Marked

Chapter 1

It started with a faint burning then it grew stronger, as if a fire was started on my neck. I wanted to push them away, to scream and shout at them. I wanted to belong to myself, but that was not how I was born, therefore I didn't fight. I couldn't fight, as the needle pricked at my skin, a special ink flowed through my veins. That's what made it burn.It was no regular ink. This ink helped me to hone my abilities that would be used for my job specification. It wouldn't work on those who did not have the skill already. If one wanted patience and had none this ink wouldn't help, however if one already had some patience and this ink was used on them, it would allow them to become more patient. This ink, had to enhance the qualities I would use throughout the rest of my life. Some may think that this would be helpful, but it's not. Especially not to those who are forced to get the tattoo. Once they have been marked it will never come off. The moment the ink comes in contact with the skin that person loses themselves. The ink has properties that will always mark one as a slave. Belonging to another.

I will never own myself again.

I felt the burning lessen significantly and I knew they were done with their work. The lights were bright and the mirror in front of me showed me my new name, written on my collarbone were three numbers, "726" They were silver, the color of the ink varies depending on the work someone does, and I had no idea what silver meant. I heard of colors like blue and red and green. They were common tattoo colors, like taking care of children or laboring on a farm. But this....this abnormal color struck fear deep inside. Where do I belong?

My thoughts were rudely interrupted by a strong yank as my blond hair was pulled back. I heard the snip of scissors and watched several inches fall to the floor. I almost cried then, I had lost the privilege to own myself, and that included how i looked.

"Transfer" a voice said roughly, as I was pushed forward.

The doors ahead were white and round, reaching ten feet high. When they opened all I saw was a black tunnel leading to my new home. No home wasn't the right word, this place will never be my home. It led to my new place of dwelling. A thought occurred to me,

"Don't I get to say goodbye?" What about my nanny? Or the other kids who have become my family?

"Transfer" the voice said again, pushing me harder to a moving platform ahead of me. I didn't fight, I just let it take me to the tunnel. To my new dwelling. Away from the ones I loved.

A voice boomed loud over speakers in the darkness.

"Goodbye Rose Petri, thank you for your youth. Welcome 726 thank you for your service."

I sneered in the darkness. My service? I was to be a slave, fitted for whoever needed me. At age sixteen all the so called "disciples"were sent to work. That was just a nice way to say slaves. We were bred for just, to serve. Meanwhile others were bred for greatness, something because of my genes I was told I will never achieve.

A light shined ahead in the darkness, and for the millionth time that day I was afraid.

"726" a older man called out. As my eyes adjusted I saw his mark on the back of his hand. Gold, another one I have never seen, "087" it read.

"Sir." I said quietly bowing my head to the man.

He opened the back door of a long black car without saying a word. The windows were so tinted I couldn't barely see the outline of them against the black metal. I stepped inside the car, the moment I got settled the door was quickly closed behind me. The car was empty, dark, and clean. I took a deep breath, trying to choke back tears, the smell of leather invaded my senses. The car was comfortable, at least in the physical aspect, but for me, no comfort was found. All I felt was a heart wrenching pain, losing myself, and even worse, losing the ones I loved.

The car jolted slightly and began to move, my fingers traced the tattoo on my clavicle,  the stinging reminded me all too well that I was no longer anybody important.

I was a small pawn in a world of royalty.