curl into a slight grin, the smile never reaching his eyes. At once, I felt like prey caught in the deathly stare of a predator. The room i

scles underneath, a worn-out leather jacket with a pair of designer sunglasses hanging out of the chest pocket, and a pair of black combat boots to finish the ensemble. Nothing screams special about this

ai Nightwood, the heir of Symphrain, stands before me. The two men quietly converse about what the prince came for, probably a slave to serve his every desire. If the Crown Prince is here, the

my direction with a smirk on his face. Shock fills me at the price offered for my body. This Prince is willing to pay three times the amount for me if he likes my voice. Gasps sound aro

arning look sent my way. I swallow hard as I think of the memories of being beaten by my drunkard of a father growing up. I hated pain, especiall

they are born. It is to make us proud of our country that rose from the great World War Three that devastated the former countries of The United States of America and Canada, leaving half of each country habitable, the rest a wa

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ed by me. Roars of applause and an encore cause me to open my eyes just in time to see Prince Alekai hand the Shop owner a suitcase, one I already know is filled with money t

those in cages around me are sent my way, some probably already sending a prayer to me with their thoughts on my impending demise. Most slaves sold to royalty or nobility never make it out alive. The sound of the cage doors swinging open, the bars crashing against each other with a loud bang, alerts m

stride under his fitted suit as each step leads him closer to where I sit. My eyes search for a way to avoid this unknown man, not wanting

o escape, I fling myself from the chair and rush to the cage door, making sure to keep as much distance from the unknown man as possible. Freedom is in reach as my

I can lock the man inside and work on getting out of this shop. Pushing my body to its limits, I focus solely on exiting the cag

fingers digging into my skin where I know I will bruise by tomorrow morning. The man begins

ging Royal Property!" A shout is heard, followed by another pair of hands pulling

ably looking to get into Prince Alekai's good graces in hopes of the Prince visiting the shop in the future. Silence and a dismissive hand are al

y attention. It seems like my life and death are held in this man's hands. With a nod of his head, Prince Alekai leads me away from the golden bird cage and

help. But everyone turns away to look at the many cages we pass by, one even holding chil

rmal pet shop part of this store, where the concerns of human slaves and pets were unnoticed by those going through the mundane in hopes of having a furry little companion for th

r. A gleaming silver limousine with the Royal crest on the doors waits for us on the curb. A man I assume to be the driver for Prince Alekai bows to us as he op

ince slides in gracefully, taking hold of my wrist and pulling me onto his lap and against his solid body. One arm holds me in place, snaking around my waist and thwarting any attempt to move away. His free hand r

le Songbird. It's o