Wickedness

Girl are vile creatures until they are sold at 21. Then and only then are they considered woman. But they are properly of men always. Before and after being sold to the highest bidder.
But until then they are kept out of the clutches of anyone and everyone. Locked away from the world until the counts festival. Where the wealthiest nobles bid but, not before the King.

Creak Mulling is a girl, perhaps a vile creature. But instead of being locked away with the other girl of the region she is locked in her room. Away from all prying eyes. Never to even exist. Until she does exist just not as a girl but a boy.

Working for her uncle in the palace with her cousins and bother. She make the most unlikely friend ... the King.