The ointment concocted by the court physician was extremely healing, and after only one day I could not see a single scar on my face. But my heart still ached vaguely, and I shut myself up in my room, refusing to take a step outside. I was afraid to face all the people in the court, and I did not want to see their strange eyes. Sometimes I wonder if rumors of my fornication are already circulating, if even the servants are discussing it in private. Am I now branded a slut in everyone's eyes! The more I think of it, the more I am disturbed, and the more I...