She looks up when I enter. "Is it time for training already?"
"Not yet. I wanted to talk first."
Wariness enters her eyes. "About what?"
"About the showcase. About what else to expect."
She closes the book slowly, marking her place with a finger. "Okay."
I sit on the couch across from her. "The showcase is coming up soon. You know that. But I haven't told you all the details. About what the environment will be like. Who will be there."
"How many people?" Her voice is small.
"Approximately sixty."
She goes pale. "Sixty?"
"The inner circle members and their guests. Other potential new members presenting their acquisitions. Some Consortium patrons. It's the spring showcase—it's always the largest event of the year."
"Sixty people watching me?—"
"Watchingus.Watching me demonstrate my control. Watching you demonstrate your training. It's not about you alone, Eden. It's about what we are together."
"Which is what? Owner and property?"
"Which is whatever we make it."
She's quiet for a long moment. "What will I have to do? Specifically?"
"Obedience commands. Kneeling, presenting, holding positions. Verbal responses to questions. And at least one intimate act performed in front of the audience."
"Oral sex."
"Yes. That's traditional. Though—" I stop.
"Though what?"
"There's been interest from some inner circle members in observing you more closely. Testing your obedience to unfamiliar commands. I've declined on your behalf."
Something flickers in her eyes. "Why?"
"Because you're mine. No one else gets to command you. No one else gets to touch you. That's non-negotiable."
"Even if it costs you the inner circle?"
"You’re more important to me than the fucking inner circle."
She stares at me like I've spoken a language she doesn't understand. "I don't understand you."
"I don't understand myself lately."
"You said the showcase is in a few days. That we're running out of time. But now you're saying you'd refuse the inner circle if they tried to share me. Those things don't make sense together."
"I know."
"So, which is it? Am I here for the showcase or not?"
"I don't know anymore."
