Is he still alive?

Violet froze instantly at the cold blade against her throat. Her blood ran cold, breath suspending, and fear embraced her like an old friend. 

"Don't scream, Princess Violet, if you don't want to see your children dead." Violet bit her quivering lips, dread traveling down her spine. All she could do was nod in agreement without making a sound. Yet, the blade against her throat remained until slight blood oozed from it.

"Captain." Suddenly, another man in black clothing approached them. Violet gazed at the other person but was unable to see through the darkness where the man was standing. All she could see was the other person looking at them in their direction.

"We silenced the workers around and the maid." Violet's heart sank upon hearing the man's reports. "The children were upstairs."

"The crown prince ordered to drag them back alive," replied the man holding Violet captive. "Take the children and we'll return to the empire as soon as possible."