Chapter 6

Aiken said that my father knew about all of this, but he never tried to run away or expose Aiken, because he was my husband. My father just wanted me to live safely and peacefully.

Even so, I still couldn't live the way my father hoped for me.

My heart felt like it was being torn apart, and even as I knelt on the ground, I couldn't stop trembling.

I said, "And the signal flare? That's absurd. Signal flares are meant to protect you, Your Highness. You are incredibly important.

"I would give my life to keep you safe. If…