The training grounds were alive with the sound of violence.
Wooden swords cracked against shields, warriors grunted and roared, dirt flew under shifting feet. The late afternoon sun beat down mercilessly, turning the open field into a haze of sweat and blood. Gaius had decided Maisie needed to watch “real strength” today. He dragged her there on the leather leash, collar hidden beneath her dress, and forced her to her knees in the dirt at the edge of the main sparring circle.
“Kneel,” he ordered, voice low. “And don’t move until I say.”
She obeyed, knees sinking into the dry earth. Small stones dug into her skin. The chain attached to her collar was long enough for her to sit back on her heels but not enough to stand. Dust coated her dress within minutes. She kept her eyes lowered, hand
