Chapter 1847 The King's Privilege:>Ep2

• Rather than slinking and skullduggery it was thought that when the King sought to meet his needs he should be able to do so forthrightly, entirely on the up and up, and so, when then young King Alec requested it, the ancient right of droit de seigneur was revived.
• Yet this right was not given lightly and not to be abused. Every woman so chosen was to be fully provided for, her family compensated generously, if not lavishly. For every woman so chosen, to comply was her patriotic duty. Access to her body was a small price to pay for the good of her country, so that the King could attend to affairs of state with a clear head and not have to worry about the complications and deceits that might surround base pursuits.
• Lizzette could be assured that she herself would be treated very well. And one day, when her time of service was concluded, she might return to her family in a position of respect. If not returned, it was not uncommon that former concubines of the King were married to men of high position in the government, or to foreign ambassadors or wealthy businessmen. To be the concubine of the King could be very much a stepping stone. One advantage of being chosen while still so young was that she might still be within her peak of desirability when the King finally grew tired of her.