Erinis

Erinys, who had arrived at the palace as a concubine, couldn't comprehend where she was being taken. Just recently, she had been walking through the marketplace when she was seized and brought before the Emperor. Though outwardly calm, fear gripped her inside.

She stood in line with the other newly arrived concubines, head bowed, staring at the floor. A shudder ran through her, for she knew she was in the domain of some powerful man, and this realization terrified her.

Finally, it was her turn. The harem leader took her by the chin, frowning: "How can I see your face if it's hidden? Take off your clothes, what kind of strange outfit is this? Who are you hiding from like this?"

Erinys swallowed hard, trying to explain that she had voluntarily donned this robe for the sake of her soul and her religion. The harem's leader, aware of the Emperor's edict requiring propriety and respect for the religious beliefs of others, could not ignore her. She gently took her hand and led her into the room. There, Erinys finally uncovered her face, knowing that disobeying her orders could lead to dire consequences.