“Isn’t it time for the young ladies present to show off their skills? It would be boring to only have professional entertainment, right? Fifth Brother, didn’t you mention some of your ladies just yesterday?”
It wasn’t like Phetra to praise anyone else. Shareen and Cassandra exchanged a look, unclear of the Princess’s motives.
“Let me guess… This one is as cunning as a snake?” whispered Missandra.
“Dieni. Stay away from her, Lihue.”
Missandra nodded. She had already noticed how that woman was often glaring their way. It was indeed a nest filled with venomous serpents.
“Oh, I know!” replied the Fifth Prince, Lephys. “Where is the redhead? Show them!”
Cassandra was absolutely disgusted. He didn’t even bother to call her by her name! It was no wonder though, when he had over two hundred. Actually, he had only brought about forty or fifty women along to the party, which still created a huge feminine crowd around him.
Cassandra exhaled, glancing over at Kairen.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Watching your brother reminds me just how lucky I am,” she whispered.
Kairen clicked his tongue. He could overlook Cassandra touching Sephir for medical reasons, or getting close to Anour as he was younger, but he wouldn’t ever let his concubine near that pervert Lephys. He was notorious for his complete lack of self-control when it came to women. He had even forced himself on two of the Emperor’s concubines, who were executed as soon as word got out.
The red-headed concubine stepped forward and bowed lowly, but did not introduce herself or say anything. Cassandra immediately noted how short her red dress was, and that she wasn’t wearing any jewelry. She looked very unsure and embarrassed to be there. Nonetheless, she took out two long, red ribbons and started dancing. It was stunning, and the musicians soon began playing to accompany her.
Minutes passed by, and Cassandra realized the concubine’s two ribbons had started to burn. She kept dancing, causing the flames to dance through the air. The people present in the garden were having fun watching the show. It was mesmerizing to watch fire snakes dance around the air, threatening to set fire to the grass under her feet or her red hair.
When she was finished, she threw her ribbons into the lake, the flames extinguishing in the water. Everyone around applauded, and the young lady bowed before going back to the Fifth Prince, her head down. Cassandra could tell she had not done this out of her own desire.
“That was a bit boring, Brother,” scoffed Phetra.
Even though most people didn’t agree with that statement, no one dared to speak against an Imperial Princess. Cassandra felt uneasy. Phetra then had her brother put forth six more of his concubines to dance or sing. One after the other they obliged, but no matter how talented they were, Phetra appeared dissatisfied.
After the seventh one, Lephys was aghast to see her still so unhappy.
“Aren’t you too hard to please, Phetra? Why don’t you suggest a performer since mine are not to your satisfaction!”
Her victorious smile appeared right away.
“Should I? I mean, I would be curious to see our Third Brother’s concubine perform. If she is as talented as everyone praises her for, surely she should have a talent to show us all?”
Cassandra’s mouth pulled to a slight frown. So that was what Phetra had intended from the beginning…to have her perform in front of the whole crowd, reminding her she was just a mere concubine. Kairen furiously put a hand on his sword, but Cassandra stopped him.
Next to them, Shareen clicked her tongue.
“If you need a show, I’m very good at throwing knives, Sister. I would love to show you how skilled I am.”
The threat was so obvious, no one dared to even breathe too loudly in the immediate area. However, Cassandra stood gracefully.
“If you want a performance, I’ll give you one,” she announced fiercely.
“Cassandra,” said the Prince, holding her back. “You don’t have to…”
“Don’t worry,” she said with a gentle smile. “I’ll be quick.”
Cassandra didn’t care for Phetra’s childish ways, but it was high time that woman stopped underestimating her, treating her like some toy she could freely play around with. If she were to hide behind Kairen and ignore her again, Cassandra would forever be seen as a weak concubine who couldn’t stand up for herself.
It was time to get rid of that image. For good.
As she walked up to the center of the crowd, every pair of eyes were on her. Most people were eager to learn more about the War God’s Concubine, the young lady the Emperor himself was so fond of.
