Natalia’s POV
My legs shook as I lowered myself into the scalding hot water. It burned my skin, especially that between my legs, but as my body adjusted, it helped to ease the pain.
I began by scrubbing off the blood that had crusted between my legs. It took some effort to get it all off, but eventually, I managed to scrub myself completely and felt marginally better. Then, I dunked my head below the water and began massaging my scalp with my fingertips.
The water blotted out the silence of the empty palace. For a moment, I could think.
One thing was for certain: I had to get out of here. Tonight. Before the King returned to claim what he thought was his.
But my baby was sleeping in a makeshift bassinet I’d fashioned from a drawer and some dusty linens. She was so small. So fragile. H
