Bella stood by the door, her heart pounding in her chest as she took a deep breath, her hand hesitating on the doorknob. She knew this was her only chance. She had to take advantage of the chaos outside, with the king’s arrival, and sneak out. Her only goal was to somehow make contact with the king’s delegation, to seek the protection that her father was so desperate to keep her away from. She had rehearsed this moment in her head, every step carefully calculated. But when she slowly opened the door, her hopes were dashed instantly.
Two of her father’s top warriors stood just outside her room, their imposing figures blocking her path.
Bella forced a smile, trying to appear as casual as possible. "I need to stretch my legs," she said, stepping forward as if expecting no resistance.
But
