Free Burning Ceres by Viola Grace Page B

behind that curtain and shuddered as a wave of lust rolled over her. They would definitely see what they were bidding on . A Nyal royal female in full heat.
    A blue light flickered on above and Zosia took the stage. She greeted all of the participants and began a description of Ceres’ bloodlines and family connections. Then she got to her age, twenty-five, and the number of heats that she had had since maturity, seventeen.
    This last had a murmur of interest in the audience. It was rare to have a woman that hot blooded. She would be an excellent breeder, and with her family connections, the child would have access to all of her properties.
    A white light lit in the preparation room and Ceres shuddered. The bidding had begun. Long minutes passed and a red light flared to life. That was her cue. The bidding on the invisible woman was over, and they now wanted to justify further expenditures in the flesh.
    “And here she is, my lords, look at how fine her features are drawn, those lush lips touching your body, those elegant hands on you, stroking you.” Ceres was blushing; it was only going to get worse.
    Zosia took a light crop and lifted her chin. “Nobility in every movement, imagine her begging for your touch.” The crop floated down to her breasts and flicked over one tip. “Responsive to the least touch, her nipples tighten from this little caress.”
    Ceres was looking blindly into the audience, her face was on fire as the auctioneer continued the stroking of the crop down her body. She could smell her own heat, and by the murmurs in the audience, they were beginning to catch her scent. The flashing numbers on the podium climbed higher.
    “And the clever curve of her belly, my lords, take a good look at the graceful and sensitive curve.” The crop trailed lower and she shuddered hard as it hit the crease between thigh and hip. “Ah, a sign. She is in heat, my lords. Her sixth this year. Until her body is satisfied, it will continue to flare to life for you.”
    The numbers climbing on the podium were a blur.
    “Now, my lords, to show you her lower limbs and the center of the flame that burns within her.”
    A number began to blink frantically on the podium. Zosia turned her head and froze. “The auction is over, my lords. Please accept my thanks and the thanks of the Arena for attending this auction. The highest bidder may collect his purchase in the offices.”
    Confusion broke out behind the curtain and angry mutters carried over to Ceres’ ears.
    Zosia bowed to all of those who attended and hustled Ceres off the stage. Not an easy task, given her restraints.
    The linking chains were swiftly removed and a heavy cloak thrown over her shoulders. A green light indicated that her buyer was waiting, and she was quickly given shoes and dragged toward the office .
    She didn’t even dare to ask who purchased her. She wasn’t quite sure she wanted to know.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
    She was shaking with a combination of lust and fear as they approached the sitting room where her buyer was waiting. As they drew near the door a servant scuttled forward with an object clutched in her hands.
    Ceres drew in her breath , it was a mating mask . It was a beautiful mix of leather and gemstones and she looked at it in horror. Zosia took it from the servant and tugged it onto Ceres’ head.
    The mask covered her eyes completely, depressions in the leather keeping her eyes firmly shut. The remainder of the mask drew down across her cheeks, and fastened behind the base of her head with a small snap.
    It left her mouth, nose and chin open to the elements and to whatever her new master had planned for her.
    She was blind.
    Zosia took her by both of her hands and led her forward, through the door. A soft whisper, “Don’t worry. He is very handsome,” was the only comfort that she got before the announcement. “Here is your property, my lord. And if there is anything else that you need, don’t hesitate to