Clara
What was he doing here?
The stranger approached the platform. He ordered the guards to release me immediately. To my shock, one of the guards moved to obey him. He started to untie my hands.
Prince Marcus moved between the stranger and the platform. He motioned, and the guard stepped away from me.
“Who dares release a thief?” Prince Marcus demanded.
The stranger glared at him. The crowd watched the drama with eager eyes.
Prince Marcus motioned to the guards. “Continue with the execution.”
The guard with the whip raised it high. I rested my head against the pillory and braced myself for the pain. I refused to cower.
I heard the whip slice through the air. The strike never landed, though. I waited for several breaths, and finally peered over my shoulder.
The stranger had sho
