Lying on the cold, grimy floor, shivering, was Kayden. He was alone in a dark hole, surrounded by filth and a stench so vile it clawed at his nose.
He was depressed. Sad. Tomorrow, he'd be gone from this world—just like Lilian had predicted. Maybe that should bring him peace. No more trying to seduce that punk of a prince. At least he'd given him a piece of his mind. That asshole didn't deserve to be emperor. Then again, did anyone in that cursed palace have a decent character?
He didn't miss the malicious stares thrown his way the moment he was declared the prince's bride. Honestly, everything he said back then was pure survival instinct. But now... it didn't matter. His fate was sealed.
Just as he was sinking deeper into thoughts of his approaching doom, Mira's face flashed in his mind—Cinderella's evil stepmother. If he died, it meant she would never get the justice she deserved. And Lilian... Lilian, who died a brutal death because of him. Her death would mean nothing.
