Natasha woke up, finding herself covered in the quilts, her body aching. The room was all bright, the sunlight entering her room, filling the darkness.

She turned her head, and found that she was alone in the room, and it was 7 in the morning. She had no idea when she had drifted into sleep, and she didn't want to recall the horrible night.

She tried to get up, but the pain didn't let her. Struggling, she sat up, and wrapping herself properly, she cried. Loudly, shedding a lot of tears, she let it all out, and when her eyes dried, not able to produce enough tears, she put her head on her knees, and stayed silent.

Another glance of the clock, it was 7 minutes past 8. Time didn't pass easily, and she knew she had to live. Live in this prison, and be a survivor.

She managed to struggle herself out of bed, holding the coverings, and her feet touched something soft, she looked down, and found fur slippers.

She put her feet in them, and struggled to the bath. The bathroom was great. With a bath tub at one end, a glass shower at the other corner and a large sink in the centre. There was a glass cabinet, that had several towel and towel suits hanging.

Two of them stood aside, a red towel suit, and a similar towel. There was a post it on the glass.

For Natasha

It read in big black bold letters. Natasha walked close and took it off, reading the inscription below.

The red towels are for you, there are soaps and shampoos in the bath cabinet, and your clothes are in the same wardrobe. Enjoy a warm bath.

Steve

Natasha sighed, she didn't waste time over thinking and walked to the shower, taking the soap and shampoo from the cabinet by its side. And stepped in, throwing the sheet below.

She turned the hot and cold tap on, the mixture was perfect for her sores. She enjoyed it. She never had the money to buy a geyser at home, hot water baths were almost impossible, she couldn't even shower. They had to use buckets and jugs.

She closed her eyes, and let the warm water wash her pain. She didn't feel like shampooing or applying soap but afraid of the consequences, she did.

After a very long bath, she stared at her reflection in the tall mirror.

Her body had bruises, and marks of love, or assault. But her face was perfect, even her lips weren't swollen.

She wanted to curse her beauty, but father taught her well, never be ungrateful for what you have he used to say.

She took the towel and rinsed herself, putting the towel suit on, she wrapped the towel on her hair, and stepped out, putting on her furry slippers.

Her eyes fell on his large dressing, and she was astonished, as a hair dryer was placed on it, plugged in the nearest socket.

She walked towards it, and found all the woman accessories, make up, hair brushes, clips, catchers, hair bands, anything that she could ever need, or in her case, she ever wished for.

She hesitantly took the dryer in her hands, and inspected it.

"Good morning " Maria said, as she entered. Natasha looked at her, and quickly put the dryer back in its place.

"Ah, don't worry, that belongs to you dear, but first have some breakfast " she said.

The same ladies brought her another tray, and left.

"Eat, and then I'll show you how to use it" Maria said.

Natasha sat down on the couch, and took a peanut butter sandwich, with some milk and cookies.

There were many more items in the large tray, but she didn't feel the urge to eat any.

"Done? " Maria asked, as Natasha finished her glass of milk. Natasha nodded.

"Come" Maria took her hand, and pulled out the dressing stool settled her on it and removed the towel from her hair. She took the hair brush, and turned the dryer on, starting to dry and brush her hair.

"You have lustrous hair" she said.

Natasha just gave her a shy smile. When she was done, Natasha's hair looked much more beautiful then they ever had before. Shining more, and felt heavy.

"Go on, put on your new dress" Maria said.

Natasha went back to the wardrobe, and noticed a parcel at the table, she picked it up, and it revealed a beautiful black skirt with a red top.

She took the towel dress off, put on a new pair of black lace panties, put the black skirt on and was struggling with the hook of the black lace bra when suddenly, a pair of strong hands took charge from her hooking it up for her.

Her breaths got heavier, heart beat raced. She took the top and held it close to her chest.

He held her shoulders and moved closer, his face dug into her hair and he took a deep breath.

"You smell wonderful" he said.

He turned her to face him, she didn't look at him, but he lifted her face, with his hand under her chin.

"You are so beautiful, you don't need any make up" he said, "but.. you need to look polished today, so.. let Maria work on you"

She nodded, he gave her a peck on the lips and moved away, smirking as he went.

Natasha quickly put the top on, taking in a deep breath.

She went back and Maria started doing her make over.

"Don't you ever talk? " she asked.

"I.. I don't know what to say" Natasha replied, she had forgotten the sound of her own voice, only remembering the cries.

"I know there are a billion questions in your mind, try starting with a few" Maria said.

"They don't matter anymore, nothing does, I am a toy, toys don't have the right to feel, to talk" she said heartbroken.

"We are all toys, for him to play with, but we can find solace in each other can't we? The silence is devastating, it would only bring more pain" Maria said.

Natasha looked at her confused. Maria chuckled, "You think I am having the best time, you are gravely mistaken Natasha, we are all puppets at his hands, he can use and throw anyone anytime. So in times of such darkness, we all are a ray of  hope for each other" she said in a low tone.

"I am sorry, I just.. " Natasha tried to say.

"Its okay, you are quite new here, you'll adjust, and well, you are not allowed to see anyone but me.. So.. Forget it, let's focus on dressing you up" she said, finishing with a smile.

Natasha forced a smile back, maybe she could find a friend in Maria, maybe there was some goodness in this dark palace of his.

******
Natasha has everything she wanted, but she isn't happy 😢.
Where do you think would he take her? And what is Maria's story? Do give your reviews.