They all recognized the voice instantly.
It was Dimitri.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Mira, Arata, and Sorayah echoed respectfully, offering him a slight bow.
But Dimitri didn't return the greeting.
Instead, he moved swiftly toward Sorayah, his eyes narrowing as he reached for her hands. Her skin was blistered..angry red patches covering her fingers from the scalding tea.
But that wasn't even the worst of it.
Without a second thought, Dimitri dropped to one knee in front of her. His fingers brushed her thighs gently as he lifted the hem of her skirt...just enough for his eyes only to see.
"Y-Your Highness..." Sorayah stammered, trying to push her skirt back down. Her heart thudded in her chest, panic rising in her throat. "People are watching.."
"Stay still." His tone was low, commanding. "You are my concubine now. I have every right to examine you whenever, wherever."
His words made her freeze.
