Chapter 36

Nalani POV

After holding on for days I was about to give up. I was exhausted and hungry. They didn't even bother to feed me. They wanted me to die from hunger and thirst. That was their goal and it seemed they were very close to achieving it. I was too tired to even move my body to be in a better position. I have cried so much that my eyes felt dry and itchy. Crying didn't solve anything but it felt good to let out all my frustrations.

The soldiers laughed at me , sneered, cursed and teased me every chance they got. I was after all, on my own so they didn't see the need to treat me well. I understood they were doing their jobs but they were so inhumane. My back was filled with dried blood. My thighs were squeezed so tightly that I couldn't walk.  My palms were burnt beyond recognition. I looked like a mess.

The only thing left intact in my body was my mind. It felt like this time I won't survive. How could I when all my allies have deserted me. Even Sir Carl who brought me here said he didn't want to be associated with me. Is this what he did to my father? His closest friend. He abandoned him at his hour of need. I was reminded once again to depend on no one but myself.

After torturing me as usual they dropped me off in my cell. Like I said before I couldn't walk . I was laying down awaiting my fate. As I was wondering what will happen to me besides the obvious I heard his voice. At least they didn't render me deaf.

" Has the prisoner confessed?" He asked

I couldn't explain how I felt when I heard that. Did he consider me a prisoner? Did he think I could do such a thing?

" Have you tried everything at your disposal?" He asked again

His words were like spears piecing through my heart. He indeed hated me. I tried so hard to be in his good side . We were getting along so well , so why would he ever think I could possibly try to harm him. I felt betrayed. Everyone can accuse me of this despicable crime but not him. I thought he knew me better. I thought he understood me. I went as far as thinking he loved me or possibly liked me.

So why was he speaking like this? Tears were building up in my eyes. I thought I had no tears left but it seems I was capable of crying again.

" Who is this person?" He asked with so much hate in his voice.

He hated me. I didn't need any further confirmation to know that he despised me for trying to kill him.

" Which cell is it?" His harsh voice could be heard all through the dungeons.

I could hear his heavy but quick steps as he walked towards my cell. Suddenly my cell felt warmer opposed to how cold it felt earlier. I knew it , my time was near. I should say my goodbyes.

" Light a touch, I want to see their face" he growled.

I wish I could say goodbye to Kellen. I wanted her to live a good life and not feel guilty for surviving this place. I wished she could get out of the castle and return to her normal life. She didn't have much to go back to but at least she would be safe. No one will accuse her of any made up crimes.

" Turn her, I want to see her face"

For some odd reason I didn't want his highness to see me like this. I wanted him to remember the strong Nalani he always teased. I didn't want him to see a pathetic woman on the blink of death. The guard kicked me on the side forcing me to turn , however my head was slightly bent. He couldn't recognize my face.

I heard another voice trying to stop the King. How was I not surprised when I recognized Sir Stanley's voice. That animal left me to the wolves and he dared to come here. I hated him. I hated everything about him. How could a kind man do this to me. Scratch that I thought he was kind but apparently he was the devil incarnate.

If I had a chance before I die, I would kick him a few times. That way I could die in peace.

" Do it now" the king ordered.

I didn't look at him. I didn't want to . And Sir Stanley also didn't want him to see me. I was puzzled by it. Why didn't he want the King to see me? Did the King not know I was here? Was the King aware I was lying in a cell slowly dying. I wanted to hold on to any hope , no matter how far fetched it felt. Maybe just maybe he didn't know I was here. Otherwise he wouldn't have reacted this way.

" Look at me" he growled at me.

I weighed my options. Sit still and let the guards kick me again and again or simply look at him. I prayed and wished that the King would save me. He was the only one left. So slowly as my body was filled with wounds I turned to look at him.

He was so handsome. For the second time since I came to the castle I allowed myself to look at him directly. Whats was the worst thing that could happen? Kill me??? I was already on the verge of death.

His eyes wide in shock. He was taken aback. Was he not aware I was here?

" You came" I whispered with the last strength in my body.

I passed out immediately. Without food and water , I had done really well. I had tried to stay alive as much as I could. My only hope was my parents will be waiting for me on the other side.