My arm still wrapped around her neck as I squeezed tightly. My body released my seed deep inside her.
Softening up my grip I heard Katara's panting body as mine did the same.
"Just admit you stole it... and I could stop tomorrow," I whispered in he...
"Come one! Come all! Flash sale!!" "There's another one!"
"What's all the commotion?" I asked as the royal carriage began its slow return to the Palace. My head spun, overwhelmed by the clamor of street vendors, shouting buyers, and clattering carts. Pulling back the curtains that shielded my skin from the sun, I caught sight of several small crowds gathered along the street.
"This street is where owners sell their slaves quickly, Lady Katara," one of the guards guiding the carriage noted. Still with the curtains drawn aside, my eyes roamed the bustling scene below.
"It's better if you look away," the guard said again, noticing my curiosity.
But I couldn't. And then I saw her. A woman with fair skin and jet-black hair, her face... it was familiar. Something about her expression stopped me cold.
I knew her.
"She looks almost like... -STOP!" I yelped.
Instantly, the men halted the carriage, glancing toward the side door. Without thinking, I leapt down, my skin meeting the full force of the sun and a cool gust of wind. Skipping the bottom step, my legs couldn't stretch fast enough to reach her.
Pushing through the crowd, I fought to the front, drawing stares from everyone around.
"HOLD STILL!" a raspy voice yelled.
Squeezing between two people, I glimpsed the top of a woman's head. Men nearby gripped a rope that bound her wrists.
"Do I hear 20 silver pieces? She can cook! She can clean!"
"Ha! 20? How about 5!" a man with fiery red hair shouted. "Look at all the branding!"
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Our eyes met, and I could tell she recognized me too. It was the girl from the madam's house.
Her ivory skin was smudged with dirt, no doubt from the harsh conditions where she had been kept. Her hair was pulled back into a bun, stray fringe framing her face, and her wrists were red and raw, just as mine had been when bound by rope.
"I'll pay 100 silver pieces!" I screamed, raising my hand high into the sunlight.
"$100?! Girl, she isn't worth that!" the seller laughed, dismissing my offer.
"You want my money or not?" My eyes blazed, my mouth twisting with frustration. Slowly, the man's gaze shifted, scanning over my head to notice the two palace guards nearby.
"Sold!" he finally shouted.
The crowd began to disperse as I rushed forward, quickly untying the ropes from her sore wrists.
"It's you!" she cried, tears welling in her eyes.
"I was just heading back to the palace and noticed you!" My eyes scanned her tattered clothing, seeing the holes and stains. Without hesitation, I pulled off my own cloak and wrapped it around her shivering frame. A cool wind swept past us, but the long-sleeved cheongsam beneath my cloak offered just enough warmth until we could reach the palace.
