Page 36 of His to Claim
She approaches the table and lays the gowns beside me on top of the bed covers. "These are yours for the evening. If you want, I can have one of our slaves wear them first and show you how to do up the buttons or tie the sashes into bows. It makes us appear prettier to the warriors. You have to look gorgeous tonight for the auction my dear."
Her voice is sweet and kind. She pats me gently on the shoulder and then turns to leave again. Before exiting, she looks back at me. "Try not to faint during the bidding. Everyone knows that's a sign of weakness and no one likes weaklings." Then she exits the room just as quickly as she entered.
I stare at the two gowns laid out on the bed. One is a deep purple satin number with lace trim around the neckline. The other is a royal blue silk dress with intricate embroidery along the bodice. Both are beautiful and feminine, yet sexy enough to attract attention from the males watching.
They're far nicer than anything I own. Maybe I should go ahead and change. No, I'm going to stay like this until after the auction. I won't give anyone any reason to bid higher than necessary.
I can't believe this is for real. I'm being sold like a fucking slave. What will happen once I am bought? Will they take me home and keep me there forever? Or would they send me somewhere worse if I refuse to cooperate? Would they kill me straight away rather than letting me suffer in agony for days and weeks before finally dying of starvation or dehydration?
The thought of death doesn't scare me anymore. There are too many questions unanswered and no answers forthcoming. All I want right now is some peace. To be able to close my eyes and sleep without fear of nightmares waking me up screaming in terror.
A knock sounds on the door behind me followed by a familiar voice calling out my name.
"Emma, is that right?" A woman asks.
I turn slowly to face her. She smiles kindly and nods.
"Yes, that's me," I reply quietly.
She steps closer to examine me closely, running her fingers through my hair and stroking it softly between her thumb and index finger. "Nice texture. My names's Kira and I'm here to do your hair. You need to look pretty for the males," she grins.
Kira takes me to another room that is filled with beauty products and tools. She sits me down on the stool and starts working on making sure my hair is perfectly smooth and silky.
After several minutes of work, she hands me a mirror and I gasp in shock. I look like a different person! I never imagined myself looking so glamorous. The blonde curls are swept up off my shoulders and held together by a glittering tiara. My eyelids are painted with a shimmering pink shade.
"Do you like it?" she asks.
"I guess," I whisper. "What's there to like? You're getting me fixed up for a fucking auction. I'm not a fucking SLAVE!" I snap angrily.
Her eyes widen slightly. "You don't have to worry about that. We'll get you sorted soon enough. But first, we've got to make sure everything's perfect for tonight. If we mess up now, it could ruin your chances completely."
"As if I fucking care about that," I shout. "What is wrong with you people? You can't sell me like an animal."
She sighs loudly as she brushes back a loose strand of my hair. "It's just how things work here. It's nothing personal. Believe me, I'd love to be able to tell you what happens next, but I honestly don't know. So let us focus on giving you the best chance possible to win over these men, okay?"
My heart sinks at her words. This isn't happening. Not to ME! I start crying, tears flowing freely down my cheeks.
"Hey, hey, it's all right, sweetheart," Kira says gently. "Don't cry. Let's get you cleaned up, then I'll put something nice on those lovely lips of yours."
* * *
Later that evening,I'm led into the main hall of the building where the auction will take place. At least fifty aliens surround me, staring at my every move. Their expressions are unreadable, but judging by their body language they seem excited. King Zarat stands in front of them, smiling widely while gesturing towards the stage.
"Welcome gentlemen," he calls out cheerfully. "Tonight we have one specialty for you. Her name is Emma and she comes from Earth. Please welcome our special guest!"
The crowd roars its approval, clapping loudly before the noise dies away once again. I feel my stomach flip nervously. What am I doing here? Is this a nightmare? No, it couldn't possibly happen. Could it?!
King Zarat turns to address the audience once more. "Now ladies and gents, please give another round of applause for our newest addition. Our very own star attraction."
They applaud even louder than before, filling the room with their deafening cheers. I stare around helplessly, unsure of what to say or do.
Suddenly, the doors behind the king open and two males walk inside, both dressed smartly in robes. One looks familiar with his blue-hued skin, bluish hair, and piercing eyes. Then suddenly, I recognize him – Anil'ha! He walks straight past me, ignoring my presence completely. Why would he ignore someone like that? Did he forget about me already?
Kira takes hold of my arm and pulls me forward onto the platform. My legs tremble uncontrollably as I step carefully across the wooden floorboards. I look out at the sea of faces, wondering which one is going to bid for me.
There are so many of them, that I can barely count. All different types of alien species stand among the crowd, some tall and thin while others are short and stocky. I notice several females amongst them. A couple of the aliens are holding hands, laughing together happily. I wonder why there aren't any couples. Do they only want to breed with fertile women?
I hear the sound of raised voices and turn in time to see King Zarat standing proudly beside the podium.
