“No.” I yank my hand away. “I’m not the woman you’re looking for, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m not going with you. I’m staying here.”

“Can you not see the filthy life that you’re currently leading?” He narrows his eyes at me, still whispering, “You live in a poor, disgusting village where gossip is the main attraction.”

“Anything here is far more attractive than you.”

His gaze darkens, but he keeps his voice low. “Coming with me will benefit you and your family. You’re days away from marrying a man who is next in line for the throne.”

“Sounds like you’re willing to settle for any girl at your side.”

“No, it sounds like you should stop talking and focus on getting a better life.” He runs his hand against my bare neck, making me shudder at his touch. “I’m looking forward to taming every inch of you, so you can learn to behave and keep your troubling little lips shut.”

“I’ll never sleep with you.”

“Oh, you definitely will.” He runs a hand through my hair, and my flesh crawls. “The moment we return tonight, I’ll show you exactly how to please me with your mouth, and I’ll give you a taste of what it feels like to be owned by a man like me … You’ll like it so much that you’ll beg for it again.”

I glare at him as he stares into my eyes, sensing a world full of pain and misery in my future.

“I’m so thrilled that you’ve reunited with my daughter, and I can assure you that she’s talked about finding you for weeks.” My father juggles a full satchel of coins. “I trust that you’ll continue to send payment since this isn’t her full dowry?”

“Depends.” He’s still looking into my eyes. “Are you coming back to the Second Kingdom with me, Belle? To a much cleaner and fulfilling life?”

“Fuck you.”

A thick silence suddenly suffocates the room.

Izzie’s jaw drops to the floor.

“Madam, that’s no way to talk to your future husband, let alone sitting royalty.” One of his men speaks. “Apologize to His Grace now.”

“I apologize for not being the slightest bit interested in a life with you, Your Grace,” I say. “I’m sure you can find another woman who will be happy to get ‘tamed’ by your disgusting touch whenever you like.”

The prince presses his lips into a thin line, then he snatches the coins from my father.

“Thank you for your honesty, Belle,” he says. “May you enjoy the rest of your life. Alone, I’m sure.”

He walks toward the door, and his servants follow suit.

Before I can walk over to the window and watch him leave, I’m suddenly yanked back by my hair and my head hits the wall.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” my father hisses, slapping me across the face. “Do you?”

“Wait,” I beg. “Let me explain.”

“Explain what?” He slaps me again. “Why you just ruined all of our lives within seconds?”