It was a moment that seemed to hang in time, a fleeting dance of temptation and intrigue, framed by the tray of sweets and the room's opulent decor.
Simon's voice trembled with a blend of uncertainty and desire as he struggled to articulate his thoughts. "My lady, this isn't proper," he stammered, his words quivering like leaves in a gentle breeze, "Please, I implore you, release me."
Unbeknownst to Simon, his vulnerability was precisely what Briana had counted on. The mischievous sparkle in her eyes concealed a triumphant realization. It had become abundantly clear to her that Simon, as the closest servant to Gavriel aside from Sir Kord, was the ideal pawn in her burgeoning game.
