After washing and dressing I reported to the kitchen. It took a few wrong turns but eventually I managed to find it. Did I mention this place is huge yet?

“You're late.” Helen said over her shoulder as she inspected the meals. I'm pretty sure she would've considered me late if i somehow managed to teleport directly into the fucking kitchen. She pointed to a sink full of dishes and told me to start scrubbing.

There was nothing else I could do for the time being. I was sure Madeline would send for me sooner or later. She didn't bring me here to be a the houses permanent dish bitch, even if everyone else thought that's all I was good for.

For better or worse, she had bigger plans for me and I would just need to sit tight until she made her move. I figured it would be tomorrow at the latest but I was hoping for tonight. Maybe once we talked I might be able to get her to force Susan to move me to a bigger room .

As I was scrubbing a particularly stubborn ostain off a pan I noticed a young gorgeous beastkin mopping the floor next to me. If I had to guess, I would say she was a fox type. Somehow she managed to look both frail and strong at the same time.

She had the typical orange fox color for her hair, which looked more puffy and fur like than the human variety. Her large ears were on top of her head. They were orange with black along the edges, with a white dot at the tip of each ear. Out the back of her dress was a hole where her fox tail stuck out. It was thick, fluffy and reached all the way down to her calves. The tail was covered with orange fur except for the last inch which was as white as fresh snow.

Her eyes looked almost human. Only under close inspection did you notice a sharpened top and bottom of the pupil. The golden iris in them gave off a mesmerizing glow. Looking at her hands which held the broom they were slightly big for a woman. The main thing which caught my eye were her nails, if you could call them that.

They were more like claws which had been filed down. The thickness and sturdiness they possessed suggested that if she ever grew them out they would become fierce weapons. No doubt she was ordered to keep them filed. A slave walking around with hands that would give Freddy Krueger an orgasm was probably frowned upon.

On her wrist i noticed the same metal cuff as mine. Unlike me, she had a sadness and resignation in her eyes that made me want to drop everything and comfort her.

She stopped mopping and looked up at me nervously. I didn't even realize I was staring at her. Our eyes locked for a moment in time. I was about to apologize for being weird.

“What the hell are you doing? Get back to work!” Helen yelled. I turned and got back to scrubbing. I just started working in the kitchen and I was already about to get my ass chewed out.

“Lameria, are you causing trouble again?” Helen rounded on the beastkin to my surprise.

“No ma'am.”

“Stupid beastkin. Why did they even bothered to bring your kind here? Better to have your entire race tossed into the ocean and be done with it.” Helen slapped her across the face. Lameria didn't move or flinch. She accepted the slap head on like it seemed she had done hundreds of times before.

“You'll finish mopping this room.. Then you will report to Susan and tell her you're causing trouble. Don't you dare think of not reporting to her as I'll check later. I imagine she'll think of an appropriate punishment for you.”

“Yes ma'am, sorry ma'am”. I took a quick glance at everyone else in the room to see how much hate I was getting for making another slave look bad. Oddly enough, all the dirty looks were focused on the beastkin. Some mumbled as they glanced at her. The word I thought I heard the mumble the most was 'filthy', but I couldn't be sure.

I went back to cleaning. For a moment I blamed myself for getting the fox girl in trouble. But once I let myself stop being blinded by the guilt, I concluded they would've found something to blame her with today eventually. From the reactions I saw I guessed that most people here hated beastkin. At some point they would've found an excuse to punish her.

Once all the dishes were clean I spent the rest of my time doing odd jobs till dinner. Then more dishes. It was a full time job in a kitchen that served this many people.

When dinner was finally over and everything was clean, the slaves were allowed to eat. Sadly for me, the slaves in the kitchen ate last as we had to prepare food for the other slaves in the house. Still, the food was pretty good. They couldn't use the best ingredients or anything too pricey but they certainly knew how to cook and make the best of it.

After we were done eating we cleaned up the mess. I had to stay late because dishes took the longest to finish. I was so busy that I only got to eat about half my meal by the time Helen was getting ready to retire. Right before she did she grabbed a bowl, filled with what can only be called slop, and put it next to me.

“I don't want any messes in my clean kitchen, finish that in your room and bring it up in the morning. You're at the end of the hall, correct? Knock on the door opposite yours and bring that bowl with you." She pointed at the bowl and left without any further explanation. Just as she left the bells gave a soft ten rings. I doubted they would ring anymore for the night.

I grabbed my plate along with the bowl that was full of, whatever the hell it was full of, and made my way down stairs. At the end of the hall I knocked on the door across from me. I wasn't at all surprised to see the fox girl open it. She gave me an unsure look and then held out her hand. It was cut up in the same way mine was, but more seriously. Weeds duty. Susan clearly isn't the original type.

“May I have the bowl please sir?” It seems that even I, the worthless level one slave, was above her. I thought about what happened earlier that day and handed her my half eaten plate. Surprise filled every inch of her face.

“Um, thank you sir, but I’m not worthy of it.” She checked the hall to see if anyone was looking. Perhaps she thought I was playing a trick on her, or it was some kind of test.

“It's fine. I'm curious to try whatever is in this bowl anyway.” She gave a weary look but her eyes soon found there way to the plate. She bit her lower lip slightly and gave an audible gulp in her throat. After another look down the hall she took my plate and quickly closed the door. It would've been nice to get a 'thank you' at least.

I took the bowl, which was now the rest of my meal for the night, to my room. After a few mouth fulls I was still pretty hungry but gave it up. It was twice as bad as it looked and three times as bad as it smelled.

I spent what i assumed was a good twenty minutes trying to rearrange my bed's stuffing to make it as comfortable as possible. To my surprise, I achieved a small success. At least I wasn't being poked in the ass and back anymore. I laid down and closed my eyes. A soft knock on the door brought me to my feet just as I was starting to doze off. I opened it to find the beastkin holding my empty plate that I was clearly licked clean.

“Thank you for the food sir, but I don't think it would be wise for me to hand them your plate back in the morning.” I took the plate and held out the bowl. When she saw that I barely touched it, shame filled her face.

“I'm sorry I ate all your food sir. I shouldn't have been so greedy.” She brought her hands together in front of her. I probably should've felt more empathy in that moment, but to be honest it was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Her tail went between her legs and her fox ears drooped down, I waved my hand to signal it wasn't a problem. I pointed to the bowl.

“If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been eating that food and living in that room?” I saw her doing the math in her head.

“I've been doing both ever since I was brought here when I was about five years old so... I guess fifteen years sir.” I couldn't believe it. Fifteen years of living in that small room and eating this horrible slop. It wasn't my job to save everyone or solve every injustice in the world, I'm sure there were thousands more who had it as bad as her and many who had it worse. But I decided after hearing that, if it was possible, when I left this place she would be coming with me, assuming I could convince her.

I didn't know what to say to her answer. I sure as hell wasn't going to mention escape right now. she took the bowl in her hands and thanked me again before softly closing the door.

The next day was more of the same. Except it started earlier. I went to the kitchen to make breakfast for the Armingtage family and the numerous guest they hosted that day. I learned that guest were a very common thing for them. They always had at least a dozen, probably due to this mansion being where most of their business was conducted was my guess.

As the slaves were eating their breakfast I realized that I didn't see anyone take out a bowl of slop to give to Lameria. I wondered if I missed it or if someone saw us and she got in trouble. I was relieved to see her in the kitchen around lunch time. She didn't look like she had been punished again. I suppose that meant we weren't seen. She mopped the entire kitchen not daring to look at anyone, including me. Just as she left the kitchen an unknown servant walked up to me.

“Lady Madeline demands your presence, go directly to her room.” He was about to turn away before I stopped him to ask where her room was. I was not about to go opening random doors up stairs.

I assumed a slave walking in on someone without permission because they didn't know where to go wouldn't be a valid excuse to avoid a harsh beating.

I made him repeat the directions twice to be sure that I had it. From the kitchens I had to go one flight up the nearest staircase, take a left down the hall, when that hall ended I would take a right down the other hall. It would be the 4th room on the left. When I arrived I found the door was already open. Madeline waved me in and motioned me to sit down across from her. There were two comfortable chairs and twocups of warm tea on the table between us.

“So how have you been doing? Are you getting settled in well?” She walked over and closed the door so our conversation could be a bit more private.

I told her that it was going as well as could be expected. It wasn't lost on me that so far the only woman who actually had a claim on me was much kinder to me than most of my fellow slaves.

She wanted to know everything I've been up to and what duties I've been put on. She rolled her eyes and called it a waste. I wasn't about to say she was wrong. Thus began our long conversation.

First she wanted to learn in painstaking detail every single skill I had. What subjects I was versed in and which ones I wasn't. Obviously history was not a strong suit considering the world I was in but just about everything else was. I didn't only read fiction, I was an all around nerd.

She was surprised to learn how complete my education had been once she investigated it. I saw the wheels turning in her head about how best to use the information she gathered.

“Well, your job in the kitchens will do me no good, and I suppose it's safe to assume you would prefer something more fitting your abilities?"

"You very well know I would." She smiled at my comment and leaned back in her chair.

"As it turns out, I have an idea. A second cousin of mine is staying here. To be totally honest he's a bit of a brat, but he does need a tutor who is versed on all the basic subjects.

We have one that we usually use, he's in charge of my studies and those of many other young ladies and lords of other houses. He claims that teaching children as young as my second cousin is beneath him and he's refused to do so on several occasions, even when we offered him double the pay. We've yet to find anyone else. So how would you like that to be your new job?" She gave me a smile, pleased with her suggestion.

“It would be better than dishes, but I really don't like little kids to be totally honest. ”

“Is that all you have to say? It's a very comfortable job. You get to sit in a nice room. Food is served to you and you get a break until your lunch is over for the same amount of time the young lord does. You'll even have access to the library. You can take books out if you say you need information to help with a lesson plan and no one will question you. That can benefit you tremendously. It's a great idea. You should be on your knees thanking me for coming up with it."

“You already know it's a great idea. You don't need me praising you to confirm that. Besides, you said he's a little brat so I doubt this will be as comfortable a job as you say. Of course I'll do it in any case, as it's the best option I have.” I swallowed some of the tea. I wouldn't say I'm an authority when it comes to tea, but it seemed pretty damn good. She leaned forward looking me directly in the eyes.

“If you spoke to anyone else like that, they'd have you whipped.”

“I know, but that's part of the reason you like me right? I speak to you like I would anyone else if I wasn't in this absurd situation I'm in. Besides, didn't we have an agreement we could talk this way when it was just us? You said that you keep your word and expect others to keep theirs.”

She picked up her tea and gave me a smile. “It wasn't an official agreement, but I suppose there was a strong implication.” She took a generous sip. With my job situation settled i thought the best thing to do would be to find out a bit more about my benefactor.

“So you know how my time here's been so far. How about you? Did you get to talk to your father yet about that jerk that tried to get you to buy me for thirty gold?” She smiled.

“I did in fact. It will send a good message to everyone else when his mine loses half its business this year”.

I really couldn't feel bad for the guy.“ And to think, if he was less greedy he could have made an easy 13 gold coins. Dumb people will always find a way to ruin a great opportunity won't they?”

She nodded at my statement. “That they will." As the bells rang she stood up. "Anyway, staying in this room any longer without supervision is probably a bad idea until you're more established. You'll need to go back to the kitchens for now. If I can, I'll have this all set up so you can start tomorrow. The next day at the latest. So just hang in there, bite your tongue, and don't do anything stupid."

I nodded and thanked her as I left the room. Here was my first chance to improve my situation since arriving here. I would need to make the best of each chance i had.

I reported back to the kitchens and continued with the routine I started yesterday. Dinner was served for the house and guest. After we cleaned up dinner for the slaves was prepared. I was still the last to get my food.

Before I had the chance to eat anything, for the second time today a slave walked up to me I didn't know.

"Susan wants to see you immediately." What the hell did that evil granny want? Well, lets get this out of the way and be smart about it. I asked for directions twice, just as before.

I expected her room to be downstairs with the rest of the slaves, but she was actually on the first floor where the guest stayed. The only slave in the house who held such an honor I was told. I knocked on the door.

"Enter." She even managed to sound like a bitch with just one word. I didn't know what to expect before opening the door, but it certainly wasn't this.

There was a large comfortable looking bed, beautiful paintings decorating the wall. A window with a lovely view along with various treats and liquors visible. I only saw a bit of the pantry but it looked fully stocked with food that looked much better than the slaves or even the free servants received. She looked to be treated just like any other honored guest.

“Sit down William.” She motioned to the least comfortable looking seat in the room, which was far more comfortable than any other seat I've sat on since coming here, besides the one Madeline offered me. She sat across from me on a couch with a drink in her hand.

“I heard Lady Madeline called for you today. What did she want from you?” I almost asked how she heard about that, but no doubt she heard about many things that went on in this house.

“I'm afraid that's a private conversation between me and Lady Madeline, on her orders.” I added that last part at the last moment. I don't think she believed me, but I don't think she could challenge that either.

The only way to confirm it would be to called Madeline here. Even if given a good deal of authority by the lord of this house, trying to summon Madeline to confirm what i said would be awkward to say the least. After putting down her drink she brought her hands together in front of her chin and leaned forward slightly invading my space. She looked as if she was trying to read my mind as her eyes slightly squinted. She spoke in a curt manor with each word cutting the air as it escaped her.

“I don't know what you're planning, but I didn't get where I am today by letting uppity slaves like you do as they please. I don't like schemers, particularly when it comes to the slaves of this house. If you think you'll be safe from me by getting into the young lady's good graces, you're gravely mistaken. Lord Armingtage would be very upset if I told him you were trying to do something inappropriate with his daughter.” I feigned shock.

“I'd never do any such thing of course, nor would I even suggest it. The mere suggestion of such a scandal would be a stain on the honor of Lady Madeline and the Armingtage house. That wouldn't be very smart for anyone imply. If someone said that and it managed to get out, Lord Armingtage would no doubt be furious at the person who said it, wouldn't you agree ma'am?” She pointed her bony finger at me.

“You walk a very thin rope boy. Be careful you don't choke yourself on it. And remember this well, everyone in this house is just another set of eyes for me. Don't think anything you do escapes my notice.”

“Of course not ma'am." I paused for just a moment looking past the finger into her eyes before continuing.

"Is there anything else I can do for you at this time ma'am?” She didn't want to let it end here, but she had nothing else she could say. Also, if she over stepped here and I did have some kind of relationship with Madeline, it might not be a smart move for her to antagonize someone her potential future boss favored.

“Leave me.” She waved her hand as if swatting a fly angrily to dismiss me. When I left, in retrospect I thought I may have been a bit too bold. But fuck it, it felt great.

I went back to the kitchen to get my full plate which was full. Helen again told me to finish it in my room so I didn't make a mess here. I was also to take the bowl next to my plate to the room across from me. She left the kitchen immediately after giving me the order. I managed to hang behind a few seconds more to make sure the coast was clear. I quickly added a few more items to my plate before leaving, now that I've learned where they were.

People were still out in the hall by the time I arrived. I knocked on the door across from me and handed the fox girl the bowl. She took it and quickly closed the door. I went to my room and waited about fifteen minutes. Once I was sure everyone was in their rooms after peeking out of my door I walked out into the hall.

Luckily, there were four empty rooms down from me on either side so I was confident we wouldn't be heard. I quietly knocked on her door. She slowly opened the door and peeked out.

“Hello, would you care to eat together?” Her fox eyes fixed on my plate and i could here her give a very clear gulp. She opened the door and let me in. Once inside, she quickly shut the door behind me and gave me a questioning look

"Why are you doing this? Um, I mean, Why are you doing this sir?” She felt nervous at her mistake and now was worried that she may have offended me and would need to be punished.

“You don't need to call me Sir. Just William or Bill is fine.”

“Okay, why are you doing this... William?” She paused before saying my name, as if the unnatural act took effort.

“I was thinking about what you said last night. About being in this cramped room for fifteen years and only eating that slop, and-” Suddenly I remembered something about this morning I wanted to ask.

"By the way. I didn't see you get any bowls for breakfast. Was there some kind of problem?” She looked to the ground

“I'm only allowed one bowl a day Si-, I mean, William.”

“Do beastkin usually only eat once a day?”

“It doesn't matter how often a beastkin usually eats. I get fed once a day and I'm lucky to get it!” The trained response told me all I needed to know. I decided to go back to the question she asked.

“Well to answer your question, when I thought about being here for fifteen years in this room with nothing but this slop, I tried to put myself in your place. I imagined what someone offering to share a plate of half decent food would mean to me. When I consider that, how could I not offer to share with you?"

She shook her head at my response “If they find out we'll get in trouble. We shouldn't be doing this.”

I shrugged. “Well, if you don't want it then...” I held it in front of her face waving it back and forth. The smells of all the delicious food was intoxicating to her.

She shook her head clearing her head from the daze the food caused and sat up straight. “Well, since you're here that means the damage is already done I suppose, so I may as well.” With no chairs in her room we both sat on her tiny bed and ate next to each other.

I enjoyed the company and doing something nice for her. But I would be lying if I said that I didn't have any ulterior motives. . Not that I wouldn't have done this without them. But I needed as much information as I could get about this place. And she had fifteen years of it.

And yes, maybe the fact she was incredibly hot played a part. Sue me.