You were taking a ride outside the palace grounds when Lucien Grimaud and his gang had taken you, to bait the Musketeers into a trap.

You now sit in a dimly lit room across from your captor as he looks down at you. Your expensive dress was now covered in mud and your hair messy and the way he looked at you – you were simply a means to an end.

"I'd rather die than give you the satisfaction," you spat in anger.

"Care to repeat that, princess?" Lucien sneers, his voice cold, as his hands find their way to your hair, pulling your head back.

"You heard me, Lucien." You glare at him defiantly, unwilling to show any fear.

"They will best you like they always do. I have faith," you say to him in defiance.

Lucien scoffs, his lips curling in disdain, "Faith is a fool's game, princess. It won’t save you."

You take a long look at him, meeting his gaze without flinching. "What a lonely life you must lead," you say, your voice steady and full of emotion.

Lucien pauses, his expression flickering for just a moment and he releases your hair.

"I feel sorry for you." And to be honest, a part of you really did. Somewhere beneath the surface was something human but you wonder if you'll ever find it.