CHAPTER FOUR

The sun begins to rise higher in the sky, and the other slave women and myself are forced to stand upon a large platform to properly flaunt our looks. Bitterness continues to creep up my spine, unbidden, and for the first time, I curse my family for putting me in this situation. I stand hunched over, shameful in the once wonderful dress that now seemed gaudy. It suggested something that simply was not so. I am not the prime slave material many of these men would want. I have my chastity intact, but that is not something I seek to flaunt for the sake of being purchased. I keep my head ducked low, aware of the other women presenting themselves as beautifully as they could. Perhaps that is why they are sold more swiftly. One at a time, women are led away from the block as lecherous gazes rove across our exposed expanses of skin. The women who were dressed the most nicely, with the poutiest lips, the softest of curves… they are the first to go. They seem relatively open to the new lifestyle, but I suppose when you're offered little choice, it's best to go with the flow. The woman who has been my only comfort for the duration remains at my side, whispering words of encouragement to me each time a particularly wealthy looking nobleman approached.

I wasn’t sure what would happen if the day passed, and I was left alone on the auction block. Would this continue for days? Would I simply be slaughtered if I didn’t fetch a proper price on the market? Would they send me back to the family who betrayed me?

“Rynna, head up. I’m serious. Stop moping, you don’t understand the consequences of going unsold,” my only friend murmurs, and I glance up in time to see a man in elaborately embroidered robes approach the block.

“What consequences? I shall be some man’s whore regardless, shall I not?” I bite out, and she reaching out to pinch my side. I jolt upright, gasping out in shock. It catches the man’s attention and embarrassment washes over me as his eyes rove over my body. His gaze remains on me for a long moment, and he begins to exchange words with the peddler.

"You would be so lucky to be nobleman's whore at this rate, you dolt. You have his attention. Make use of it," she hisses at me. I catch her gaze and see something vaguely familiar in her gaze. She's afraid, but not for herself. She's afraid for me, what might happen to me if I remain on this block for a day too long. I part my lips to speak to her, but the man in the embroidered robes is considering all of us once again. He lingers on the most attractive women remaining, and I don't include myself in that blanket statement. They pose, they primp, they preen beneath his watchful eyes. Meeting the gaze of the one woman who has shown me any kindness, I swallow the lump in my throat and follow suit. If I am to be a whore, at least I should be well taken care of. She wraps her arms around herself, obscuring her figure from sight. She keeps her head ducked, but continues to whisper confidently to me. "You can do this. It's all or nothing at this point, princess," she murmurs. I arch my back, drawing my lip between my teeth in a manner that I suppose may seem sumptuous.

“Is this all that remains on this lot?” The man in the finely embroidered robes loudly inquires of the peddler, and the peddler stammers out his confirmation. “It’s a surprise that such fine specimens remain. I am sure that my master will be most pleased with any selection I make,” he hums. He walks the line in front of us, extending a hand to lift up the skirts of each of the remaining women.

“What is he doing?” I hiss, and the woman whose name I have yet to learn simply rumbles a laugh.

"Simply checking for abrasions, sores, any indication that you may be unclean," she mutters. She chuckles as he steps right past her and reaches his hand out to lift my skirt. Bare beneath the gaudy red cloth, I struggle not to stiffen as he considers my most intimate area. He does not touch me but nearly consumes me with his eyes. His lips part and his face flushes in a way that it had not with the women previous. It's obviously intended to be a good sign, but I can only feel shame. He allows my skirt to drop and slips away to bargain with the peddler. I look to the woman and realize that she is running out of options for being purchased.

“What will you do?” I inquire, reaching out to touch her arm. She smiles at me, a serene expression.

“Live. That’s all one can do, Rynna. I implore you to do the same, no matter what happens,” she murmurs. She falls silent, turning away from me as the wealthy looking man approaches and selects 3 women from the group. He hesitates before leaving, lingering in front of me and quirking a smile up at me.

“Come, young one. I am sure your new master will be most pleased,” he says warmly. He unlocks my restraint and allows me to walk freely beside him with the other girls who were selected. I glance over my shoulder as I go, watching as my friend is ushered into the wagon for the night. I swallow a sob, turning forward and towards my new life.

I will live. What more is there?