Chapter FiveThe doors of the servants’ quarters offered little comfort, but at least they kept the rest of the palace away.I sat on my narrow cot, gently touching the reddish marks around my throat. Every swallow reminded me of how close I had come to dying in Talon's study.Lily stood nearby, her eyes filled with worry. She handed me a wooden cup of water, which I drank eagerly to soothe my sore throat."You're lucky to be breathing, Karen," she whispered, glancing nervously at the door. "Have you really forgotten your place? Did you forget that he hates being replied to talk more of being challenged? Nobody survives looking him in the eye when he's that angry.""I don't know what came over me," I rasped.Despite the fear I felt, a stubborn part of me refused to give in. Talon had threatened me and nearly choked me to death, yet he had stopped. I couldn't understand why, but the memory of his hesitation stayed with me.Before I could think further, a sharp knock sounded at the door
Last Updated : 2026-11-04 Read more