43 A Time of Pain

When Lara woke up later, she found herself on the floor. However, this time, she immediately knew where she was. Remembering the rats scurrying around, she jumped up immediately. Cold and shivering, she was in a very dark mood by now. She went to peer out the iron bars that barricaded her in. There was no way to know what time it was as the entire place was always dark anyway. She went back to lean against the wall and considered things. She was in no illusion as to her chances of successfully navigating this situation. They were very bleak. But there could be no going back. At this point, even if she conceded to being the king's bride, she knew she was only signing up to a life of pure hell. She had insulted Lucas Corrad in front of everyone. And now, if Eltak and Erom were doing their job well, the story would be spreading throughout the kingdom right now. It was a capital offense really. So even if she conceded, she knew the king would spend the rest of her life reminding her o