A layer of ice coated her stomach, but Serena lowered her head in acquiescence, following the footmen to her father’s chambers. Each time the king summoned her, she knew what was coming—a punishment for some imagined misdeed. Every moment she spent in her father’s presence was a mind-numbing game of trying to guess what sort of behavior would help her to avoid his fists.
No one could protect her from His Majesty. Not the guards or her ladies, for they’d lose their positions. Not her younger sister or her mother, who was confined to a sickbed. She was defenseless against him.
Serena hated the pity in the eyes of the servants, for she didn’t like appearing weak. But after the last beating had left her unable to move, she’d had enough. Six years of suffering were too much to ask of anyone. Nothing would stop her from escaping.
One of her ladies, Katarina, offered her a look of silent support. Serena squeezed the woman’s hand, and then withdrew, needing the time to gather up her courage.
When the footman opened the door and announced her presence, Serena stepped forward. Her father, the king, stood with his back to them. He was a tall man, with graying hair and a physical form that rivalled his best guards. King Ruwald prided himself upon his strength, and he wore close-fitting clothing to show off his muscular arms and legs.
“Were you planning to go somewhere?” he asked softly, dismissing his men and her ladies with a hand. Serena curtsied and stared down at the Oriental carpet, her hand clenching her mother’s rose.
Do not make him angry. Be demure and modest in your bearing. And perhaps he’ll leave you alone.
The king moved closer, until he stood directly in front of her. “Answer me.”
“N-no, Father. Of course not.”
“Don’t lie to me!” He seized her by the arm, jerking her upright. The grip of his fingers was so tight, she gritted her teeth against the pain.
“My men informed me that you sent a trunk full of clothes to a waiting coach.” Softening his voice to a low murmur, he released her arm. “Now why would you do that?”
“They’re for Anna,” she lied, rubbing the bruised skin. “The men were supposed to put the trunk with her belongings. That’s all.” Tears spilled over her cheeks, as she stared down at the carpet.
“Do you think I don’t see your defiance? I know everything you do. And you’re going nowhere.”
His fist struck the back of her head, and stars exploded in her vision. The king knew exactly where to punish her so that it would not leave a visible mark. “My men have their orders. You won’t leave the palace.”
Why does he hate me so?she wondered.What have I done?Never had he laid a hand upon Anna, thank God. But for whatever reason, she infuriated her father. And she feared that if he lost control of his temper one day, she might not survive it.
Darkness swam in her vision, and she backed away, folding her body inward as if to protect it. As the king advanced toward her, Serena let out a broken supplication, “Please, Father.”
But her words meant nothing to him as he curled his fingers and raised his fists.
Serena lay with her body pressed against the carpet. Though her father had left, she couldn’t bring herself to move. Her hand touched the tender skin at her throat, the pulsing fear returning. She tasted blood in her mouth, and pain radiated throughout her body.
It only renewed her resolve to leave.I won’t stay here. I can’t.The door opened, and she saw the stricken faces of her ladies. Serena said nothing, but allowed Katarina to help her to her feet. The woman picked up the fallen rose with its crushed petals and held it to her.
Though not a word was spoken, she was certain they’d heard her father’s tirade. Serena accepted the rose and leaned upon Katarina as she entered the hallway.
“Your Highness?” Katarina asked, her voice fearful. Her maid stopped walking and reached for a fallen lock of Serena’s hair, pinning it back into place. In her lady-in-waiting’s eyes, Serena saw the worry. But she could say nothing to reassure them.
“I am going to see my mother,” she insisted.One last time, before I leave.Her ladies surrounded her and led the way.
As she walked, Serena rested her hand against her bruised side, fighting to calm herself. Though not every servant was loyal to her, there were enough men and women to turn a blind eye to her escape. She believed she could get out of the palace with little trouble. The true problem was reaching the hunting lodge before the other guards caught up to her. They had no choice but to follow and bring her home again.
When they finally arrived at her mother’s chambers and her presence was announced, Serena tried to smile. Queen Clara was propped up with several pillows, her light brown hair streaked with gray. She wore a cap and a white nightgown, but the pale linen only accentuated her wan face.
“How are you feeling today, Mother?” Serena asked, handing her the rose.
Clara took it and smiled, before she waved her hand, dismissing the ladies. “Come and sit beside me.”
When the queen took her hand, her expression turned grim. Slowly, she reached out and touched Serena’s reddened throat. “What happened?” Her hand traced the marks, as if the caress could take away the pain.
A hard ball of fear rose up in her throat and Serena forced back the denial. Tears pricked at her eyes, but she could only lift her shoulders in a shrug. “I’ve…tried to be better. More like the princess he wants me to be. But he seems to hate the very air I breathe.”
Clara closed her eyes, her hands gripping the coverlet. “Your lady-in-waiting, Katarina, confessed this morning that your father has…taken your punishments too far at times. And she said you’re planning to leave.”
Serena turned and gave a hard stare to Katarina. It was her secret to keep—not theirs to tell. Her lady blushed and lowered herself into an apologetic curtsy.
