Traditional Marriage

"The terms are satisfactory?" the king asked.

The prince nodded.

"I'll have the treaty drawn."

"I insist on verification."

"Of course."

A handmaiden approached the king's daughter and placed a thread to her nose, ran it over her head to the base of her skull, then cut and wrapped it around her neck.

The room gasped when the string failed to meet at the child's throat.

"I was unaware of her shame."

"Father, I never--"

"Get her out of my sight!"

The prince turned to leave.

"Wait! I have another daughter."

The prince paused.

"She's even younger. Her virginity's guaranteed."