Sophia POV
The ultimatum hung in the air like poison between us. I watched Cassius's silver eyes as he weighed his options, my life or the servant girl's death. The power I held in that moment was intoxicating, more thrilling than any jewel or crown.
"Well?" I demanded, stepping closer until I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "What's it to be, my lord?"
Cassius glanced at the girl cowering on the bed, then back at me. Something shifted in his expression, a calculated coldness that should have warned me, but instead only inflamed my desire.
"Very well, Princess," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "If that's what you require."
I felt a surge of triumph. Finally, someone choosing me over that worthless creature.
"Send her away first," I commanded. "I want her gone."
"No." Cassius's refusal surprised me. "You wanted to humiliate her, didn't you? Let her see what she can never have."
