nne'

into weeks, though it was impossi

s brought me meals. Bread and wat

d little comfort, and the echoe

dered if they were safe, if they were eating we

een there for them, as their protector. Now I was powerless, confined to thi

guards, hoping my cries would reach someone who

s, my existence forgotten

-that the change came. I had been sitting in the corner of

and a guard stepped in, his f

ummoned you," h

For what purpose? My mind raced with p

me. I forced myself to stand tall. If this

light of the upper halls blinded me after so staying so

nd chamber, the sight before m

faces pale but resolute. My eldest, barel

clared, his small fists clenched

, his gaze flicking between my children

e king said, his voice heavy with aut

oungest, Lyla, cried, her vo

arable. My heart ached to run to my children, to hold them and shiel

"Very well," he said. "She may return-but only as your nanny. She will ser

but not as their mother. I would be a servant, constantly monitored. S

pped around me tightly . I held them close, whispering soothing words ev

once-familiar space now felt foreign, tainted

ely furnished and far from the comforts I had once known. Bu

ed-tasks I had done willingly before but now felt like obligations imposed by the king's decree. My children tried to

g had instructed me to prepare the children for their appear

hem on proper etiquette. But as I watched them walk into the grand hall, t

I hated the way he used them, the way he manipulated their innocence for his own gain. My frust

nwavering. "She is a child, not your e

anner by someone of my status ."And you are nothing but a servant," he re

My children were watching, their wide eyes filled with

calm. It would only result

t my loyalty. He summoned me late one night, his ex

ommander of the royal

about his tone made me uneasy. But I knew better than to question

etter and waited as he read its contents. His fa

ad this?" h

ed and alarmed. "No, Yo

ent longer before noddi

e letter containedb, it was clear that the king was test

through the halls as we played games in the garden, their smiles a balm for m

lways. Every decision I made, every word I

r of making a mistake, knowing

ildren into bed, my eldest loo

y, Mama?" Lia

orced a smile, brushing his hair back

he words, I knew they

nvited foreign dignitaries to tour the palace, showcasing his we

youngest looking pale and unsteady. She c

she whispered, her

don't have to do t

the k

," I interrupted, my vo

and would not be attending. The news reache

s," he said, his voi

ed, meeting his gaze with a cou

pable. For a moment, I thought he wou

er your place, Roxanne. Your loya

no longer endure this life of servitude and fear. My children deserved better

king thought he could control me, he was gravely mistaken. I would