1 Quiet Obedience

Warning: this story contains slight mature content and themes. May also contain detailed scenes of violence and conflict.

Otherwise.... please enjoy

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Respect.

You have to bow down and respect those above you in status.

Whether you love them, whether you hate them. Whether they feel the same for you.... or different. You lower your gaze and, regardless of how reluctantly, acknowledge their power above you.

Born lowly and in poverty, Minri knew what this meant and was use to it.

When The High Concubines of the King happened to stroll into her village, swathed in a rich red fabric, keeping her eyes averted was all she knew.

Her brother knew different.

But she never complained. She simply sighed and nudged his arm slightly to prevent him from drooling over the sight of barely covered women.

Her father also knew different. His eyes would harden whenever he saw the palace concubines glide through the market. He detested them. But he loved the money they made. He loved the lavish lives they lead and the sweet rewards of submitting their bodies for comfortable living. He wanted that and his eyes landed on his own daughter, Minri, to provide that for him. Minri was indeed beautiful in the sense that she fitted the beauty standard of the time. But she never dazzled instantly. She was a drink which gradually grew sweeter with every sip. When he sent her to the market to buy food, he would tug the edges of her blouse, exposing her chest slightly before nodding in approval. Confused and embarrassed, she would always try and pull it back but his hand on her wrist stopped her.

"Don't."

"B-but why? I can't go in public looking like this-"

"Minri," the grip on her wrist tightened as he spoke her name.

"You are of a ripe age now. You should take advantage of the beauty you were blessed with. You see the blacksmith's son over there? He would happily make you his.... for a night at a reasonable price."

She was left speechless at his words.

"A-appa -."

"You really don't expect me to work the skin of my fingers everyday of my life do you? Daughter, I am growing old. Your brother is coming of age to fight in the war and has already begun training. You are the only hope left of keeping us fed and with a roof over our heads. Be useful won't you?"

The harsh reality of his last few words hit her as she lowered her head in understanding and acceptance. Slowly, she removed the stole from her shoulders, exposing her neck and collarbone and sighed softly.

That day broke her.

Changed her.

Warped her vision of the world into something dangerous and hungry.

The names she was called.... the unwanted touches from strangers.... the increasing greed of her father..... it was a slow poison working it's way through her.

This was why she was stood infront of the Crown Princes room with other new concubines, selling herself in the name of saving her family from poverty. What else could she do? The Kings Most High Consort prowled among them, eyeing them in preparation.

"Remember basic etiquette and you will do just fine," she said firmly and clearly.

"Keep your eyes down. Only look up when told. Do exactly as he says. Refusal will be punished harshly. And finally. Do not step out of line. He is our future king - obey him."