They locked me up in the same cell Prince Leon had once occupied. Chains around my wrists and ankles, I could stand or stretch my hands above my head--but not both. Thankfully, they left me ungagged.
Light came to the subterranean dungeons from flickering torches and old wax candles. The air hung cold and heavy. I couldn't tell how much time had passed.
Eventually, the dungeon door creaked open, and the sound of armored footsteps heralded the arrival of a guard. I didn't look up. Whatever they wanted of me, they would have to take it by force. I did not imagine my stubbornness would delay them long, but clinging to little freedoms felt important.
A section of the cell bars swung open, and a tray of food scraped along the ground towards me. A bowl of warm rice, seasoned and steaming, sev
