Page 70 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

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. Thesound 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, shewould 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.

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