The King’s Wrath

Elena

I was barely awake when the sharp crack of the whip hit my back again. Pain flared and I gritted my teeth. I didn’t understand why Brenda’s guard was punishing me this time. No one had said a word, no reason given. I tried to stay still, but the sting burned deeper.

Suddenly, everything stopped.

A cold, heavy silence fell over the yard.

I lifted my head, wiping tears from my cheek. There, towering above the guard, was the king himself. His dark eyes ...