "Myself, Vayn, Rose, Fae, and you."

She rose from the bed and offered Lark a hand. "Are you ready to meet the rest?" Lark nodded, and Ariane led her to the basin. "Wash your face," she instructed her. "I'll wait for you in the hall."

Lark scrubbed her face with warm water and brushed her fingers through her hair, unable to shake her nerves. This was not at all what she had expected. The master wasn't even here. She felt a small sense of relief but knew that it was simply delaying the inevitable. Soon she would probably have duties beyond socializing and dining with other humans.

Ariane was waiting patiently outside the door, twisting a lock of hair in her fingers, when Lark emerged. Her eyes widened as she saw the hall for the first time. The circular chamber held a long dining table and chairs, a pool of steaming water for bathing with flowers floating on the surface, a group of plush chairs and pillows, and other entertainment. It was a captivating scene with one petite pet lounging on a plush chair with a book, a statuesque woman dipping a slender leg in the pool, and Vayn leaning back in a dining chair with a piece of fruit held to her lips. Ariane marched out into the open, waving to get everyone's attention.

"This is Lark!" she announced. The women nodded, the petite pet waving lazily as she turned a page in her book. Lark stepped out, walking with Ariane as she gave her a brief tour. She introduced the tall pet as Fae and the small one as Rose. She then showed her a quiet alcove filled with bookcases, a cabinet of cosmetics, and the rooms of the other girls. She also explained their role in the castle.

"We are here to entertain and feed the master," she elaborated. "We dance for him, sing for him, converse with him. And we are his primary food source. That's why we live like this. We are lucky to have a master that spoils us." She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I heard the lord of the neighboring territory keeps his pets in the dungeon. How awful."

Lark swallowed shakily and nodded in understanding.

She crossed the room with Ariane and sat at the intricately carved table which was heaped with food. Bread, roast chicken, vegetables, and other dishes were piled in the center. At the end of the table was a chocolate sponge cake decorated with strawberries. It had always been her favorite dessert, the treat she asked for every year on her birthday. But somehow it made her uneasy to see it here. Ariane indicated that Lark should help herself to whatever she wanted. Unaccustomed to such decadent meals, Lark took a small amount of food from each plate, avoiding the beautiful cake. She sampled each recipe slowly, impressed by her own appetite. Everything was delicious. As she ate she watched the other humans move slowly around the hall to chat and relax. The petite female, Rose, had fallen asleep, her book still open on her lap. Vayn did a routine of stretches on a soft rug and Fae had submerged herself in the steaming pool and was studying some of the floating flowers, having tucked one behind her ear. It looked like a peaceful scene, but Lark felt completely out of place.

She asked Ariane where to bring her dish, and left it on the table as instructed before retreating to her room. She felt like she was in a daze, so far removed from the life she had only left behind that morning. Her failed escape attempt behind her, she was determined to develop a new plan. But she had noticed the guards posted in the halls and the massive stone walls keeping her inside the castle. It would take time and patience to reclaim her freedom.

Already exhausted again, Lark removed her robe and collapsed onto her bed. There would be time for planning tomorrow after her lessons. She pulled the blanket over herself and sank deeply into the pillows. Within seconds she was fast asleep.