An unhappy slave?

Question: What does an odalisque do if she becomes unhappy with her Master or her circumstances? What happens if she changes her mind?

Consent is the first principle of Code d’ Odalisque. Without consent, there is no game, no action. Every odalisque understands this. If she withdraws consent, that is the end of it. There can never be any question of a woman persisting or being forced against her will. The principle of consent is absolute.

The Code includes several devices that can help address a situation where an odalisque becomes unhappy. The ‘End Game’ device – which withdraws consent – is a last resort. Before that, an odalisque might first discuss the situation with her Overmistress and seek her advice. There are also formal ways in which she can press her grievances to her Master.

One device is exposing the nape of the neck as a gesture of discontent. The Code provides:

24.33. - Exposing the Nape as a gesture of discontent

In extreme circumstances an odalisque may show the nape of her neck to her Keeper to display grievous unhappiness. It is a gesture showing that she is exceedingly unhappy about some aspect of her slavery. If, for example, a Keeper demands that his odalisque perform some action that is explicitly forbidden in her terms and conditions she may expose her neck to him as if to say - "I submit to you as slave in good faith. Respect my limits." For a slave to expose her nape to her Keeper (except on his command) is a serious matter. The slave is saying, "Keeper, I would rather die than perform this action."

This is a gesture that says “I am unhappy! I want to talk!” It is used when a slave is very unhappy about some aspect of her circumstance. If a slave exposes her nape as a gesture of unhappiness, her Master must seek to address her grievance. Exposing the nape is a formal gesture that a Slavekeeper cannot ignore.

There are also formal ways in which she can object to being treated improperly – for example, being treated as a whore or as a memlook. She can defend her honor as an odalisque against a Master who is inclined to misuse his odalisque. Slaves are compliant and agreeable, but the Code does provide specific ways in which a slave can defend herself against misuse.

Another useful device is a ‘Plea for Mercy’. If her unhappiness is a consequence of some specific action on the part of her Master, she can issue him with a written Plea for Mercy, asking that he desist. Under the Code, he is bound to respect a Plea for Mercy. Through a formal Plea for Mercy an odalisque can modify her contractual relations with her Master. A Plea for Mercy can be made at any time.

If a Slavekeeper consistently ignores or dishonors a Plea for Mercy, this should be reported to the slave’s Overmistress. An Overmistress can intervene and is more ready to stand up to a Slavekeeper than is his slave. The happiness and welfare of a slave is the first concern of an Overmistress. She should take whatever steps are necessary to remedy a situation in which a slave is unhappy or failing to thrive.

A slave – by definition - is in a vulnerable and disempowered position. She relies upon her Overmistress to speak up for her where there are occasions of conflict. The slave should make her feelings known to her Overmistress and the Overmistress should take appropriate steps, such as speaking to the Slavekeeper.