Outfoxed (The Fox Witch #1) - R.J. Blain Page 0,99

begin.

I found that amusing; with only six hours of notice, even the primary bidder might miss the party, which would make a mess of everything. Rather than inquire if the individual behind my bounty would be present, I debated how to present myself. If I played the game with grace and dignity, my buyer might lower their guard. It would give me a chance to evaluate everyone in the crowd and learn more about the world they planned on dumping me in.

Dr. Dorothy and two of the nurses spent the six hours before the auction transforming me into society’s perfect businesswoman, my hair contained in a neat bun at the back of my head to better showcase my ears. While I thought my hair and ears were better together, with my wild hair matching the fur, the buyers wanted to see all of my fur without my hair getting in the way.

Stupid buyers.

I appreciated their care for my tail, however, which got a queenly treatment, brushed until it turned silky, and restored to its proper glory. The black skirt, designed to accommodate tails, helped showcase my skin’s tone, which had improved in the past few days.

Instead of the pantyhose I expected, my legs were waxed, and they stuffed my feet into sandals that toed the line of being appropriate. I appreciated the lack of heels, however. While I healed, even sitting still while they dressed me to their satisfaction tired me.

“Don’t worry about acting anything other than tired. It is part of the buyer briefing, and you will need several more weeks until you’ll be ready for physical therapy to restore the muscle tone you’ve lost. Part of the packet they have for review includes the important parts of your medical file. They’ve been disclosed on everything they’ll need to properly care for you once the auction is completed. This is a silent auction, so they’ll be using touchscreens to input their bids. The first bid to register in the system is the one honored, and the auctioneer does not disclose which bid is the one received. The auctioneer will disclose the current number of tied bids.”

“If there’s a tie, the bidders have to decide if they’re gambling?”

“Correct.”

“I bet that’s a good way for the auction house to make extra money.”

“Well, it’s a good way for the receiving charity to get more money. The auction house is receiving a set amount for your sale. It’s a good way for you to make some extra money, too, since you have a horse in this race as does your provisional buyer,” Dr. Dorothy replied, and she circled me with the same intensity of a hunting shark. “You’re as ready as I can make you, so it’s show time. You may take your sword with you, although it should remain sheathed and on your lap. The buyers are aware that is your property and they will have zero rights to it. It has been written into your contract that it will be a violation of terms if they pressure you to sell or get rid of it. I recommend you treat it as a family heirloom moving forward. The blade has been appraised with a certificate issued. Due to its age, value, and quality, it will not surprise me if there are buyers who are even more interested in your katana than they are in you.”

“They can’t have her.” I glanced where Peace waited in the corner, safely out of the way.

“She’s yours, so no worries. You will be given the official paperwork for her while the buyer is paying your bill. You will also be set up with a bank account for your share of the auction funds with the bank of your choice; the auction house handles this to protect the courtesans. Your buyer and a staff member of the auction house will accompany you to the bank or bring in a banking representative to set up the account. Those funds are yours, and they cannot be taxed as they’re your courtesan fee. Should you be released from your contract, you will owe taxes for the full amount you earned from your sale.”

I lacked the patience or desire to deal with any more complication from being sold to somebody, especially as I couldn’t do anything about it. “I understand.”

“I know you do. Just do your best to tolerate this for a little longer. I have seen the invitation list for your sale, and while there are a few less savory families