My heart had been pounding so hard on my chest when the heathens pushed me into the back of a car and made me lie on my back. It was where they gagged me and tied up my hands and feet. They drove the car for a while, driving through a couple of tunnels and a train crossing and a lot of humps and when they finally stopped, I couldn’t hear the hustle and bustle of the city. All the sounds I could make out were the occasional chirping of crickets, rustling of leaves, and the squelching of our feet against the soft, wet grass when they got me out of the car.The people who took me dragged me carefully inside a building and made me sit on a cushioned couch. The place smelled like rotten wood, stagnant water and dust. By the time my kidnappers pulled the bag off my head, I was already calm and collected. My security team always told me that in an event that I was taken, I needed to preserve my voice and strength. I must not encourage the kidnappers to hurt me, which I didn’t. Aside from the

“Your Royal Highness,” Clifford's voice called from outside my door. I scowled and turned towards it. What was it this time? “His Majesty is here to see you.”“The king?”“Yes, miss.”My eyes almost popped open in shock. Henry never visited me in my room, especially at night, because he was wary of the rumors it might create. What does he want?“Shall I tell His Majesty that you’re indisposed?”“No, let him…” I glanced at the table and noticed the vial of period blood was still there.In my panic, I grabbed it so that I could hide it on the couch again. However, it slipped from my hand and rolled under the table.“Argh!” I tried to reach it, but it was so far away from my hand.“Your Royal Highness?”“Just a minute!” I tried to use my foot, but the vial rolled under the other couch and near the fireplace. Spilling small amounts of thick liquid in its wake. I forgot to put its lid on.The door swung open, and I dived to snatch the vial and, before I could decide against it, threw it in

Thank the Rozen Maiden, Jasper was already hard. I don't know what I'd do if he wasn't.He smelled like mint soap and tasted nothing in particular. Like clean skin.“What are you doing?” the Lycan exclaimed, horrified. He shoved me, causing me to fall off the bed. I assumed he didn't intend to do that, as he quickly rushed to my side, visibly concerned. “I'm sorry!”I didn't move from my spot. I hurt my back when I hit the floor, but my pride and dignity hurt even worse.He was right. What was I doing, coming to his room and pouncing on him like that? I have no shame left in me. I couldn’t believe I’d stooped so low.“Hey, are you okay?” the duke asked, and I turned away from him, ignoring him completely. “Don't just lie in there. The floor's cold.”“Leave me alone.”“Selina...”I breathed deeply before opening my mouth and screaming at the top of my lungs.“Alright! Fine! Fine!” Jasper yelled through my screams, stepping back and covering his ears. “Fine, I'll leave you alone, jeez.”

I let out a blood-curdling scream.“It’s alright, my princess,” Clifford tried to reassure me with a soothing voice as he approached me, but his actions had the opposite effect on me. “Do not be afraid, it’s–”Before he could finish speaking, a shadow leaped in front of me and tackled the butler to the ground with a growl. It was Jasper. They fought over the knife before the duke knocked Clifford out with a punch to the face, dislocating his jaw.“Freddy!” Bridgette screamed. Everyone rushed towards the prince, and they pushed me out of the way. I landed on my behind, the grass cushioning the fall, still too stunned to care.“Are you okay?” I heard Jasper ask. He knelt in front of me. I gazed at him and the hand he offered, still wide-eyed. “Selina, are you hurt?”I shook my head no. I was trembling like a leaf in the wind. I didn't even realize I was crying until the duke put an arm around me, pulling me close to his chest. “It’s alright. It’s over now.”It was strange. Even though h