Chapter 10

“Yes, Kaden! Tall, muscular, dark shoulder-length hair—looks intimidating but is actually a softy once you get to know him.”

“Oh my God!” I exclaimed.

“ What’s wrong? Why do you sound so shocked?” she asked, confused.

“ Yesterday, when you told me to wait, I fell asleep at the fountain and woke up to a stranger kissing me. He was so rude, saying he had every right to kiss me. Then, a guard dragged me to a dungeon and locked me up.

I spent the whole day there without food or water. Finally, that pervert you call King showed up and locked me in this room with him.” Merilla was silent, processing what I said.

“ I’m so sorry, Meara. I wish I had found you sooner. I thought you might have returned home until I ran into the king, who said you were safe in his room. That’s when I came looking for you.”

“ Why would the king lock me in his room and not another? Surely a castle this size has more than one room.”

“ You’re right. But if you are what I think you are, he