INSIDE that suffocating room where sunlight barely kissed the dusty curtains, Orlanda lay sprawled on the bed, eyes half-closed as sweat glued her thin blouse to her skin. The heat felt like a punishment, or maybe it was just fitting for the prison Queen had dumped her in.

She was staring blankly at the cracked ceiling when she heard the rusty doorknob rattle. Her pulse quickened. She shut her eyes instantly and forced her breathing to slow. The door swung open on its squeaky hinges, and heavy steps crossed the floorboards. Orlanda felt the faint vibration in her bones. Rob.

She could hear the low hum of his voice. He...