Chapter 9

The limo made its way to the castle, stopping just out side the massive front doors which opened as the two women exited the car. Melinda came around to assist Emily who walked very slowly with a cane, her steps still painful even after two months of operations and rehabilitation.

The two moved into the castle where Emily disrobed and they were ushered into the study where Marcel awaited them.

"Emily it is wonderful to see you again!" he smiled as the two women seated themselves.

"Thank you, Master."

He looked her over from head to foot. Still beautiful but tiny lines around the mouth and eyes -- not from age but from pain and just as permanent. His eyes were also drawn between her legs.

"Will you heal?" he asked her.

"Yes, Master, but I will never be tight enough to..." her voice fell away.

"So unfortunate, but we did try to warn you. There is one small point in which you might take some satisfaction however. The client who precipitated your ordeal has been arrested for child sexual abuse and pornography. It seems someone anonymously informed the police as to his nefarious activities... I can't imagine who would do such a thing," he smiled faintly, looking to Melinda whose face remained unchanged.

"Marcel, what of Martin?" asked the older woman.

"Sadly, he no longer has an interest in her. He has demanded his training payments returned which I am, of course, obliged to do."

"Then... ?" began Melinda.

"I am afraid, Emily, that you shall have to be sold. We have a great deal invested in you and while I am sure I will take a net loss, I must recoup as much of your training expenses as possible."

"I understand, Master."

"Do you have someone in mind?" asked Melinda.

"No. With her injuries..."

"Marcel, she suffered greatly for us. She has undergone three operations including a hysterectomy. She can never bear children, but perhaps a return to the outside world, a life, a husband, with adoption, a family." "Excuse me, Melinda, but you are my family. I could never return to the outside world. I am a slave. I want... I need a master."

"She's right, continued Marcel. "We will do her the greatest service by finding her a master."

"A loving master," added Melinda.

"If possible, but remember, Emily, I do not wish to be inelegant, but you are damaged, we will be lucky to find you a master at all."

"I... I understand, Master."

"I shall contact as many potential clients as possible. Perhaps sealed bids might be the best way."

"I... I am sorry I have not pleased you, not made you a profit, Master."

"These things happen. It hasn't been entirely your fault, so I think we can dispense with the whipping. Your room is still yours until you are sold."

"Thank you, Master."

Over the next several days Emily recuperated while Marcel contacted potential clients and received bids. At week's end, Marcel had Emily and Melinda join him once again.

"I am a bit disappointed. I have received only a dozen or so bids and all ridiculously low, the highest only ten thousand and that from a client with a stable full of horses."

"My God, Marcel, surely you wouldn't consider..." gasped Melinda.

"I do not wish it, but what can I do?"

"Wait, the mail has just run. Perhaps there is another offer."

"Melinda, we must not grasp at straws."

"But the thoughts of..."

"Oh, all right, but if there is no new bid I will be forced to accept the highest offer."

The older woman hurried from the room and soon returned, smiling, envelope in hand.

"An offer?" asked Marcel, surprised.