given only stale bread and murky water as a meal that would last her the entire day. Gone were the slow mornings, the sweet-smelling snacks, and

cover how she felt. She'd sobbed till she was exhausted, her eyes swollen and itchy, so she just sat hudd

tsteps approaching and slowly raised her head up just in time to watch a burly soldier open up the steel doors and swing

t, she allowed him to take her out of the dungeon and towards the castle. Sentries and maids alike stopped to watch her, their expre

e flinched but still managed to hold her head high

ad prepared. They gave her a thorough bath until her skin crumpled and turned pink, and her long matted hair was brus

e – long, honey-blonde hair, dark hazel eyes with gold flecks, and pale

t the figure who spoke, her heart skipping multiple beats. Her body began to tremble, and the doo

rridors, up a flight of stairs and another floor, stopping at the end of another hallway with grand double d

her lips to stop herself from screaming. The doors were opened

other natural sources of light had been snuffed out, replaced with candles that flickered ominously. When

ky voice, her teeth clattering and tears filling her eyes. T

in the woods, only now they looked more terrifying. One sat, sprawled against the huge oak chair, resting his chin on his hand while he glared

eir eyes were filled with so much hatred and loathing that she took several steps back until her back hit the door. Terri

rward. "What's your name again?" he asked, tilting his head to the s

Valys," she answered, hating how w

ynicism. "Offspring of that bastard," he spat, a low growl budding in his throat a

Why did you capture me? Imprison me?" Even if they were going to kill her even

asked, and she shook her head, holding ba

oment you decided to be greedy and started attacking ot

their lands and water, keeping everyone except for you in abjec

ieving the words they had just spoken. "T

. The royal children he kept as personal slaves and pla

ered, the exposed parts were filled with scars. She'd heard about her father's exploits from h

s own coin," the scarred one continued. "Your entire family has been sla

you don't mean it. You're going to punish me for the sins of my father

perfect for this," he

held dear. And now, we get to do the same to you." His voice dropped, growing sinister. "Every hell we went through, you'll go through

led, her breathing thundering in her ears. This c

ill me already. This is worse. This is so much worse." She muttered, unable to help

himself, wrapping something around her neck and clamping it tight, securing it. Her fingers went up to her neck as she checke

r to our every beck and call, and should you try to be defiant, we wouldn't hesitate to strip you bare and whip the devil out of you

ith trepidation. She choked on her own sob, but she had to answer. "Yes... Mas

w life, Elaine. We