Chapter 52

• I was roughly dragged out of my room, my arms aching from the guards’ tight grip. Walking through the hallway, I caught sight of King Archer in the corner, addressing some soldiers. He glanced at me, but there was no reaction in his expression, nothing to give me comfort.
• By the time we reached the castle gates, they threw me roughly to the ground. The crowd gasped, and I could see pity in many eyes. I sat on the cold stone weakly, tears streaming down my cheeks. I was terrified of whatever task they would give me—their approach was far from gentle.
• “Before we begin the ritual, we plead to the Queen to endure whatever task she is given. This is a peaceful ritual—all queens have gone through it—so please, do not see it as punishment,” one of them said. I didn’t react; I was too weak to care.