I opened up to Lola, "Tell me all about you and your mother!"

Lola froze, surprised, "I thought you were going to ask about Prince Leon!"

"I just want to know why your mother whipped you?" I softened my tone toward Lola, "Does she hit you often?"

I do not know why, but I have always felt a surge of sympathy and compassion for Lola. For I did not see any maternal love in Mrs. Bowyer's eyes for Lola. My gut told me that Lola's mother had done more than flog her. She must have suffered a great deal.

"To my mother, I'm just a whore!" Lola smiled wryly, "My...