Rafe sprinted towards the bedroom, his heart pounding with urgency as a dreadful scene greeted his eyes.
"What did you do to her?" His voice cracked with alarm as he took in Anna's dishevelled state.
"Did you…" His voice faltered, a knot tightening in his chest as he noticed the crimson marks staining the princess's delicate skin and the tatters of her gown, fueling his suspicions.
Without a moment's hesitation, the healer passed by the grand duke and rushed to the princess's side. His hands swiftly draped a blanket over her, shielding her from further exposure.
Tears streamed down Anna's cheeks as she clutched the edge of the blanket, her sobs filling the bedroom with a haunting melody of distress.
"Rafe…" Anna's voice trembled in emotional pain.
"It's all right… I'm right here," the healer reassured her, though a storm brewed in his gaze as he turned his attention to the grand duke.
Rafe's jaw clenched in anger, his voice laced with disbelief.
"How could you?!"
