Trigger warning* attempt rape As the circus of the day ended, the guards in charge of Mia carried her away from the market square and into the carriage. They drove back to the palace and dragged her back to the dungeon. The guard tossed her inside and shut the bars, locking it and slipping the key into his pocket. After her time with King Ferro, he ordered his guard to return her to the circus. Just like every other day, the men, women, and children mocked and taunted her there. They stoned her with their rotten fruits, vegetables and rocks and even made bets on who could get a clearer target. Today, however, she broke down and cried bitterly. She cried because she knew her death was coming. This time tomorrow she would be no more, according to King Ferro’s words, and that meant she wou