Chapter 2 - Flora

A nudge to my elbow and my father’s hushed words, “Bow down to him in respect” made me break eye contact and lower my head.

I slightly bent down, showing my respect to the warlock in front of us. Keeping my eyes to the ground, I saw his tall legs disappear from my view. He walked around and opposite us as he sat down on the large sofa. He was a natural leader.

My father hastily turned to look at Lord Blade and bowed in respect again before saying, “Lord Blade, what a pleasure to meet you again!” I still kept my head low, so I couldn’t read the warlock’s face.

“The pleasure is mine, Gerald. Now, if you’re done with the formalities, please sit down” his voice was deep and low yet intimidating enough to scare me.

Chills ran down my spine and I hesitated for a moment to sit down on the sofa along with my father. I continued to keep my head low, not wanting to upset my father and Lord Blade. I did not wish to get into trouble and be punished.

“So, Gerald, have you come to pay your debt?” Lord Blade asked.

Debt? What kind of debt is it? My father’s business has been plummeting for a while but had it been so bad that he needed to borrow? That too, from such a dangerous and powerful man! My heart sank further into my chest as I was dreading the outcome of this situation. Why was I even called upon to join him in the first place? What significance had I held? That was soon answered.

“My sincere apologies, Lord Blade…I have failed to accumulate the amount to pay off my debt. But, I have got something for you to compensate for my debt!” My father spoke.

I slightly looked up to see Lord Blade and saw amusement flash in his grey irises. “This young lady, here beside me is my only daughter, Flora Harper. She is a well-mannered and obedient lady!” My heart stopped beating completely.

“Where are you going with this?” Lord Blade interjected. I was petrified by now.

“Sir, she is my most prized possession and now, I’m handing her over to you. You can have her do whatever you may want to. She won’t complain. She won’t disrespect your commands. I’ve raised her well” my father completed. His words left my heart shattered to a million pieces. He was selling me. He did not even hesitate to give me away.

My eyes brimmed with tears and I had to bite my lips to not let any sobs escape me. There was a deafening silence for a few moments before I heard Lord Blade shuffle in his seat. He asked, “Are you sure about it, Gerald? Are you really ready to sell your daughter just like that?”

“Yes, sir. Since I can’t clear my debt, I’m giving you my next prized possession. I’m sure about this!”

My father betrayed me. I couldn’t help the tears which flowed down my cheeks, wetting my lap as it fell down. “Very well then. I will accept it” Lord Blade’s words didn’t help the pain which engulfed my entire body.

“I’m glad we could eventually come to a settlement, Lord Blade! If that’s all, may I take my leave?” So my father doesn’t even want to bid me a farewell. He was really leaving me all alone. I wanted to scream at him, tell him how much he’s hurt me but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to be punished.

“You may leave. And you better think before you strike up any more deals with anyone. Remember, your next most valuable possession is with me. If I were you, I wouldn’t risk anymore debts”

Lord Blade then got on his feet, making my father and I get on our feet as well. “I’ll be careful, Lord Blade. Thank you so much for having us over!”

The warlock immediately dismissed my father and I watched him from the corner of my eyes. My father bowed once more before walking away to the door without sparing me another glance. It just ripped my soul apart.

Now, it was only Lord Blade and I in the room. My fear started to take control, subsiding the sad inside me. I lowered my head even more when I felt his gaze on me. It felt like an eternity before he spoke. “Have you had anything to consume, Miss. Harper?” His voice slightly made my body jump.

I shook my head in response, too afraid to speak. “I need you to speak words!” he commanded. “I’m s-sorry” I stuttered an apology. “Let me ask again, have you had anything to consume?”

“No, sir” I steadied my voice this time. “It’s almost time for the midday meal. I will have someone show you to your chamber to clean up and then you can join me for a meal”

“Yes, sir” I didn’t know how to respond further. I was already being kept here. This is not a bad dream but rather, something actually happening. The door to the meeting room opened and Lenox took a few steps inside. “Lord Blake, I’m here!” he said.

“Lenox, please ask one of the maids to show this young lady to one of the guest rooms. Have them hand her something comfortable to wear before sending her down for a meal!” Lord Blade explained. “I will see to it right away, sir!” Lenox bowed again before walking out of the door and closing it.

After waiting for a few moments in awkward silence, a knock on the door relieved me. “Come in!” Lord Blade said. A maid walked in and bowed her head in respect. “Lord Blade, I was asked to help a young lady to her chamber!” she said.

“This is her. Please make sure Miss. Harper is tended to! I do not want any mistakes, understand?” Lord Blade’s commanding aura scared the maid as well. “Yes sir! We will be sure to tend to her needs!” the maid replied in a panic. “You can proceed” the warlock said and walked past me and toward the door. He briefly glanced over at me before exiting the meeting room. I sighed in relief.

“Miss. Harper, please follow me!” the maid said and gestured to the door, asking me to leave with her. I was still a bit hesitant but I did not want to anger Lord Blade, so I followed the maid outside.