Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Fifteen: A Devastating Loss

"Slaves in public must keep their faces covered from the nose down at all times. If this law is at all violated, the Slave will undergo severe physical punishment. If this law is violated against one of Royal or Noble Blood, the Slave will thereafter either be executed or assigned into the following Annual Slave Arena. The owner may or may not be informed and will not be reimbursed for the Slave's value."

A snowy-haired boy much older than Nadia came from around the corner, followed by another boy only slightly younger than him, and a third boy who appeared about twelve years of age though he was probably fourteen.

"Is that a slave?" asked the third boy.

Immediately, Nadia dropped to one knee and waited for permission to stand, or a command to speak.

"Yes, it is, Colton," answered Drake.

"What is she doing here?" asked the second boy.

"That is hardly our business, Raynar," replied Prince Myrdor, the white-haired boy. He approached Nadia. "You may rise, now."

Nadia obeyed and fought to avoid eye contact with anyone in the room. She glanced to Drake, wanting to ask if she should leave now, but she wasn't allowed to speak just yet. All she could do was wait for someone to say something and hope that it would benefit her in some way.

Drake sighed. "Everyone in the parlor. Including you, Na – Lila."

The three princes followed Drake, and Nadia made sure that she remained behind everyone. The boys took seats upon the sofa and Drake sat in a chair across from them. Nadia fear that if she sat in a chair, it may be considered claiming herself equal to everyone in the room. So, she sat on the floor beside Drake instead and continued to concentrate on avoiding eye contact.

"Young princes," Drake began. "This is a slave of Sir Rallian's, who has requested lessons to fight in the Annual Slave Arena. Lord Polaris and I have decided to oblige in exchange for house-work."

"You're training another one?" Raynar asked. "Why?"

"Not that I wish to question you or Lord Polaris," said Myrdor. "But isn't she a little young to make such a serious decision?"

"We are only providing her with training, Myrdor," said Drake. "She has time to change her mind, and you can rest assured that we will make sure she understands her decision before she signs up."

"But isn't Sir Rallian the best master any slave could wish for?" asked Raynar. "Shouldn't she be thankful?"

"Thankful to be slave?" Myrdor questioned. "Would you be thankful to be a slave?"

"Well I'm a prince," said Raynar as he swiped away the cluster of brown hair which hung in his face. "That's an entirely different matter."

"Not exactly," said Myrdor.

"What if I told you that she was no commoner before she lost her home and was sold into slavery?" Drake asked.

"Either way," said Colton. He stared at Nadia with his dark blue eyes and it made her uncomfortable. "The law says that she is allowed to seek training for the arena."

"Does the marquis know about it?" Raynar asked.

The three princes noticed Nadia squirm at the question.

"I'm not sure," said Drake.

"She seems to know," said Raynar. "Answer the question, Slave."

"Show some respect, Ray," Myrdor scolded.

"He doesn't know, Your Highness," Nadia answered.

"Why not?" asked Raynar. "You shouldn't be keeping secrets from your master."