"The princess' life?! Your majesty, you have nothing else to bargain for! Just surrender yourself! Accept that this is the end for Lioness."
The king was so weak he could barely stand, stumbling over himself as he tried to stay on his feet. Beside him, Gwen held him tight, trying to prop him upright.
He looked into her eyes, his expression as helpless as his shaky hands that grabbed hers. "I am sorry daughter, but we have lost…"
"Father... I…" The princess was so overcome with emotion she could barely choke out the words to respond. With glassy eyes, she suddenly straightened her composure and grasped the king's shoulders tightly. "We haven't, father! I am still here. Your knights are still here!"
