57. Kate

Despite my doubts, within a couple of weeks I find myself in a strange new routine. My room is bright and airy, next door to the girl who opened the door to me when I arrived. Her name is Mina Frist. She ensures I am fed, bathed and comfortable and has seems kind and willing to listen to me

Except I won’t be sharing any secrets.

Every morning I now dress myself like Seraphine. Mina warns me that to look less than a perfect jewelled trinket is to insult Alpha Austin’s generosity.

I wore chunky golden chokers for the first day, to hide the lingering neck bruises. Not that Austin called for me. I was trussed up uncomfortably like a toy on a shelf, waiting to be called for and it was maddening. I felt like a stabled horse except I had no idea what race I was to be involved in.

Yet to complain was to invite my own death.

I realised Seraphine wore mainly burgundy, red and purple silks, whereas my wardrobe was orange and gold. It matched my hazel eyes, but I couldn’t help wondering if