Chapter 7: Set Them Free

His body’s instinctive response was far too strong for the soul of a modern office worker to control.

Chained to the wall by rough iron shackles, Selena looked down at Rhode’s awkward, comical predicament. Understanding flashed in her deep eyes.

*This was in the bag!*

The notoriously debauched Third Prince was indeed a fool who thought only of women. One look, before a single word had passed between them, and he had already lost his composure.

Selena gave an inward sneer, her taut nerves easing a little. As long as he wanted something from them, they had a bargaining chip for survival.

“Your Highness.” She broke the strange silence, deliberately softening her voice to convey just the right measure of grievance and submission. She shifted slightly in her chains, her figure visible beneath the torn purple gown.

“Please forgive us for receiving you in such a sorry state. These crude shackles bind our hands and feet, so we cannot kneel before you.” She lowered her head, exposing her pale neck and shoulders. “If Your Highness would come a little closer, Selena would be pleased to show her respect in another way.”

Her soft voice and the sight before him sent heat rushing to Rhode’s head. *How is anyone supposed to resist that?*

“Your Majesty! What are you doing?”

Before he could speak, Vera, suspended beside them, erupted. Anger flushed her brown skin as she struggled against the chains and shouted at him. “You worthless human! Stop looking at her like that! If you have the courage, kill me now! Your Majesty, you mustn’t bow to this trash! The dignity of the elves—”

“Vera! Silence!”

Selena snapped her head around, her seductive manner gone. Her fierce look warned—and almost begged—the general not to ruin everything. *What did I tell you before that butcher Gray came in? Control your temper and follow my lead. Is there nothing but muscle in that head of yours?*

Vera fell silent under her gaze. She clenched her teeth, her chest heaving, and swallowed the rest of her words, though she continued to glare murderously at Rhode.

Rhode stood there torn. Any one of the three elves could have stirred his heart. The queen in particular was beautiful and knew exactly how to approach him. As a modern office worker who had been single for years, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t tempted. One nod, and all sorts of things might happen in this dark cell.

But this was a trap.

She was the queen who had led a rebellion and held out for days against the empire’s armored cavalry. Could such a woman be simple? Her apparent submission and advances were clearly an attempt to use him as a way out. Who knew whether they had spells that could steal a man’s soul?

Lust could be deadly, and his back was still aching. If he fell for this, there might not be so much as a bone left of him. His first task was to stay alive in this empire that devoured people.

He made up his mind. Today he would go through the motions safely; once he understood this world, he could consider what to do next.

“All right, enough. You’re giving me a headache.” He waved impatiently and turned to the guards behind him. “Take those two down.” He pointed to Selena and Elia, who was trembling in the corner.

“Your Highness!” Hongye stepped forward, urgently lowering her voice. “That’s too dangerous! What if they attack?”

“What is there to fear?” Rhode interrupted, deliberately raising his voice while keeping his eyes on Selena. “This is the capital’s prison, surrounded by our people. If they dare lay a finger on me here, I guarantee that before sunrise tomorrow, not a living thing will remain in their territory. Kill me and their entire people die with me. I’m sure Her Majesty is clever enough to understand that.”

Selena lowered her eyes, concealing her complicated feelings. She understood the warning. The supposedly useless prince might not be quite the fool everyone believed. His words showed he knew their weakness: the lives of their people.

“Your Highness jests.” She looked up with a vulnerable smile. “We’re already fish on your chopping board. How could we harbor such thoughts? We only hope you’ll show us a little mercy.”

Two armored guards stepped forward with heavy keys. Two clicks later, Selena’s and Elia’s wrists were free.

As soon as her support vanished, Selena crumpled forward. Elia rushed to her, and the two women fell together on the dirty floor. Elia gasped for breath, her pale skin marked with dirt and welts. She clutched Selena’s arm and trembled like a frightened rabbit.

Selena leaned against the wall, breathing unevenly. Her damaged gown had slipped during the struggle, exposing one rounded shoulder.

Watching from outside the bars, Rhode swallowed. He quickly looked away and took two deep breaths, forcing down his wandering thoughts.

Having freed the two women, the guards turned toward Vera and reached for her shackles.

“Wait!” Rhode pointed at her. “Don’t release that one!”

The guard froze, key suspended in midair.

Rhode rolled his eyes and pointed at Vera’s furious face. “She’s a mad dog. She doesn’t understand reason! If you let her down and she jumps me and bites, are you going to take it for me? Leave her hanging there to cool off.”

Vera’s eyes blazed. The iron rattled as she strained against it, blood running down the chain. She spat blood onto the floor. “Worthless human! I don’t want your hypocritical charity! If you have the courage, kill me!”

Rhode raised an eyebrow and declined to take the bait.