Silistra Series by Janet E. Morris

Her sensuality was at the core of her world, her quest beyond the civilized stars. Aristocrat. Outcast. Picara. Slave. Ruler. "The amazing and erotic adventures of the most beautiful courtesan in tomorrow's universe" - Frederik Pohl "Engrossing characters in a marvelous adventure." - Charles N. Brown, Locus Magazine "The best single example of prostitution used in fantasy is Janet Morris' Silistra series." - Anne K. Kaler, The Picara: From Hera to Fantasy Heroine

Long ago, the human colonists of Silistra waged a war so vicious that, centuries later, the planet has not recovered. Men and women alike suffer from infertility--the deadliest legacy of that deadly war. Because the birth rate is so low, the Silistrans value above all the ability to bear children, and their social order is based on fertility and sexual prowess. On a planet desperate for population, women hold the keys to power... moreLong ago, the human colonists of Silistra waged a war so vicious that, centuries later, the planet has not recovered. Men and women alike suffer from infertility--the deadliest legacy of that deadly war. Because the birth rate is so low, the Silistrans value above all the ability to bear children, and their social order is based on fertility and sexual prowess. On a planet desperate for population, women hold the keys to power. These are the adventures of Estri, Well-Keepress of Astria and holder of the ultimate seat of control: The High Couch of Silistra. less