"They laughed and called you a fool," the woman sneers as a foot connects with the palace plaster.
"Keep it up," Claudia says, smiling like she owns the room. "Maybe the Regent will tire of simple peasants and choose someone fit."
"They say her family sold her for a trinket," one of the consorts adds. "Can a foolish girl even carry a title?"
"Maybe she'll cry," another murmurs, leaning close enough that I smell cheap perfume and used wine.
"Mu Jiuyou—" Claudia says my name slow, sharp. She steps closer and her hand reaches out to the hairpin pinned through my braid. "Say something cute for me."
I bow my head and let my face stay still.
"Say it," Claudia orders. "Praise the Regent. Call him merciful. Make us laugh."
I say it.
"My lord Regent is so merciful," I repeat, voice soft, eyes lowered. "He is a wise guardian."
There are catcalls. Laughter like knives. I can feel each grin on my skin.
Claudia's foot finds the plaster again. The room smells of oil lamps and perfume. It whines under the pressure.
"One more," she says. "Kiss his ring when he visits."
"What a show," a woman at the window tuts. "You were born for the backyard, Jiuyou."
I lift my chin.
"Stop." My voice is quieter. A string snaps inside me. "Don't."
Claudia's smile closes. "You dare speak?" Her voice goes sharp enough to cut.
She reaches out and slaps me.
Hard. Public.
Gasps
