Page 35 of His to Claim
My heart sinks as I think about how scared Emma must feel right now. And there isn't much we can do until we know exactly where she is being held, prisoner.
As I lay on the soft mattress in Torr's bedroom after a refreshing bath, I try not to dwell on these thoughts too much. Instead, I close my eyes and let myself drift off into sleep again.
10
EMMA
They keep me locked up in this room. This can't be happening again. What happened to Dhakar? He was wounded with arrows. Is he dead? I am so scared for him!
I have no idea what's going on or how it will end. My heart beats faster as my mind races with questions. I could not bear the thought of Dhakar dying. Not now!
The door opens abruptly and a female servant walks inside. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," I say softly, looking at her.
Her face contorts into concern. "You're trembling." She reaches over and touches my arm lightly.
My skin tingles under her touch. Her hand feels cool against mine. It makes me feel safe.
She looks down at our hands then back up to my eyes. "Do not worry. Everything will be fine."
"It's not fine. It can't be," I cry. "Why am I here? What do your people want with me?"
"Shush little human! All will be over very soon," she says with a grin on her face. "King Zarat of Vestia will present you as a gift to his warriors tonight at the banquet held in his honor. There will be an auction and soon you'll belong to the highest bidder."
I stare blankly at her, wondering if I'm dreaming. "What does that mean? Auction off…me?"
Her smile widens showing her teeth. "That means whoever bids the most gets to take you home and use you however they please until they tire of you. You won't like being used, but someone will pay enough money for one night with you. Then you will become property and traded around among various planets and species. Your life will never be the same after today."
Oh god. That's horrible. How can anyone treat another person like that? And why would any man ever buy a slave girl?
The female leaves and closes the door behind herself. I sit there in shock and disbelief, staring at the closed wooden door. No way!
This isn't real. None of this is happening. Someone needs to wake me up. But it's too late.
A knock comes at the door and it swings open. A tall alien enters holding a tray of food.
His head is bald and his skin is pale white with small black spots scattered across it. His shoulders are wide and he stands taller than everyone else. He wears loose-fitting clothes made of soft material that drapes loosely about his muscular frame. He smiles at me as he sets the plate on the table next to me. "Eat something before the auction begins. You need energy for later."
He takes a seat opposite me. His legs are crossed at the knee, making them look even bigger and stronger. He places his elbows on the tabletop and leans forward slightly towards me. His eyes are dark brown and intense. "If you don't eat, we'll feed it to you instead. We might get more money that way."
He grins wickedly and I know exactly what he meant.
I shake my head, trying to clear the images away from my thoughts. "No, thank you."
He laughs loudly. "Don't worry little human, I only mean that figuratively. Don't think for one second I'd put food in your mouth!" He winks at me.
My cheeks burn red and heat rises up my neck and chest. My stomach churns and my palms sweat. I've never been so embarrassed in all my life. This is humiliating beyond belief.
"Who are you?"
"No need for you to know," he smirks.
He stands and walks to the door. "Enjoy yourself while you still can."
* * *
Another female alien comes in.She carries a pile of beautiful dresses draped over her arm. Her dress is a bright yellow color and flows down past her knees. On her feet, she wears shiny black boots with heels.
