The sound of distant footsteps startled her, and suddenly, she found herself pinned to the ground. With a heart-wrenching cry, the young girl grappled with pain and fear. As he forced her to stand, her legs gave way beneath the brutal slap, causing blood to trickle from her lips. She staggered, dazed, unable to maintain her footing. He clenched her hair tightly, his voice laced with anger, "You're so deceitful, darling. This will teach you not to lie to me." The strain on her head elicited another pained cry from the child. The king, accompanied by five soldiers, his trusted beta, and carried the distressed girl back to their tent, one soldier softly remarking, "Oh, what a tragedy, she seems lifeless now."
