Chapter Eight: The Shame.

"Nicholas, how....how..."

 Her heart lurched in her chest as her mind struggled to comprehend what her eyes were showing her. Nicholas, the man she believed to be her salvation?

Her slender frame trembled, her hand instinctively clutching at the pendant around her neck - a symbol of their love, now tarnished by the lies that seemed to seep from every pore of his being. 

The prince of Eratreal, cruel and heartless , stood before her, his gaze cold and devoid of any love or compassion.

Elizabeth couldn't help but remember the joyous days they had spent together in her kingdom. She recalled their laughter, their shared dreams, and their promises to always have each other's back. But now, every memory seemed tainted by the harsh reality she now faced.

"Why are you here?" She screamed.

Tears streamed down her face, the pain in her heart constricting her breath. The knowledge that Nicholas had not only betrayed her love but also led to the death of her parents threatened to engulf her with a darkness she had never known. 

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth mustered all the strength within her, her voice quivering but resolute. "Nicholas," she spoke his name, her voice laced with a mixture of pain and anger. "I trusted you. I loved you. How could you do this to me? Say something!"

Nicholas's expression remained unyielding, his eyes holding no remorse. "Love is fleeting, my dear Elizabeth," his voice was icy and detached. "I have always been loyal to Eratreal. Your parents were a threat to our kingdom. I did what needed to be done. And besides, I only carried out my revenge. They deserved to die."

Elizabeth recoiled as if struck by his callous words. The agony intensified, mingling with a raw sense of betrayal that threatened to consume her whole. 

What did he mean? Her parents were innocent and had never wronged anyone.

"You used me?" Her trembling hand reached out for support from the nearby wall, her world spinning as she struggled to make sense of it all. "You were a spy?"

King Murdoch and his Queen erupted in laughter. Off cause he was. Many months ago, he'd sent his son, Nicholas, to spy on Eratreal.

"Take her away, she's your new slave." Murdoch commanded his son, who swiftly went towards Elizabeth to drag her.

"Let me go, you bastard," she furiously shouted, almost spitting at him. "I'll never be your slave!"

"Is that so?" Retorted Nicholas. "We'll see about that. Harry!" He shouted to the bald man, "Strip her bare!"

Elizabeth was petrified with fear as she couldn't fathom the reality of what she was listening to. She observed Harry approaching her with speedy strides. "No," she vigorously shook her head. "You can't do this."

How could Nicholas be so cruel? Was he truly her Nicholas?

Harry was already in front of her as he pulled a struggling Elizabeth up; she glanced around frantically, imploring everyone for help until she stumbled on him. 

She hadn't noticed him all that time. Despite her current state, she couldn't help but be drawn to his handsome appearance, and she believed she detected a touch of sorrow in his beautiful gaze when they locked eyes.

"Please." While staring at Jack, she begged frantically, but he averted his gaze.

Although Jack appeared to be touched by her crying, he had no intention of involving himself in this issue. He chose the only available solution of toughening his emotions and ignoring the issue, which he executed without hesitation.

Despite putting up a significant fight and venting her frustration on Harry, Elizabeth ultimately proved unable to match his strength as he ruthlessly tore apart her beautiful dress - a present given to her by her late mother for her birthday. 

With tears streaming down her face, she begged Nicholas to stop while clad only in her undergarments. But he paid no attention, signaling to Harry to proceed, as his intention was to embarrass and teach her a lesson.

With a quick and fluid motion, Harry ripped the undergarment apart, exposing her unclothed body. She hung her head in shame while tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. She has been deprived of her self-respect and honor, leaving her feeling disgraced and feeble due to her apparent weakness. 

She used one hand to conceal her chest and the other to cover her lower region, taking note of their lustful gazes fixated on her.

Gesturing at her naked form, "You're a slave now," Nicholas announced blissfully. " My slave!" He emphasized, "And slaves don't have dignity."

Elizabeth shook her head vigorously; she wouldn't accept this. "No!" She cried.

Suddenly, the King dismissed everyone, prompting Nicholas to approach her. "You're coming with me!" he furiously exclaimed, yanking her hands away from her body. "This is only the beginning. Come on!"

"No, please," she begged in tears as she struggled against his hold.

Just as Jack was in close proximity, she quickly seized his hand with urgency. " I implore you, don't leave me with him." She pleaded as she looked into his beautiful eyes.

Jack was momentarily captivated by her stare and felt inclined to shield her from Nicholas, but he repressed those instincts and pushed her further into his brother's arms before leaving without turning around.

He felt a tug at his heartstrings but willed himself to ignore her helpless crying. His conscience reminded him that his brother was equally diabolical as his father and that only pain awaited Elizabeth, but he still ignored it. "You'll regret this," his mind warned him again, but he stubbornly waved it aside, as he walked out on her