I had to serve here for five years. What is this…?
Ugh… five years meant saying goodbye to my dreams. I wanted to travel the world, see different events. And now, I've become a puppet in people's hands. This work bored me. I wanted to do something else… but no, it's impossible.
A shout came from behind:
— Hey, do your work! Stop wasting time!
I groaned.
— Yeah, I understand… I'm doing it…
The smell of the clothes was awful. There were washing tools in this world, but I wasn't allowed to use them. Ordinary workers got nothing.
I carried another pile of laundry and…
Ugh… I left.
While I was working in the courtyard, someone seemed to be staring at me. I looked — a girl in white clothes. She must be Malika. Her face was serious, and her gaze looked like someone used to giving orders.
I tried to ignore her. What could she want from me?
— Hey, you! Come here! — she suddenly said.
I thought to myself: should I go, or not?
— I said, come! Aren't you going to do what I told you?! Do you want to be punished?!
I pinched my brows.
— Who are you to give me orders? I won't go.
But my body moved on its own. My legs started walking.
— No… what kind of magic is this?! — I thought.
Malika came closer and looked at me carefully.
— Hmm… not bad. You look decent, like you've trained a bit. Now, show me your face.
— What? My face? I'm not pretty…
— I said, show it! Or you know what will happen.
I groaned heavily. Fine, I'll show it.
Malika stared at me.
— This boy… why is he so handsome? He shouldn't be here; he should be working in the palace!
She put her hand on her chest.
— I declare: you are now my personal servant. You will do all my tasks.
I froze.
Another disaster… now I have to endure this girl's whims?
Malika continued:
— Whether you agree or not, you belong to me. At least you won't sleep among the smelly laundry. You'll have a good place.
She turned around.
— Come on, let's go. We're going to the king.
— Hey, I haven't agreed yet—
I couldn't finish my words. My body moved again on its own.
Ugh… done. Goodbye, everyone.
Walking into the palace, I was stopped in awe. Tall pillars, golden decorations… This world and mine were centuries apart.
Malika bowed before the king and queen:
— Father, mother, I found a new servant. Here he is.
The queen looked at me.
— What a handsome boy. Did we have such a servant?
The head servant stepped forward:
— Your Majesties, this boy was sold by traders five months ago. Until now, he only did small tasks.
The king nodded:
— Very well. If your daughter likes him, that's fine. Go on.
I thought to myself: I've entered the palace… like an NPC in a game.
Malika turned to me:
— You are now my puppet. You do exactly as I say. If I say die, you die; if I say be a dog, you become a dog.
I froze.
This girl… she's not ordinary. She's crazy and strong. If I'm not careful, she could really kill me.
I took a deep breath:
If I want to survive, I have to learn the rules of this game.
---
Morning came. Last night, Malika had shown me my room — but it was actually a corner inside her chamber, barely enough to stretch my legs. The worst part… she chained me, just like tying a dog.
I didn't like it at all.
At dawn, I couldn't take it anymore:
— Hey! Wake up! It's morning!
I shouted for an hour. Her sleep was really deep. Finally, she slowly opened her eyes.
Lina rubbed her eyes and looked at me:
— Uhhh… who is this? Ah? Who are you?
I was shocked.
Last night, you made me your servant, right?
She looked at me from head to toe and blushed.
— Aaaa—
I noticed something. Yes, that thing…
I thought: alright, this bizarre morning has to be remembered in my life.
Lina suddenly shouted:
— You brat! I'm going to… punish you now!
— Okay, okay! I didn't see anything! — I said.
But she still used a small spell and punished me.
I screamed:
— Ayyy! It hurts! Stop!
Through this, I also realized she could use magic. She could turn me into ashes with a single spark if she wanted.
Lina stood upright and commanded:
— Bring me my breakfast. Quickly!
— Yes… I'm coming…
The palace was easy to get lost in. Golden walls, tall pillars, smooth floors like mirrors…
I thought: I need a map, otherwise I'll get lost.
Someone called out:
— Hey, you, are you Malika's servant? Here's her food. Take it.
I carried the food back to her room.
Lina beckoned me closer:
— Did you bring it? Sit.
I thought: she looks even more beautiful than last night.
Lina handed me a spoon:
— Try a little.
— Me?!
— Yes, quickly!
— Why are you doing this?
Lina raised her brow:
— Last year, someone tried to poison me. That's why servants always taste the food first.
As I put the food in my mouth, I thought:
Ugh… will I survive this?
Luckily, the food was safe.
Lina came closer:
— Now, what should I do with you… Should I test my magic on you? Or make you drink my elixirs?
I froze.
The rest of the day went like a test lab. She made me try elixirs, magic, all sorts of things. I was exhausted, almost falling.
Finally, the day ended.
Lina looked at me:
— You're better than I expected. Tell me, can you read and write?
If I told her I could, what would she do?
— I… can.
Lina smiled:
— Good. Now I won't do those experiments on you.
She said: I'm calling the head servant. He will test you. If you lied, tomorrow will be worse.
For two hours, the head servant gave me books, tested me, made me write, asked questions. I answered all correctly.
The head servant bowed:
— My lady, this boy really knows how to read and write.
Lina nodded happily:
— Good. Now you will teach me to read and write.
I was astonished.
— But… the head servant is still here…
Lina widened her eyes:
— You are my servant. Starting tomorrow, you will do this. And more tasks. Tomorrow we will get what is needed.
I thought: another day… another headache…