The days that followed were a period of quiet recovery for Alexa. She was relieved when her monthly cycle arrived, a natural reprieve from the King's unwanted advances. While it meant other women in the castle might face his unwanted attention, a thought that brought a shadow of sadness to her, it granted her a temporary respite.
Physically, she healed, the bruises fading, the soreness subsiding. But emotionally, the wounds lingered. The memory of the King's violence, the vulnerability she had felt, left an invisible scar on her spirit.
She emerged from her chambers after a few days of rest, her movements still cautious but her demeanor regaining its regal composure. As she stepped into the corridor, she saw Derek waiting just outside her door. His presence was a constant reminder of the
