The Rule
she said, a smile playing faintly at her lips, “from the spoils of Everia.”
Inayat’s brows lifted ever so slightly, her voice calm. “For what purpose?”
“For palace work, mostly,” Ridhima said, her tone laced with meaning. “Some were taken by the soldiers, claimed as part of their reward. The king has allowed the rest to serve under noble women within the court. All young, untouched, surrendered willingly—or so they claim.”
Inayat’s fingers stilled over a silk ribbon. “Surrendered willingly… or stripped of choice in the guise of mercy.”