Chapter Seven: Betrayal.

Elizabeth was overwhelmed by fear and despair, but she tried to appear strong; she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of breaking her.

Looking at Elizabeth now, "There she is," he said with a cocky grin. "They're waiting for you princess. Come out!"

Elizabeth could sense the thumping of her heart, but she gathered her composure while preparing to exit the cage. She stole a quick look at Alice, who was visibly taken aback upon discovering that Elizabeth was royalty. Elizabeth flashed a brief smile at her before making her way out of the cage.

The bald-headed man tightly grasped her hand and forcibly urged her to move ahead. Elizabeth felt weak and found it challenging to match the man's pace. She felt aching discomfort in her bones as she contemplated how long she'd been out. She also felt hungry and thirsty, plus she hadn't gone to the bathroom for hours; she was truly aching all over.

While they strolled, she became aware of the palace inhabitants stealing glimpses at her. She perceived their satisfaction with her unpleasant situation, as they appeared to be delighted at the bald man's forceful treatment of her. It was evident from their grins. Feeling worn out, she pondered about the destination he had in mind for her. She came to the realization that their palace was incredibly vast, likely two times the size of her deceased father's palace.

After reaching the palace hall, a disturbance caught their attention right in front of the entrance. 

A young lady was mercilessly thrashing a slave girl as the unfortunate girl cowered on the floor. The sounds of her agonizing shrieks echoed throughout the vicinity while she begged for mercy.

"Please," she begged frantically. "I'm sorry, my lady."

Elizabeth was terrified. Was this how they treated their slaves? She asked inwardly. If so, she was pretty doomed. She noticed that the young lady was pretty, with blonde hair, and she also stood tall with a good physique.

The young lady stopped admonishing punishment immediately she sighted Elizabeth coming towards the entrance. "Run along," she ordered the slave girl curtly.

Standing in front of Elizabeth, she smiled mischievously. "So, she's the so-called princess," she said, gazing scornfully at her. "I had thought she was something spectacular," she mocked.

"Yes, Princess," the bald man replied in a jolly voice. "She's been summoned by the King."

Elizabeth was startled to hear that the young lady was a princess. What a saucy person, she thought, as she glared at the princess.

"Oh my! " Exclaimed the princess in laughter. "Let's see how long you can keep up with that prideful expression on your face." She looked scornfully at Elizabeth before gesturing at the bald man to take her inside.

They stepped into a grand and awe-inspiring hall, made of stone and wood, with an elaborately designed outer structure featuring a high and peaked rooftop, and the floor was constituted of acacia wood. The large windows had been pushed open, and a small wind was stirring the scarlet curtains.

King Murdoch Jamison, the ruler of Eratreal, was seated on his throne in a grand display of his majestic power. He was a man in his middle years, overweight with a protruding belly. He had a moderate complexion that was neither extremely pale nor dark. His countenance was circular with sizable azure orbs. 

Sitting besides him was the queen, Clara; she had long, dark locks and a circular visage. She possessed striking pale features and an attractive figure, and it seemed she was relatively youthful, likely in her early forties, which made her considerably younger than Murdoch. 

The court ministers—about four of them, including General Richard—were also standing in front of the King.

Jack, the youngest son, was also in attendance at the gathering. He stood at an impressive height, measuring beyond 6 feet and 1 inch. His face was symmetrical with lengthy, undulating locks of hair. He had a flawlessly sharp jawline, and his radiant green eyes sparkled. His physique was well-defined, and his biceps were exceptionally large, bulging through his blue garment.

Immediately, Jack caught sight of Elizabeth; he felt his breath catch. Despite her disheveled appearance, she still exuded an uncontainable charm and beauty that he found impossible to resist. 

He noticed her, long and shiny golden hair, and lengthy eyelashes, which sparkled with unshed tears. Nevertheless, her blue orbs seemed exceptionally pure and captivating to him. She had an attractive physique that showcased her firm breasts and slender waist, which in turn enhanced the curves of her shapely buttocks.

He shuddered but regained consciousness; he wasn't going to let himself get swayed, as he'd promised himself. He assumed a cold exterior as he gazed at her.

Now, Elizabeth wasn't interested in anybody in the hall except King Murdoch; she wanted nothing better than to strangle him to death with her bare hands. In a twinkle of an eye, he'd ruined her life, and for that, she'd never forgive him.

The bald man pushed her roughly to the floor and announced, "Here she is, Your Majesty."

"So you're the princess," stated Murdoch in a gruff voice. "We've been waiting for...

"I hate you," interrupted Elizabeth in a furious tone. "I swear I'll make you pay," she yelled spitefully, gritting her teeth.

Her actions startled everyone, including Jack, who glanced at her in amusement. "Oh, she's a feisty one," he whispered to himself.

Murdoch, on the other hand, erupted in laughter. "I'd have had your tongue caught off," he threatened, " But I have a better plan. Where is he?" He glanced at the bald man as Elizabeth shot him a puzzled look.

"The maid has gone to summon him, Your Majesty." He replied. "Oh, here he comes," said the bald man, pointing at the entrance.

 A blond young man measuring approximately 6ft4, swiftly made his way inside the hall. "Greetings, father," he respectfully greeted, bowing slightly.

"Come on now, here's your new slave," grinning at his son, the King urged. "You can have her."

He stood confidently in front of Elizabeth, spotting a mischievous grin. "Thank you, father," he stated joyously. "I surely do appreciate it."

Elizabeth was left dumbfounded. Standing before her was Nicholas, her beloved, the man she had loved with all her heart. Elizabeth stood, her eyes filled with tears as she beheld a sight that shattered her soul.