They came by the hundreds. Girls from every province — frightened, painted, perfumed, chosen.  I had seen it before. Each time the king hungered for something new, the search widened,...

They call my part of the palace the quiet wing. It is not.It is full of silk and bitterness. I am Shaashgaz, eunuch of the second house of women —...

I was born to serve behind veils.  To walk where men do not.To speak softly, observe everything, and leave no trace. To be there, yet never truly seen. I am...

They call us “keepers of the king’s threshold.”Guards. Watchmen.Whatever the title, it means the same thing:We stand while others live. I am Bigthan.I have stood outside the king’s private chambers...

I once believed in duty.I wore the uniform. I stood still. Spoke only when summoned. I believed that loyalty protected a man — even one like me, a shadow in...

HEGAI I saw her first.Before the perfume, before the crown, before anyone else noticed. She was the girl who asked for less.And somehow, became more. She never tried to conquer...