Of all the things I expected Bethany to tell me, this is somewhere near the bottom. Even after hearing the words, I don’t understand. She has to be mistaken.
“Surely he’s visited other consorts,” I say. I know all about his virile stamina and strength. I’d be surprised that even one woman could sate his carnal hunger – more surprised if that woman is me.
“I speak the truth,” Bethany says. “And the handmaiden’s know everything.”
Remembering my time as a slave at my parents’ house, I know she’s right. When people start seeing you as subhuman, they have much looser tongues around you. They don’t even consider you when they start to speak, as if you are merely a piece of furniture in the background.
Those loose tongues lead to all sorts of knowledge being shared by the staff. If Bethany is
