Her head snapped violently to the side, a sharp sting blooming across her cheek before the sensation dissolved into numbness. A dull throb pounded in her skull, her ear ringing as though struck by a bell. It took several disoriented seconds for her to process what had just happened.

Her fingers curled into a tight fist as she slowly turned back toward Giuditta. The princess’s face was twisted with venom, all trace of sweetness erased.

“I suggest you keep your hands off me, Princess ...