"You also send a clear message to your father and to the household that you're your own man, making your own decisions. That's the kind of bold move that builds respect and authority."
Samuel was quiet, clearly running through all the angles.
Finally, he said slowly, "And what exactly would YOU get from this arrangement that you couldn't get from just becoming my father's concubine?"
Heena smiled. "Freedom. Respect. Partnership. The opportunity to actually build something meaningful rather than just surviving as some old man's plaything."
She looked at him seriously.
"Master, I could absolutely seduce your father and become his concubine. You're right about that. But do you know what happens to concubines when their benefactor dies? They get redistributed to other family members like property, or thrown out with minimal support, or worse."
She shook her head.
