“What are you doing?!” Doris tried to yank herself out of his hold, but he only held harder. “Let me go! Please—”

There was no point in resisting them, their faces held no sympathy for her or what was about to happen to her. They dragged her out of her room and through the dark hallways like she was an animal. Her heart tried to burst from her chest when the fear settled deep in her bones. She wasn’t sure if she would be able to survive the night, but she had to try.

Prince Jack stood there waiting for her, calm and collected. His face gave no hint to...