Her eyes scanned the room, playful and sharp. Suddenly, they locked onto Ethan Caelan, as if she had chosen him as her prey, unable to escape her seductive grasp.
The beautiful woman swayed toward Ethan Caelan, each step languid and suggestive. When she reached him, she didn't hesitate to stroke his chest, her hand sliding down to his waist. Her body pressed close against him, and Ethan Caelan could feel the warmth of her breath, the sweet scent of her skin causing his heart to skip a beat. He tried to pull back, gripping the arms of his chair, his eyes avoiding her scorching gaze.
The woman continued to move seductively in front of him, her every motion drawing Ethan Caelan deeper into a whirlpool of desire. The last piece of her clothing slipped away, leaving only a thin veil barely covering her full breasts and curvaceous hips.
She straddled Ethan Caelan's lap, her hips swaying slightly, offering herself completely to him. She pulled his face close, her lips nearing his as if about to consume him. But just as their breath mingled, Ethan Caelan quickly turned his head away, discomfort and resistance clear in his eyes.
Valerius Evander, seated behind him, could no longer bear the erotic scene unfolding before him. He stood up, intending to pull Ethan Caelan away from this debauchery, but at that moment, both Cassian Lightwood and Harrison Ryder sprang to their feet, pushing the woman aside while covering Ethan Caelan's eyes. A stern voice rang out, "Madam, please show some respect. Our young lord is still of tender age."
The woman smirked and walked away, continuing her provocative performance, not forgetting to cast a lingering glance at Ethan Caelan as if making a silent promise. Ethan Caelan sat there, his cheeks flushed, his heart pounding, relieved as though he had just escaped a perilous trap.
When the performance ended, the room erupted in applause. The announcer’s voice boomed, "Ladies and gentlemen, please place your bids! The highest bidder will be served by Lady Jade Blossom tonight!"
As the announcer's words faded, Ethan Caelan stood up resolutely. "So, this is nothing but a disguised brothel, with nothing worth seeing. Let’s go."
Cassian Lightwood and Harrison Ryder nodded in agreement, and the three prepared to leave. The woman who had guided them stood not far away and quickly approached, her voice as sweet as honey, "Young masters, the best is yet to come. Don’t leave just yet."
"We’ve seen enough," Harrison Ryder replied firmly.
The woman tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with mystery. "Gentlemen, don’t be hasty. The real show is just beginning. Look at the stage."
Following her gesture, they saw the stage lights dim as the velvet curtains slowly rose, revealing a stunning young woman stepping forward. Her demeanor was pure and refined, standing in stark contrast to the vulgarity of the place. Every eye in the room turned toward her.
The announcer's voice, now solemn, rang out: "Ladies and gentlemen, behold Lady Lyria Hawke, the cherished daughter of the Hawke family from the kingdom of Whitewater. This treasure is not easily found, for Blossom Pavilion has gone to great lengths to bring her here from distant borders."
The announcer's voice resonated through the room, adding to the excitement. "Please, enjoy the extraordinary talents of this beauty."
As the announcer's voice faded, Lyria Hawke gracefully raised her hands, her slender fingers delicately strumming the strings of an ancient zither. The gentle, sorrowful melody spread throughout the room, filling it with an indescribable melancholy that touched every soul. Everyone seemed to lose themselves in the music, feeling the deep sadness conveyed through her playing.
"She plays beautifully," Harrison Ryder whispered, unable to hide his admiration.
Cassian Lightwood leaned closer to Ethan Caelan and murmured, "Your Highness, years ago, when I was on a diplomatic mission to Whitewater, the Hawke family was a prominent noble house, closely related to the royal family. But now, with their kingdom lost and their homes destroyed, their nobles have become prisoners, and their women have been sold into brothels. Lady Lyria Hawke is truly unfortunate."
Ethan Caelan gazed at her, a deep sense of sympathy welling up inside him. War, indeed, spared no one. Despite being a prince of Aria, he too was now a hostage in a foreign land, caught in the ruthless vortex of power. But Lyria Hawke, the breathtaking beauty before him, had suffered an even harsher fate. Once a noble daughter, she was now reduced to a commodity for others’ amusement.
As the music ceased, the room was filled with applause. A middle-aged guest called out, "That was wonderful! Name your price!"
Another middle-aged guest added, "She’d make a fine bed servant."
The announcer approached and gently lifted Lyria Hawke’s chin, allowing all the guests to admire her face. She slowly raised her tear-filled, sorrowful eyes, gazing out over the crowd, her look stirring pity in many hearts.
The announcer smiled slightly, his voice even more enticing, "Lady Lyria Hawke, a beauty of unparalleled grace, skilled in all the arts. The starting bid for tonight is twenty silver ingots. To redeem her will cost thirty gold ingots. Which of you will be the first to have her serve you?"
A middle-aged guest, seemingly a merchant, stood up decisively and said, "Fine, twenty silver ingots it is. Bring her to my room."
Another middle-aged man, unwilling to be outdone, stood up and raised his bid:
"Very well! 30 silver taels for one night!"
"I will redeem her: 30 gold taels!" Another aging merchant immediately spoke up, his voice firm and resolute.
"40 gold taels!" From another corner, a voice rang out, sending shockwaves through the room. This was no small sum; only the wealthiest merchants dared to place such a high bet.
"60 gold taels!" Yet another merchant swiftly increased the bid, silencing the entire hall with tension. Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on the unfolding scene.
The auctioneer raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with excitement as though he had just hit the jackpot:
"60 gold taels! Does anyone wish to bid higher?"