Maidens

A Girl's Worth

As I splashed water on my face, I looked up into the mirror and noticed a big, juicy pimple forming on my forehead. Master Linuel would not be pleased.

As I walked out of the washroom, I noticed all the girls lined up against the wall, staring attentively at our Master.

He whipped around to me, staring with dangerous, eagle-like eyes.

"You're late," he growled.

I just rolled my eyes and squeezed into line. The girl next to me, Lyla, gave me an annoyed look with her green eyes.

"Sorry," I unapologetically answered. Lyla wrinkled her nose in disgust and whispered in my ear.

"We're being selected by the gentlemen of our village, Eletra, and you have the nerve to be late. I can't believe your impudence! Did you know there have been rumors that even the Prince of Corona may visit us to select his queen? How could you not be ready?" she whispered fervently.

"Well, it might be that I am not interested. Did you know, there are other star systems in the universe and other planets with other people on them? Isn't that splendid? I do wish to visit them," I whispered back.

Lyla glared at me. "God knows what your talking about. You're a strange, strange girl, you know that? Talking about stars and other worlds. It would do you good to learn how to be a proper woman: learn your housework and chores."

I shook my head plaintively. How were all these girls brainwashed? A girl couldn't possibly be worth her looks and ability to take care of children! If only we were allowed to accomplish things other than menial house duties. If only they didn't send us to "Institutions for Femininity" where we learnt all day how to sew, cook, and care for the children, not to mention listen and cater to a man's every whim.

"Bonnets up, dresses fixed, attention!" Linuel commanded.

We were somewhat treated like the army. Linuel, to give more background, was an army sergeant a long time ago. His appearance: carefully tailored, proper to the smallest fold, but wrinkled skin, beady eyes, and arthritic limbs. A small fold of skin beneath his chin jiggled back and forth, like a broken pendulum. I snickered softly, but that man had the ears of a fox.

"Young lady, ah, Eletra. You would do well to not laugh at a man. Rener! Come and give her ten lashes on her wrists," Linuel commanded.

I wrinkled my nose in disgust and anger. "You would do well to respect a lady."

Everyone collectively gasped in shock.

"How dare you," Linuel croaked, his face stooping down to my level. He was quite tall, you see. His dangerous hawk eyes glittered malevolently, and for a split second, a primal fear took control and I tried to back away.

"TAKE HER TO THE DUNGEONS!" he screamed.

As per his request, three men, or Warders as they were called, dragged me kicking and cursing.

"You will pay for this!" I screeched.

As I was roughly hauled across the hallways, I heard girls whisper.

"Is that Eletra?"

"---they call her the 'trouble child.'"

"Why can't she do what she's told?"

"Such a difficult---"

"Nasty girl---"

"---will never find a man."

"---who would take her?"

After sometime, the commentary became tiring so I shouted as loud as I could: "I can hear you! So what if I'm the trouble child? At least I think for myself. All of you seem content with allowing everyone else to think for you. I don't want to be an eternal servant. I want to be me, Eletra!"