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Dane’s eyes narrow very slightly, but his tone isn’t brisk, and his lips even curl up slightly into some semblance of a smile. ‘Regrettably, we have other plans this afternoon, but we’ll bring her back if we have trouble.’
Reyn pats my rump, and I tense further, but I hear him flick the clasp, and the block opens. I stand up quickly and move back, bumping into Grey who steadies me with his hand on my arms lightly.
Reyn chuckles. ‘I think you may find you’ll need the block with her,’ he advises, ‘but it’s up to you, of course. For now, anyway.’ He clasps his hands behind his back and looks thoughtful again. ‘You wouldn’t sell her, would you? I’d give you a good price. I’d love to see if I could breed her with a bull owned by Councilor Frey.’
If I could feel any sicker, I would. I turn into Grey, not caring that he hates me. I just can’t look at Reyn anymore.
‘We aren’t looking to sell,’ Dane says coldly. ‘As you know, human females of breeding age become rarer every day.’
Reyn nods. ‘Of course. Well, I’d better make sure Enrek isn’t taking Gwennie too forcefully. He sometimes gets a bit excited.’ He turns away and closes up the cupboard. ‘You can see yourselves out. But be sure to come back in three days for me to give her a last check-up. After that, I’d look out for a summons to the council chambers.’
‘Thank you for all of your help, Healer Reyn,’ Grey says. ‘I’m sure we’ll put all the knowledge you’ve given us to good use.’
With those ominous words, he takes me by the arm and leads me out, which I’m glad of because my mind and stomach are a maelstrom, and I’m not sure if I’m going to wretch or faint.
Out in the street, my weakened body gives out, and I fall, but before I can hit the ground, Grey scoops me up into his arms.
‘Well, it’s a bit different than when humans were being whipped to death in the streets,’ I mutter, but my joke falls flat, probably because I’m white as Gwennie’s apron and shaking like a mouse caught in a trap.
I vaguely see The Cunty Trio share a look, and then they’re striding through the streets with me.
We get back to the room quickly, and Grey puts me on the bed.
‘Are you all right?’ he asks.
I stare at him. ‘No,’ I say quietly.
I begin unbuttoning my tunic.
‘What are you doing?’ he asks, taking a step back and looking wary.
‘I can’t be stuck here,’ I say, my breaths coming in fits and starts as the casualness of Gwennie’s treatment begins to sink in.
If they don’t let me leave here, I’ll be like Gwennie. Sudden panic has my thoughts in a whirl of confusion. I could let it out. I could destroy them all and escape.
The intense temptation to do just that has me shutting the lid on the thought tightly. The sudden need flowing through me is exactly why that isn’t an option. It’s so close to the surface. I have to calm down.
‘I can’t be a broodmare,’ I continue instead. ‘I can’t be disciplined and released and rutted and put in a block when I’m unwilling. I don’t want that cunt’s knobbly fingers in my cunt. I don’t want my first time with a man to be a bull who rips me apart while Reyn looks on and toasts me being bred for his pleasure!’ I realize by the end of my tirade that I’m almost shouting, and tears are spilling down my cheeks.
‘I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll …’ I wince, ‘bend over the table right now and spread my legs. You can practice for as long as you need, but please, please don’t leave me in this place.’ I let out a hiccupping sob. ‘I know you hate me, and I know I deserve it, but please don’t let this be your revenge.’
I put my head in my hands and try to stifle my tears, embarrassed at my outburst.
None of them say a word.
I cry until I’ve exhausted myself, and I lay back in the bed, staring at the ceiling as I wait for one of them to order me up to the table.
Instead, I hear the door and find myself alone with Kallum again.
‘Where did they go?’ I ask tonelessly.
‘Out.’
He sits on the bed and lays next to me.
‘We won’t leave you here,’ he promises.
I look at him. ‘The others want to,’ I whisper.
