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But Kerrigan was using the opportunity to learn the streets they moved down. The way from Her Lady’s Ruby, past the market, and toward the docks. She was used to cities, and this one behaved as she’d expected. She could get lost very easily if she managed to get the slip on Flavia. Not worth trying this minute, but eventually.
Finally, they stopped in front of an enormous manor home near the docks. It had large white columns on the porch, and immediately, several servants bustled out of the house to help Flavia and Kerrigan out of the cart and attend to the horses. Felix opened the back of the wagon for Nella, and they followed behind as they walked into the home.
A lady dressed in a similar fashion to Kerrigan greeted them in a sitting area. Her eyes flicked from Flavia to Kerrigan.
“I don’t believe we’re acquainted,” she said, standing to her full height. She was nearly six feet tall with a beautifully lined face and graying hair. She looked refined and dignified. She extended a hand to Kerrigan. “I am Vesra Octallia. My husband, Quintus Octallia, is at the Senate or else, I assure you, he would be here to greet you.”
Kerrigan glanced at Flavia, who had a twinkle in her eyes.
“She’s one of mine, Vesra.”
Vesra blinked in confusion. “One of … one of yours? But surely, she’s … a Doma. At least a demi.”
“I thought as much. I’m glad to see the nobility confirming my suspicions.”
“You’re not saying that she’s … available?” Vesra looked utterly confounded by the statement.
“She is. Though perhaps out of your range.”
“I would never—” Vesra said, stopping abruptly. “Quintus might, but he’s past his prime for such things.”
“No. I didn’t consider Quintus either. But it is good to know. Thank you, Vesra. This has been most illuminating.” She gestured for Nella to come forward. “This is the girl we discussed. She can cook, clean, and take care of children. She has several younger siblings. So, she would do well with your daughter’s newest babe.”
Vesra was still staring at Kerrigan in confusion. Her light eyes uncomprehending. “You’re not a Doma?”
“If she were, would she be standing here?” Flavia asked, irritation leaking into her voice. “She’d have the magic to blow over a mountain or the like. She’s one of mine, I assure you. Now, the exchange.”
“Yes, yes,” Vesra said.
She waved to one of her servants, who came forward with a fancy wooden box. Flavia flipped the lid and nodded at the approved amount. A lot more than the few coppers she’d paid for Nella—that was for sure—then gestured Nella forward.
“Good doing business with you,” Flavia said. “Come, Felicity.”
Kerrigan rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Nella. “I’ll come back for you,” she whispered into Nella’s ear.
Nella looked at her in confusion before Flavia grasped Kerrigan’s wrist and yanked her away from the girl. Tears came to her eyes. There was nothing she could do for Nella. Not now. Nothing at all. There was little she could do for herself at this point.
“That was satisfying,” Flavia said once they were out of the house. “Oh, wipe your tears. That girl will be well taken care of, and she’ll be useful instead of starving in her pathetic hovel.”
“You just sold her,” Kerrigan growled, wiping her tears away. “It’s barbaric.”
“It’s life,” Flavia said dismissively. “That’s how the world works.”
“And that’s what you’re going to do with me?”
“Oh no.” Flavia took her seat comfortably and waited for Kerrigan to sit next to her. “We’re going to find the perfect spot for you. You won’t be some cleaning girl. Didn’t you see how Vesra looked at you? You could go as a senator’s mistress. Maybe even a wife. People would pay for your bridal price or to have you on their arm.” Her eyes took on that greedy glint again. “I’ll put out feelers for anyone who can afford that sort of thing. There aren’t as many men like that in Eivreen compared to Carithian, but if I don’t get my asking price, we can go to the capital. Even though I’d prefer not to.”
“So … you’re going to sell me as a whore?” she snarled.
Flavia laughed. “We’re all selling something. A gilded cage is better than most people could ask for.”
“But it’s still a cage.”
“Yes, well, you’re not a real Doma. So, you’re not building the cages, darling. Just think of the palace you could end up in and the beautiful music and expensive food. It will be worth it. Just wait and see.”
4
The Gilded Cage
While Flavia went about her business, Kerrigan bided her time and tested the limits to her new authority. Many of the servants were twice as deferential anytime she put her entire attention on them. But Felix was never affected. Whether it was because he had been there when she was passed out in that field or he was that dedicated to Flavia, he never took an eye off of her. As if he were waiting any second for her to run.
