Punishing the voyeur knight [2]**

Arthur didn't respond right away. He just held her there, letting the silence stretch between them, making her feel how utterly powerless she was.

Then, in a tone that left no room for disobedience, he murmured, "Keep your hands down."

Althea hesitated—but only for a moment.

Slowly, trembling, she placed her palms back onto the bed, fingers curling into the sheets. Fresh tears welled in her eyes.

Maybe she deserved this.

Althea placed her trembling fingertips back on the sheets, fresh tears clinging to her lashes. Shame burned through her, but a deeper part of her whispered that maybe—just maybe—she deserved this.

Arthur smirked, taking his time as he hooked his thumbs into her waistband and peeled the black satin down, inch by inch. The smooth fabric slid over her thighs, pooling at her knees, leaving her completely exposed. He hummed in appreciation, his eyes drinking in the sight of her bare, flushed skin.