He turns away, his body language as unreadable as the mask he wears to hide his emotions. The coward. He won’t stand up for me when I need him. No one will. Instead, he hides so he doesn’t have to bear witness to me, because he can’t leave the room. This is disgusting.
“If you don’t strip, the Executioner will do it for you. And if he has to do that, you will face my list of consequences instead of making your decision.” William hits his cane down again. “Get to it. We have dire matters to discuss, if I’m not mistaken. We can’t move on until this is complete.”
I can’t decide what’s worse. Stripping in front of people I have been around and have entrusted my life to for years or landing in prison. I’d have to strip bare there too. This is only for a meeting. I can handle it. I wear skimpy clothes all the time.
But what I wear is my choice. This, however, is not. I know there are some pervs among our chapter, and they will take great satisfaction in this moment.
“Fine. I’ll do it.” I press my lips together and straighten my shoulders, turning my back on everyone only to face Talon. His nostrils flare as our eyes meet. He looks ready to tackle me to stop me from pulling my shirt over my head, but he crosses his arms and flexes his muscles.
I swallow and close my eyes, inhaling a deep breath as I try to push away the world. I snap my eyes open again, holding onto Talon’s stare as if we’re alone.
I will not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing my eyes except for him.
“I’m so sorry,” he mouths, his eyes flickering in the candlelight behind the half mask.
I dip my chin a little, linking my fingers to my shirt. I pull it over my head and drop it on the floor, biting my lip as I lose myself within the beautiful blue depths of Talon’s eyes.
I strip out of my pants next, my whole body shaking. I can barely stay on my feet, the weight of everyone watching digging under my skin. I’m sure some people feel pity, like Bianca, who remains hidden by her parents, watching my humiliation without argument out of fear.
Tears prickle in the corners of my eyes, and I blink.
“Everything must go,” William says, stepping forward. He surprises me by whacking the backs of my legs, sending me to my knees.
This is the first time I’ve ever wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. This is horrible. So fucking humiliating. So degrading.
“Is that really necessary?” The familiar voice surprises me. Christos steps forward, pulling down his hood and removing his mask to meet my gaze. “I already told you that my rejected welcome was warranted. You don’t have to do this.”
“How dare you interrupt. Justice must be served. If we allow one thing to slip, more will soon tumble behind it.” William stomps forward, looming over me. “Now get back in line.”
Confusion washes over me. Did Christos really just stand up on my behalf? He defended me? This is all a game to him. I know it. He’s trying to make his way back into my life. Maybe he thinks I’ll suddenly forgive him for everything he’s done to me. But that’s not how this works. He made the choice to ask me to welcome him with the White Queen’s Kiss, fully knowing that I’d refuse. It’s too late to be a Count in shining armor when he’s the one responsible.
I regret ever giving him a piece of me. He shattered it and threw it in the trash. Now he’s trying to take another.
William slams his cane down again, inches from my fingers. Next time, he won’t miss. He’s now let the power of his position get to his head, and he will be as vile as Daddy is when it comes to everyone’s obedience. Except this is different. This involves me. If I make it hard, I’ll embarrass Daddy even worse.
So I reach behind me, fumble with my bra, and then unclasp it.
I close my eyes as it drops before me, baring my breasts for William to see. Silence fills the air as he drinks in the sight of me. I feel like throwing up.
“While you finish, I will give you the mercy of choosing your punishment. You can either accept a lash from my cane for every hour you chose to avoid the consequences, or you can beg for forgiveness on your knees, the only way you have proved yourself worthy to the man you wronged.” William shifts his cane, tapping it to the bottom of my chin. He guides my head up.
“No,” Christos says, stepping out of line again. “I’ll not make her beg for the forgiveness I don’t deserve.”
My chest tightens, bile rising in my throat. He had just taken the easiest consequence and tore it away from me. Because I would’ve chosen that. I would’ve sucked his fucking cock to avoid the pain of being beaten naked in front of everyone.
“You bastard!” I scream, whipping my gaze to look at him. “I don’t want to be beaten.”
“You’ll never forgive me if I let you degrade yourself for me, Princess.” Christos braves taking another step closer.
“I’ll never forgive you anyways.” I swipe my hand across my cheeks.
“Enough!” William hollers, swinging the cane. He smacks Christos in the chest, but Christos manages to wrap his fingers around the cane, stopping him from hitting him harder. “If you don’t want to participate, then the Princess can pick someone else. This must be done. It is her punishment.”
A dozen thoughts flit in my head, and I turn toward Talon, considering how pissed off my dad would be if I chose to get on my knees for him. But then I think about what could be worse for Christos than if I chose the guy who seems like he might be one of his good friends. Now that’s revenge. Maybe if I show Esteban a good time, he might help me more. I have nothing left to lose. If I have to do this, at least I can take some control back and use it to my advantage. I will not let this destroy me. I will not let William think for a second that he has any real power over me. I’m stealing my power back.
“I choose Knave. He can accept my apology on the Count’s behalf.” I shift my gaze to where Esteban stands, wearing his robe. He cocks his head, looking from me and to Christos. They have a silent conversation. Christos doesn’t want him to participate, but from the way Esteban’s eyes break away and he steps forward, he’d gladly fill Christos’s place. My revenge is working. I have turned the game around and Christos is now losing.
“I accept, Your Majesty. This is the kind of welcoming I’d love from such an exquisite member. Now be a good girl, mamacita. I got you.” Esteban shifts his robe and grabs his junk. He went from sexy to another perv in a matter of seconds, and I consider teaching him a lesson. He’s playing the part the men here want. Someone demeaning me.