Chapter 6: A lie that needs to be protected
Weeks passed in the Kingdom of Versailles.
The captives of Hawkshead village who were brought to Blackthorn Palace were quick to learn that it was better to obey rather than go against the authorized people in here and be handed down punishments or, worse, lose their lives.
In three of the tallest towers of the Blackthorn Palace, one was allocated for the King's use, the second was used as a keep, and the third one was left for the use of the courtesans that many in the royal court liked to indulge themselves in.
Madame Minerva, who was in charge of all the courtesans, rushed into the room where the beautiful young girls and women were sitting. She clapped her hands for their attention,
"All the Courtesan women, it is time to go to the bathhouse! Hurry now, don't make me tell you twice! The royal court expects you to present yourselves this evening."
Marianne, who sat with the other young girls captured and brought from other places, watched the older courtesans walk towards the plump woman. It took her a week to realise bathing was a privilege here, and not everyone got to bathe themselves every day or hour.
"And you girls," Madame Minerva pointed at the newly added girls in the room, including Marianne, and said, "Your classes will begin soon. Remember to put your effort, the better are the awards. You see Irina here? Yesterday, she was gifted a golden bracelet."
"A gold bracelet?!"
"Will we really get one?" One of the young girls asked enthusiastically, wishing to have one themselves.
The courtesan named Irina smiled at them with arrogance, and she replied, "It is indeed gold. Delicate and beautiful. You will receive gifts only if you have amazing skills."
Suddenly the young girls shared excited looks.