（外文电子版资料）Black, Jaid - The mastering.docVIP

THE MASTERING Written by Jaid Black “The rich rob the poor and the poor rob one another.” —Sojourner Truth Prologue My Bella Nellie, I will return to you in a fortnight. Two more short weeks and my arms will be wrapped around you! I can scarcely wait. I miss you, my beloved. Do not let my absence these past six months cause you to think differently. I needed the solo adventure. I needed time to heal. When I received that virtual letter from you informing me of your father’s death… My wounds, I have realized, are cut quite deep. I had hoped staying gone from Federated Earth for a time would lessen the emotions I am experiencing as a result of Abdul’s death. Your father was a monster. He was a demon amongst men… But ah, glorious Kalast, how I loved him. I shouldn’t love him…I know as much. And Cyrus’s truth, were Abdul Kan to miraculously rise from the grave tomorrow I would never return to him. I would fight him to my death before I’d allow him to return me to his harem bed. And yet… Always, as long as I have breath to breathe, a part of me will love him. I will see you in a fortnight, daughter. Keep the virtual candle burning in the window for mama. Nicoletta Kan August 7, 2250 Chapter 1 October 1, 2225 A.D. “My name is Nicoletta Isabella Carlotta Apollinaris,” she whispered in a thick Italian accent, her dark chocolate gaze lowered. “I herald from the Greco-Roman biosphere. My talents are—” “Raise yer voice, wench!” the chattel auctioneer bellowed. Her heart began pounding in her chest, tiny beads of perspiration dotting her brow. As it was, she was a nervous wreck up on the stage. Sitting there naked, her hands chained high above her head against a wall, her legs chained wide open to bolts on the floor so the curious potential masters could see everything she had to offer them, the added embarrassment of being publicly yelled at felt nearly overwhelming. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. You can do this, she staunchly told herself. You have no choice. Nor