lia'

g me feeling stunned and confused. In

" I said, trying to

ngers together. "Your father, Emilia, has someth

at could my father have po

sked, trying to k

. You're going to have to wait and see. Let's just say that

ather was in trouble, and I was the pa

me?" I asked, trying

I want you to stay here, with me, until your father

. I was being held captive, with

pay?" I asked, trying

I'm sure he'll find a way. After all, h

e

ituation. I was a hostage, a bargaining c

stay here?" I asked, tryi

But I assure you, Emilia, you'll be treated we

skeptical. "And wha

I saw a glimmer of something else in hi

t afford right now. But don't worry, I'll t

felt trapped, captive, and

ly. I had to find a way out of this situati

es, I felt a shiver run down my

lia'

take in everything at once. The walls were adorned with lavish artwork,

ed in a fairy tale. Marco produced a small key and unloc

draped in silk and velvet. The walls were painted a soft, c

er, and I did, feeling like

his eyes roving over the space. "You'll find everything you need h

to reveal a stunning view of the gardens below. The sun

said, my voice bar

a moment, I thought I saw something th

is voice low and smooth.

in the opulent decor. It was a p

turning back to Marco. "Can I con

ned cold, his eyes gli

oice firm. "At least, not yet. But don't worry,

's gaze. I wasn't sure if I believed him, but I

ed over me once more. I felt a flush rise to my ch

ne in my gilded cage. I wandered over to the be

ut it was still a prison. An

t him, or if I'