Chapter 2

• I was being dragged away by unknown men, and my parents said nothing to stop them. The silence hurt more than the rough hands gripping me. I felt worthless.
• Was this why they had been acting suspicious throughout my birthday? Had they expected this to happen? And who was the rich-looking young man dressed in royal robes? He stood before my parents with an air of authority, powerful and unmoving.
• I hated myself for being unable to defend my parents, and I hated the woman I had become after the coma. I was no longer the fierce girl I once was. I was a weak duckling.
• “What have I done to deserve this kind of treatment from you and your master?” I asked the tall, intimidating black man beside me. His face was expressionless, his gaze cold, and not a trace of a smile crossed his lips as he turned toward me.
• “He is not just my master,” the man replied sternly. “He is the King of Guham. And you are betrothed to him. You should learn to accept that, or prepare yourself to become nothing more than his possession.” His eyes drifted away, staring into nothing in particular.
• His words left me stunned. Betrothed? To the man inside the house? The ruthless, cruel king whose name was whispered with fear throughout the kingdom? When had this happened? How could something so monumental occur without my knowledge? Without my parents telling me?
• Was all of this because of the land? Why would they not give me time to work and repay the debt myself? What was I even thinking? Where could I find a job that paid enough to cover land owned by the crown?
• Still, I could not accept this. I could not be handed over to the king against my will. Why would my parents abandon me just after I woke from a three-year coma? Would it not have been kinder if I had died in my sleep instead of being forced into this fate?
• The stories I had heard about the king were horrifying. He had four wives already, none of whom he cared for. He took any woman he desired. Becoming his wife meant becoming nothing more than a fifth name on his list.
• The thought made my stomach churn. This was not the life I had dreamed of. I had always imagined marrying someone I loved, not becoming an enslaved woman under the title of wife.
• I sat in silence inside the massive golden chariot, my thoughts spiraling. What would he do when he joined me? What would my life be like as his wife? How would I even begin to tell him that I despised him?
• “The King is here,” a guard announced. He stepped down from the chariot and helped the king inside before mounting his horse again, leaving the two of us alone.
• “Nice to finally meet you, wife,” the king said with a smug laugh. “I am certain you will enjoy the life I provide.”
• I sneered in disgust.
• “Where are my parents?” I asked, ignoring him.
• “They will be dead in three seconds,” he replied casually as the chariot began to move, guards riding behind us.
• “What do you mean by that?” Fear clawed at my chest. I knew what he was capable of.
• Then it happened.
• Our house exploded.
• “My parents were inside!” I screamed, grabbing his collar without thinking. “You took me away and then killed them? They tried to sell me to you over a piece of land, and you murdered them anyway? Why are you so cruel? Why ruin my life like this?”
• I released him, shaking with grief.
• “Your parents did not sell you to me,” he said coldly, straightening his expensive robe that I had wrinkled. “They offered you as payment for their debt. You were promised to me before you were even born. You belong to me.”
• He glanced down at his ruined robe. “And for this damage, you will pay. I cannot wear this again.” He brushed his thick black hair back behind his ear, irritated by the strands blocking his view.
• Grief consumed me, but so did hatred. How could my parents promise me to the king without telling me? They treated me like a burden, something disposable.
• I turned to look at the man I was now meant to marry. He was a king with a terrifying reputation.
• Emotionless. Ruthless. Proud. Powerful.
• And devastatingly handsome.
• His thick black hair was darker and fuller than mine, styled in a sharp side cut that kept falling over his left eye no matter how often he tucked it back. His lips were full and striking, almost unnaturally so.
• I forced myself to stop. This was King Archer, known for his excesses.
• I hated myself for noticing his beauty. It was infuriating.
• He looked at me then, his sharp hazel eyes locking onto mine. I hated the way they made my stomach twist. I was supposed to despise him, not feel this strange pull.
• “I can tell my future wife already hates me,” he said smoothly. “Do not worry. I promise to treat you well.”
• He smiled and brushed his fingers against my cheek.
• We arrived at the castle, where rows of guards and maids stood on either side with bowed heads.
• I stared in awe. This was not just a castle. It was a masterpiece. A towering silver gate stood before us, clearly forged by the finest craftsmen. The marble walls gleamed under the sun, and the glass windows shimmered softly.
• It was breathtaking.
• “You see,” the king said. “All these people are here for you. You are royalty now, so act like a queen. And do not behave like a warrior. I will not tolerate that.”
• I rolled my eyes as the guards opened the chariot and helped me down.
• The scent of roses and daffodils filled the air, rich and intoxicating.
• The king held my hand tightly as we walked across the carpet. Four women approached us, smiling stiffly as they welcomed me. I knew immediately who they were. His wives. Their expressions betrayed their resentment.
• At the castle entrance, a maid stepped forward and bowed.
• She was stunning. Long blonde hair flowed down her back, green eyes bright, skin flawless. Too flawless.
• I felt intimidated. How could someone so beautiful be a maid? Had King Archer not noticed her?
• “Welcome, my Queen,” she said softly. “My name is Sage. I have been assigned as your personal maid.”
• I nearly choked.
• “My personal maid?” I repeated.
• “You are beautiful,” I blurted out before I could stop myself.
• “Thank you, my Queen,” she replied politely. “If you would allow me, I will take you to your chambers.”
• She never once lifted her gaze.
• “Lead the way,” I said quietly.
• @pop precious