Forbidden Magic

Chapter 8

A commotion outside her door drew Prudence’s attention back to her room. She took a few hesitant steps toward the exit but froze when the door opened. A large stocky woman carried a wooden tub into the room, placing it in front of the fireplace. Another followed and went about starting a fire. Then a third maid came in with a castiron pot and a bucket of water.

The three seemed to ignore her, going about their task and multiple trips in and out of the room. It was not long before a steaming bath was ready. The three then turned to look at Prudence, who had been standing out of the way, mesmerized by the ordeal.

“Your bath mi-lady,” the thinnest of the three women stated as she moved toward Prudence and used a hand to gesture towards the tub.

“O-okay, thank you.” Prudence took a few hesitant steps forward, hoping this was an indication that they would leave her now. However, as soon as she was close enough, the maids surrounded her and began stripping away her clothes.

“Hey! W-wait!” Prudence attempted to pull herself out of their grasp and push them away. Her efforts did not seem to bother the other women as they easily worked around her squirming form. While two were pulling her garments off, the third was using a string to measure her. In no time, she stood bare in front of three complete strangers. Prudence insecurely used her hands in an attempt to cover herself, as she felt her face begin to burn with embarrassment.

“It’s okay ma’am, ain’t nothing none of us haven’t seen before.” the larger woman, the one who had carried the tub, spoke up with a small smile as she gently placed a hand on Prudence’s forearm and steered her towards the tub. “We’ll get you scrubbed up in no time then you can enjoy the water till it gets too cold, that will give Yonnie time to get your clothes from the store room.”

Prudence didn't feel any better, but at least the maids were being kind. One of the women helped her to step over the side of the bathtub, despite the hot water causing a bit of discomfort. The stout maid began to scrub Prudence as soon as she was seated in the basin, while another, as tall as the stout woman but not as large, began to pour water over her head. They worked in harmony, massaging the rose and lavender-scented soap into her skin and hair. Although it had a slightly calming effect on Prudence, she could not relax completely with the company in her room.

With everything rinsed off, the two women bowed out of the room, taking her discarded dress with them. Prudence began to call out to them to leave it, but they were already gone before she got a word out. She sank back into the tub, trying to submerge as much of herself as possible. She felt warm and cozy but violated at the same time. It had been years since anyone had bathed her, and even then the last person to help her was her mother. Prudence’s mind drifted to her family. She hoped that they were okay. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered Peter running after the squadron of guards, yelling that they loved her before he disappeared from sight.

She missed them dearly already. She was sure that they would be gathered around the dinner table by now. If she were still there, Papa would be discussing taking a few calves to market while Momma made a list of supplies they would need on their next trip into town. Then Peter, sweet Peter, would be happily describing what he learned in Papa’s shop that day. After today’s events, however, she was sure that the atmosphere around the table would not be as bright and cheery as it usually was. A knock on the door brought her back to the cold stone room.

“Miss?” the petite maid from earlier poked her head through the partially opened door. “I’ve brought your new clothes,” she stepped further into the room and held up a bundle of fabrics.

“Let’s get you dry and changed.” the woman spoke as she laid the dresses out on the bed before making her way towards Prudence. She grabbed a towel and held out her hand.

“What’s your name?” Prudence asked as she allowed the maid to help her from the tub.

“Yonnie, ma’am,” the woman replied. Though now that Prudence got a good look at her, this maid could not have been much older than she was. She had bright blue eyes and a cheerful face, despite looking fatigued. Her hair was the color of golden straw, and it was braided and wrapped together on the back of her head.

“There’s no need to call me fancy names, Yonnie. Prudence, or just Prue will do.” Prudence introduced herself as she attempted to pull the towel from Yonnie’s hand. But Yonnie held firm.

“Please allow me to help you, it is my job,” Yonnie stated as she began patting the water from Prudence’s skin. Prudence felt awkward, she had not had anything done for her except for when she was too little to do it herself. But Yonnie was gentle and allowed Prudence to keep the towel when she had finished fluffing Prudence’s hair dry.

Yonnie then set about showing Prudence the garments that she had brought up for her. A long tunic and corset with white pantaloons and stockings for undergarments, which Yonnie helped her put on. How anyone could function as a person in a corset was beyond Prudence’s comprehension. Then there were two dresses to choose from. A pale green skirt and matching blouse with cream accents, and a robin’s egg blue ensemble with yellow accents. Each one appeared too extravagant for Prudence to dare to wear. Yonnie must have noticed her hesitation.

“Sir Myam insisted that while you’re under his training you look the part of a mage.” Yonnie held up the green one, “This one is more for everyday wear as it is made of lighter fabrics, while the blue I would suggest wearing for outings or to dinner with Lord Dumont.”

“What happened to my clothes? Will I get them back?” Prudence asked about the clothes she arrived in as she glanced at Yonnie, who clasped her hands together and bowed her head.

“I’m sorry Miss, but those clothes have been disposed of. Per Sir Myam’s request,” Yonnie answered quietly. Prudence’s heart dropped, and she pursed her lips into a thin line trying to hold back the emotions and memories of her mother helping her to sew that dress, and how proud she had been of it.

She hated this place. It was taking her very identity away from her. Taking everything that she had and throwing it away. A small voice in the back of her head told her this was a technique they were using to break her. To form her into something they would be able to use to their advantage. ‘Well, two can play that game,’ she thought to herself. Prudence vowed that she would learn what she could from Myam. Then, when the time was right, she would use that power to free herself from the bonds that Lord Dumont had forced upon her. Then they would be sorry for ever taking her away from her home and loved ones.