Chapter Four
Life torn asunder, twisted by this cruel fate, it would seem the castle larders, scullery and storehouses would be some relief from this tangle of terror. In her new occupation, Charlotte served as a common kitchen slave—wearing the simple garments of a serf. Only the collar about her neck remained to indicate that she was not a free woman with the right to come and go as she pleased—that is, the collar and the chastity belt, which was now well-hidden from view by her simple clothes. Her companions in this venture were like any she might face in life: some were compassionate to her situation; others mocked her, knowing of her noble birth and fall from grace; still others were the surly sort who cared not a wit about who she was and freely ordered her about. Charlotte was one
