Hera lead her through the maze of corridors, that she had actually become quite familiar with, until they reached a staircase. Heading up, Hilda found herself in a part of the ziggurat she had never seen before. The floor was still a jumble of hallways and rooms, but they were much more spacious, and the few open doors she passed looked more like they lead into apartments than cells. There were also far fewer slaves running around, and it dawned on Hilda that this was most likely where the free servants of the villa lived.
Eventually, they came to another staircase, and then another after that. With each floor they went up, the place looked more grand, more decorated, and more ostentatious. Until, after about six floors, Hilda was pretty sure they were in the actual living area of the royal family. Statuary was everywhere, as were tapestries, and finely crafted furniture. There were also very few other people. Beyond a few servants, Hilda had not seen any one that looked like they lived in this part of the ziggurat. They soon came to a set of large double doors, and Hera stopped her. "Prince Eros is bathing right now, you are to go in and attend to him," she said. "His whim is now your command. If he tells you to fetch something, fetch it. If her tells you to clean something, make it sparkle. And if her tells you to pleasure him, you had best be upon him in an instant, with more enthusiasm than you'd show your own husband. Remember, your performance reflects upon me, so if you disappoint him he will likely punish me. But, rest assured, I will punish you far, far, worse."
Hera's last words sounded like a knife being drawn from its sheath, and Hilda felt a chill run down her spine. "Now take off that dress," Hera commanded. "From now on, you will wear only what he deigns to give you."
