Man at War – Excerpt No. 103

22 December 2025

Evelyn learned that lesson well as a courtesan in France. The madame certainly wore clothing and perfume that were well above her station. Whereas I was lucky to have a hand-me-down dress to my name.

Evelyn had no wish to subjugate other women, or men to her fate. Sex was only part of the equation because a moment of weakness for the powerful could become a lifetime’s worth of leverage.

Whereas Drusilla and her ilk wanted to dominate and enslave through power and fear. Evelyn sought out the ability to gain power, for financial gain or intelligence.

a cinematic photo of a 17th century French bordello at night, with women in period clothing, the madam standing out in a luxurious gown, adorned with intricate lace and jewels, while the others wear simpler, yet still alluring, attire, the air thick with smoke from candles and pipes, the atmosphere is one of opulence and decadence, with velvet drapes and richly textured furnishings, the women's faces are illuminated by the soft glow of candelabras, their skin tones ranging from pale to olive, with distinct facial features, the madam's expression is one of confidence and control, while the others exude a sense of subtle allure, the photography style is reminiscent of a Caravaggio painting, with deep shadows and rich colors, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.