The Treasured Place

Donncahd's words about the garden had haunted Rache.

It was the second time he'd said it.

When he became king, he'd tear down this whole palace.

And with it...

He'd destroy the little hiding place.

The sanctuary she'd found. It was a place where she could be at peace. A place where she could forget that she was trapped.

The thought of the flowers and pond being torn to pieces...

It hurt.

The flowers were delicate.

Beautiful.

Precious.

They needed to be protected.

She sat in her room, staring out the window, thinking of the garden and its destruction.

Her chest ached.

She couldn't allow it.

But how could she prevent it? How could she save it?

How could she save anything?

She was struggling to save herself.

A knock sounded on her door.

"Highness, would you like to go to the dining room today, or-"