against the cold stone floor. The sudden movement echoed

t like a blacksmith's hammer. Fear and adrenaline coursed through my veins, propelling me forw

I didn't recall navigating the labyrinthine passageways, but suddenly I found myself bursting through m

ve of their own accord, as if trying to outrun the horror that haunted me. A solitary tear escape

wait! Please, Your Highness!" Her concern wa

ng for solace. But there was none. The lavish furnishings see

laced with concern. "My lady, are you alright?" Her worr

I'm not. Do these people not value lives? And...and my food was poiso

I felt myself slipping into the familiar darkness of a

around me. "It's okay, my princess. Calm down. Breathe,

My breathing gradually slowed, and my heart rate returned to normal. Mary g

er had imprisoned me in the dungeon for something I didn't do. The memories still lingered, hauntin

e attempt on my life in less than five hours was already too much.

," I whispered, determi

ok her head vigorously. "No we can't, my p

s instructed to taste my food, which can only mean one thing - they knew it was poisoned." I shook my head, in

entwined in my gesture. My gaze locked o

laim me as his next victim, just like his previous

to where, Princess?" she asked gently. "Would you rather return to you

castle sent shivers down my spine. He'd kill me without hesitation. But staying h

id my life tur

roke the tension. Mary and I whi

," Isabel's soft voic

d, and she got up and walked to the door. She opened the doo

f the tray, memories of the

stening into the room. "This food hasn't been tampered with. His Majesty

, hands folded, w

ry you experienced this on your first day. No one dese

and understanding. "My princess, I know it's overwhelming, but unfortun

n your position. His Majesty's previous brides...they

n?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "So, the rumours

rs. Though, he hadn't said anything about it. Accidents, illnesses, and...othe

fied. "And no o

im. "Fear and power, my princ

You have something they didn't." Isabel

ked, curiosity gett

arely above a whisper. "And I'll he

owing slightly. I sensed her unease, b

on the bed, and she carefully li

oft and reassuring. "I'll taste it if you'd like," she o

n't afford. The memory of the poisoned meal l

, taking the spo