I hurried to the floor to collect the coins I had dropped before speaking to them both again.
“Express gratitude to Mr. Leon for his benevolence,” Vera whispered to me. At that moment, I felt diminutive, akin to a rodent.
I overcame my fear to make eye contact with Mr. Leon.
“Thank you, Mr. Leon and Ms. Harford,” I expressed, bowing respectfully before proceeding to join Kylie at the opposite end of the room.
I was unable to cease contemplating the assault and how the spectre of Jayce’s hands continued to mar my body. I quaked at the prospect of his proximity and his lips upon my skin. The warmth of his breath elicited goosebumps on my skin, and my body’s compliance to him was an unprecedented experience. I was repulsed by the notion. Nonetheless, my body did not appear to exhibit the level of revulsion that would be expected. It felt as though my body revelled in his touch.
It was illogical, however. I ought to have felt greater revulsion. Nevertheless, I was unable to cease contemplating it.
What caused my body to react in that manner?
I started to approach the door leading to our rooms when Mr. Leon’s words halted me once more.
“You are not permitted to depart yet,” he declared.
I turned to confront him, fear accentuating my expression and the perspiration on my palms resurfacing.
I stammered, “Why not?” My voice was barely audible, yet sufficient for Mr. Leon to hear.
“Because Prince Jayce is present,” he stated, gazing at us. “He requests that all of you be examined.”
I locked eyes with Kylie, who appeared equally perplexed and anxious.
I silently enquired, “Checked?”
We were escorted to an open field where we assembled as Prince Jayce stood above the assembly alongside several guards and Mrs Shirly. She was one of the senior maids and the most trusted. She has served the royal family for more than 40 years and has collaborated closely with Prince Jayce himself.
Prince Jayce surpassed all present in height, including his guards. He donned no jacket over his suit, and his shirt adhered to his muscular physique. I comprehended why the majority of women were attracted to him. His blue eyes and tousled dark hair could weaken anyone’s resolve.
He appeared as if he had just emerged from slumber, and I was unable to avert my gaze from him.
Despite his attractiveness, I was aware of the beast that resided beneath his exterior. He was unremarkable. His exterior was inconsequential if his interior was unappealing.
I could perceive the crowd surrounding me becoming increasingly animated as the gossip commenced. Everyone was intrigued by the identity of the maid whom Prince Jayce designated last night. Everyone except for me, that is.
Kylie also appeared enthusiastic.
“Evidently, he left a tangible mark on one of the girl’s necks,” she murmured beside me, her eyes wide and vigilant, yet excitement permeating her expression. “I eagerly anticipate discovering the identity.”
I swallowed nervously and focused on Prince Jayce, who was still surveying the crowd with evident dismay on his face. He observed the crowd with the intensity of a natural predator stalking its prey. His wolf’s gaze flickered in his eyes as he attempted to discern which maid he had marked.
Kylie gazed at my face and scowled.
“What is the matter?” she enquired. “Are you not eager to discover the identity of this maid?”
I sensed my face becoming flushed.
“Nothing is wrong!” I stated, perhaps a bit too cheerfully. “I am curious as to why it holds such significance. What are his intentions regarding her? She is merely a maid.”
Kylie nonchalantly shrugged and playfully nudged me.
“He likely desires to engage in intimate relations once more,” she laughed. “Do you not recall Lena? Prince Jayce desired her until he no longer did.”
How could I possibly forget Lena?
Lena was among the most exquisite maids I had ever encountered. She captivated Prince Jayce, and it was evident why he desired her. She served as his mistress temporarily, but once he grew weary of her, he relegated her to a dilapidated shack. Similar to his previous partners, he sought to sever all ties with her once their relationship concluded. He was unwilling to gaze upon her.
I recoiled at the prospect of that occurring to me.
The audience awaited with anticipation for the verification to commence. The majority desired to be the individuals for whom Jayce was seeking. I also hoped he was seeking them, but he was not.
I was the one responsible.
“This is the final maid,” Mr. Leon informed Jayce.
Without making eye contact, Jayce commanded, “Perform your duties.”
Mr. Leon acknowledged us and spoke.
“Ladies, please form a queue at Mrs Shirly’s station. She will examine each of your necks for a mark left by Prince Jayce,” Mr Leon declared to us.
Each maid lined up before Mrs. Shirly, filled with eagerness and excitement. I remained with Kylie, striving to refrain from scratching the mark on my neck. To my knowledge, it remained obscured by makeup. I merely wished that my excessive perspiration would not be sufficient to remove the makeup.
