The Bridge Not Taken: Choosing Myself Over You

That evening, King Samuel returned to the Phoenix Wing.

My sister sternly cautioned me to keep my act together, threatening to starve my brother if I faltered.

Suppressing the pain in my leg, I strived to appear unaffected and composed.

As we lay together, Samuel inquired, "Feeling warm tonight? You seem to be sweating more than usual."

Startled, I quickly rubbed my palms on my underdress. "Perhaps the recent flurry of duties has me a bit overheated," I offered cautiously.

Oblivious, his hand wandered until pausing abruptly upon feeling my injured leg.

I bit down hard on my lip to silence any cry of pain.

He released me suddenly, shifting to lie beside me, and whispered soothingly, "Let's just sleep now."

My heart raced until his breathing evened out, signaling he was asleep, and only then did I dare relax.

He clung to me tightly throughout the night. Carefully, I maneuvered out of his grip, bit by bit, trying not to awaken him.

By the time I switched places with my sister, dawn was casting its first light.

Her gaze was sharp as a dagger, filled with silent fury, as if she wished me dead.

Today was bound to be grueling.

She inflicted upon me the wood torture for the first time after my night with the King.

Wood slats were strapped across my chest and stomach, and as the ropes were pulled tighter, the pressure was unbearable. Blood would trickle from my nose and mouth.

Fear overwhelmed me.

Too much tightening, and I feared my organs might burst, leading to death.

I don't want to die; I have a younger brother to protect.

"Please, I only did it to avoid the King's suspicion—I wouldn't dare harbor other intentions," I pleaded desperately.

"I promise I'll behave from now on, just please let me go," I sobbed, my voice muffled by impending despair.

My sister signaled Nanny Adams to gag me before I could finish speaking, and as they approached, a warm surge flowed from me—I had started to bleed...