Catherine's POV

"Open the door," I said softly to the soldier guarding the prison cell.

"Miss, I'm sorry, but we can't grant your request," the guard in black armor glanced at me and continued, "I apologize, but this is not a place you should be."

I wasn't surprised by his attitude. I guess many people, especially nobles like me, have made similar requests before. After all, this was the most special prison in the imperial city, the Black Tower.

The Black Tower stood at the far west of the ...