“Marina! Marina wake up!” someone’s voice roused me from my almost-sleep.

“Hmm?” I looked about, surprised to see a brightly burning candle flame nearby. I crawled towards it on my hands and knees.

“Marina, are you all right?” the voice asked and I realized it was the prince.

“Yes,” I lied in a curt tone. “Why are you here?”

“Marina, I’m sorry, there were too many people against you—what was I to believe?”

“YOU SHOULD HAVE BELIEVED ME!” I cried.

“Shhh! You’re right, I’m sorry!” Andrien said, “but I’m here now!”

“Who told you the truth?” I demanded. Elsebeth’s face appeared by the bars to my cell, her expression one of worry in the dim light. “You!” I gasped.

“I’m so sorry, Marina, but there was nothing I could do!”

“You could have done everything! You could have told the truth! You could have stood up for me, but I shouldn’t have expected you to—you’ve never done anything to help me before!” I replied bitterly.

“I’m sorry, Marina,” she repeated.

“Like it makes a difference now,” I spat.