The Emperor watched her flounder for a moment before his voice sliced through the air, sharp and commanding.
"Undress."
For a brief moment, Eileen thought she must have misheard him. She blinked, confusion washing over her as she struggled to process his command. But the Emperor crossed his arms and barked at her again.
"Why are you hesitating? I said, undress!"
Eileen trembled as she looked up at the Emperor. His eyes blazed with anger as he raised his voice.
"You insolent girl! Do you think you've become something just because the prince favors you?!"
The moment his voice rose, Eileen dropped to her knees on the floor. Her mind went blank, paralyzed by the dual fears of losing her life and tarnishing Cesare's reputation. The thought of bringing harm to the prince terrified her even more than the threat to her own life.
