Don't resist me today

Yohana examined her white outfit with gold border, feeling uncomfortable with the slits on both thighs, but she hesitated to voice her discomfort. To her dismay, she noticed that the other dancers who would be joining her, had the same revealing attire.

A fellow dancer approached her, offering a cover of danglings to wrap around her nose. "Here, put this cover around your nose to conceal your face. Only your eyes should be visible," the dancer instructed.

Yohana took the cover and tied it securely around her face as instructed. As the lead dancer, she knew she needed to be more expressive than the others, despite her reservations.

"I don't wish to do it," Yohana whispered to herself silently, her inner turmoil growing stronger. As the dancers lined up, she positioned herself at the rear of the group.

Entering the grand hall, Yohana's unease intensified. Not only was the King present, but she also noticed other men in attendance, causing a wave of discomfort to wash over her.

As the dancers dispersed into the pattern they had rehearsed earlier, Yohana stepped forward, taking her place at the forefront. The other dancers encircled her, forming a tight circle around her.

In unison, they all bowed gracefully to King Iskander, their movements synchronized and elegant, showcasing their respect and reverence for the monarch. Yohana's heart raced with nervousness, but she maintained her composure, determined to execute the performance flawlessly.

As the music began to play, Yohana moved with grace and fluidity, extending her arms to her right before delicately waving her hand in front of her face, all while tilting her head to face the King. Her movements were precise and captivating, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

Iskander's deep gaze locked onto her, his grip tightening on the wine glass as a smile spread across his lips. He was captivated by Yohana's moves, his admiration evident in his expression as he watched her dance with mesmerizing elegance.

As the other dancers also captured the attention of the men present in the hall, Yohana stood out as the most captivating for Islander. Despite the constraints of her outfit, her movements exuded a sensual allure that was unmatched.

Iskander observed Yohana's performance with admiration. When he heard his brother's comment praising Yohana's beauty and dancing skills, Iskander's expression darkened slightly. "Yohana looks gorgeous while dancing. I think this is the reason Brother Iskander purchased her as a slave. Her beauty is indescribable," Angelo remarked.

"Not her, Angelo. You cannot admire her," Iskander interjected, his tone firm as he brought the wine glass to his lips. After taking a sip, he lowered the glass, his gaze lingering on Yohana as she continued to dance gracefully in the center of the room.

"So, Brother has given his heart to a slave," Angelo remarked teasingly.

"No. I find her amusing," Iskander stated flatly, dismissing any suggestion of deeper feelings.

"But Brother Iskander's eyes say otherwise," Marvin chimed in, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he glanced at Iskander.

Iskander drained the wine from his glass, silencing his brothers with a stern look. He didn't want any further disturbance or discussion on the matter.

As the dance came to an end, a round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience. Iskander instructed his valet, Walter, to reward the dancers generously, wanting to show his appreciation for their performance.

Yohana wondered if Iskander liked her performance too. Would he reward her by granting her wish? Suddenly, from the changing room, the fellow dancers started making their way out.

Suddenly, she felt a strange sensation wash over her as she noticed Iskander's presence in the changing room. Panic surged through her as she frantically searched for something, anything, to cover herself with. However, to her dismay, she found nothing within reach to shield her from his gaze.

Feeling exposed and vulnerable, Yohana's heart raced as she awaited Iskander's reaction, unsure of what his intentions might be.

"His Majesty cannot enter like this," Yohana stated, feeling angry. She was supposed to change this revealing outfit, but now, Iskander would look at her closely.

"You dropped this in the hall," Iskander said as he showed Yohana the bracelet she had her hand for a long time. It was given by her old friend from her pack.

Yohana promptly brought her hand to reach the bracelet on his palm when he pulled his hand back.

"Iskander!" Yohana ended up saying his name. "Give it back to me," she demanded and stepped forward.

"A slave can never take his master's name. I believe you are aware of this rule," Iskander said as he brought the same hand to his back.

Yohana sharply glared at him, but she couldn't say anything. She lowered her eyes and apologized to him. "Can His Highness return me the bracelet?" she humbly requested.

"See me in the bedchamber after dinner," Iskander said.

Yohana lifted her gaze to look at him and saw him smirking. Her fists tightened, but she had to remain silent.

Iskander approached her and his tall figure hovered over her. "I hope you don't resist me today. I've many plans for tonight," he asserted. He turned left to leave when Yohana stopped him.

"Did the King not like my performance? I thought I danced well," Yohana said.

"You'll get your answers in the bedchamber," Iskander replied and walked away.

Yohana sighed as she found herself in a tight spot once again. Last night, she somehow got saved, but how she would escape him tonight. Her heart squeezed tightly in apprehension. She wanted to run away, but that wasn't possible for her either.

The dancers returned back to the room as they looked at Yohana. "You are lucky for being favored by the King," one of them said to her.

"It is not called being fortunate. I feel suffocated under the King's gaze," Yohana murmured, but the fellow dancers couldn't hear her. She changed into her normal attire and left to see Ria. Probably, she could tell her a way to get away from Islander's sight.