Darya sat in a corner, biting her nails, staring at the heavy wooden door at the end of the tunnel. None of the ladies returned after leaving with the General's wife. Even Halima did not come back. She plated the warm meals and left them in the hands of the servants. Seventy-two hours went by, and then another day.
"You don't have to feel bad."
"I never said I felt bad," Darya turned to the second lord's spouse. Kaisa maintained a low profile, strapping her children to the ends of her scarf wherever she went. "You're not so difficult to read. We've not heard any noise above us. I'm sure they are okay."
"Well, for how long? I'd rather keep my pride intact than be belittled by people who know nothing about our ways."
"Suit yourself, Darya. If they are not back by nightfall, I might follo
