Chapter 1

Sunlight¹ peaked through the thick velvet curtains as Kara slowly opened her eyes. She could hear the servants walking past her chamber door. The estate required a small army to keep it operational, and with the auction coming in just a few short days it was all hands on deck.

“Come now girl, sleeping the day away is no way to keep a husband happy” Mavi said as she opened the thick wooden door. Mavi was the head Lady Servant. Kara’s father had assigned Mavi to her on her 13th Birthday. Kara cared for Mavi. She was one of the few people to show her kindness since her Mother died when she was just 11 years old.

“But Mavi, I don’t want a husband.”

“Hush now, your want on the matter is irrelevant. Women are meant to be wed. Just as a man is meant to provide. You are meant to obey and keep him satisfied.” Mavi said matter of factly as she started heating water in the large tub which sat in the corner of Kara’s chamber.

Kara stripped from her night gown. The silk fabric fell gently before getting caught on the metal Chasity belt that clung to Kara’s hips.

“The only good thing to come from this auction will be I no longer will have to wear this.” Kara said to herself as she waited for Mavi to unlock the device. Kara would never forget the first day she was made to wear it. She had went to relieve herself, there had been so much blood. She panicked and ran to Mavi. Mavi had helped her clean herself and explain this was the start of becoming a woman. Kara didn’t understand and any other questions were quickly shut down. That night before bed Mavi brought the Chasity belt. She had been forced to wear it constantly since.

The water burned her skin as she lowered her body into the tub. Kara could feel her muscles relax as the hot water soothed her.

“No dallying today Kara, you’re father will be by in less than an hour.”

Every muscle that the water just eased tightened as Mavi finished her sentence.

General Oden. Revered war general. He had served almost 25 years for the Totelin military. His loyal service to the King had made him a very rich man. The estate stretched for miles. He had many servants who took care of his every want. To Kara though he was an absent father. Throwing any parental obligation to servants.

“What does my Father want with me?” Kara asked “That’s not for me to answer. Just remember your manners. If you don’t cause any problems I may bring you a special treat with your dinner tonight.” Mavi smiled gently at Kara. Her eyes lingered though. Almost like there was something she wanted to add but didn’t.

Kara hurried with her bathing. Mavi watched as Kara scrubbed herself. Making sure she didn’t linger too long on the area that the Chasity belt covered. Once when bathing Kara spent a little too much time and a slight moan slipped her lips. Mavi had reported it to Kara’s father. He had paddled her 10 licks. Kara dared not repeat that.

Once the bath was finished and the belt fastened securely, Kara sat as Mavi braided her hair.

“What’s having a husband like?” Kara inquired

“How should I know child. I’ve never been married.” Mavi laughed gently “Like anything that involves men, obey, watch your tongue, and have a pleasant spirit and you will be fine.”

Kara stared at her reflection in the mirror. Within two moons she will be a wife. Belonging to a man. She had no idea what that looked like. When her mother was alive she remembered her mother taking care of the day to day running of the house. That didn’t seem so bad. Her father was so rarely home. When he was home her mother didn’t leave her chamber.

A sudden thud on the door startled both Kara and Mavi. They turned to face the door as General Oden entered. Behind him followed an older man. Slightly older than Kara’s father. Kara and Mavi both lowered to their knees. This was meant to show their submission when in the presence of men.

“When did she turn 19?” The older man asked

“Four full moons ago” General Oden answered “Stand Kara.” Oden barked.

Kara stood immediately. She kept her head lower. Not daring to make eye contact.

“This is Dr. Rode. He will doing the auction exam. You are best to mind him. Any defiance will be met with the whip. Do you understand?”

General Oden was fond of the whip when it came to punishing servants. Kara had witnessed it a few times.

“Yes father” Kara said quietly “When was the last time you bled?” Dr Rode asked

“2 weeks ago sir.” Kara asked not sure what this had to do with the Auction.

The Auction happened every spring. All the elite of Tolenin auctioned their daughters off to marry. The more powerful the man, the more money was paid. It was a way for a man to recoup the cost of raising a daughter. It also established business relationships. This is what Kara’s father was hoping for. His power had been slipping after a few losses on the battlefield. Kara was pretty. Her long auburn hair flowed down her back, and her blue eyes would attract any man. Oden had set the bids to start at 5 million Dreds. A steep price for a bride, but Oden had ensured she was still pure. The price also ensured no one of lower status would be able to bid. Oden didn’t want to keep Kara another season, but that would be better than letting her go to someone who brought him no strategic advantage.