Prison….
The cell was quiet—eerily so. Bella sat curled in the corner, her knees drawn to her chest, trying to keep herself from falling apart. The cold seeped into her bones, but the chill in her heart ran deeper. Her once-rosy cheeks were pale now, her fingers numb from clutching the pendant her father had once given her. The scent of damp stone and rusted chains surrounded her like a fog, suffocating and cruel.
She didn't know how much time had passed since the guards had dragged her down here. She had stopped counting after the second day. All she knew was that she was alone. Forgotten. Condemned.
Back at the throne room
A familiar voice pleaded inside, breathless and weak.
"Your Highness, I beg you. I have not committed treason.That letter and the seal was forged. There is no way that I would do that. Please, hear me—"
The throne room fell silent before the King's voice thundered.
