Prudence's head throbbed with an intensity that made it difficult to focus. The scent of unwashed bodies and damp wood filled the air, mingling with the rhythmic creak of the carriage wheels. Her wrists ached where they had been roughly bound, the coarse rope digging into her skin. Every slight jolt of the carriage sent a fresh wave of pain through her skull, but she kept her eyes closed, feigning unconsciousness.
"We should just take turns with her," one of the men scoffed, his voice low and full of vile amusement. "Would fetch a good sum on the market, but it'd be a shame not to have a little fun first."
"Fool," another hissed. "Virgins get more price. But I am sure we can confirm at least."
A third voice chuckled darkly. "True enough. The girl is pretty, though. Rare features. Maybe one of those aristocrats will pay more to have her all to himself."