Once dismissed from the king's presence, Aaron brought up a bag of ice from the kitchen. The guard followed him but didn't say a word the entire time. How much did the guard know? Did he surmise what may have happened? He had brought Lorelei up to Celeste's room.

  Returning with the bag of ice, he held it to her forehead, not wanting the gash to leave a bruise. He nursed her back to health, keeping an eye on her during the night. In the morning she'd have the room to herself while he chose two more courtesans to join his royal harem.

  Right now the thought of two more girls was furthest from his mind. The only young woman he wanted was Lorelei.

  "I'm sorry," he whispered, stroking her hair, trying to comfort her as best he could. She'd been through hell. He never intended to bring her back there.

  "It's fine," she said, closing her eyes. "Nothing I haven't dealt with before."

  Those words stung his heart and formed a pit in his stomach. She didn't deserve that life or the one she had now either. He brought her here to be with her, but he hadn't thought the repercussions through either. Aaron supposed he was lucky that the girls were the only ones to act out and not his father as well.

  "I'll take care of you," he said, promising that he'd make sure she was okay. He didn't want to see anything else happen to her.

  Yawning, she reached for his hand, giving it a tentative squeeze. "I'm used to looking after myself," she said. "Get me a knife or a gun, and you won't have to worry about me again."

  He wanted to take care of her, be the alpha in the relationship. It was what he was used to, after all. Sighing, he knew arguing wouldn't get them anywhere. Besides, she'd come to the palace to be with him. He needed to protect her. A promise that he'd look after her wasn't enough. Maybe she was right and handing her a weapon would ensure her safety. Aaron knew it was a stupid idea. How would he explain it if the weapon was found by Clara or another courtesan?

  "Please," she asked, her voice shaking slightly. "I'm not strong enough alone."

  Aaron had seen the damage the two girls had made within a few short minutes. Lorelei had been lucky they hadn't killed her. It seemed the girls were after blood, demanding to know what happened to Celeste.

  With reluctance, Aaron stood. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. He hoped he wouldn't come to regret his actions later. "I'll be right back." Aaron headed out of the bedroom and into the hallway. Where could he get a weapon without drawing too much suspicion?

  He lifted a knife from the kitchen. The guns were heavily guarded. Besides there'd be no accidental shootings with a knife. It would ensure Lorelei didn't murder anyone else and that it would only be used in self-defense. The royal harem was supposed to be a peaceful loving place, the thought that she even needed a weapon saddened Aaron.

  Returning with a knife, he placed it on the table beside the bed. It wasn't nearly as large as a butcher knife, but that was probably best. She could hide the handle in her grip and the long sharp blade against her wrist. "You'll have to find someplace to keep the knife. If anyone sees it, you'll be sentenced to death for attempted murder of a royal." She had to know what she was up against.

  Aaron didn't want her to get caught, but the girls were very much like prisoners with bunk searches. Clara often made the beds and rummaged through the rooms on King Gideon's orders.

  Lorelei sat up in bed. The gash turned an unsightly color. She disposed of the ice Aaron had given her, tossing it into the trash. "Thank you." Lifting the knife from the table, she examined it thoroughly.

  "I hope that'll do. It's only to be used as protection," Aaron said, warning her of the dangers of possessing such a weapon.

  She nodded, her eyes transfixed on the shiny silver blade. "I know." She stuffed the blade between the box spring and mattress.

  "You need to rest," Aaron said. He climbed atop the mattress and gently guided her back to lie down. "I'll stay here until morning."

  Lorelei closed her eyes. "What happens then?" she asked, as he wrapped his arms around her.

  "Two new women will be joining the harem," Aaron said. His fingers traced a soft path down her arm until he reached the brand on her wrist. "You remember that day, don't you?"

  "Like it was yesterday," Lorelei said. "I had a twin sister, though we look nothing alike. Your brother Henry chose her."

  Aaron remained quiet for a long moment. He doubted that he'd even know who her sister was if given the name. "Have you seen her since?"

  She shook her head, grimacing. "No."

  The room stilled. Aaron didn't know what to say. It was likely that her sister had been sold, just as she had by her uncle. Though Lorelei wasn't a courtesan, there were many organizations that profited in slavery. Whether it was young children for labor, virgin girls, or courtesans, the market was ever-growing and only a handful of rebels attempted to do anything to stop it.

  In secret, Aaron had given money to the rebel cause. A donation he'd made when a courtesan had been snuck out instead of sold by his father. Did Aaron know exactly where the funds he provided went? No. He suspected they were growing their small army and expanding.

  Chapter Seven

  Morning came far too quickly. Aaron slipped from the bed, untangling himself from Lorelei's embrace.

  "Stay," she mumbled to him.

  He couldn't. His father would be expecting him, as would his brothers and the virgins that arrived at the palace. He dropped a soft kiss to her lips before he retreated to his room to shower and dress.

  He hadn't found the time to make sure Sabrina and Riley had escaped the palace before the men from the slave trade had arrived. They were long gone by now and as angry as he was with them for what they'd done to Lorelei, he also didn't feel it right to sell them into slavery. One horrid act didn't justify another.

  Waiting on the other side of the hall, he stood with his brothers, anxiety beginning to creep in. Why did this make him so nervous? Every month the routine was the same, it had always been that way for him since he turned eighteen. Maybe it was the fact he had Lorelei now and any other woman just didn't compare to her. She was tough and unique, casting a different glow about her. The women of the harem were used to submitting to their prince. With Lorelei, she challenged him and he hated to admit he enjoyed that feeling with her.

  Would she be devastated when he returned to the harem with two more women? She knew today was coming as much as he knew it, but he worried how she'd react. Aaron wouldn't be forced to bed the new courtesans tonight, but it would be expected. He felt wrong, loving anyone but Lorelei and he'd barely known her. What was wrong with him?

  "Cheer up," Henry said, patting his younger brother's shoulder. "This isn't your first rodeo. Besides, father will weed out any of the kinky ones."

  It was no secret what their father enjoyed doing to courtesans. Aaron tried not to think about the man in his late fifties bedding an eighteen-year old girl. It seemed wrong.

  King Gideon had already entered the hall with the virgin women, awaiting to be elected as a courtesan. Some always held such hope-filled eyes, wanting a new life away from their home. Did they know how short lived it would be here?

  These were women not animals. He wanted them to love him not for his title or the chance at becoming part of the royal harem, but for who he was. When did he become such a romantic? He pushed down such thoughts, unwilling to let anyone else ever know them.

  The princes waited until the signal from Clara that it was time to enter. Gideon had done whatever he desired, which always made Aaron uneasy.

  August pushed the double wooden doors open, stepping in with his brothers behind him. "I get to choose first this month," he said. They had agreed to rotate each month for first choice. It made the decision at least a little more fair. Especially since Henry desired gems in his lot of women, like prizes to be collected.

  Aaron went along with it, seeing as how he had no other choice. Defy his father and be put out on the street. Too many in the kingdom knew his face. He'd made a few rebel friends but not enough. He pretended to fit in, accept his role, until the change he desired was sought. It could be years from now or perhaps not even in his lifetime.

  "Oh look here, brother. An emerald to your liking. Maybe I should take her," August said, bragging. Of course he'd be smug about a girl with green eyes. Not only was she rare but also something Henry would most likely desire. August was a disgusting vile creature, too much like the king, their father.

  Aaron barely paid attention to the emerald girl. She was pretty but looked frightened to death. She also wasn't eighteen, she was a few years older, and so she was terrified for good reason. If no one picked her, she'd be sentenced to death for disobeying the law. If his brothers didn't choose the poor girl, should he? Aaron struggled with what was right. At least she wouldn't be interested in staying around, which meant he could help her escape next month and not have to worry about losing a girl he loved.

  Aaron made up his mind. He would choose the emerald.

  August chose the girl that had elicited a reaction out of him. Typical. Who played whom? Henry strode by the emerald, barely pausing enough to pay attention to her. He was the only one that Aaron thought would sweep in and take the girl. His love of gems only went so far. The emerald was too old for him. He stopped in front of a blonde and she curtsied. A few pleasantries were exchanged before he ordered her to join him as a courtesan.

  James strode down the row of naked women. He asked a few questions to each. Aaron paid no attention. He'd need to choose a second girl, seeing as how he'd given up two slots with Sabrina and Riley. Could Aaron make it clear that obeying him was of the utmost importance? He didn't want the girls fighting or threatening each other. Riley always had a fierce streak and had grown jealous when he had paid attention to the other courtesans. Everyone had to accept their place and there was no room for envy.

  His brother James selected the emerald, Aria, and she was quickly escorted out of the room. How the hell did that happen? Aaron had planned to take her and protect her. He ran a hand through his hair, quickly growing frustrated. All these women were staring at him, naked and proud, showing off their assets, wanting him to accept them. He didn't want to be judgmental, choosing based solely on breasts and ass size. He wasn't the pig August had grown to become.

  James left the room. He was done with the selection. Aaron had two women to choose. One now, then August got a second pick. Aaron strode through the hall, desperately trying to stare at the women's faces but it was difficult. He loved breasts. Large ones, small ones, it didn't matter. His eyes naturally kept falling toward the young women's perky curves.

  He slowed, coming to face a brunette with deep brown eyes. Any eye color outside of Sapphire was rare. Though brown wasn't nearly as rare as green eyes. She was beautiful with her sun-kissed skin and rosy pink nipples.

  "What's your name?" Aaron asked. Lorelei would likely hate her. Though all the women were beautiful. How was that possible? Did Gideon weed out anyone that the princes' wouldn't find attractive, alluring, and a virgin? Or had someone else made the decision for them?

  "Luna," she said, her voice soft.

  "That's a very pretty name." Her eyes sparkled and a smile danced on her face. She seemed pleased that he noticed her, albeit a bit nervous. A blush spread across her chest and cheeks.

  Aaron could sense she was aroused. He was too, just staring at her naked body made him want to lean in and kiss her. There was no chance he'd do that, not with an audience watching. "Would you like to become part of the royal harem?"

  Luna nodded excitedly. "Yes, I would like that very much."

  Aaron sent her down to the end of the hall where Clara had returned, waiting for the next girl to be selected.

  "Finally!" August stomped through the hall, looking each woman up and down. He didn't bother asking permission, stalking up to a blonde and shoving his hand between her thighs, touching her.

  Aaron glanced away, embarrassed by his older brother's actions. Could he not wait until they were back in the royal harem?

  "You're so tight," August said, slipping two digits into her pussy, unwilling to even keep his voice down. "Do you desire me?"

  Would she speak the truth if she didn't? Aaron doubted any woman would, fearing for their life. "Of course, Prince August." Her face held a different story.

  August released his fingers, licked the juices and walked further down the row. The blonde seemed relieved to be left alone.

  Aaron would let her return home with a brand on her wrist. She didn't want to be here and she could leave without any repercussions, unlike the emerald that had missed showing up on the month after her eighteenth birthday.

  The arrogant prince strolled down the row, continuing his visual examination, until he landed on a red-head.

  She crossed her arms defiantly. "I'm no one's second choice."

  "Excuse me?" August seemed to be caught off guard.

  "You heard me," she said, meeting his stare.

  Aaron inched closer, wondering what exactly would ensue. Did August intend on taking her as a courtesan just because she told him flat out she wasn't interested? If she was already his, she'd probably be tossed over his knee and spanked. All the brothers spanked the harem girls to keep them well-disciplined.

  "It would be best if you kept your mouth shut," August snapped.

  "Why?" She shifted on her feet, looking unafraid. "I showed up. That's what's required of me. There's no law that says I have to be polite or keep quiet."

  "There should be," August said under his breath. "Maybe I should call King Gideon back in and see what he thinks we should do."

  The red-head needed a heavy dose of discipline. Would August do that here, in front of everyone to witness?

  She didn't answer, closing her mouth, probably to keep herself from saying something regrettable.

  "You're too much trouble. I like spanking my women, but I expect them to obey me," August said.

  Another blonde stepped forward. "Prince August. I ask that you consider me as your courtesan." She curtsied before him. "I very much desire to be the submissive in a relationship. If you would have me."

  Aaron's eyes narrowed, curious if she played him much like the woman had earlier that he accepted into his harem. Women could be just as conniving and manipulative as August, especially if they were after something specific. Did they think that Prince August would keep them around when he eventually took the throne?

  August reached for the woman's hand. "Come with me," he said and led her toward Clara.

  The youngest prince licked his suddenly dry lips. Aaron still had to choose and the women appeared to grow restless. Did they want to be picked, or were they silently begging to be released?

  Luna had seemed quite eager to join Aaron. He struggled with who else to choose. Against better judgment, he walked out of the room, only choosing Luna. The moment the doors shut behind him, Aaron heard chatter erupt from the other side of the hall.

  His father would have a fit, but Aaron could insist that next month he'd find a suitable replacement. He also had bought time, not having to send another girl away in a month. Eleven girls were more than enough to handle. Besides, he wanted Lorelei and everyone else seemed so bland in comparison to the murderess.

  Chapter Eight

  He headed for Lorelei's room, knocking before entering. She wasn't in her room. He walked into the living area and noticed Luna sitting alone on the sofa, where Riley had sat just a day ago. It never got any easier, even when Aaron felt justified sending Riley and Sabrina away. Though he hadn't wanted to let his father sell them, he didn't have time to aide in their escape. He was on lockdown.

  His eyes searched the room with eight women sitting around the lounge area. Lorelei had her head in a book. She hadn't even looked up when he entered the room. "Lorelei, I'd like a word with you." He tried to sound like a prince, commanding and expecting one's constant loyalty.

  She put the book down and glanced up at him. "Yes?"

  "In your room," he said, nodding behind him.

  Lorelei stood, following the prince into her room. He shut the door behind her. "Am I in trouble?" she asked.

  "No, quite the opposite. I need to take care of some things, which will keep me from the palace for a few days. Ordinarily I wouldn't ask a harem girl to accompany me, but you're no ordinary girl."

  The faint smile spread across her cheeks. "Where are we going, and what about the guards?" she asked.

  "I need to find out where Riley and Sabrina were taken. I don't agree with what they did to you, but sending them to the Courtesan Slave Trade, that isn't right either."

  The smile disappeared from Lorelei's face. Her expression became grim. "I see."

  "You don't have to come, if it's too much for you," Aaron said.

  "No!" She quickly interrupted him. "You may have picked them, but I chose to be with you. Besides, they're out of our lives. Maybe, someday, they'll owe us a favor for getting them out of the slave trade."

  Aaron nodded, his features softer as he relaxed. "Wouldn't that be something?"

  "What about the guards?" Lorelei asked.

  "Let them follow the car. We'll have to ditch it for another vehicle." Aaron didn't worry about his father's punishment until he had to face it. He'd be gone a few days and the guards would sadly take most of the slack for losing the prince. Did he feel bad for them? A bit, but until he could trust any of the guards implicitly, he didn't have another choice.

  There wasn't much to take with them. Aaron made sure to bring enough funds for food and shelter. He suspected that the rebels would lend them a bed and provide a hot meal, assuming he could find them.

  He waited until it grew dark and the guard's changed shifts, hoping that there'd be less chance of being spotted.

  Quietly they snuck down the staircase. Aaron pointed silently at the shoes for Lorelei to snag a pair. She slipped a pair on and followed the prince out of the palace and down to the parking lot.

 

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