“Put me down!” she screamed, her voice sharp enough to pierce the thick air between them. But he moved as though he hadn’t heard a single word. Her punches tiny, frantic bursts of resistance were no more than an irritation to him, as harmless as a kitten batting at a tree.

He descended the stairs at a steady, unhurried pace, while she gnashed her teeth in frustration. All around them, the maids and staff froze where they stood, eyes wide with shock as their king carried their queen ...