Steam curled thickly in the air as Javier lounged in the large marble bathtub. The water shimmered with the petals of scented flowers floating lazily on its surface. He rested against the edge, his eyes half-closed in irritation rather than relaxation.
Behind him, a young maid gently massaged his shoulders. Her hands trembled slightly. She looked innocent and terrified.
"How dare him…" Javier growled under his breath, his voice low like distant thunder.The girl flinched instantly.
His gaze drifted to the reddish mark on his shoulder where Dario had gripped him earlier. His jaw tightened.
"Damn it… I will deal with you, Dario," he hissed.
He snapped his fingers impatiently.
"Maid."
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied softly.
"Remove your clothes. Face the wall."
His tone was cold, leaving no room for argument.
Heat and dread rushed through the girl at the same time. She had heard the rumors — everyone in the palace had. Prince Javier often took advantage of the maids who served him. Some whispered they enjoyed his attention… but she did not.
She never would.
"Your High_"
"Do not make me repeat myself!" Javier thundered.
Fear seized her completely. With shaking fingers, she obeyed, turning to the wall and pressing her palms against the smooth surface.
Javier rose from the steaming water and stepped toward her, studying her silently.
"Turn around," he ordered.
She swallowed hard and faced him, eyes lowered.
He scanned her slowly.
"Is this your first time serving me?"
"Yes, Your Highness," she whispered.
"Turn back. Hold the wall."
"Your Highness… I have never—"
"Shut up."
His command cut through the air like a blade.
Moments later, her cry of pain echoed through the chamber. She sobbed helplessly, but no one came. The prince's harsh breathing and angry mutters filled the room as he took what he wanted without mercy.
Minutes later, it was over."Leave," He said dismissively before sinking back into the bath as if nothing had happened.
The maid gathered her torn clothing with blurry eyes. Every step hurt as she forced herself to dress. Her legs trembled violently.
She reached the doorway… then paused.
"I will have my revenge, Prince Javier," she murmured, her voice distant and cold.
As she continued down the corridor, she suddenly froze.Prince Dario was approaching.She bowed quickly.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Dario gave a slight nod, though confusion lingered in his expression. The king had summoned him unexpectedly.
The girl stole one glance at him and smiled faintly. Like many others in the palace, she secretly admired him.
"An angel on earth…" she whispered to herself before moving on.
A sharp pain shot through her and she winced.By the time she reached the maids' quarters, her friends had already noticed her condition.
"What happened, Sarah?" they asked anxiously.
"Prince… Prince Jav—"
Her words died as darkness swallowed her. She collapsed into their arms.
"Sarah!" they cried in panic.