45

Maids rushed to the scene as they whispered amongst each other.

What was happening?

They all had pitiful looks on their faces as they watched the sight before them. Soli knelt before them, her hands gripping the side of her gown and the Head Maid staring at her with no emotions. She had a whip in her left hand and the maids murmured in the midst, some were wondering what she did and others could only muster rumors out of jealousy that she was serving a Royal closely.

The first whip landed on her back and Soli gripped her gown tight. She was not going to fall. She was strong, she chanted in her head as the second came. The other maids grimaced at how the linen she had worn tore apart at the third lash.

Instantly, she let out a painful cry and one of her hands grasped for sand. She needed something she could hold unto. More lashes came and beads of sweat formed on her forehead as more bitter sobs erupt from her.

When it got to the ninetieth lash, everyone began to murmur that she should