Page 12 of Servitude to Serpents

"Not yet. The house Master will approve you, see if you’re worthy of the mark of Bloom.”

“What—“

“This meeting is important for usboth. Do not embarrass me,” he cuts me off. I follow silently, taking in the beautiful, old money-style mansion I’ve been kept below for the past weeks, being sure not to look at anyone directly, not to vomit on the nice carpet. We climb the stairs for what feels like ages until we enter a hall opening to another lavish sitting room. Sir knocks on the door before hissing down at me. “Your position.”

The white dress billows out around me as I drop. My knees hit the plush carpet; it feels amazing compared to the concrete they’re used to. When the door opens, the smell of rich patchouli fills the air, and intercom man makes a sound of approval. “You may leave us.”

Fear brackets me. I’ve never been taken without Sir around. Everything in my body screams to follow him as he retreats, but the man in front of me doesn’t give me the chance. His voice booms with the confidence of someone who rarely, if ever, is told no.

“Come, little Lily. Let’s ensure you’re worthy of the name.”

“Yes…” I hesitate, unsure of what honorific to use. My breath leaves me in rough pants as I get to my feet.

“You may call me Master until you are owned. Your anxiety is beautiful, although it’s an acquired taste, one I do not share. I’m an old man now; my years of scared, unwilling girls are behind me.” He laughs. “I cannot say the same for your Mistress.”

“Oh, Leo, she is beautiful. I must have her in my wing.”

"My love, we've spoken about this. We've already listed her for auction. I fear your hand is far too heavy for this one. Please, be gentle. She was trained to keep sweet.”

The woman’s laughter sends a chill down my spine as I drop back into position in the middle of the large room, my eyes firmly on my palms. Even then, I don’t miss the white baby grand in the far corner. My throat swells at the thought of playing, although I knew it would come eventually. I should be grateful it took this long.

“I fear I’ll never forgive you for this. Look at how blissfully afraid she is.”

My chest heaves with the struggle to keep my breathing quiet, but I can’t. God, I can’t.

I can’t play.

I can’t.

A dagger-like nail catches under my chin. I quickly avert my eyes from the drilling blue ones that endeavor to find mine. “Her manners are good. She’d bettercatch a good price, or I’ll divorce you for letting her go.”

“She’s a Lily, my love.”

“Oh, look at her eye!” she exclaims. Her nails dig into my skin as she tries to force my eyes to hers. “Look at me.”

“Yes, Mistress,” I gasp, tears welling in my eyes as I meet hers. She’s beautiful, with aged, sharp features.

“Yes, we have contacts for her at auction.”

Mistress seems appalled by the suggestion, taking it out on my chin, which she still holds hostage. “You cannot cover it! It makes her unique. I bet you could upcharge her, even.”

“It is unsettling, is it not?” Master replies, looking speculatively down at me from where he’s leaning against the armoire.

“What is it called? The defect in your eye.”

“Polycoria, Mistress.”

She stares at my bad eye, as if she’s trying to figure it out. I’m used to the curious, sometimes downright rude responses it gets from people. It took me ages to look at it myself. It’s odd, having two separate pupils in one eye.

“How does it happen?”

“I-I suffered a detached retina when I was younger.”

“Fascinating. My husband tells me you play. I’ve always loved the piano. Go take a seat on the bench.” She releases me with a slight push, making me tilt backward, almost toppling.

“I can’t—“

“What was that?” She snaps, the tension in the room wire thin as dread settles in my chest. I get mere seconds to regret my words before she reaches me, her long nails scraping my scalp as she knots her hand in my hair. “You are lucky my husband saw fit to sell you. If you were mine, I’d take flesh for disobeying me.” She sneers the words, and for a moment, she reminds me of Grandma, which is great at a time like this.

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