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was happening, she thought she might barf on the king’s fancy leather boots.
    King Victor cocked his head. “Surely you thought twice before crossing the Tastian border.”
    She glared at him, saying nothing.
    He continued, “We’ve been at war for ages, Highness. Why would you risk your life to come here?”
    “I followed Bigfoot…er, one of the Guardians into the cave. How could I’ve known it’d take me here?” She jumped at the sound of squeaking as two humongous rats fought over a crust of moldy bread.
    King Victor shook his head as though he didn’t have a clue what she meant. “Just admit the truth. You came to warn your brother about the trap I set. Was it worth it? Charles is back home in the comfort of his warm castle, and here you are in a cold, musty dungeon facing a rather questionable fate.” He stepped back and extended his hands in an all-encompassing gesture. “I take it everything is up to your standards.” He touched her hand that was wrapped around the bar in a death-grip.
    “Oh yeah, sure. All the comforts of a five-star hotel.” She pulled her hand back as she fought against the instant attraction she felt. He might have been the hottest thing she’d ever lain eyes on, but he was the enemy—and he was a sarcastic jerk too. “You think it’s funny to kidnap me and then throw me in a dungeon?”
    He curled his lips into a smile. “Why, milady, you should be thanking me. I could’ve put you in with the general population, but I feared you may not fare so well among those miscreants. The screams are just horrendous.”
    “Well, in that case, I appreciate the VIP accommodations.” She rolled her eyes. “The rats and cockroaches are a nice touch,” she seethed. Regardless of what he thought, that stone coffin was not her idea of a comfy stay.
    “I’ve received word from your father.” King Victor locked his hands behind his back and rocked back on his heels. He cocked a brow, waiting for her reaction as though that news should mean something to her.
    “Really? Well, how is dear old Dad? I’m trying to picture his face in my head. Funny, I can’t. Maybe that’s because I’ve never even met the dude!”
    “I would think you might be curious to know what he said, as your fate relies on his cooperation.”
    “ Let me think about that. Hmm. Not really.” A shiver slid down Sarah’s spine. She looked away quickly lest he notice her sudden realization. Whoever this Princess Gloria was, she hoped her father loved her deeply. Sarah’s life depended on it.
    He turned to the guard who had just approached. “Guard, open this door!”
    The guard snapped to attention. “Yes, milord.”
    “That’s not necessary, Vic,” Sarah said, taking a few steps back as the metallic clank of the lock echoed. “I can hear through the bars just fine.” She blinked, hoping the message had reached him loud and clear. The truth was, he’d clamped his arm around her waist a little too close for comfort on the ride to that horrible place, and he’d threatened her life more than once.
    The heavy door opened, and King Victor reached her in two strides. His gaze connected with hers as his blue eyes narrowed dangerously. “Your father refused to meet my demands. I’m afraid there’s only one thing left to do to show him how dire this situation truly is.”
    Whatever it was, it didn’t sound good. Sarah sucked in a quick breath, her heart hammering. Why didn’t I just stay hidden in the trees? She thought perhaps she could do some fast talking and flip the coin in her favor. They always say the truth will set you free, she reasoned. “Look, like I told you, I’m not Gloria. My name’s Sarah.” She could tell by the look in his eyes that he didn’t believe a single word passing from her lips.
    He leaned in closer, his warm breath caressing her cheek as he said, “Princess, I’m sorry, but I’m left with no other choice.”
    Her heart sank. It wasn’t rocket science. He planned on killing