Chapter 11：Rumors

Ivy's POV

Early the next morning, before I even woke up, a crowd of maids rushed into my room.

I gasp and sit up straight, but already the maids are tugging me out of bed.

“What are you doing?” I ask, trying to pull the blankets tight and shake them off, but it’s no use.

“Helping you,” one of the maids replies mockingly, pulling me onto the floor.

The flurry of maids guides me through my morning routine, washing me up and dressing me in another fine gown–this one a pale green like lily pads.

The bath is a bit better this time, and at least no soap bars are being pressed into my slowly-healing wounds. They’re not behaving like maids should, though–their movements are rough and pain-inducing, causing me to wince with every move they make.

I have to bite back screams with every minute, knowing that any sound I make will only provoke more ridicule from the maids.

I know they think I’m a whore, but I don’t think I could stand to hear it again.

Once I’ve finished washing and getting d