The King's words struck her silent. In that moment, the bitter truth of her existence washed over her again she was nothing more than a pet. A possession. Purchased like a toy, gifted to his sons for their entertainment.

It made sense now. He hadn't chosen a submissive pet, no. He’d deliberately selected someone like her defiant, unyielding, unwilling to bend to monsters. The plan was clear: provoke his sons until one lost control and killed her. The survivor would then claim the ...