Nim looked aghast. Of course not. Do you think my future wife would be a servant? No - it's Number Seven of the wives. Her name is Begonia. Oh, no, Nim, Vesper said. You can't fall for one of the wives! She's married. And to the king, no less. That's illegal. Maybe it shouldn't be, but you'll still probably be arrested if anyone finds out - or worse. I knew you'd say that, Nim said, turning away. You're such a prude, Vesper. Love is above things like rules. And the king has so many wives and mistresses - he doesn't even remember all of them.
This excerpt dives deep into the complexities of love, loyalty, and societal constraints. Nim's shock and disbelief reflect not just his personal desires, but also the restrictive cultural norms that govern relationships in his world. The idea of falling in love with the king's wife, Begonia, who holds a specific rank, reveals a social hierarchy intricately tied to marriage and power dynamics. Vesper's warnings highlight the dangers lurking beneath such forbidden...
