The Crown Prince did not believe Alicia and failed to delve into her thoughts, into her pain and suffering. He failed to look at her, really look at her. He failed to see that a house lived inside her. She had secrets locked inside her house; her house was big and beautiful but… inside that house is full of secret rooms and hiding places once filled with innocent laughter and joy that turned to one of despair.

Chuckling at what he thought was mere bragging, the Crown Prince said, “You can go now. I have nothing more to say.”

Alicia bowed. “I’ll be on my way, Your Highness.” She turned...