The days in Tay's castle melted together in a haze of routine and barely restrained tension. Maya found herself marking the passage of time by the meals served, the cycle of whispers and rivalry among the concubines, and the moments when the burning in her back returned, forcing her to cross paths with Tay. It had been two weeks, yet it felt both like a mere moment and an eternity since she had stepped foot in his grand Summer Castle.
Each day followed the same rhythm. During the daylight hours, the concubines were allowed to roam within the vast gardens and intricate halls of the castle. They could lounge by the shimmering pools, read in the extensive library, or indulge in whatever luxuries Tay provided, but freedom was not one of those luxuries. Maya tried to carve out her own corner,
