Dahlia lay motionless on the wooden bench, her arms bound tightly by the cuffs, her body stretched painfully across the hard surface. She had no regret for the words she had spoken to Daedric, even though they had landed her in this situation. She had seen his true nature, and now the world would know it too.
Floyd, the man responsible for ensuring order and discipline, stood nearby, his face pale with fear. "What if the Duke finds out? We should seek the King's counsel before this," he muttered, his voice trembling. He wasn't used to such severe punishments, especially not for someone of royal blood.
"The Crown Prince gave the order," a guard whispered to him, standing close. "Princess Dahlia was found sneaking into the library. It's not our place to question."
Floyd swallowed hard. "Start the count," he ordered, trying to suppress the dread that gnawed at him. He didn't want this responsibility, but Daedric's command was absolute. There could be no defiance.
