Before Sorayah could react, a loud, vicious slap cracked across her face, the force of it making her stagger slightly. The sting bloomed instantly across her cheek, sharp and unforgiving, as gasps echoed from the maids nearby.
As if that wasn't enough, Mira shoved Sorayah to the ground with ruthless force. The floor met Sorayah's back with a harsh thud, her breath catching in her throat. Mira raised her hand again, her expression twisted with fury, prepared to strike once more...
But a strong, calloused hand caught her wrist midair, stopping her cold.
It was Dimitri.
"Your Highness!" Mira exclaimed in shock, her voice trembling as she swallowed hard. His grip tightened just briefly before he released her hand with visible disdain, pushing her back ever so slightly. Her maids immediately rushed forward to catch her, preventing her from falling.
"She disrespected me," Mira hissed, her voice laced with venom.
"Disrespected you?" a new voice rang out, laced with scorn.
