From chains to crown

Valentina said, stepping inside with that same flat expression. She dropp

e just turned and left, the door slammi

art s

taking m

the last. They're taking me to the Prince. The one I'd seen with my own eyes murde

claimed me. The fear must have

heard was a voice

u haven't ev

na stood over me, her arms cro

ody betrayed me. Every limb

oice cracke

. She touched my forehead, and her

sand. My body was trembling, but not f

tered. "But the Princ

ond. What was

. I curled into myself, wishing the cold

small packet into my hands along with a cup o

question. Whatever it was, I

she said, stern but softer

ge happened. Slowly, the heat in my body began to fade. The pain dulled

that? I didn't know, but I

't even remove the ragged clothes beneath. What did it matte

unchaining my ankl

r now, wider, and crueler. Guards passed, their eyes trailing o

r wing-one far grander than

Rich velvet drapes. The air even s

rlor, and a voice sn

t counting you

fr

e wasn't in her royal attire but in silk shorts and a sleevele

ross a laptop resting on her

Anna of the Opsia Kingdom, hate you. And I

pt moving. I followed, forci

l staircase to a t

nocke

the deep voi

ath hi

e walls. A thick fur rug sprawled across the floor. The windows were high, curtai

I saw

ce D

in glistening from a recent bath. His arms were corded with

anded on m

na step

" Damien said w

d exited, closing

s al

tinctively. My en

anned me from top to bottom. I could feel th

filthy rags?" His tone was ice

outh to expla

"Did I give you pe

outh again,

d. "And bathe. I d

overing mysel

rward and yanked the outer gown off. It tore

muttered.

turned his back. "There's a w

ra

fragrant with herbs. I scrubbed quickly, my hands shaking as I tried

t was meant for me, and wrap

, he was standing at the

r when he approached, yan

you use

ds were on me. My body trembl

ng me wildly. This was my first time experiencing anything like this because I was still a virgin. Yet, despite my fear,