“I do?”
“You have the freedom to decline this buy. In all other cases, you must adhere to our program where a purchase is final as long as the buyer is qualified. In this case, you get to make the decision to go with this buyer or not.”
“Is anything else known about him at all?”
Locke started to shake his head. Then said, “All we have on him is that he is associated with the royal family of Pariny. But only as a distant cousin. He was known to have attended Cornell University for a time until he dropped out and was never heard or seen again. There had been rumors in the first years that he had even died. But of course he is quite alive. Nothing is known about his compound except it is located in the country of Pariny and is remote from major cities.”
Across the sea. Ren would be traveling far if he decided not to decline.
“How can I make such a decision without more information?” Ren asked.
“That is the difficulty. But you should know that this particular buyer bid quite high for you. The highest I have ever seen in all my years here for one slave.”
“For me?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Unknown.” Locke let a smile press his lips. “You are exceptional, of course. Your tests, videos, essays—all exemplary.”
“There are other exemplary slaves sold by the Palace every day.”
Locked nodded. “There are. But this buyer chose you. He did not appear to care about other bids. He looked at our reserve and tripled it. And the offer is in cash.”
Was that odd? Ren had no idea. But then he thought it probably was odd, especially if he went for as much as a house or something equally expensive.
“Would you like to know how much?” Locke asked.
“You’re allowed to tell me?”
“In a red-mark case, I can reveal all of it to you so you are fully informed in making your decision.”
Ren bit the inside of his lower lip. Nodded.
Locke leaned forward and put his elbows on his desk.
“Nine million.”
For a moment, Ren thought he had not heard correctly. It could not be that figure. It was far too high.
Wulf, near his corner where the wall was streaked gold and green, grunted.
“I don’t—think I heard you,” Ren said.
“Nine million, Ren. Avilan dollars.”
“But I’m not—I’m nobody.”
“Certainly you are not! You are an amazing graduate from the Slave Palace. Smart. Talented. Beautiful. That was why we had a reserve of three million on you, and we expected to meet it.” Locke rose from his chair and came around his desk, leaning his hip against the edge. “Never ever think you are not truly an amazing man and a perfect slave!”
“If not for you rescuing me,” Ren began to say in a soft voice.
Locke held his hand up for silence. “You have wanted this. You embraced your dream for this with great enthusiasm. And now this is the reward. It is a lot of money. Someone wants you very badly. But we cannot know why. We only know that this man has purchased other slaves. There is no way for us to monitor their conditions, their health, or even if any are alive. This is a very important decision for you to make. The money is good. It means that should anything ever happen to your master and you end up back here, you will always be cared for. Of that nine million, a percentage is set aside in trust for you. For your life span. It means you will never not know wealth. But the decision for your well-being is more paramount. You do understand this, correct?”
“I do,” Ren said. “I will be sent far away.”
“Yes,” Locke affirmed. “And you will have no contact with anyone, including me or any Palace representative.”
“I’ll be going into the unknown.”
“That is essentially it.”
Ren could feel his skin tingle all over in a variety of responses from anxiety to anticipation.
If he said yes, he would be part of a harem and probably never know what it would be like to be cherished by one, one on one, to be another man’s one true love-slave. On the other hand, if he said no, gone would be the highest bid in Slave Palace history. A record-breaker. And he would never know who bid such a high price for him, or why.
A stranger wanted him that badly. It was the oddest feeling, both exciting and terrifying at the same time. But was curiosity on his part enough to risk his very life?
He did not want to be hurt again. Physically. Mentally. Other than the sexual games he’d been trained to perform which included being restrained, taking the whip across his back, and allowing himself to be used by multiple partners, Ren did not invite more than that. What if this man was a true sadist? A torturer? A serial killer? Who could be sure if all that was known about him was that he was wealthy? If he and his harem never left the compound, no one would truly know what really went on behind closed walls, gates and doors.
Ren had already lost everything once in his life. He had almost died on the streets. But he’d made it.
The first and loudest voice in his mind spoke an immediate no to the situation. But deeper within, Ren had a strange desire rise up. He looked at Wulf.
He’d heard about that man’s story. He had been captured, taken against his will, sold against his will, and labeled a one-night thrall to be taken and used and disposed of since he’d been labeled too dangerous to train. Wulf had not known what would happen to him day to day until he came to the Slave Palace. Even then, the story was told that Wulf fought his fate, and that only Master Locke with his great patience had been able to reach him. And they’d been together ever since. It was a lovely story.
Ren had the freedom to decline and wait for another bidder. But it was a gamble. That second bidder could be someone qualified but that did not preclude they wouldn’t be cold, cruel, old, bitter. There were no guarantees at all for the slave when an auction was held. The winner of each auction could be anyone.
“How long do I have to decide?” Ren asked.
Locke met Ren’s gaze. “Twelve hours.”
Not long enough. And yet too long. If he had less time, his nervousness would end quicker. But he did not want to be hasty. He intended to take the entire twelve hours.
Ren bowed his head. “Thank you, Master.”
“You have my leave to go. You may go back to your room or to the pools only. Order your food sent to your room. If you need to discuss this further, you may request the guidance of myself or Master Holden.”
“Thank you, Master Locke.” Ren stood and turned to leave.
Locke’s voice stopped him. “Ren.”
He turned. “Yes?”
“I am quite proud of your accomplishments here. You are one of the best. I want you to know I do not say this lightly. Your decision is yours to make and you will not be wrong either way. The Palace will stand by you, whatever you decide.”
“Thank you, Master Locke.”
As Ren opened the door and stepped into the busy hall, he heard Locke say, “Wulf, come here.”
As Ren turned, he glanced back through the archway just before the door swung closed and saw Wulf, still glistening with paints, wrap his arms around Locke as Locke laid his head against his broad shoulder.
“What if he’s not as lucky as I was?” Wulf murmured.
Locke reached up to touch Wulf’s face.
The door shut.
Chapter Six
Bon Voyage
“You do not have to do this.”
Locke stood by the wide window of Ren’s private room, bathed in the deep ivory glow of morning light. His dark brown hair reflected golds and blues and his aura was a deep auburn fringed in pink. The blue light above him remained bright as always. He exuded success and fulfillment. He had a respected job. And a beautiful lover that was his own personal pleasure slave.
Ren longed to be even half as content.
“Nine million. The man wants me that much. I feel deep inside myself that I must go. I must honor this buyer’s
winning bid.”
“You do not owe anyone.”
But Ren did not quite agree with that. The Palace had taken him in when he’d been deathly ill. They had trained him well. This was the life he’d dreamed of. What he had always wanted. He owed the Palace everything. He lowered his head and remained silent.
“Come here to me.” The words Locke spoke reflected those Ren had heard him speak to Wulf before he’d left his office the previous evening.
Ren moved toward the window, blinking at the brightness, the view a green field swept by willows, oaks, and eucalyptus.
As Ren faced Eminent Master Locke, Locke’s aura lightened and the pink outline sparked with tiny flames.
“You are one of the most incredible slaves to graduate the Palace. You have other bidders who are wealthy and will take you. Possibly even love you.”
“But not at nine million.” He could not help but be awed—and proud—of that figure.
“True.” Locke reached up and pushed a tendril of hair back from Ren’s face. Ren felt himself flush all over. To be revered by Locke—and touched. This master simply did not do that. Not since Wulf had come to stay with him. Rumor was Locke no longer consummated physical sexual acts with those under his authority. Once, he used to be the best. So gossip said. He interacted on all levels with trainees. But now he oversaw the Palace itself. When he took on trainees, he had hands-on masters who worked for him to train them. Locke remained in authority, but did not touch.
Ren liked to think it wasn’t because Locke was jaded, but because he was in love. And completely devoted to Wulf. Completely monogamous.
It wasn’t that unusual, actually. From what Ren had learned during his time at the Palace, many masters did like to play with many different partners, not just slaves in training, and in groups, and they remained polyamorous for years and years, but others ended up retiring to long-term relationships with one partner. As in any work place, everyone was different.
But now Locke touched Ren. And his dark eyes softened, gold around the edges. His aura pinked even more.
“It may be obvious that I have taken an interest in you.”
Ren’s lips twitched, wanting to break out in a grin.
“There will be no outside contact after you are gone. I will never know what happens to you. So this is of great concern to me.”
All masters cared about their trainees, but relationships were not only discouraged, they were forbidden. Not that this was a relationship, but there was something more. Locke had taken a personal interest. He had shown altruism to Ren by taking him in when he was half-starved and feverish. All trainees were shown good treatment by their masters. They trained them well so they could take care of themselves out in the world, after they were sold and left the Palace.
This made the parting easy and smooth. Already, Ren felt fine about leaving Master Holden. He had no feelings for him beyond teacher/student.
But Locke— that was different. Ren had always felt an affection for him. Perhaps it stemmed from that rainy day he’d collapsed in Locke’s arms.
Anyway, he was ready for this. Ren was ready to face the world now. As a pleasure slave. He had been well-trained. If he shied away from this secret bidder, he’d always wonder for the rest of his life what he had passed up.
“I want to go.” Ren swallowed and his throat was dry.
Locke nodded. “Then I will put the final stamp of approval on your bidder. And you will leave in two days.”
Ren nodded. But his eyes welled.
Locke’s eyebrows almost met. “You must be sure.”
“I’m sure. I just—I do have emotion about it. That’s all. I’m happy, Master. I truly am.”
Locke took a deep breath. “Ren. You make the Palace proud.”
“I am proud to have learned all that I have. This is what I want.”
Locke nodded. “Not everyone has this conviction deep inside in the beginning or even after they graduate. This sureness you have in your identity—I believe it will help you. I will never forget you.”
“Thank you, Master.” Ren flushed again, wondering at his heat. Had the air in the room been turned off? But no, that wasn’t it. It was the approval. The sense that he had done well beyond expectations. To be told by Master Locke he was the best made his heart light.
For a moment, Ren thought Locke was about to embrace him. Instead, Locke dropped his hand from where it had touched Ren’s hair and turned away.
The room fizzed with pink light for a long while after he left.
*
Tradition dictated he walk the Rose Path before passing the Slave Palace gates to the outside world.
Ren’s mostly hairless body had been freshly oiled for the occasion.
Cascades of red, pink and yellow rose petals fell over Ren’s naked form. Silver spring sunlight streamed into his eyes. Tears slid down his cheeks.
The glare, he told himself. It’s just the glare.
But the celebration moved him beyond definition. The crowd of masters and trainees exuded light of emerald, pearl, ruby, all denoting excitement, happiness, and maybe even a little jealousy from the trainees. So bright.
They were all proud of him. Even the ones he did not know. But they knew who he was. Ren was the boy who sold for the highest bid ever known to any Palace. The boy who would cross the sea and enter a mystery of a life with no outside contact. He would never be able to tell anyone about it.
Deep inside Ren’s chest a tremor threatened to produce more tears, and a singular excitement enfolded him the likes of which he’d never known.
He’d come such a long way.
He was a little afraid. Not for his life, for who would part with nine million dollars only to murder his acquisition? But his apprehension for the unknown coursed through his veins.
Ren smiled as more flowers and petals cascaded through the air and into his hair, thrown by his peers. They slipped down his shoulders, some sticking to his shining skin. His hair was loose, cascading down his back.
At the end of the path stood the Eminent Masters in a rainbow fog of colors. In the center of the group, Locke smiled at him and held out a single black rose. He gave the black rose only to graduates who passed with the highest of ranking.
Ren took the rose, bowing, then kneeling before the masters.
Out the corner of his eye, he saw Wulf nearby at the front of the crowd. He stood apart, aloof, naked and goldenly glorious, and not without interest in the proceedings.
Wulf would never walk this path. For a moment, Ren was almost jealous.
He looked up through his shining hair as the masters bid him to rise.
Now they would feast.
Then Ren would sleep one more night in his own bed, awake at dawn and board a helicopter which would take him to a private plane on a private runway a hundred miles from Lirangel.
*
Eminent Master Locke, Master Holden and Wulf met Ren at the helipad.
Ren was surprised to see anyone there. As a graduate, he had the freedom to come and go unleashed, though he would always wear the collar. He was expected to get himself to the helipad on time.
The sky was green on the eastern horizon. The sun had still not poked itself above the low mountain range beyond the city. From their vantage on the high hill, Ren could see the city lights below still twinkling in the pre-dawn shadows.
A breeze blew cool through the deep, thick leaves of the oaks.
For the first time in two years, Ren wore clothes. White shirt, black silk trousers. He had on black slippers and his hair was tied back with a neat black string. Some of the shorter hairs brushed his cheeks and eyelashes.
The calmness of the scene left dark blue auras surrounding the four of them.
But though Ren did not have regrets, he was far from calm. He could not eat and had drunk only half a glass of orange juice before leaving, for the final time, his luxurious Palace room.
Master Holden stepped forward. “To my finest student, I bid you farewel
l.” He kissed Ren on the forehead.
Master Locke stepped forward. “I hope with all my heart you find happiness.”
Ren blinked back the sting of tears.
Master Locke then stepped forward and brought Ren into a tight hug. He had never seen Master Locke hug a student before. He stood in the midst of that hug and took all the warmth and strength of it into his heart. He put his own arms around Master Locke and pressed tight.
He was breathless when the hug ended. “Thank you, Master.”
“A rare jewel. That is what I told your new owner in a letter to him. Of course, I received no response, but I can only hope my words and recommendations for your character found their way to him.”
Master Holden nodded in agreement with Locke’s words.
Wulf stood to the side, silent as always. Unmoving. But in his eyes there was a hard resolve. He did not look away from Ren. His aura, spiked with green bolts this morning, told Ren Wulf was astounded, but also admired him.
Ren boarded the helicopter. The pilot had already started it up, the propeller spinning faster and faster.
As they lifted, Ren looked down on the entire estate on the hill. The Palace itself glowed in the pre-dawn light, the golden turrets like a vision from a fairy tale. From on high, it all looked like a child’s toy set in a miniature garden, and the masters and one slave looking upward to send him on were but tiny dolls receding into the past, the way of all childhood things. Blurred. Lost on the edges of pearlescent, faded memory.
But Ren knew he would never forget them. And maybe, if he was lucky—who knew?—he might see them again. One day.
Part Two
Chapter Seven
Arrival
After eight hours of flight—most of it over ocean waters—Ren saw a city with tall buildings that gleamed dark gold in the sun’s glare. It looked as if it had just come up for air from sea, glittering like a lot of broken pieces of a child’s toys scattered about. Beyond the spill of that city, a range of mountains swept like a wave on the land. Dark green contrasting with the white edges of the dark sea. He could already smell the forests of those mountains, spiced and sharp, and with the fresh clean scent of shade.
The Slave Harem: A Kingdom of Slaves Book Page 5
