Ethan smiled at Lyria and said: "Lady Lyria, it’s already late. Rest here at the inn tonight, and tomorrow, come to The Imperial Academy to find me. I will think of a way to help you."
Tears welled up in Lyria's eyes as she bowed gratefully: "Thank you, my lord, for taking me in."
When Ethan returned to the royal palace, night had already fallen. The palace gates closed behind him as he and his two guards swiftly headed towards the Heart of Jade Palace. But as they entered the Celestial Blossom Garden, they unexpectedly encountered Valerius Evander, who stood there as if he had been waiting for Ethan for some time. Reflexively, Ethan was startled but quickly regained his composure, respectfully bowing.
Valerius glanced at Ethan's entourage, noticing the absence of Lyria Hawke, and smiled inwardly. He surmised that Ethan had hurried back just in time before the palace gates closed, leaving no time to indulge in pleasures with the beauty. Without a word, Valerius subtly signaled to Reed Jace and Leo Grant. Understanding the gesture, Ethan nodded, signaling his two guards to leave while he stayed behind with Valerius.
Valerius slowly approached Ethan, his sharp gaze scrutinizing every movement: "Where have you been that you’re returning at this hour?"
Ethan respectfully replied, "This afternoon, after finishing my duties at The Imperial Academy, I took a stroll around the capital."
Valerius's eyes bore into Ethan as if trying to see through him: "A stroll, you say? Where exactly did you go?"
Ethan maintained his calm demeanor: "I wandered around the streets near The Imperial Academy."
Valerius's tone grew more probing, his words laced with a hidden meaning: "Is that so? Did you enjoy yourself?"
Ethan responded with a calm gaze: "Seeing the citizens of Helios living in peace and harmony, I felt at ease."
Valerius's gaze turned cold as he moved closer, his every step exuding an oppressive aura. Ethan could feel the tension tightening around him, instinctively taking a step back. But Valerius did not stop, pressing Ethan against the trunk of a blossoming peach tree. His eyes narrowed as he slowly raised his hand to Ethan’s neck, and in that moment, Ethan felt as though he could hardly breathe.
He closed his eyes, bracing himself for the worst. But Valerius’s cold fingers only brushed lightly against his collar. His deep, menacing voice sent chills down Ethan’s spine"How careless of you while strolling around. Your collar is stained with a woman's lipstick."
Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise, not expecting that an accidental brush with the courtesans could leave such a conspicuous mark. Reflexively, he raised his hand to touch his collar, his eyes betraying a hint of confusion. Valerius’s expression darkened as he caught the faint scent of perfume lingering in the air, pushing Ethan away in disgust.
"The scent of a brothel clings to you, it's revolting," Valerius snarled.
Ethan stood frozen, his eyes filled with shock as he looked at Valerius.
Valerius sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm: "Ethan, in my palace, there are countless untouched beauties. If you want, I can bestow as many as you desire. Next time, avoid going to brothels seeking out prostitutes."
A shiver ran down Ethan’s spine as he realized that every step he took was under Valerius’s tight surveillance.
"I… didn’t…" Ethan stammered, unable to find the words to explain. Indeed, he had visited the brothel, but he had no idea it was a place of ill repute. Now, no matter how innocent his intentions, no one would believe him.
Valerius laughed coldly, his words cutting through the silence like a blade: "We are both men; there’s no need to be shy. Or do you think my palace's beauties are inferior to the prostitutes?"
Ethan shook his head slightly: "I didn’t mean that…"
Valerius abruptly ordered: "Then come to my palace and choose a beauty. How about that?"
"Your Majesty, I can’t…"
Before Ethan could finish, Valerius closed the distance between them, his hands bracing against the peach tree, trapping Ethan in a narrow space.
"I saw you enjoying yourself quite a bit at the brothel. When the dancers enticed you, didn’t you seem to be thoroughly enjoying it? Rest assured, the beauties in my palace are not only skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but they are also exquisite dancers."
He leaned in close to Ethan's ear, whispering mockingly: "Especially when it comes to certain skills."
Without waiting for a response, Valerius seized Ethan’s hand, pulling him towards his chamber. He ordered Dorian Ashcroft to summon the five concubines who had recently been presented as tributes.
The five concubines, adorned in elaborate makeup and splendid attire, appeared instantly. Valerius waved his hand dismissively, his voice indifferent:
"Serve the prince of Aria well."
The five beauties bowed gracefully, their eyes shining with intent as they approached Ethan. Their seductive smiles spread across their lips as they began to caress his body as if he were nothing more than a plaything for their amusement. Instinctively, Ethan backed away, his heart pounding in his chest.
The concubines, enthralled by Ethan's stunning beauty, were delighted. One of them lightly tugged on his arm, while another skillfully slid her hand across his back, gently stroking his skin with delicate fingers. Ethan tried to push them away.
"Don't touch me!" Ethan shouted, struggling to escape their grasp.
But his words held no weight with the concubines. One hand slipped into the opening of his robe, another hand slowly undid the layers of his clothing. A concubine pulled lightly on his leg, pushing him onto the bed, while the soft hands of the others continued to glide over his skin. Their lips moved across his body, their practiced movements targeting his most sensitive spots to arouse pleasure.
"Your Majesty, please rescind your order... I cannot..." Ethan's voice began to falter, his eyes filled with fear and helplessness.
"This prince doesn't know how to appreciate his blessings," one of the concubines whispered, half mocking, half teasing.
"Or perhaps we're not beautiful enough?" another pouted, deftly removing her own garments, revealing smooth skin and enticing curves. She pressed her heated body against Ethan's, their skin constantly touching.