Chapter 4

Several servants stepped forward, trying to tie me up.

I hurriedly explained, "You can't throw me into the Black Forest because these two children are—"

Before I could finish, a rough cloth was stuffed into my mouth.

The fabric scraped against my teeth, pressing so hard against my tongue that I nearly gagged.

I retched violently twice, tears spilling down my cheeks uncontrollably.

Two servants grabbed my arms, one on each side, and began winding rope around my wrists.

The knots bit into my flesh, and my fingers quickly went numb.

Then they tied my ankles.

I was trussed up…