Chapter 5: I Screw Up

Cercei’s POV

Approaching the table occupied by a group of boisterous middle-aged men, I silently collected their empty glasses and swiftly replaced them with brimming ones. My hands trembled slightly as I set down the glasses, my nerves betraying me.

“Be careful, dear. You might spill my drink,” one of the men remarked, noticing my unease.

Startled by his comment, I instinctively withdrew my hand, fearing the repercussions of breaking the rules we had been explicitly taught. We were strictly instructed not to engage with the guests. However, my terror caused me to fumble, and in an unfortunate turn of events, I spilled wine onto the man’s lap.

“Forgive me, my lord,” I stammered, fear gripping my entire being. My heart thudded heavily in my chest as I reached for a napkin and extended it towards him.

Tremors coursed through my body as I anticipated the consequences of my mistake. Vienna had made it abundantly clear that any misstep would be met with severe punishment. Now, all I could think about was the impending punishment I would face for disregarding her rules.

“Please forgive me, my Lord,” I stammered repeatedly, as I swiftly reached for a napkin and extended it to him, my hands trembling with trepidation.

The room fell silent as the incident disrupted the ongoing conversations of the others.

“Dear, it’s quite alright. Wipe it away for me,” he responded, his smile bearing a sinister and unsettling air. Gripping my hand firmly, he directed it towards his lap, his intentions unmistakable. Instinctively, I broke free from his grasp, the sudden movement drawing the attention of those seated nearby.

“Adolphus, release the young lady,” interjected one of the men, his voice firm and authoritative. I turned my gaze towards him, searching for a glimmer of empathy in his eyes.

“How dare you spill a drink on me!” Adolphus bellowed, his wounded pride fueling his indignation at my refusal to comply with his inappropriate advances. I could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on us.

“I beg your forgiveness, my Lord,” I managed to utter, my voice trembling and tears welling up in my eyes.

“Remove your mask this instant,” he commanded, his words filled with a menacing undertone. 

Fear gripped me as I contemplated the consequences of disobeying the strict instruction never to unveil my face under any circumstance.

Dropping to my knees, I begged for mercy, my words barely audible in my distress. “M-my Lord, I-I...”

In one swift motion, he snatched the mask from my face and ruthlessly crushed it beneath his foot. My head bowed in submission, he placed his hand beneath my chin, tilting it upwards to meet his gaze. I caught a glimpse of his anger changing into a perverted desire.

“What a captivating face,” he whispered, his fingers gently caressing my face. 

Desperate to avoid his contact, I looked away, seeking help at the edges of my vision.

“It’s truly a sad sight seeing your beautiful face. I can’t help but wonder what kind of punishment is waiting for you,” he murmured softly, his voice filled with a perverted fascination as he leaned in and whispered into my ear.

“Come work for me, and I’ll make sure you’ll be satisfied in every way,” he went on,  his words tinged with an unpleasant offer. Disgust rose inside my mind as I was not that type of person. Despite my distaste for this mansion, I had a strong feeling that his kingdom held even more sinister terrors.

A loud voice shattered the tense atmosphere as Monsieur announced his arrival. Sudden murmurs erupted from the guests inside the grand ballroom. The man suddenly let go of my face and turned to face our Alpha’s authoritative figure.

“What is the meaning of this?” Monsieur’s gaze pierced through the room, his eyes scanning the scene before settling on me. I met his gaze with teary eyes, a silent plea for understanding.

"Forgive me, Monsieur. It….it was an unfortunate accident, I swear. I didn’t mean to make…” I stammered, my words trailing off in distress.

Vienna appeared at Monsieur’s side, her eyes that were once curious now blazing with fury as she looked at me.

“Please, Lord Adolphus, forgive my servant. I assure you, such an incident will never recur under my watchful eye,” Monsieur Remus interjected, attempting to diffuse the situation with his authoritative tone.

“It was not the girl’s fault, uncle,” Lady Shire’s voice rang out, her eyes steady as she stood by my side, offering her support. “Lord Adolphus here was shamelessly harassing her.”

I lifted my eyes to meet Lady Shire’s persistent stare, gratitude flooding my heart for her brave defence.

“How dare you!” Lord Adolphus bellowed, his rage reverberating through the room.

“I witnessed the entire incident as I am seated right before you,” Lady Shire retorted, gesturing towards the table directly before us.

“Shire,” Monsieur Remus called out, his voice commanding her to stop the confrontation.

Lady Shire turned her gaze towards me, her eyes brimming with concern. She extended her hand towards me, a gesture of kindness and understanding.

“My Lord Adolphus, I understand her beauty may capture your attention, but it is never acceptable to touch a woman without her consent,” Lady Shire boldly asserted, her words striking a nerve. 

Lord Adolphus’s face flushed red, anger visibly emanating from him like wisps of smoke. He was on the brink of an explosive outburst when his companions managed to suppress him.

“My Lord Remus, please accept my sincerest apologies for my brother’s despicable behavior. I will ensure he regains his composure,” interjected one of the Lords, swiftly intervening and guiding Lord Adolphus away.

Lady Shire turned her attention back to me, her eyes filled with genuine concern. 

“Are you alright?” she inquired, her voice filled with empathy.

“I apologise for the commotion, everyone. There’s no need to panic,” Monsieur Remus reassured, his friendly smile aiming to bring back a sense of calm to the room.

“Cercei, return to the kitchen, and Shire, come with me,” he continued, issuing instructions to all of us. 

Lady Shire cast one last glance in my direction, and I reciprocated with a reassuring smile, assuring her that I was indeed unharmed. She obediently followed Monsieur Remus, leaving me under Vienna’s stern gaze.

“You wretched bitch!” she seethed, her voice a venomous whisper. With a furious grip on my arm, she forcefully dragged me outside, away from prying eyes.

We arrived at the secluded spot behind the grand mansion, near the sheltering shadow of an ancient apple tree. She violently pushed me against the wall, her eyes were blazing with intense anger that seemed to consume her.

“So, you’re that desperate for attention, huh? Nothing new to that, bitch!” she spat, her words dripping with disdain.

“I didn’t mean to make a mistake. It was purely an accident. I beg your forgiveness, Vienna,” I quickly pleaded, my voice trembling with fear.

“I clearly told you to never make a mistake and to keep your face hidden!” she shouted, her voice seething with anger as she tightly clutched my arm.