A PRINCESS IN DISGUISE; BOUND TO THE ENEMY KING

"You will be married to the King of Grok on the fourth night, and that's final!" I fell to my knees, the cold marble digging into my skin. I had studied for years in the flickering candlelight, memorizing every herb and poison to pass the healer's exam. I wanted freedom. I wanted to save my mother from the servant's quarters. I placed second. I thought I had won my life back. But the King didn't give me a badge of honor. He gave me a death sentence. "Raven Thorne shall be wed to the King of Grok," he announced, his voice echoing in the silent hall. Princess Ellie, the woman who had tormented me for years, slapped her hands over her mouth to hide her cruel laughter. She was supposed to marry the Beast. Now, I was the lamb being sent to the slaughter in her place. They say King Liam drinks the blood of his enemies. They say he is more monster than man. And now, I have to walk into his bedroom, wearing the Princess's silk gown, and pray he doesn't tear me apart. I looked at the King, tears streaming down my face. "I'll do it," I whispered, my voice trembling. "But my mother must be safe." I sold my body and soul to a monster to save her. But when the carriage door opened and I finally looked into the Beast's golden eyes, I realized the terrifying truth... He wasn't a stranger. He was the man I met in the woods.