Discipline

Shama walked towards the hall, wondering if everyone would be there and if they would ignore her command again. She doubted it, though; she had already threatened them with their jobs.

"Why has the princess summoned us here?"

One servant scratched his head in puzzlement.

"She must have another scheme to trap his majesty. What else do you think could be the reason"

Another servant replied in a haughty tone.

"Surely, she must be thinking of seeking our assistance."

Another maid joined the conversation. An elderly maid stepped forward and sighed.

"Alas, when will our princess learn her responsibilities? She holds such a prestigious position, yet she continues to frivolously associate with other men. It is simply unacceptable."

Shama's fists clenched, her body trembling with fury. She took a deep breath, her lungs burning with the effort to calm herself.

"Silence!" she roared, her voice echoing through the room as the whole hall became quite.

Shama glared at the assembled staff, her voice dripping with anger.

"Have you all forgotten your manners? Must I remind you of the proper etiquette for standing before a princess? You are not here for a picnic. Mind your deportment and gather according to the rules. I give you one minute."

"What's up with the sudden change?" a maid whispered as staff quickly gathered in formation.

Shama sat down on her throne and spoke in a commanding voice.

"I don't want to hear a single whisper," she said. "I have noticed that this royal palace has become like a fish market to all of you. Therefore, I have gathered you here today to announce some important but simple rules that must be strictly followed from now on. Anyone who violates a single rule will be severely punished."

The staff stood in silence, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Shama continued, "I will not tolerate any more unprofessional behavior. You are all servants of the royal family, and you are expected to conduct yourselves with dignity and respect. If you cannot do that, then you have no place here."

Shama paused to let her words sink in. Then, she stood up and walked down the steps of the throne.

"I will be watching you," she said. "And I will not hesitate to punish those who disobey."

The staff bowed their heads in submission.

Shama turned and walked back to her throne. She sat down and looked out at the staff, her eyes cold and hard.

"First, whenever you see me, you must greet me and bow respectfully. This is the first and most important rule of etiquette. I am sure that this is simple enough to understand.

Second, no one is allowed to make decisions on my behalf.

Third, I want one person to be assigned to report to me all of the activities happening inside the royal palace, and another person to report to me about things related to the royal family happening outside the palace. I know that none of you here are traitors, so I can trust you all.

Fourth, everyone will perform the task that is assigned to them. There is no need to work extra hours, and no one should do another person's work. After all, you all deserve time to spend with your families. If you have any problems at home or in the royal palace, please do not hesitate to tell me. I will do my best to help you all.

Fifth, from today onwards, I will handle all of the political and social matters related to this palace. I will try my best to fulfill my duties as a responsible princess. Royal butler, all of the account books and important documents should be in my room by this evening.

These are the five most important and basic rules that I want you all to follow strictly. Other rules will be communicated to you by the staff head."

Shama spoke with a calm composure.

Everyone bowed their heads in respect and the next second all of the staff members began to look at each other's faces.

"The princess has changed," one of them whispered.

"Yes, look at her eyes. They are full of confidence. She looks like a real princess now," another added.

"Oh my, our princess has grown up," said a third, dramatically. "She is so considerate of us. I could cry right now."

The entire hall was filled with murmurs as Shama smiled at her staff.