<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Khalida the slavegirl</strong></span><br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt82/android1966/Decorated%20images/hunter_002a-1.jpg)</div>The Prince took Khalida's leash at snapped it without effort. Khalida felt a small surge of slave's pride as the Prince gave his reasons for the act. His conviction that she would not run warmed her. He spoke his full name, a mouthful of titles that sounded strange and otherworldly to Khalida. After laying down a couple of simple rules he announced his intention to return to his rooms and bathe.<br/><br/>"Master." Khalida said obediantly, as affirmation that she comprehended his rules.<br/><br/>The new word sounded strange on her lips after so long calling her owner mistress or Jabbress. Khalida silently mouthed the word a couple of times more, rolling the word on her tongue and lips. Each time it became more familiar and comfortable. Khalida looked up to find her new owner had turned without word and was striding away. For a moment she felt lost, what would happen if she became seperated from him in the busy market? The slavegirl feared not for her own fate, of being claimed by another or more likely being returned to the prince and punished. The disappointment caused to the prince if she became lost and he imagined she had fled was what stirred her fear.<br/><br/>Khalida scampered after the tall Nesstran, dodging around Takrins, Nesstrans and slaves alike, feeling safe and secure once she was trotting dutifully at his heel. Once in her place behind him the fear of becoming lost dwindled, the crowds parted as if by magic for the Prince. Even free Takrin women and warriors stepped aside, a thing that Khalida would not have imagined for a mere male.<br/><br/>"Since I already know something about you, you may ask me a question in return" The Prince said not looking back, but simply self assured that Khalida would be there.<br/><br/>A dozen questions buzzed in Khalida's head and she tried to sort them to order and ask the most important first. At this point she noticed the direction they were taking, leaving the Royal market and heading directly to the main entrance of the Nei's palace.<br/><br/>"Are we going to the court Master?" Khalida blurted the question without thinking, squandering the opportunity to learn more of her new master.