Selvara’s POV

My back ached as I bent to gather the damp towels littering the courtyard. They stank of sweat as they were used by the warriors who had just finished their morning drills, but I didn’t dare complain. Everyone else had left, and I was the only one left to clean up.

The pile was heavy in my arms, as I struggled to balance so I wouldn't fall. Breakfast didn't go round that morning, so some of us would have to starve till dinner, and I was lucky to be one of them.

I knelt for ...