"Stand up straight." The sharp voice was accompanied by the rap of a stick against the wall. Forcing my back to somehow straighten even further than it already was I resisted the urge to look to the girls next to me to see if they had done the same thing.
"You were nothing. You are still nothing. It is only by the grace of the king that you are given this opportunity." I heard the rap of feet but didn't dare turn my head from where it was positioned.
"However, know that each and everyone of you is replaceable. So if you even think about betraying the kingdom and revealing the truths you're about to learn you will be never be heard from again."
It's not like we had much of a choice.
I wanted to scream but my practice composure from the year they had already spent training us stayed in place, that and the countless healed marks on my back reminded me that speaking out was not an option.
Obedience, that was the only option and too many other girls had failed to realize that before it was too late.