33. Watch your mouth.

Winifred felt a wave of confusion wash over her as she observed the lady crying on the floor, tears streaming down her face. This unexpected display of emotion surprised Winifred even more.

"What's happening?" Arthur's voice broke the silence as he entered the room, his gaze shifting between the three women present.

"My Prince, it's this... this girl you call your slave. You won't believe what she did and said to me," Elena began, intensifying her fake sobbing and tears.

"What did she do and say? Winifred, what's this about?" Arthur directed his question to Winifred, who could only respond with a puzzled shrug.

"I'll tell you. She had the audacity to talk back to me when I asked her to assist me with my dress. She claimed that I had no right to give her any orders because she's the one who truly matters to you. And when I tried to put her in her place, she had the nerve to tear the dress you bought for me. Look at it!" Elena reported, shocking Winifred.

"What the heck! When did all of this happen?" Winifred exclaimed, completely bewildered. Arthur glanced at Elena, then at Winifred, and finally turned his attention to the torn dress lying on the floor. He was certain that Winifred couldn't have been responsible for it, but he decided to play along with Elena's narrative.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Sugar?" he asked Winifred, using the pet name that surprised her once again. Elena, taken aback by the pet name he used for Winifred without considering her presence, grew even more enraged.

"Why are you even asking her for an explanation, my prince? Have you forgotten that she's a slave? The words of a slave hold no weight compared to those of nobles. What she has to say is irrelevant. She simply needs to be punished according to my wishes. She looked down on me and dared to tear a dress you bought for me!" Elena burst out in anger.

But Winifred refused to stay silent and stood up for herself. "I didn't do any of that! Being a noble doesn't mean you're incapable of lying or acting! You're an actress, and I couldn't care less. But don't attempt to play your acting game on me. I don't know you, and I have no ill will towards you. So what's with this sudden accusation? Punish me? For what reason? This lady was here too when you were putting on your dramatic act, so I have an alibi!" Winifred blurted out, causing a smile to form on Arthur's face.

He knew Winifred would resist and stand up for herself, and for some reason, he admired that about her. Many slaves had been so thoroughly subdued that they would never dare to speak up against a noble or someone of higher status. If it were any other slave in Winifred's position, she would have simply apologized and accepted whatever punishment was about to be inflicted upon her.

Elena was left speechless by Winifred's audacity to speak up. As a mere slave, Winifred had no right to claim any kind of privilege or challenge Elena's authority. She should have been begging for forgiveness instead. "Did... did you see that? She did it again! Talking back to me! A slave! A human slave daring to disrespect me, a noble lycan! I won't tolerate this level of disrespect!" Elena screamed at the top of her lungs, attracting more people to the room.

Alice entered the room, wondering what the commotion was all about. When she saw her friend Elena, she rushed over, unaware of the tense atmosphere. "Elenaaaa! I didn't know you were here! How are you feeling? I was planning to visit you later today!" Alice exclaimed, oblivious to the tension in the air.

"I came to see my fiancé, and all I've experienced since I arrived is humiliation upon humiliation! And it's all from a slave! A human slave!" Elena vented, her anger boiling within her.

"Wait, from a slave? Who dares to say anything rude to a future royal?" Alice questioned, scanning the room. When her gaze fell upon Winifred, wearing nothing but a see-through undergarment, her anger intensified. "Don't tell me it's her again! Brother, I'm starting to believe you're incapable of taming this worthless human filth! If you can't do it, let us handle it! She deserves every bit of suffering to understand that she can't speak however she pleases! We're becoming a laughingstock because of her!" Alice snapped, storming toward Winifred in anger.

Arthur swiftly positioned himself in front of Winifred, shielding her from Alice's wrath, while Winifred cowered behind him for protection. "I was in the process of dealing with it before she arrived! Ladies, please calm down so we can resolve this misunderstanding. Shouting and arguing won't help, I assure you," Arthur pleaded, trying to diffuse the tension.

Once he sensed a slight calming in the room, Arthur turned his attention to the other slave present. "Um... what's your name again?" he asked.

"It's Eloise, my prince," the slave responded.

"Alright, Eloise, can you explain what happened here? You were a witness, so it's crucial for you to tell the truth about what transpired," Arthur requested.

He knew Eloise was unlikely to contradict her mistress and would likely support her version of events. Nevertheless, he had to give her a chance to shed some light on the situation. However, just as Eloise was about to speak, he interrupted her with a stern warning. "And don't you even think about lying, Eloise! I already know the truth, but I'm giving you the opportunity to provide additional insight. Remember, lying to Royals comes with severe consequences. Slaves who deceive us have their skin stripped from their bodies, resulting in certain death. So think carefully before you say anything. Your best option is to tell the truth."

Arthur understood that he was putting Eloise in a difficult position, forcing her to choose between facing his punishment or suffering at the hands of her own mistress. However, he had no other option. If he didn't intervene, Winifred would be the one facing a difficult situation. In the Palace, it was customary for slaves to be punished if they wronged royals or nobles.

Eloise looked nervously between the prince and her mistress. She felt her heart racing and beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Swallowing hard, she glanced back at Elena, who was winking and glaring at her, as if daring her to speak the truth. Eloise quickly averted her gaze and collapsed onto the floor. "My lady, I'm so sorry! I... I... My lady was the one who tore the clothes herself, my prince. But... but, the slave did speak to her rudely," Eloise admitted, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

Arthur smirked, and Winifred couldn't help but smile too. "It's settled then. Elena, I'm disappointed in your actions. It's truly despicable to ruin a dress that was meant for you and then try to blame it on a slave. That's even lower. As for her speaking rudely to you, I sincerely apologize. Rest assured, I will punish her for it as soon as you leave. I believe I've resolved this issue in the best way possible, don't you agree?" Arthur addressed Elena.

Elena and Alice were seething with anger. They stormed out of the room, followed by Eloise who tried to catch up with them. However, just as Elena left the room completely, Arthur calmly spoke again. "Oh, and one more thing, the next time we meet, I expect to see your slave by your side and in good condition. I hope you understand what I mean, Elena."

With that, Elena stormed out. Winifred could have sworn she heard a loud slap from outside. Arthur was certain that Elena was punishing her slave, as he had expected. At least now, she wouldn't carry out anything more severe, as she might have initially planned or desired.

Once he was certain they were all out of his quarters, Arthur locked the doors securely. He then walked towards Winifred. "You need to be more careful with your words. Otherwise, the next time you speak without caution, I may not be here to save you. By the time I arrive, you might already be in the grave, surrounded by earthworms!" he warned sternly. He positioned himself between Winifred and the wall, leaving no room for her to escape his gaze.

"And yes, your punishment..."