STEEL BORN

Clap, clap... "wake up, rise and shine your highness", he said, while opening the drapes and humming, which had become an unshakable habit. He was dressed in a colorful robe, it was well over midmorning, he was freshly bathed, perfumed and ready for the day. The lady lying n***d on the large canopy bed was heavily pregnant. She felt cold when others felt warm, and hot when it is cold. Stud had decided many months ago, even though she was prettier, she was weirder than the other Queens. Looking at her smooth colored skin and firm breasts, Stud wished he hadn't given himself to become a eunuch in the service of his King and Queen. She stirred, yawned in the most disgusting way Stud had come to hate over the months since her stomach started growing. "What day is it?", "it is the day of the chapel, your highness, you would be missed", "oh Stud, I don't want to go", "I know, I know, but you must, don't forget you need the blessing of the goddess for a safe delivery", Stud began to help her up from the bed. "your bath is drawn" "I hope it's cold, I feel like I'm burning" "but it's cold your highness". "I want it cold, Stud", she commanded. "I will check at once". Stud ran out, into the far-off adjourned entrance, the room was rectangular, on the left was lined expensive apparels of different colors, all in the latest fashion. On the left, was different colors of robes and dressing gowns. Sleeping wears and under pants were safely stored in the drawers below. Foot wears were arranged at the far corner before the entrance to the wash room. He ran across the closet and into the wash room, "She wants it cold, Morinda", Morinda began at once to empty the already filled tub, pushing the stone button repeatedly as if it could help remove the scented warm water faster. She commanded the slaves to get out of the water, and bring more scents and flowers for the fresh water... "I will have your heads if Euria gets here before we are ready, hurry you idiots!..." Morinda watched as they hurried around, obeying her order, she thought about how spoiled Princesses and Queens have the right to be. Look at this place, the tub was a large circler hole in the middle of the oversized room, with hedges for supporting the body and the head in any possible position. White washed as day, just like the entire stone Castle known as Worth, where the King and his Queens resided. On the far apart walls were large glasses, mirrors for viewing your appearance in different dimensions. On a corner was the large vanity table, with a large mirror as if all the mirrors were not enough. The hanger at the other end held the towels and bathing robes. The vanity table contained every kind of expensive ointment, perfumes, powders, colors and flowers of beauty of which a bottle or a jar can feed her family of four for at least three days, if resold. She wondered why the goddess hadn't created her a princess. Euria walked nonchalantly into the washroom, the seven slaves were standing in the cold water, pretending not to shiver, they each stood by the corners of the tub, one was carrying a tray of cumbs, the other a jar of sweet smelling mixture of soap, the other a tray of soft brushes. She entered the tub, letting her sleeping robe drop to the floor. "alas, my Queen, your stomach has dropped, I must get the royal midwives at once", "I feel very well, Morinda". But Morinda was already gone, forgetting to remove the sleeping robe. Speeding outside the washroom in a flash, "what is the matter, Morinda?", Stud questioned as she sped past him. He was standing in the closet waiting for the return of the Queen. "Is the Queen alright?", he called after her. Morinda ignored him wondering why on earth men should be allowed in the business of women, even if he was half a man. She returned to find the Queen sprawled on the leather backless cushion before the vanity table, covered with a bathing robe. She was relieved, her fears had not materialized while she was gone. She had feared the Queen would deliver unprepared in the waters of the bath tub. A slave was polishing her finger nails, another was dry combing her hair, another was applying ointment to her glistening long colored legs. Behind Morinda, two old women followed in a hurry, one approached the Queen and began examining her without asking for permission. "How do you feel, Euria?", "you will address me as 'your Highness' hag", the Queen responded in annoyance. The other woman was carrying a wooden box, which she set down on the large vanity table, and began removing strange looking instruments, in preparation for the coming delivery. The midwife ordered the slaves to leave the room, they obeyed ignoring the Queen, who was throwing a tantrum about how good their heads will look severed from their bodies. "lie still Euria, you will not be leaving this room any time soon", "You will address me as 'your...", Euria, screamed as she tried to lift herself from the couch. "Morinda, get me a bucket of hot water at once, and coals of fire to sterilize my equipment", Morinda, whirled around dazed by the surprising scream of the Queen. She fled from the room towards the kitchens at once. She was accompanied by Stud, on his way to the King's chambers. "Breath... Just breath Euria", the Queen nodded repeatedly in obedience, she was no longer interested in her status, all she wanted was for the pain to cease. "Don't worry, it will all be over very soon". The midwife was changing Euria's position on the couch as she spoke. Euria, screamed again, the pain was becoming really unbearable. The second midwife was ready, she took her position between the Queens legs.