You Are Mine (Mine #1)(3)
Father's frame overflows the new seat, and mother moves to stand behind him. After closing the door, I take my place beside her. The air grows hot with the progressing day and too many bodies in the tight room. I pull at my navy gown, but it goes right back to sticking to my skin.
“Good to see you, Councilman.” The tester smiles, making his face appear kind instead of foreboding, though more pruneish than ever. It's almost like he's a different person.
“And you,” Father says anxiously. “What are the results?”
The warlock shows Father the parchment with my blood on it. “Take a look for yourself. It's already lost some of its potency, but she's brimming with magic. Good fine stock. Should be able to secure you an exemplary son-in-law within the month.”
Father studies the parchment for a moment. “Marvelous. You've done some fine testing.”
“Thank you, Councilman Stephen. We've all been impressed with your own work. You're a great benefit to our society. I'll make sure the paperwork gets in right away. I suspect offers will be arriving soon.”
“Any good candidates inquiring lately?”
“Matter of fact, the Grand Chancellor's son was recently in. Picked a wench two days ago.”
The Grand Chancellor's son? If he hadn't picked a wife previously, would I have made it on his list? I grip my hands together. It's doubtful I could handle hosting the required balls and being watched and gossiped about by all the other councilmen's wives. Having to endure my husband will be hard enough without him being a powerful and influential warlock. More than ever the thought makes me want to be back with my sisters. Father leans forward, eager as the tester continues.
“Lots of other good ones are still looking. Jonathan, Councilman Michael’s son was by the other day but hasn't found a wife yet. Neither have Frank or Walter of Norpar.”
“Excellent. Would you make sure they are aware of Serena's submission?”
“Of course. I'll pass it on to those of esteem. I keep hoping Chancellor Jacob will come in for a new wife. He needs to get over his dead one. So many admire you council members. He's setting a bad example.”
Father rubs his chin. “Can you imagine if she was the Chancellor's wife? That would bring good things for me. Since that won't happen, the most powerful, influential warlock in Chardonia who needs a wife would be fine. Preferably one that can pay a lot.”
They both stand. “I'll take care of it. Thank you for bringing her in.”
“Just doing my duty. I'm ready for some strapping grandsons.”
My insides hurt. I fold my arms across my stomach as they head out, but it doesn't help with the pain. I move to follow.
Mother touches my elbow. The touch startles me to a stop and she lets go. “I remember when I was chosen by your Father. It was a troublesome time, but you can do it. You're strong and your sisters need your example.”
I close my eyes and shake my head before opening them again. “I don't think I'm that type of strong.”
Mother sighs. “Maybe not, but you still have to go through it, society expects it. You'll have a new owner soon.”
She's right. A warlock could ask to buy me at any time. There's nothing I can do about it. I follow mother from the room, bowing my head with the hope that it will keep further attention from me. But it's too late to hope. I will always be owned.
Chapter Two
It turns out the tester was wrong. Very wrong. It isn't even a week before I'm purchased by a warlock. Some man I've never met now owns me. According to Father, this man is wealthy and has had only the best of classes focusing on helping him become a councilman. Someone capable of filling Father's pockets and increasing his popularity. A man whom I'm on my way to meet. Thomas. My new Master. He summoned Father and I to keep him company during the yearly tournament. For a full week I'll be with my owner and soon-to-be husband.
My gut churns. I don't know if my carriage sickness is extra severe today or if my nerves are making it worse. The seat jostles beneath me like it has for most of the day. I bump against Cynthia in the dark carriage. I'm grateful Father let her come since mother isn't permitted to attend the tournament in her state. I just wish Cynthia could keep her excitement over our first tournament to a minimum until we're there. If women were allowed windows in the carriage, at least the scenery would distract me. But there's nothing but darkness, bouncing, and sickness. I groan.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel worse.” She stops wiggling, at least for the moment, and I only have to contend with the ruts of the road. She means well, when she thinks about it. “I'm sure we'll be to Thomas's soon, and you can get some fresh air.”
“I hope so.”
“Can I do anything to help?”
I rest my head against the carriage wall, but lift it when the swaying makes the nausea worse. “Talk to me. Distract me.”
“Certainly. I love your two new gowns. They're stunning. The dark green one is my favorite. You'll be smashing. I wish Father would let me get a new gown or two. You're lucky he got some for you.”
I think they're all too fancy, but of course she would want them. She has more dresses than she can wear between wash days. I don't know what she would do with more, but Father insisted I needed to look my best for Thomas to show off. “You make your gowns look beautiful, Cynthia. No one will know they aren't new.”