Yes, things were definitely different. It was the “banged them” term that really got my back up. Probably none of them were particularly after enjoyment, just pure-blood royal offspring. The men could have all the concubines they wanted, the women got ... sand.
Although considering the number of dancing girls they had around I would say it was likely most of the wives had "special friends" Probably even a few sterilized males as well.
As long as you popped out royal children to perpetuate the cycle they were not concerned about where you got your jollies.