23. AT THE ROUNDTABLE OF LORDS
Chapter twenty-three
AT THE ROUNDTABLE OF LORDS
Before Emeriel could pull the tunic overhead, Aekeira moved in front of him, shielding him from view.
"May I g-go first, Your Highness?" Aekeira stuttered, her voice filled with trepidation.
The three grand lords's gazes fell upon Aekeira. What she had just done was an abomination. A sacrilege.
It was forbidden for a slave to make requests of any lord or to interfere with their commands. Aekeira had just broken two cardinal rules of the slaves.
"What are you doing, Keira!" Emeriel whispered anxiously behind his sister.
Grand Lord Zaiper leaned forward on his throne, his brows furrowed. "But I commanded the boy to unclothe. How dare you interrupt a royal command?"
"I apologize for being so bold, but I wish to strip for you, Your Majesty," Aekeira insisted in a cool voice, her tone daring…like a tempest. Only Emeriel noticed the slight tremor in her hand. “Please grant me the honor.”
"Mmm," Grand Lord Zaiper scrutinized her, yet Aekeira stood her ground.
However, it was not Grand Lord Zaiper's gaze that frightened Emeriel the most. It was the way Grand Lord Vladya was looking at his sister.
His face displayed almost no expression, but the brewing storm in his eyes sent shivers down Emeriel's spine.
What in the universe has Aekeira done to capture the attention of Grand Lord Vladya?
"Very well then. The boy can strip for me later. Since you are so eager to gain my attention, little bold one, you have it. Undress for me," Grand Lord Zaiper declared, a predatory smile of indulgence on his face that fooled no one.
He would undoubtedly punish Aekeira for daring to do what she had done.
Aekeira squeezed Emeriel's hand one last time before releasing it entirely and began to undress.
It was fascinating how the fierce need to protect could diminish even the greatest fear and instill courage.
When this ceremony began, Aekeira's sole desire was to blend in. To avoid being noticed. She felt relief when most of the slaves were chosen to follow the lords' orders, and she remained unnoticed.
All seemed well. That is, until Em was given that command.
Now, Aekeira let go of her younger sister's hand completely and undressed.
Aekeira had drawn the attention of lords who weren't preoccupied with the other slaves, and now, numerous eyes were fixed upon her as she shed her garments. Standing before them, completely naked.
Lust clouded Grand Lord Zaiper's eyes, momentarily overshadowing the anger Aekeira detected within them. The sound of impressed murmurs echoed around her, but she refrained from turning to investigate their origins.
"Approach," Grand Lord Zaiper ordered.
Aekeira closed the distance between them until she stood upon the elevated podium where the four thrones were positioned.
"You are a vision of beauty," Grand Lord Zaiper's gaze roamed over every inch of her body. "You caught my attention that day in your chambers. And you were aware of that, were you not, slave?”
Aekeira nodded.
“You know how beautiful your body is—how easily it could bring males to their knees. It was why you dared to intervene with my command. Because with a body like this, you believe you wield great power? "
Oh no. "No, my Lord. I would rather die than dare to obstruct your orders. I merely desired to capture your attention once more," Aekeira kept her eyes lowered as she spoke those lies, hoping to soothe his ego without laying it on too thick.
"Interesting. Well, now you undoubtedly have my undivided attention."
Aekeira lifted her head to see the grand lord smirking. Then, he turned to his left and addressed Lord Vladya. "What do you think, Grand Lord Vladya?"
Aekeira shivered, and for some reason, her body tingled.
No, she would NOT look at him. She was far too frightened of what she might see.
"I believe you should proceed with whatever amusement you desire and spare us the sight of your slave's ugly body," came the calm response from Grand Lord Vladya.
Shame washed over Aekeira.
Grand Lord Zaiper's lips tightened in displeasure, clearly not receiving the response he had hoped for. But why he would expect any response at all from Lord Vladya was beyond Aekeira’s understanding.
Grand Lord Vladya despised her. He looked at her with rage and disgust, to the point where Aekeira half expected him to sever her head just to spare himself the misery of seeing her face.
With a smug smirk, Grand Lord Zaiper nodded. "You know what? You are quite right." He rose from his seat, his eyes fixated on Aekeira. "To the round table, slave. Go and lie upon it."
Aekeira's trembling legs carried her toward the table, where she obediently laid down. The lord’s hungry gazes fell upon her, filled with both desire and appraisal.
And then, Grand Lord Zaiper entered her line of vision, his hand finding its place on her breast, squeezing it firmly.
With the immediate danger to Em averted, the full realization of the peril Aekeira was now in finally dawned on her, and she suppressed a whimper.
"May I touch, Your Highness?" a lord's voice came through.
"By all means, Lord Dante."
Hands began to explore her. More than a pair of hands. Fingers trailed down her thighs, while another hand cupped her other breast.
Hands spread her thighs while another forcefully penetrated her unprepared.
Aekeira winced, and tightly shut her eyes.
The invading finger moved in and out of her, causing pain. Someone pinched her nipple hard, and she cried out. Shifting restlessly, seeking relief, but all she met was a slap on her thigh.
"Stay still," Grand Lord Zaiper commanded.
Aekeira forced herself to obey as pain ravaged her body. Some of the lords had exposed their genitals, masturbating while gazing at her.
Grand Lord Zaiper positioned himself in her line of sight, obstructing her view. Then, he untied his robe, revealing his fat manhood, locking eyes with her. "Open."
She obeyed, and his length filled her mouth, reaching the back of her throat.
She gagged, but the grand lord showed no mercy, maintaining his hold. He remained lodged in her throat, daring her to pull back.
Tears welled in her eyes, and her throat uncomfortably constricted as if she were on the verge of retching. Aekeira struggled to suppress the urge to withdraw, knowing the punishment that would follow if she did.
Grand Lord Zaiper began to forcefully thrust.
Aekeira was right.
They had to find a way to escape this wretched, hellish place.
The thought pounded relentlessly through Emeriel’s head as he witnessed the lords molesting his sister. He fought back tears, his hands curling into tight fists.
Bile rose to his throat as he observed the way they manhandled Aekeira.
He had to keep his feet planted on the floor, resisting the urge to storm towards them in an attempt to save his sister. Such an act would likely result in both of them being executed.
Once again, Aekeira had risked everything, putting herself in harm's way to protect him. To keep his secret.
When would Emeriel have the opportunity to repay her? To truly save her?
Why did his courageous sister always bear the burden of sacrifice while he cowered in fear like a craven?
Emeriel gripped his tunic, squeezing it tightly. "I am so sorry, Keira," he whispered, his voice trembling.
Grand Lord Ottai seemed indifferent, merely observing the entertainment with detached amusement, his feast spread before him.
Meanwhile, Grand Lord Vladya remained engrossed in his writings, his attention solely focused on the scroll in front of him.
Unlike the other lords who indulged in food, drink, and pleasures, Vladya abstained, his expression inscrutable.
A sudden movement at the corner of Emeriel's eye caught his attention. A lord approached, undoubtedly intending to "inspect" him.
Instinctively, Emeriel took a step back. But was that too suspicious? He halted.
The lord drew nearer, locking eyes with Emeriel. Handsome and youthful, he bore the typical Urekai appearance.
Circling him like a predator, the lord stopped in front of Emeriel. He reached around to cup Emeriel’s backside.
"Soft," the lord muttered, furrowing his brows. "Too soft."
Then, the lord's hand slipped beneath Emeriel's tunic, encountering the bindings that concealed his true identity. The lord froze.
Emeriel held his breath. Their eyes locked. While confusion clouded the lord's gaze, Emeriel’s was filled with panic.
Gradually, understanding dawned in the lord's gaze, realizing that the person before him was not truly a man.
"Please, I beg of you, my lord, do not expose me," Emeriel blurted out, desperation tinging his words. "I implore you. Please help me.”
The lord tilted his head to the side, deep in thought. His hand inside Emeriel's clothing moved further, finally discovering her banded breasts.
Surprise flickered across his features, and he fixed Emeriel with a piercing gaze.
"Please, my lord. I will do anything…please," Emeriel pleaded, his body trembling with anxiety.
A moment hung suspended between them.
Eventually, the lord withdrew his hand and took a step back. "Beyond the Moors, atop Vacant Hill, you shall find my abode overlooking the winding Serpent's Creek. Seek me out before the third night."
With those words, the lord departed, leaving Emeriel in crippling relief and a surge of apprehension.
What had he done?
As Grand Lord Vladya composed his response to the letter from Azrael, the werewolf king, he found himself struggling to concentrate.
It was an unfamiliar experience. He had never experienced such difficulty before.
Azrael was an ally, and the letter's content concerned a trade agreement between their realms. That alone should have demanded his undivided attention.
However, his mind waivered to concentrate. Wandering. Distracted.
"I wish to strip for you, Your Majesty."
Anger surged through his veins as the words echoed in his mind. The fact that such words affected him to the extent he felt like a taut string, vibrating with suppressed rage, infuriated him greatly.
Why would the flirtatious words of a slutty human slave girl affect him so?
“Perhaps because the words were not directed at you?” a voice whispered inside him.
Grand Lord Vladya clenched his teeth . This is insane.
Wholeheartedly, he embraced his anger. For it was preferable to the arousal that simmered beneath it.
The image of the girl's naked body invaded his thoughts, vivid as daylight. She possessed an alluring beauty akin to that of a temptress.
It was no wonder she had attempted to bespell Zaiper. To enchant them with the magic that was her body’s beauty.
Was it because she was a princess?
Her body was porcelain, beautifully sculpted, and curvaceous. A true masterpiece, captivating every lord's attention to the point where they were unable to tear their gaze away.
They licked their lips hungrily, their minds consumed by fantasies of what they desired to do with her enticing body.
Vladya understood their struggle.
He had to clench his fists tightly to resist the temptation to grab her when she undressed. Worst of all, he had fought against his own primal instincts—his beast.
Ever since the events of five centuries ago, his beast had remained dormant in many ways. After he lost his soul, he felt a detachment from his inner animal.
Lust no longer held any sway over the beast within him. Vladya could take females to his bed whenever he pleased, but his beast remained indifferent, unconcerned.
Until tonight, when Aekeira disrobed.
"Dear Ukrae, that feels good," Grand Lord Zaiper's pleasure-filled groans reached Vladya's ears. Followed by Aekeira's whimper.
"Vladya?" Grand Lord Ottai called, looking at him with concern.
It was then that Vladya realized he had ceased writing and had begun growling.
"Is something the matter?" Ottai inquired.
Ignoring him, Vladya resumed his writing.
"Do you know your eyes have changed?" Ottai pressed on.
If the scroll that now appeared dark-yellow instead of its original light-brown hue was any indication, then yes, Vladya was undoubtedly aware.
"Your beast is close to the surface. Is there a problem?"
"I am fine," Vladya said through gritted teeth, refusing to spare Ottai even a glance.
Internally, he battled to calm both himself and his inner beast. What in the name of Ukrae was wrong with him?
"Just so you know, work can wait," Ottai continued, undeterred. "Though I disagree with Zaiper, the ceremony is still taking place, and there is nothing left to do but enjoy the occasion. You should join in the festivities. Once this banquet is over, I'm pouncing on Rina at the first opportunity. I can hardly wait to return home."
Ottai's smile held a hint of amusement as he mentioned his bondmate. He then fixed Vladya with an expectant gaze. "You might as well have some fun too. Choose any slave you desire and let go of whatever is troubling you."
If only it were that simple. Still, Ottai had a point. Vladya might as well enjoy the banquet. Why deny himself what he desired when it was within his reach?
Thus, he rolled up the parchment, handed it to a nearby soldier, and rose from his throne. "You are indeed right, Lord Ottai."
His friend grinned. "I always am."
Vladya descended from the podium, but instead of joining the throng of slaves still on display, he made his way toward the round table.
I wish to strip for you. I wish to strip for you. Iwishtostripforyou Iwishtostripforyou Iwish—
He growled, the ugly feeling coursing through him intensifying.
The lords who had been fondling Aekeira withdrew their hands to create a space for him.
Why deny himself when the female he wanted to punish was right there within his grasp?