“This is just perfect,” I mutter under my breath as I wake up. The harsh reality hits instantly—I’m still stuck in this nightmare. Princess. Prisoner. Trapped in pain.

“Princess,” Prince Jorlan’s stern voice cuts through the fog. “You must never let the queen hear you speak that way. I’m warning you.”

His authoritative tone irritates me, but I honestly couldn’t care less. Caring feels pointless at this stage.

“Will she kill me ...