The madam faltered at the prince's sudden question, her throat tightening with anxiety.
The queen had given her explicit orders to erase the dark-haired woman from his thoughts.
If she failed, the queen promised her instant removal from the palace.
On the other hand, if she succeeded in redirecting the prince's attention to five fairer women and securing their pregnancies, the queen vowed to grant the madam's household an eternal place in the royal court, a rare and invaluable honor.
The stakes were too high to falter now. She must not fail. It was an opportunity that others would die for.
"Lady Rae is feeling unwell and wishes not to attend the royal bathing, Your Highness," she said hastily, her voice quivering.
The prince chewed the inside of his cheek, his golden gaze simmering. "I see."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly. Perhaps he would let it go.
"Yes, Your Highness, which is why I've brought you a fresh selection of women, each one radiant and eager to serve. I hope they please you," she added with forced enthusiasm.
For a moment, silence reigned. His gaze darkened, and his lips curved ever so slightly, a sharp and dangerous edge to his demeanor.
"Summon Lady Rae for me," he said finally, his tone low and commanding.
The madam froze, her mouth parting slightly. Did he not hear her?
"Your Highness," she began, scrambling for words.
His molten gold gaze fixed on her, a predator assessing prey. "You refuse?"
"I wouldn't dare!" she gasped, her heart thundering as she bowed hurriedly and left the royal bath.
She practically sprinted to the chambers of the women, throwing the door open.
Her wild eyes fell on Rae, who sat calmly at a table, her attention drawn to the birds fluttering outside. The madam could feel her sanity slipping.
"Lady Rae!" she called, her voice shrill.
Rae turned, her amethyst eyes glinting with mild curiosity.
Midnight-black waves of hair tumbled around her shoulders as she tilted her head.
Even now, the madam couldn't help but acknowledge Rae's breathtaking beauty before shaking the thought away.
"His Highness has requested your presence in the royal bath," the madam said, her voice tight.
Rae's gaze slid lazily over her before she shrugged, her lips curving in the faintest smirk. "Tell him I'm not interested."
The madam nearly collapsed. Her chest tightened in disbelief as she tried to steady herself.
Without another word, she turned and hurried back to the prince.
"Well?" he asked, his patience thinning.
"She…she really is unwell, Your Highness," the madam lied, her voice cracking. "She can't even stand."
His gaze sharpened, golden eyes cutting through her feeble excuse.
The madam trembled, imagining the executioner's blade.
"Fine," he said suddenly. Rising from the steaming pool, he stood in all his naked glory, water cascading down his sculpted form.
His powerful, deliberate steps carried him out of the bathing area, leaving every woman present to avert their eyes, cheeks burning as they caught a glimpse of his imposing manhood.