Jade was soon to rouse right after me, and together we headed down the stairs to break the fast with Marius, for this ritual has been his and mine for nearly a decade. While I seated myself at my Master's right hand, Jade was once again allowed the chair at his left. I do not know whether he is aware how she brightens the room so. In fact, she brightens the entire house. Or perhaps it is just me, seeing my world anew through a rosier shade of glass.
After we dined, Marius instructed me to go to my room and practice on my Kalika. Yet it was clear he had in mind to leave the House with Jade. How instantly then I was filled with mistrust for the very man whom I have trusted for the last nine years. The very one who owns my soul, I was convinced, was plotting to sell my Jade... my kajira.. my love. Plotting to sell her in the markets like some cheap and disposable commodity.
Go to your room, he told me, remarking that he did not wish to return and find me upon my belly in the Atrium, weeping inconsolably like some woman. I threw myself at him; begged him not to sell Jade. But Marius is selectively deaf when he chooses, and again he reminded me to go upstairs to my room and practice my Kalika.
I want to hate him! I want so very badly to despise my Master.
But alas.. I am weak. For I love him unconditionally.
Marius returned after half the day had passed. I did not play my instrument as bidden, either. But lay upon my belly across my bed and wept the entire time. It was Jade who came to my room and knocked, seeking me out of my despair. I learned from her.. and from my Master later.. that he filed a notarized Writ of Claimance with the city Magistrate. From this day forth, the kajira's former owner.. has exactly two hands to appear and make a claim upon her property. In the event that the Slaver Asia fails to appear, the kajira Jade becomes the sole property of my Master.
I am torn now, between love for Asia, and love for the kajira.
A part of me longs to see her again..
and yet another part of me prays I never do.
