Fiona adjusted her fur cloak as she stepped out of the auction hall, followed by her newly acquired slave sister, Bella. She had paid a hefty price for the girl.
She glanced at Bella, who was shivering in the cold air. The girl was wearing nothing but a ragged dress that barely covered her thin body. Her long brown hair was tangled and dirty, and her brown eyes were full of fear and confusion. Fiona felt a pang of pity for her, but quickly suppressed it.
Fiona and Bella stepped out of the auction house and saw two splendid carriages waiting for them. Fiona gestured to the second one and said, “You will ride in that one,” then she climbed into the first one. The rules of society forbade slaves and masters from riding in the same carriage. Even nobles and servants rarely did so, though Fiona had made an exception for Dania before.
Bella nodded timidly and walked towards the carriage she was assigned to. She climbed inside and sat on the cushioned seat, clutching her dress around her. It seemed like her questions would have to wait.
Fiona closed the door behind her and gave the driver a signal to move.
The carriage started to roll along the cobblestone road, leaving behind the noisy crowd of the auction hall.
The journey to Fiona’s mansion was a lengthy one, giving both sisters ample time to reflect on their respective circumstances.
Fiona leaned back and closed her eyes. Her mind lost thinking about Baron Riverty. She had to deal with it as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Bella looked out of the window. She saw the cityscape passing by, with its tall buildings and busy streets. It was her first time in the city and riding a carriage specially this luxurious, she was amazed, but upon arrival she forgot all about them. Bella stepped out, her eyes wide with wonder at the grandeur of the mansion. It was unlike anything she had ever seen, a veritable castle in the heart of the city.
Fiona, however, remained in her carriage. She instructed Dania to care for Bella in her absence, as she had pressing matters to attend to elsewhere. With a nod of understanding, Dania escorted Bella towards the mansion’s main entrance.
As they approached the imposing doors, Dania suddenly produced a concealed assassin’s knife, pointing it at Bella. “Show me the mark,” she demanded, her voice cold and unyielding. “The slave mark. Now.” she demanded.
Bella hesitated for a moment before complying. She rolled up the sleeve of her dirty, worn clothing to reveal her wrist. Dania scrutinized the mark, ensuring that it was genuine, and that Bella posed no threat to her mistress.
The mark prevents the marked from harming their owners. If it is missing or forged, it could pose a threat.
Satisfied with her inspection, Dania sheathed the knife and gestured for Bella to enter the mansion. The tension that had filled the air moments before dissipated, replaced by a sense of cautiousness. Bella had found her sister again, the sister she had believed to be dead. But she was a different person from the one she had remembered.
Bella had so many questions, but before she could open her mouth, Dania cut her off.
“Don’t bother asking me anything. I won’t answer you.” Dania said coldly. She looked at Bella with suspicion and distrust. “Who are you? And what makes Lady Fiona so interested in you?”
Bella blinked in confusion. “Fiona? Who is that?” She was unaware that her sister had taken a new name and surname.
Dania frowned. “Your new master, Fiona Lockhart. The elegant woman who bought you and brought you here.” She said, like she felt insulted. She admired and worshiped Fiona, though she never let it show on her serious and composed face as the headmaid.
Bella uttered the words with a heavy heart. “She... is my sister...”
Dania’s eyes widened in shock. That was impossible. As far as she knew Fiona didn’t have any family left... Dania was confused, it didn’t make sense.
She quickly became aware that there was a lot she didn’t know about Lady Fiona and felt like she was doing something she shouldn’t realizing that she was crossing a boundary hearing about her Lady from a third party. She didn’t mean to pry; she was just wary of Bella.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8ehNc1azS
Dania’s loyalty by far outweighed her curiosity, so she stopped asking questions.
Dania fixed her gaze on Bella and spoke in a stern tone. “Never speak those words again to anyone.”
After that, the headmaid led Bella through the corridors of the mansion. Fiona had given her no instructions on what to do with the slave girl. So, she had to treat Bella like a guest, albeit a guest with the status of a slave. It was as if she was hosting a slave that belonged to someone else temporarily.
That meant she had to give her a bath, a clean room, and some food, but also keep an eye on her and make sure she didn’t cause any trouble. She also had to be respectful of Fiona’s authority and not let Bella get too comfortable or familiar.
She brought Bella some food, a generous and delicious meal better than anything Bella has had before. She watched Bella eat with relish, feeling a pang of jealousy and resentment. How could this girl be related to Fiona? She thought.
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