off the thin

r. The thick wool rug was

t collapsed. She crashed into the mahogany vanity, her ha

to the brass-

s. No hollowed-out cheeks from starvation. Just th

ed the smooth line of her neck, pressin

Thump

rong. It

. Her eyes burned. A single, hot tear slipped dow

stomach violen

, the rotting flesh, the metallic tang of

y-heaved. Her throat spasmed pain

the palms of her hands. She p

er. It forced the PTSD-induced pani

k. K

d against the heavy oak d

ooked exactly as she had five years ago-young, vibran

t on the rug. She quickly set the heavy basin do

your death of cold," Agn

. Before she could stop herself, she threw

stic display of affection from her usually reserved mistre

g breath. She forced her mus

l her voice. She nee

voice slightly hoarse. "W

the silk bedsheets. She clearly recited the year an

ered in Eulah's brain, her

ory tore through her mi

y Lord Daryl Langley, the Kingdom's God o

the day he wou

he Royal Palace to report his victories. He survived, but

ischer and the King began their systemati

y military force in the entire kingdo

would be holding the ultimate trump

ck against the wall

o enter the palace in

s holding out to her. Noblewomen's clothing was designed to restr

ns until she found an old, unadorned riding habit from years ago-the si

ck. "Miss! What are you doing

ked open a drawer and grab

ere completely devoid of warmth. They wer

ice cracking like a whip. "Cover for me. D

ng authority radiating from the young

open the heavy glass French

inging to the stone exterior of the ma