Chapter 195: Events that unfolded
Few moments before
As Princess Nusrat returned, now comfortably dressed in her nightgown, Mendes and Anirudh found themselves momentarily stunned. She wore a light royal gown, its silk shimmering under the torchlight, perfectly accentuating her jade-like complexion. Her movements were slow and deliberate, every step a seductive display that drew their attention to her shapely thighs and slender waist.
With a graceful elegance, she lowered herself onto the sofa, reclining effortlessly against the silk-covered cushions. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and anticipation. The sheer fabric of her gown clung just enough to offer tantalizing glimpses of her curves, leaving both men utterly captivated.
Colonel Mendes and Anirudh were already intoxicated, not just by the wine, but by the sheer power of her beauty. Nusrat thrived on their attention. She knew it well and had every intention of wielding that power mercilessly tonight.
"I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long," she hummed, her voice soft yet melodic as it broke the silence. She leaned forward slightly, just enough to reveal the soft skin of her cleavage, sending both men’s eyes darting downward to catch a glimpse of her alluring figure.
"I feel rather uncomfortable in places I’m not familiar with," she remarked, reaching for a pomegranate instead of the wine. As she picked up the knife, she delicately began peeling it herself.
The ruby-red seeds seemed to mirror her moist lips as she chewed them slowly, one at a time. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled. "I wonder, between the two of you, who is the most knowledgeable here?"
Mendes, quick to deflect, gestured toward Anirudh with a casual wave. "Well, as it happens, I’m somewhat of a newcomer myself. I believe young master Anirudh would be the right person to satisfy your curiosity. Though, of course, I’ll answer what I can," he said smoothly, passing the focus to his companion.
Anirudh, caught off guard by the shift in attention, felt annoyed. He had hoped to avoid a conversation that might drag out the night, especially since the goblet remained untouched. Yet, Mendes was right. He knew far more about the local trade and governance, and Nusrat’s gaze was now fixed squarely on him.
"Please, feel free to ask me, Shehzadi," Anirudh replied, doing his best to mask his impatience. "What would you like to know?"
Nusrat’s eyes twinkled as she leaned in ever so slightly, as if daring him to lose focus. "I’m curious about the volume of trade that passes through the ports. How well are they managed? And what of the customs here? What might a foreign merchant need to know on their first visit?"
As Anirudh launched into an explanation of trade, administration, and local customs, Mendes’ attention wandered. He took another slow sip from his goblet, his heart beating faster with each passing moment. His eyes wandered back to the princess, tracing the outline of her form as she elegantly shifted on the cushions.