Chapter 46

All eyes were on him. The round table of Eric had grown silent and the silence persisted for a moment. Eric looked at him, surprisingly but that didn't stop him from taking a sip from his cup.

“Yeah, I've changed my mind,” he said again, his voice firm. “She needs to be punished for her carelessness.” 

Leo's heart sank at his decision. His hands curled into fists beneath the tables, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He wanted to speak, to defend her but there was no way he could do that, not when his father was around.

But the rage inside him was unmistakable. Ethan, sensing his frustration, discreetly reached under the table and placed a steadying hand on Leo's clenched fist. He turned his head to notice Ethan and Ethan made a gesture in which he understood too well.

Leo but his lip, his eyes flickered and landed on Aiden. They were locked on him. Inside he was boiling but he forced himself to stay composed.

Isabella, seated next to Aiden, could barely hide her satisfaction. A small triumphant smile crept onto her lips as she sat a little straighter in her chair. This was exactly what she had wanted. Lucy's punishment would not only serve as a reminder of her place but would also make Leo's affection for her seem foolish. Isabella's eyes glimmered with cruel delight as she glanced toward Aiden.

Eric, however, was still surprised at his sudden change of decision. He leaned forward slightly, studying him with a curious expression. “What made you change your mind, Aiden?” Eric asked, his tone more amused than concerned.

Aiden didn't hesitate. “The maid needs to learn her place,” he replied evenly. “If she isn't held accountable for her mistake, she'll think she can get away with anything. It's a matter of discipline.”

Eric stroked his chin thoughtfully, nodding in agreement. “Discipline is important,” he said. “You're right. If we let these things slide, it sends the wrong message.”

“Exactly.” He agreed, his gaze fixed. “She needs to be taught a lesson so she won't repeat the same mistake again.”

Leo's fists tightened under the table. He could barely listen to this conversation without wanting to stand up and demand they leave Lucy alone. Every word from Aiden's mouth felt like a stung to his skin and the fact that his father was supporting him made it even worse.

Isabella could see the uneasiness in Leo's body from across the table and reveled in it. She knew how much he cared for her and seeing him struggle to control his anger was almost as satisfying as knowing she would be punished.

Eric, still musing over Aiden's decision, offered suggestions. “Perhaps, a few days in the lower quarters, where the punishment is lighter but firm. Or, she could be reassigned temporarily.”

Aiden, however, shook his head. “No,” he said calmly but decisively. “I'll handle this myself.”

Eric raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You want to punish her personally?” he asked.

“Yes,” he responded. “I believe a direct lesson from me will have a stronger impact. She'll remember it.”

Isabella's smile widened slightly at the thought. This was far more than she had hoped for. A personal punishment from Aiden meant Lucy would be humiliated even further. Her eyes darted briefly to Leo whose frustration was now barely contained.

Ethan, still holding Leo's hand under the table could feel the tremor of his anger running through him. His jaw became tight but he kept his head down, trying to avoid meeting anyone's gaze. But inside, he was fuming. 

If Aiden laid a hand on Lucy, he wasn't sure he'd be able to stay silent any longer.

Eric, oblivious to the turmoil around him, leaned back in his chair, satisfied with his reasoning. “If that's what you want, Aiden. I trust your judgment,” he yawned. “You may see her and deal with the situation as you see fit.”

Aiden nodded, his expression unchanging. “I'll see her soon… it's best not to delay these things.”

Leo, unable to remain silent any longer, shot a glance at Aiden. “Isn't that a big extreme?” he tilted his head, his voice low.

Aiden's eyes flickered toward Leo, his eyes cold. “Not if it teaches her a lesson,” 

“Oh! I see. But every one knows how cruel Aiden is with punishing others…. Am I wrong?”

Aiden let out a smile and leaned forward. He furrowed his eyebrows as he stole a glance at Eric and back on Leo.

“Is that what you think, Leo… Are you trying to speak for her.” 

Leo wanted to argue but Ethan's grip tightened, silently urging him to stay quiet. Reluctantly, he leaned back in his chair but his eyes never left Aiden.

“You can do what you want… she's all yours.”

“Good.” Eric threw a friendly slap across Leo's back and stood up. He called the attention of everyone and greeted them once again. “Tonight, I believe everyone has enjoyed themselves.” He watched expectantly for a response.

The hall filled with guards all responded with a cheer and in one accord they shouted, “Yes.”

Eric reverenced Aiden once again as he made gestures with his hand towards him. “We call it a night here. You all can still enjoy the night but as an Alpha and leader of this pack… I need to take a break, there are other pressing matters to attend to.” 

He yawned and extended his hand to shake Aiden. Aiden without hesitation shook his hand and thanked Eric for the night. 

“Isabella, make sure you have your maid show him to his room. And, umm, don't forget to bring your maid to him.” He wagged his head and walked away while a few guards followed behind him.

Isabella immediately leaned in towards Aiden, her voice dripping with excitement as she rattled on. “If you wish, Prince Aiden, I can have Lucy brought to you now,” she said eagerly. “She's been nothing but careless and this isn't the first time. There have been other instances—small, yes, but they add up.”

Aiden sat back in his chair, silent and unmoved as Isabella continued, her voice growing more animated. “Honestly, she's been making mistakes for months. I've seen it myself. She shows no regard for authority, no respect for the order of things. If she's not punished now, it'll only get worse. She deserves to be dealt with severely.”

As Isabella spoke, her words became sharper, more insistent. Her eyes gleamed as she laid out Lucy's faults, clearly relishing the thought of Lucy receiving a harsh punishment.

But just as she was about to launch into another tirade, her eyes caught Leo's gaze from across the table. 

His stare was hard, unyielding and it froze her mid-sentence. The intensity of Leo's expression was enough to silence her immediately. He didn't say a word, but his look spoke volumes. It was a silent warning—one she understood all too well.

Isabella's breath caught in her throat as Leo made a subtle gesture with his hand, indicating she should leave. It wasn't a request; it was a command. And despite her usual defiance, she knew better than to cross Leo this moment.

Without another word, her smile faltered and she quickly rose from her seat. She turned to Aiden, her voice now much quieter. 

“”I'll leave you to it, then,” she said, her earlier enthusiasm gone. She signaled to Marie who had been standing nearby and the two of them walked out of the hall.

Ethan, sensing what Leo had done, didn't waste any time either. He nodded towards Leo, silently telling him to keep his cool and in no time, he followed Isabella and Marie out of the hall.