Chapter 10: May I perform for you my lord

The crown prince sat in the grand private dining room, his posture regal but tense. The air in the room was heavy with the aroma of spiced meats, fresh bread, and exotic fruits, yet none of it seemed to tempt him. Servants moved like shadows, quiet and efficient as they placed dishes before him, careful not to disturb his simmering irritation.

His mood had been fouled by the morning's meeting with his family. His brothers had a way of grating on his nerves, but none more so than Elijah. That boy was a thorn lodged deeply, a menace that Yul knew he'd have to deal with sooner rather than later.

Elijah's recent actions weighed heavily on him—a village massacred on the outskirts of Lustrous. The cruelty of it turned Yul's stomach. And as if that weren't enough, Elijah had also begun encroaching on strategic lands along the border between Lustrous and Rakes. A dangerous move. The kingdom of Rakes had been teetering on the edge of hostility, and its king would relish any excuse for war. Elijah, with his recklessness, might just hand it to him.

Yul's jaw tightened as he pushed the troubling thoughts aside. He had no appetite for political strife this morning. Determined to rid himself of the headache, he turned his attention to the meal before him.

The long table was an elaborate display of culinary artistry. Platters of delicacies stretched from one end to the other, each dish more opulent than the last. Yet, as his eyes roamed over them, he found nothing that appealed to him.

The sudden creak of the grand double doors drew his gaze. One hundred women entered in a synchronized procession, their bodies adorned in the finest silks and jeweled accessories. The fabrics clung to their forms, accentuating every curve and line. As they moved, the soft rustle of fabric and the faint chime of jewelry filled the room.

They bowed low in unison, their trays held gracefully before them. Yul leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the line of beauties. They were each a vision, carefully prepared to capture his favor.

He watched as the women approached one by one, presenting their dishes with practiced elegance. Yet none truly held his attention, save for the 95th woman in line. She had fiery red hair that cascaded down her back like molten silk, and her nipples, adorned with delicate rings, pressed provocatively against the thin fabric of her dress.

Yul reached out, his thumb brushing over the hard peak of her nipple through the fabric. She shivered under his touch, biting her lip as her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. Her boldness intrigued him, but his gaze soon drifted to the woman standing just behind her.

Ethel.

The fascinating enigma who never ceased to surprise him. Today, she was draped in accessories so unique they bordered on audacious. Grapes glistened like jewels around her neck, and another string of them rested low on her hips, emphasizing the lush curve of her figure. Her walk was a seductive sway, her hips moving with the rhythm of a practiced dancer.

Yul's hand lingered on the red-haired woman's chest, his fingers idly fondling her nipple, but his eyes remained fixed on Ethel. She met his gaze boldly, a smirk playing on her lips as she stepped forward, the silk of her dress swishing softly around her thighs. Her presence was magnetic, commanding the attention of not just the prince but the entire room.

As she stood before him, she carried no tray. Instead, the delicacies that should have adorned it now hung around her body like edible jewels. The room seemed to hold its breath as she paused, her confidence radiating in every movement.

"May I perform for you, my lord?" she asked, her voice a husky melody that sent a ripple of heat through the air.

Yul's gaze dropped to the swell of her breasts, perfectly framed by the neckline of her blouse. The soft, round mounds were a temptation he found hard to resist. He felt his body stir, the tightness in his crotch unmistakable.

"Go ahead," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Ethel leaned forward, her movements slow and deliberate. Her breasts pressed together, creating a tantalizing display that left Yul's pulse quickening. The room seemed to fade, and all that remained was the heat between them.