24 YEARS AGO
SANDRA'S POV
My heart was filled with boundless joy as I gazed upon my one-month-old sleeping child, whom we named Larkin. We settled in a secluded place far from civilization, deep in the forest. Here, I found true peace away from the judgmental eyes of society. Most importantly, I was no longer under the control of my parents—free from their suffocating expectations.
My father was the king of the entire Cardiz. As a princess, I was commanded to act with perfect poise and etiquette at all times—from the way I sat, ate, and even opened my mouth. I was expected to receive top grades in my studies to avoid bringing shame to our family. I was not allowed to sleep until I had achieved a perfect score on the tests given to me by my tutor. I had to endure even when I was hungry b
