CHAPTER TEN
The night passes in something of a haze, and my body aches pleasantly when I'm led back to the group chambers with the other girls. I can vaguely make out the excited whispers, wonder who will be chosen. Even if I wanted to engage in the chatter, my mind is so foggy it will scarcely allow me. I can still see him when I close my eyes, feel his warmth pressed flush against me. The entire ceremony had culminated with him filling me to the brim with his seed, and though I know I could never carry his child, my entire body feels warm with his essence. I feel my mattress dip when someone sits beside me, and I blink my eyes open to see Lena watching me with a warm smile.
“You did good, for a prude,” she grins, gently touching my cheek. I smile warmly, reaching up to touch the back of her hand.
“I can’t even remember the entirety of what happened,” I weakly manage, and she chuckles, laying beside me on the mattress.
“That’s no surprise. The Dragon King’s eyes were on you, and you alone. The rest of us didn’t even have a chance,” she murmurs. My eyes widen in surprise, and in spite of the pleasure the words bring me, I can’t help feeling apologetic. “Don’t even think about apologizing. We came into this knowing it was every woman for herself. Truth be told, I was rooting for you…,” she trails off, and for a moment I think she has drifted off. However, as I begin to doze off myself, she speaks again. “Truth be told… I don’t feel that my home is here. I feel as if my home is… out there. With…,” she trails off, but I know what goes unsaid. I smile, leaning in to gently kiss her cheek.
“The gods will find you with Abbi again,” I murmur, and she reddens in response.
“One can dream,” she acquiesces, drawing away from me to move to her own mattress. I watch her go, my heart aching for the uncertainty of her future. The uncertainty of our collective futures. While she seemed certain I would be chosen by the Dragon King, I was one of many choices. There were women much more beautiful, much more experienced… much more worthy. I can’t allow myself to get swept up in negative thoughts, however. My delirious brain simply won’t allow it. I curl onto my side, drifting into the most restful slumber of my life.
We are allowed to sleep in late the next morning, and it seems I am one of the last to awaken. The other girls in my group are gathered at my side, an air of melancholy permeating the air. Trinity glances towards me as she realizes I’m awake, offering me a kind smile.
“What troubles you?” I inquire softly, sitting up on my mattress.
“This is likely the last time any of us will see each other. Though the future is uncertain in most cases… that is the one thing that seems to ring true,” Tara murmured. She met her sister’s gaze, smiling sadly as Lena averted her eyes. “Though, I suppose in some cases it would be for the best,” she admits. She grabs her sister’s hand, kissing her knuckles gently. My heart constricts at the scene, and I remember my own siblings. Though I still carried some bitterness towards my parents for selling me into slavery, I can only hope my siblings will be granted a better life.
“I’ve come to care very deeply for the lot of you,” Trinity announces loudly. There are unshed tears shining in her eyes, and I rumble a laugh, drawing her into my arms.
“You’ve come very far, after being traded for a cow,” I tease. She giggles, pressing her face against my shoulder. Lena and Tara join our embrace, and the group of us simply enjoy the closeness for a moment.
"Girls? It is time. The Dragon King has chosen," Veyara calls out. There is a long moment of awkward silence before all of the women in the room rise to their feet. My group and I linger towards the back of the group, and I grip Lena's hand tightly as we make our way to the main chambers of the estate. The Dragon King sits on an elaborate throne, several noblemen seated at either side of him. His face betrays nothing, but I swear I can feel his eyes upon me as I drop to a crouch in line with the other girls. "Ayshek, my lord," Veyara prompts. He rumbles, rising to his feet. He looks all the more stunning in his elaborate royal regalia, and I watch the subtle tensing of his jaw as he looks at each of us in turn. He gestures towards two girls, his eyes sad as he deems him unsuitable for the royal court. They burst into tears as they are led out of the room and presumably off the grounds. He gestures to a small group of women, including Lena and Tara. He gestures to one of the noblemen, who I just happen to notice has a leashed woman crouched at his side. Her hair obscures her face, but upon hearing Lena's name she looks up. My heart clenches in my chest as I realize who it is. Lena erupts into sobs as she all but races to the nobleman. Abbi gathers her into her arms, and the two whisper amongst themselves. The Dragon King considers them with a knowing expression. He is swift to assign the remaining women to the other noblemen, including Trinity. The noblemen rise to their feet, thanking the Dragon King for his time before leading their bounties out of the room. I watch the girls I've grown so close to disperse, realizing I am the sole remaining woman in the room. I fidget uncomfortably, having no idea what my future holds in that moment. The Dragon King rises, stepping towards me and drawing me to my feet. He leans in, and I meet him halfway for a kiss.
“I look forward to our time, together,” he smiles.
With that, I realize.
I have been chosen by the Dragon King.