The sun didn't stream through the window to wake me up. It couldn't. The small, high window in the bedroom was barred with iron grates, letting in only a dusty, gray square of light.
I woke up stiff, my neck cricked from the thin pillow on the cot. My emerald dress, ruined by mud and sleep, felt tight and itchy against my skin.
I sat up, groaning. My stomach gave a loud, hollow growl. I hadn't eaten since the engagement party—which felt like a lifetime ago. My throat was parched, dry as sandpaper.
I looked at the heavy wooden door. It was still closed.
"Kaelen?" I called out, my voice raspy. "I need water."
Silence.
I swung my legs off the cot and walked to the door, pressing my ear against the wood. I couldn't hear the fire crackling or the sound of footsteps
