Page 2 of Sold to the Devil
“Oh, my poor, innocent child, I wasn't talking about making you a disciple. Not yet, at least. You will have the Trace, yes, but when the time is right.”
He runs his fingernail over my palm, his gaze focused on his movement. “To further prove his loyalty, your Father made me an offer. Do you want to hear what he offered me, my child?”
“Yes, Master.”
His red eyes meet mine and the smirk returns to his face, exposing rotten and yellow teeth.
“Your father offered me your hand. You, my dear child, are to marry my son. You see, he will take my place after I die and he must ensure that our reign lasts. He needs an heir, which you will give him.”
I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat and lean back.
“It will be my honor, Master.”
He chuckles, tightening his grip on my hand. I wince silently, but he doesn't seem to mind.
“From now on you will live here with us. You will join my son at the Wizarding Academy this year and I will give you a task to complete. Once you have completed it, my dear, I will give you the Trace. Certainly, marrying my son is a start, but you will still have to prove your loyalty. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Master.”
I bow and he lets go of my hand gesturing us towards the exit.
“You can leave now. Carmen will take you to your room. If I'm not mistaken, your things were brought here during our conversation.”
I bow again, thanking him. Leaving the room and glancing briefly at my father. He avoids my gaze, staring intently at the table. He must think I'm angry at him, but I know he did it for our family. If marrying the Dark Mage's son can prove our dedication to his cause and make my father proud, then it's an honor to have this opportunity. It's not the life I dreamed of, but then again, who am I to defy my father's choices?
Carmen is waiting for me outside the room with a small smile on her full lips. She beckons me to follow her and we head towards the stairs. We walk for a while before stopping in front of a door. She opens it, and I am mesmerized by the beauty of the room.
The walls are painted dark green and the floor has black tiles. A queen-sized bed sits by the window, draped in black silk sheets. On the left wall are two doors that, I assume, lead to a bathroom and closet. To my right is a huge bookcase filled with books of all sizes. I smile brightly at the sight, I love books; they are my escape.
“All your things have been brought here, my dear.”
Carmen's soft voice makes me turn my head towards her. She smiles, but I can see a hint of sadness in her eyes. She probably knows why I'm moving in and most likely feels sorry for me. Father sold me to the Dark Mage after all.
“I'm sorry, but the Master insisted that you and his son share a room, so you'll be staying in his.”
My eyes widen slightly. Is this my future husband's room? I've never shared a bed with anyone, except Nancy. Carmen must have sensed my anxiety, because she gives me a comforting hug.
“If you're too uncomfortable staying with Mattheo, let me know and I'll prepare another room. The Master will be leaving on business tonight and will be gone for the rest of the week, he won't know,” she whispers in my ear.
I shake my head and squeeze her arms.
“It's fine, I have to follow orders. Besides, we're getting married, I have to get to know him. But thank you, I appreciate your kindness, Madame Leroi.”
“Oh, call me Carmen!”
I smile shyly and nod. She apologizes, explaining that she has an appointment, but tells me to do whatever I want and feel free to make myself at home. She also mentions the elves, insisting that I can ask them for anything I want without hesitation. I nod again and step into the bedroom, closing the door behind me.
I wander to the doors on my left and I'm pleased to see that I’m right. One is a huge closet, filled with men's clothes on one side and my own on the other. While the other one is a bathroom with a double shower, a large bathtub and two sinks under a full-length mirror. It's practically as big as the bedroom itself. I see that my hygiene products are already on the right of the sink. I guess that's my side.
His side is well-organized, he seems to like things tidy. I have no idea what he looks like or how old he is, all I know is his name, since Carmen mentioned it.
Mattheo.
I walk over to the bookshelf and quickly look through the books, hoping to find a clue about my future husband's age. My fingers run over the spines, my eyes are quickly scanning the titles when I'm brought back to reality by the sound of a door opening. I turn around and freeze at the sight of the boy who has entered the room.
He looks about my age, has curly brown hair, chocolate eyes, slightly tanned skin and what look like scars on his nose and right eye. He's wearing black pants with a white shirt, I can see his muscles beneath the fabric. He looks toned and deadly attractive. He looks at me, and I can't help but feel nervous.
“What are you doing in my room?”
