I walked through the hallways to the room where the rouse was being held. I was anxious and uneasy, and couldn't help my stomach twisting rapidly in discomfort.
I could hear some loud melody and men's laughter. It made me curl my toes in hasty distress.
I wasn't so used to being around so many men so I could understand my own feelings.
I went into the room and just like I thought, they were many men in, seated, probably more than thirty in number. Some seemed like kings, while others looked like aristocrats, all dressed in fancy and attractive regalia.
All of them were drinking, some also conversing to each other in loud tones.
I could see five girls dancing, all naked with only a transparent top and a tiny layer of fabric covering their privates.
I quivered at the sight....
It felt so odd being here. I wanted to run away, back to the maid's dormitory but I didn't want to risk getting punished.
"Hey, pass me a drink!" A man yelled, glancing at me.
I gulped in and walked gently to him, trying not to slip and let go of the bottles I was currently holding onto.
I handed one to him and he chuckled, taking it from me.
"Beautiful, what's your name?" He slurred, his eyeballs shaky as he stared at me strangely.
I paused, knowing not what to say. I could tell he didn't know I was Rupert's daughter, telling him my name would get him to know me.
Since he was here to celebrate Luther's conquest of my kingdom, that meant he was an enemy of father and possibly abhorred his descendants.
"Are you deaf?!" His face tightened in a hard scowl and realizing he was getting vexed with my silence, I made to speak.
I didn't want to cause any trouble, but he was an honoured guest, lying to him of my identity was detrimental but telling him the truth was also worse. I was in a dilemma, I didn't know what to do.
"I'm sorry my Lord." I tried to sound much rueful but my tone sounded somewhat flippant.
It was difficult to show respect to someone who abhorred my whole family.
"How contemptuous! How obscene!! I wasn't aware Luther had insolent, ill-mannered maids brought to serve us!"
His tone was loud, attracting the attention of his co-men.
But before anyone could speak, the door swayed open and there came Luther, dressed in a kingly attire, walking with an air of authority towards his throne.
He looked quite breathtaking, as always.
He wasn't smiling nor frowning. He seemed rather apathetic but I couldn't help getting distracted by his styled curly hair, captivating dim eyes, alluring cheekbones and the muscles he possessed which were slightly visible from the clothing he wore.
"Luther..." The man who I had kind of disrespected called, immediately he sat on his throne.
In fact, everyone had gone quiet as he went towards his throne. They all showed reverence in their countenance which was utterly surprising since Luther was much younger than all of them.
This made me realize that Luther was no ordinary king... He had defeated Perston which was a highly wealthy kingdom with strong military forces. He must have incredible affluence and power then I had imagined.
"This maid of yours is very rude and disrespectful! Is this the kind of maids you bring to serve us?"
Luther stared at me, his eyes darkening even more.
It scared me and I took my gaze down, not wanting to look up at him.
I sighed heavily.
I knew I was in big trouble and it worried me.
I had just foolishly offended his guest. I knew I would be punished but I hoped it wouldn't be severe.
"What was her offence?" His voice was low and devoid of emotions.
I wondered what he might be feeling or thinking. Probably anger? Well, I hope not.
"I asked her for her name but she ignored me!"
Whispers filled the room and the music volume was completely lowered.
I trembled, knowing I was doomed.
This wasn't going to end well.
Luther again stared at me and though I wasn't looking but I could feel his gaze bore holes on my skin.
"Join the dancers." He deadpanned and confused, I couldn't stop myself from looking up at him, wondering what he meant.
"Huh?"
"I won't repeat it again. Join the dancers." His tone sounded obviously solemn and I jiggled, wanting to protest but the look on his eyes stopped me.
It screamed 'dare me!' which I knew was totally hazardous.
But yet... He could had served me a much severe punishment, why then was he ordering me to dance with these dancers, when it was obvious I couldn't dance exotically.
Was he trying to humiliate me? Yes, he was! It was quite plain.
I snarled, gritting my teeth as I walked slowly to the dancers, dropping the drinks I held on a tray nearby.
I could feel all eyes on me, even the dancers who had stopped dancing earlier were staring at me too.
The music's volume was heightened and I tried to calm down, taking breaths after breaths, to reduce my nervousness.
"Follow our steps. You will learn quickly." One of them said to me and I nodded in appreciation, cause of course I didn't know what else to do.
They began dancing, deft and dexterously. I tried my hardest to move exactly like them but I wasn't flexible enough and my clothes were highly restricting my movements.
The men began laughing mockingly at me and it lessened my morale even more. I even felt so embarrassed and disgusted with myself.
At a point, I wanted to cry. I was ashamed I was doing this but I was just helpless.
The dancers caressed their breasts through their transparent top and I paused, not wanting to do that.
I took a side glance at Luther and noticed he was staring at me. He had a look of satisfaction in his expression and I seeing that, caused me to anger.
Why was he so cruel? Why does he derive joy from watching me suffer?
Somehow I wanted to know what father did wrong that made him this heartless.
Tears struck at my eyes and I soon got tired of imitating the dancers. I wanted to go away and be with Evelyn at least but that wasn't so possible now.
Here felt like hell.
Being with those troublesome maids even felt much better.
"Not a good dancer, I see." A man said loudly, a smirk cornering his lips as he glanced at his fellow men across the room. "But she is quite a beauty!"
"Yes, but insolent."
"I only look at the outside, Peterson!" Turning to Luther this time, the first speaker added. "Can't I have her for the night, Luther?"
I gasped at his words.
I couldn't believe he said such a thing! How shameful could he be? Have me for a night? Had he perhaps mistaken me for a prostitute?
I gazed at Luther with pleading eyes. I knew it was up to him to agree but that bothered me since I knew he hated me.
He enjoys causing me pain and distress. Somehow, I feared he would agree just so I could suffer more.
I pinched into my palm anxiously, as I felt some fright gripped my bones.
"My maids are not to be pleasured, Tadeo." Luther did say but Tadeo scoffed, waving his hand in the air as a sign of disapproval.
"Oh come on Luther, it's just one maid for a sole night. It won't cost you anything, right?"
"Yes, Luther. She is a beautiful one. Let Tadeo have her. It would only be transitory anyways."
My heart raced.
Other men were supporting Tadeo to have me and if they end up convincing Luther, I wouldn't be even able to save or help myself.
"She is not just a maid."
"Who then is she?" Tadeo questioned and the others too, gazed at Luther curiously.
I gulped.
If Luther tells them who I was, then I was even much more doomed. They would possibly demand for my head in dear prices and would most likely succeed.
"Just someone." He spurted out, leaving me confused.
Why was he not saying my identity? Was he... Was he protecting me?
The men all laughed, like he said something hilarious.
"If she is just someone, then why are you hesitating to give her out for just one night?"
"Yes Luther, don't tell me you have an interest on her?" Tadeo voiced out and the rest of the men went silent, awaiting his answer.
I scowled, despising and getting highly agitated with their questions. Why can't they let me be?
"I do." Luther lowly said, causing every men in the room to gasp out in shock, their mouths hanging open.
I was not left out.