Vampire Enslavement (Lords of Bondage) by Corinne [vampire] Balfour Read Free Book Online

Seamus admonished to Kiera. “It is beyond rude to respond to a lord’s criticism. Such a blatant show of disrespect could earn you a beating.”
    Kiera knew she should have remained silent with her face glued to the floor, as that was the behavior expected of her. Ignoring court etiquette would get her sent away in disgrace, which was something she planned to avoid. As much as she disliked Snotti, she knew that connection was her best chance to improve her situation. She couldn’t go back to the life she had led before, not when she had gotten used to higher living. She had to pretend to be the submissive, docile woman they wished her to be. Unfortunately, she wasn’t good at pretense. “I do apologize, Lord Halloran. You may continue spouting your nonsense without further interruption.”
    “Kiera, your behavior will not be tolerated.” Seamus’ face was full of censure and disapproval. She knew that look well since she often got a similar response from Diermont. “One more word and I will speak to the prince myself to demand you be dismissed.”
    Kiera wanted to kick herself for making that last sarcastic comment. She would have to be more careful with her words in the future, since she didn’t doubt Seamus would carry out his threats. He was a stickler for rules. She leaned forward and bent her head further in submission, hoping that would appease him somewhat.
    “It is within your rights to strike her,” Seamus said to Modez. “The last thing we need around here is another Snotti. The bitchiness needs to be nipped in the bud.”
    Modez brushed her hair from her shoulder, and while she kneeled at his feet, his hand continued to play with her hair like she was some kind of pet. “She’s too weak to withstand such an action.”
    Kiera hated being called weak, but in this case it was true. She recognized the signs and knew she was in danger of shaming herself. The lightheadedness, dizziness, and slightly blurred vision signaled an oncoming physical collapse. The fatigue was getting more difficult for her to control these days. She needed to vacate the room before she passed out, but she couldn’t do that without it being remarked upon. Seamus would make an issue of it. Surely she could make herself hold on a few moments longer. The nobles would excuse themselves soon and she would be allowed to eat, which would help restore some of her strength.
    Another wave of dizziness swamped Kiera and she felt herself sliding toward the floor. She straightened her body and shifted her position slightly, trying to avoid what she knew was coming. To keep her eyes open, she focused on the view in front of her, which happened to be Modez’s trouser covered leg. She could not allow herself to pass out in front of that man, of all people. His opinion of her was low enough. She couldn’t stop her body from sliding forward again and she felt the impact as her head made contact with Modez’s leg.
    Kiera felt fingers gripping her hair. Modez’s fingers. He was saying something, but she couldn’t make out his words. She could easily imagine what he must be saying, and none of it would be complimentary. Snotti would be incensed with her for being such an embarrassment. She had promised Snotti that she could keep up with the best of them, that she had completely recovered from the illness that had cursed her with crippling fatigue. After all, what hybrid had problems with illness? Those problems only inflicted the humans. The last thing she wanted was to pass out, but she was losing the fight to stay conscious. Her eyes were closing and her body felt as heavy and immovable as stone. The damage was done, with her collapsing against Modez. There was no sense resisting the oblivion that beckoned.
     

 
    Chapter 3
     
     
    “Bring forth the breeder and let me have a look at her.”
    Cassia shuddered as Cabrian led her to the hateful prince. The sheet covering her naked body provided little protection. The hybrid’s beady eyes