I sag lower against the door. The tester fixes a glare at me. I stand straight and proper though it makes the room sway again. His focus returns to my life force. The spelled light pulses twice before compressing my blood. When it's the size of a squashed pea, it merges onto one of his papers.
“Bring your Father.” His voice makes me start after such a long silence.
I hurry from the room, grateful to get away. Once in the hall, I give myself a moment to become accustomed to my weakened state. When I think I can handle it, I walk fast down the hall. Or at least as quickly as my faint body will let me.
When I reach the waiting area, mother is still in the corner, but the women surrounding her are different than those who were waiting before. All have varying shapes of tattoos above their collar bones. The center tattoo is bordered by a second in a diverse array of lines, curves, and sometimes another shape. The border indicates they're all married. The daughters must be in testing rooms like the one I just left. Their eyes constantly dart toward the men.
Father lazes, laughing with the men. I position myself where Father can see me, but where I won't be in the way. After a few moments he addresses me.
“Finished then. Let's see how soon some chap will ask for you.” He tosses his pipe on a table. “Agatha, come.”
The crowd of women parts for my mother, who waddles behind Father. I would rather be headed to class, but wishing won't make it happen. When we're back to the tester, a second chair has appeared across from him. The room seems larger and somehow warmer. I don't know if it's really changed or if it's easier to face with mother here.
Father's frame overflows the new seat, and mother moves to stand behind him. After closing the door, I take my place beside her. The air grows hot with the progressing day and too many bodies in the tight room. I pull at my navy gown, but it goes right back to sticking to my skin.
“Good to see you, Councilman.” The tester smiles, making his face appear kind instead of foreboding, though more pruneish than ever. It's almost like he's a different person.
“And you,” Father says anxiously. “What are the results?”
The warlock shows Father the parchment with my blood on it. “Take a look for yourself. It's already lost some of its potency, but she's brimming with magic. Good fine stock. Should be able to secure you an exemplary son-in-law within the month.”
Father studies the parchment for a moment. “Marvelous. You've done some fine testing.”
“Thank you, Councilman Stephen. We've all been impressed with your own work. You're a great benefit to our society. I'll make sure the paperwork gets in right away. I suspect offers will be arriving soon.”
“Any good candidates inquiring lately?”
“Matter of fact, the Grand Chancellor's son was recently in. Picked a wench two days ago.”
The Grand Chancellor's son? If he hadn't picked a wife previously, would I have made it on his list? I grip my hands together. It's doubtful I could handle hosting the required balls and being watched and gossiped about by all the other councilmen's wives. Having to endure my husband will be hard enough without him being a powerful and influential warlock. More than ever the thought makes me want to be back with my sisters. Father leans forward, eager as the tester continues.
“Lots of other good ones are still looking. Jonathan, Councilman Michael’s son was by the other day but hasn't found a wife yet. Neither have Frank or Walter of Norpar.”
“Excellent. Would you make sure they are aware of Serena's submission?”
“Of course. I'll pass it on to those of esteem. I keep hoping Chancellor Jacob will come in for a new wife. He needs to get over his dead one. So many admire you council members. He's setting a bad example.”
Father rubs his chin. “Can you imagine if she was the Chancellor's wife? That would bring good things for me. Since that won't happen, the most powerful, influential warlock in Chardonia who needs a wife would be fine. Preferably one that can pay a lot.”
They both stand. “I'll take care of it. Thank you for bringing her in.”
“Just doing my duty. I'm ready for some strapping grandsons.”
My insides hurt. I fold my arms across my stomach as they head out, but it doesn't help with the pain. I move to follow.
Mother touches my elbow. The touch startles me to a stop and she lets go. “I remember when I was chosen by your Father. It was a troublesome time, but you can do it. You're strong and your sisters need your example.”
I close my eyes and shake my head before opening them again. “I don't think I'm that type of strong.”
Mother sighs. “Maybe not, but you still have to go through it, society expects it. You'll have a new owner soon.”
She's right. A warlock could ask to buy me at any time. There's nothing I can do about it. I follow mother from the room, bowing my head with the hope that it will keep further attention from me. But it's too late to hope. I will always be owned.
Chapter Two