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“I’ve been researching rats,” he chuckles. “A rat family is called a mischief. Fits perfectly, doesn’t it?” He waves to the crowd, and they chuckle and clap in agreement. He crouches down as I lift, my knees already aching on the hard marble podium.
“We know you give your commands for a reason,” I say. I’m impressed by how my voice carries in the room, unwavering and certain. He waves Alex over, his eyes still on mine.
“What a quick learner,” he says. “She’ll serve the Assembly well under Dean Riggs.” He reaches down and pulls up my sleeve, tracing his fingers across my new scar. Bile rises in my throat, but I choke it down, waiting for him to let me go.
“Alex, do enjoy her before you give her away.” The Eminent rises. “Now.”
The crowd claps, laughing and enjoying the show the Eminent provides. I look out at them, still unsure of what’s happening, and I see Alex’s wife in the front row.
“Now, Alex,” the Eminent orders.
Tears stream down Mary’s face, and she covers her eyes, unable to look at me.
Alex shakes his head, his mouth open, trying to protest. Guards surround Sam, holding him down on his shoulders and legs, but keeping his line of sight clear. They want him to see.
The Eminent sets his hands on Alex’s shoulders, pulling him toward me. “Enjoy her, Alex.”
My face burns with rage and embarrassment, understanding what the Eminent offers, and accepting I must comply.
Chapter Twenty
For Mary
Ipushmyshouldersback and look into Alex’s eyes. They’re wide with shock, and when he tries to step back, a guard pushes him forward, his rough hands replacing the Eminent’s. I’m grateful they block my view of Sam, who may not survive what’s about to happen.
Alex shakes his head. “Your eminency…” he pauses, unsure how to decline without sending him into a rage. “I’m not able to—”
“It’s the least you can do,” the Eminent purrs, running his hand across Alex’s shoulder blades, circling him like a vulture. “Everyone’s received such bad news about the cave in, and it was you that brought Sam to us. You’re responsible for that. You should make it right.”
He takes Alex’s chin and turns him to face me. “This is an adherent proclamation ceremony. You know there was a reason I invited you. Don’t be daft.”
I rub my sweaty palms down the fabric of my clothes while Alex’s wife sniffles too close by. My eyes shoot in her direction, and she offers me a small smile, her chin quivering, eyes dripping with tears. Her husband is about to be sucked off by some stranger, and by the Eminent’s logic, he brought this upon himself. Alex got me down here and started this fire. But she’s showing pity, not rage. Mary doesn’t want to see me violated and suffer an ounce of what she must go through with the Eminent, and Alex doesn’t want to hurt both of us with the act.
Sam’s a different animal, entirely. The men that hold him against his seat are losing control, and I worry he’ll pass out from blood loss while he rages.
This is what these adherents want — what they came for.
I notice how the men shift in their seats, adjusting themselves. They glance at my mouth and my tits. The few women in the room avert their eyes, but they don’t object. Their cheeks flush at the promise of what’s coming.
My mind races with thoughts, ways to change the Eminent’s mind, all while making him believe he’s still in control. Dean’s wrath is the only option, but it may also make the Eminent wary of him.
Dean’s already on his way.
Threat or not, the Eminent won’t back out on the visit and look like a coward to his people. It always comes back to Dean, and I hate it, but nothing else comes to mind. If I have to do this, I will, but using Dean is worth a shot.
I clear my throat and circle my hair in my hands, moving it to my back. “Should I wait for the spectators to swear an… oath of secrecy?” I ask.
The Eminent’s head tilts, and he steps over to me, inspecting me and my words.
“The rat is nonsensical,” he mocks, his finger tipping my chin up to face him. “Come on, now. Open up. We’re waiting.”
“They brag about your conquests,” I say. “Proud of the Eminent’s prizes and women, but I worry if Dean were to find out…”
“Then he finds out,” the Eminent seethes, flicking my face to the side. “Alex, clothes off.” Alex fiddles with the zipper on his uniform while the guard pushes him forward. His crotch is in line with my mouth, but there isn’t any sign of excitement.
“He’ll call off the deal,” I plead, and I help Alex get his clothes off, dragging his pants down to the floor. A growl comes from Sam and Mary sits forward in her seat. “He won’t barter with you anymore,” I warn.
It’s a risk, maybe even a lie, but one I’m willing to take. If the Eminent asked Dean, I’m sure he would agree, thinking I’m showing loyalty.
