The effect was immediate.
Wave of pure, unhidden shock washed over the gathered maids.
A maid being intimate with the son of the Duke?
To them, Kraven was not merely a young noble. He was a figure so far above their station that even the crown prince in their cheap novels felt more reachable by comparison. The idea that one of their own had already shared a bed with him struck harder than the original request.
Sera shifted uncomfortably. For a fraction of a second her eyes lifted to his, and the look in them was clear enough.
Was that necessary, Young Lord?
Julian did not care. He turned his attention back to the rest of them.
"So," he said, "who will join me? I will reward the one chosen with one thousand gold."
The corridor went dead silent.
Then the silence broke.
"What?"
"Oh my god—"
A sharp gasp escaped one of the younger maids before she could stop it. Surprise flooded every face at once.
One thousand gold was not just a generous tip.
