Chapter Nine - Adriana - 19 yrs old

Ana came from the bathroom and stopped dead in her tracks. Her father was already there, and he, of course, brought his guards. They didn’t leave his side ever.

What disturbed her the most was he was telling the bodyguard her punishment like he had all the control over her. He didn’t spare her a glance. Though he did mutter something about her, being the only daughter he believed wouldn’t fail at this. Ana wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or a threat if she failed.

Six months away from this place. Away from her mother and sisters. The snide remarks of courtiers, maybe even away from the prying eyes of everyone.

That, she figured, was a little too much to believe. After all, she would have staff from here around her, and she now knew who the bodyguard answered to. It wasn’t her; it was her father. So much for any bond forming there beyond this strange physical need to touch him and be touched. That she could resist and without an emotional bond,