Chapter 15: Strip

Hazel allowed Matilda to lead her back into the chamber, her bright eyes dim.

Even when she was helped in the bathhouse by Matilda and one other new maid, Hazel made no move and said nothing. She had her head lowered as Matilda’s fingers weaved through her hair, washing away the dirt.

Seeing how quiet she was, Matilda let out a soft sigh and said, “This might be for the best, Hazel.”

Hazel said nothing.

Matilda, with the help of the other maid, helped Hazel into an off-shouldered white dress. The length only reached the middle of her thighs, highlighting her long, but pale, long legs.

The dress clung firmly to her body like a second skin, fitting into her curves and dips, especially her slender waist and chest.

Matilda stared at Hazel’s stunning face even without the addition of rouge and exclaimed in her heart.

Hazel was really too stunning.

No wonder the Alpha King had been interested in her.

“I noticed that white suits you more,” Matilda pointed out as Hazel stood in front of the mirror, unable to resist staring back into her own reflection.

After tonight, there will be no prestige to talk about whatsoever.

After tonight, she would have no choice but listen to the Alpha King.

Seeing how quiet she was, Matilda patted her shoulder gently and asked, “Are you okay?”

Hazel stared at her dead in the eyes, then asked, “Do I look like I am?”

The maid who had been quietly tidying the bed finally could not resist speaking.

“What’s so bad about serving the King? A lot of people want to be in your position and yet you are acting as though you are being sentenced by death. You really can pretend.” She said, her tone slightly sour with envy.

She wished she was in Hazel's place and yet the person herself kept acting like it was a punishment.

Matilda gave the maid a sharp glance, “Did I allow you to talk?”

The maid scoffed.

“You’ve done enough, you can leave now.” Matilda added coldly and the maid halted.

“But…”

Initially, she had thought she would be able to witness the Alpha enter the chambers. She had even intentionally applied rouge to beautify herself, hoping that the Alpha King would notice her when he comes.

But now…

“I said, leave.” Matilda repeated, voice ice-cold.

Considering her experience, she would be lying if she said she does not know what the maid was trying to do.

The maid, after being called out by Matilda, glared at Hazel in spite. But she had no choice but to leave.

“At the end of the day, isn’t she just a slut who was able to catch the King’s attention? He would discard her when he’s done anyways.” She murmured as she walked out of the chambers, slamming the heavy doors behind her.

Matilda turned back to Hazel, “Do not mind her, she…”

“She is right.” Hazel cut Matilda short with any expression on her face.

Matilda parted her lips as though to say something, but after a few seconds, she let out a sigh for the nth time that night.

“Your dinner is here. You should eat something before the Alpha comes. If you need anything else, let me know.” Matilda said gently, and after one glance at Hazel, she left as well.

Hazel was the only one left in the chamber, with her thoughts.

She so much wished she could leave, but Hanna’s life was at risk here.

Hazel stared at the untouched food, silence swallowing her.

Then her stomach betrayed her, growling like a beast who was just emerging from seclusion.

Hazel wrapped her arms around her stomach and pressed her lips together.

It was already late and she had not had anything to eat since this morning.

She sat slowly behind the stool, her movements stiff and mechanical. The food smelled warm and rich, but it felt as though something was lodged in her throat, heavy and bitter.

Even as she took the first two spoons, her tongue could not taste anything. But she swallowed anyway because her body had to endure it.

She swallowed her sobs, almost choking on the food.

Hazel did not know the number of spoons she had had when the door suddenly opened and a chill rushed in.

Hazel's body completely went stiff and the spoon fell with a loud clang.

Damien walked into the chamber slowly, his boots making little to no sound against the pavement. He did not glance at her and merely removed his coat, hanging it casually on a wooden hanger close by.

Hazel's body trembled, but she forced herself to calm down.

Wasn’t it just to serve him in bed? How bad could that be?

She would just close her eyes throughout the whole thing. It was not like it was her first time to begin with.

Damien made his way to a couch not far from where she was sitting and settled down casually. His index finger tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

He finally had the chance to study Hazel, and as he did, his pupils became deeper.

“Stand up.” He ordered coldly, staring at her with those cold eyes.

Hazel bit her lower lip, but did not hesitate to stand.

As she did, Damien’s gaze swept over her body, from her curves to those long legs that seemed bright under the light.

Feeling his gaze on her, Hazel felt uncomfortable. She tried pulling down her dress, as though to stop his gaze from lingering on her.

Then he spoke again, his voice cold and final.

“Prepare yourself.”

Hazel stared at him, baffled.

“P…prepare? How?”

Although she didn’t want to admit that she had no idea about this thing, she still could not hide her puzzlement.

Damien raised his brow and sneered, “Stop pretending, you know exactly what I am talking about.”

Hazel clenched the hem of her dress, fisting on it.

Seeing that she was not reacting, Damien frowned.

“Since I have to spell it out for you, very well.”

“I…”

“Strip.”