Hello everyone,

I apologize for the delay in posting a new chapter, but crazy things have been happening in my life recently.

So here's the next part of the story and I'll also be posting a new chapter of Wilde Heart soon.

Chapter 6

"I am sorry, mother. I have disappointed you again…" Sir Nicholas confessed with a sour voice. "You have brought me to be a different kind of mammal, yet I… I cannot seem to stop letting you down. It is a source of great sadness to me." He raised his head a little. "I have almost committed a great sin today, if not the greatest, as our Lord cannot forgive those who take their own lives." The fox went silent for a moment. "Still… for reasons unknown, God has forgiven me my foolish thought and did not let me die. I am not sure why, but I shall meditate on that." Sir Nicholas stood up and bowed his head with respect. "Your foolish son apologizes for troubling you again. I shall take my leave." With these words, the fox left.

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Judy Hopps was climbing.

Yesterday events have shaken her a bit, but the end result was one clear thought: The fox was crazy. Who else gives a loaded pistol to a mammal that openly declares hostility towards you? Hence, she will have to treat him as someone completely unpredictable and to feel safer around him, she needed a weapon. And said weapon was hanging over the fireplace, the second pistol from the pair hanged on the wall as a decoration, the first one used by the fox last night. Better armed than helpless. With that thought, the doe pulled herself up for the last time and the gun was now within her reach. Or so she thought. She actually had to strain herself for her fingers to reach the firearm's handle. Judy was so focused on arming herself that she forgot how important it is to have a proper grip while climbing anything. This resulted in her other paw slipping from the piece of decoration she was holding onto and her body tilted back. Seeing the inevitable, Judy clenched her teeth and readied herself for the impact with the hard, cold floor below. But half way there, she was snatched from the air by a pair of warm and furry arms.

"That desperate to shoot someone, eh?" Said an amused voice she'd learned to hate. Sir Nicholas held her in a princess-like hold, keeping her small body gently pressed to his white shirt.

"You... put me down!" She demanded of him, struggling in his arms.

"Only if you agree to stay in bed." Sir Nicholas let out a chuckle. "You are still recuperating."

Her response was the barrel of the gun, pressed against the underside of his muzzle. "Put. Me. Down." Judy emphasized each word.

The noble fox raised a curious brow, apparently not fazed by the threat. Still, he headed for the bed. "You forgot to pull back the hammer." He stated simply, causing the bunny to glance at the gun in her paws. Sir Nicholas stopped by the side of the bed and showed her a smirk. "Your chariot has arrived at the desired destination, my lady. Do you wish to rest after such a perilous trip in the paws of a villain?" Judy's nose twitched after hearing his sickly sweet words.

"Just get your paws off me!" The doe punched his chest to accentuate her demand. And in the next moment, the noble fox suddenly removed his paws by spreading his arms wide. Judy fell on the bed with a small yelp of surprise. The bunny sat up immediately and glared at the noble mammal. She opened her mouth to speak, but Sir Nicholas was faster. He leaned to her and spoke before she could utter a word.

"Why will you not rest obediently?"

Judy pulled the hammer and aimed the gun at Sir Nicholas. "I'll rest plenty when you get what you deserve, fox." She snapped back at him. At that moment his paw shot forward, grasping the pistol, with one finger blocking the trigger and another stopping the hammer. The doe cursed under her breath and struggled to release her weapon, but to no avail.

Again, he initially didn't seem to mind her words or actions, though Judy knew that it was very difficult to guess what this predator really was thinking. But now he sighed at her attitude and rubbed his temples with one paw, the other still gripping the fire mechanism.

"I wanted to avoid this method, but you leave me no choice, rabbit." His voice was that of someone processing a very distasteful concept.

Sir Nicholas yanked the pistol from her paw, causing her to gasp with surprise at his strength. After that he moved even closer to her, his posture giving off a domineering aura, which made the doe flinch and her ears droop. Damn it... I've wasted my chance! Now he's going to-

Sir Nicholas dropped to his knees and threw the gun to the floor. His head was now a bit lower than hers and he lifted it to gaze upon her face. She could see his features soften and eyes filling with concern.

"Miss Judy, will you please rest until you are fully recovered?" He asked of her.

In that moment, Judy's mind and mouth were in unison and managed to articulate only one thing. "Huh?!"

He took her little paws into his own and gave them a gentle squeeze.

"I ask of you to refrain from any unneeded activities, so your body may heal properly."

The bunny's mouth opened, closed and opened again. W-w-what?! She couldn't avert her eyes from the mesmerizing, emerald stare of the noble fox. Something in these eyes pulled her in and Judy blamed it on his confusing behavior and smooth voice. Why is he trying to be nice? What's his goal in this?

Sir Nicholas stood up, folding arms behind his back.

"You may hate me, but it has nothing to do with your health. Rest. Get well. Only after that we can discuss your issues with aristocracy." While talking, the fox walked over to the discarded pistol and picked it up. Then he returned to the bed's side and passed the firearm to Judy, holding it by the barrel.

She eyed him with suspicion, her gaze wandering between him and the gun.

Sir Nicholas offered a smile. "Here. If it is what it takes, for you to feel safer around me. Call it a gift."

Slowly, Judy held out her paw and grabbed the pistol. Two mammals, staring at each other, a lethal weapon between them.

Sir Nicholas cleared his throat, his paw letting go of the gun. "However," the fox laced his tone with a slight warning "if you intend to shoot me again, be aware that I will protect my life to the best of my ability."

Hearing his statement the bunny snorted. "That quick to change your mind about your death?"

The vulpine showed another smile. "Who said that I have changed it?" Judy furrowed her brows, trying to understand the meaning of his words. "I simply said that I shall defend myself."

What? It doesn't make any sense at all! The bunny squeezed the gun with both paws and averted her gaze from him.

"Why do you want to die?" She asked in a voice only slightly above whisper.

"What is it to you?" He asked, using her earlier words. Judy turned back to look at him again. This time he didn't have a smug smirk or any amusement visible on his face.

"I simply wish to know." The bunny copied his action and replied with his own reply.

Sir Nicholas raised a surprised brow at her words and rubbed the underside of his muzzle thoughtfully. After a moment, he seemed to reach some decision. "Let us make an agreement. If you will be obedient towards me for an entire year, with no talking back and obeying my every order, then I shall reply to your question. Fair enough?"

This statement caused the doe to clench her teeth in irritation. "In your dreams." She snarled at the fox.

Her words made him smile again. "I thought so." With a short laugh, that sounded almost like a bark, the noble vulpine headed towards the door. "Oh, there is one more thing. We are going out tomorrow, so a maid will come to take your measurements for new clothes. I will not allow you to run around in that in front of other mammals. And do not worry about the size. I assure you, that it will fit perfectly."

Judy blinked and then looked down on her clothes. She still was wearing a plain, white nightgown the maids dressed her in earlier.

"And just in case you would think about running away… You do remember the consequences I hope?"

You sly bastard… The doe was furious, but lowered her head and clenched one of her arms with the free paw, the other one still gripping the gun.

Sir Nicholas waved a paw at her. "I shall see you tomorrow, carrot girl." And he was gone.

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The next day carriage rolled through the vast forests, that surrounded the Wilde lands. Judy was still puzzled about what the fox had exactly in mind by bringing her along for this ride. He never mentioned where they were going. She glanced down. And these clothes… The doe was dressed in a plain, brown dress, that implied that she was a servant. Still, it was of good quality and the noblemammal didn't lie, it fit her like a glove. Someone must have put real effort into making this. It was a mystery to her, why would this predator give her such fine clothing, even though she was meant to be her slave. And now he wasn't even paying any attention to her. Sir Nicholas chose to gaze outside the carriage, with his muzzle resting on a paw. His expression didn't betray anything to the outside world. The vulpine chose to wear his usual attire: dark pair of pants and a white shirt. It was warm enough for him not to wear a jacket. He also had a sword strapped to his belt, but he didn't let her bring the pistol he gave her yesterday.

Judy furrowed her brows, staring at the fox. It was both fascinating and irritating to the doe, him being such a mystery. I will learn how to read that face of yours, just you wait!

Benjamin, who was seated next to the bunny let out a nervous chuckle, seeing how the atmosphere inside the carriage was becoming more and more intense, with his silent master and a focused bunny.

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Soon they have arrived at their destination and after getting out of the carriage, Judy instantly recognized the place. The domineering construction, which entrance was so vast, that even several elephants could have entered side by side, was heavily decorated with stone carvings and statues.

The auction house.

Just the sight of the building made her tremble. It was a cursed place for her. It was here, where she was humiliated in front of dozens of noblemammals. It was here, where a smug looking fox bought her, as if she were a mere object. Strong as she was, facing this place again made her nauseated and she dropped to her knees with a paw over her mouth.

But she was not allowed to dwell in her dark thoughts. A strong paw grabbed her under the arm and lifted her back to a standing position.

"Don't." The fox warned her in a low voice. "You are now member of my household and you are not allowed to be seen weak. Stand strong and face this." With that said, he walked towards the entrance, keeping her by his side.

As much as she despised him, some part of Judy's mind noticed that he wasn't exactly dragging her by force, rather matched his pace to hers. In effect, for others it looked like she was being led by her owner, but in reality, he used himself as a support for the bunny, compensating for her weak legs. During this walk she cast him a surprised look, not expecting an act like this from an aristocrat. And again, his face didn't betray anything he could have been thinking.

Benjamin smiled to himself and followed them swiftly to the sound of spreading whispers from gathered noblemammals and shocked glances sent in the direction of this strange pair.

Once inside, Sir Nicholas has led her down the main lane in the middle of the auction hall, heading for the front row of seats, traditionally reserved for the mammals of highest birth. They approached one of the richly ornamented chairs and Judy flinched, as Benjamin tapped her gently on the arm. The plump feline nodded his head towards other seated guests, where the servants were standing to attention behind their master's chairs.

"We should also-" Was what he managed to say before Sir Nicholas stopped him by raising a paw. The noblemammal pushed the puzzled Judy forward and guided her to the front, where he lifted her slightly by the waist and seated the bunny on the chair. He himself took a spot right behind the piece of furniture, in the place meant for servants.

Benjamin's jaw dropped down and his eyes were in serious threat of popping out of his skull. "S-sir…"

"W-what are you doing?" With both ears right up, Judy glanced at the fox with irritation, demanding an answer. The doe met the smuggest expression she has ever seen on his face.

"Providing entertainment." He stated and leaned down to whisper in her healthy ear. "Look around you."

What? Judy blinked, not sure of his intentions. She slowly peeled her gaze from him and turned it towards the surroundings. And blinked again. The noblemammals sitting nearby were staring at her with mouth ajar, like she was some kind of an unknown being. Some of them even nudged their neighbors and point at Judy while whispering frantically. Many wore shocked and disgusted expressions. It hit her then what was his purpose in doing this. She glanced up at the fox again and saw a wide grin. He WANTED them to see this, a slave on a seat meant for noblemammals. After that thought, Judy could feel the corners of her mouth tugging upwards, in an attempt to form a smile. The sight of the appalled aristocracy was truly exhilarating for her. Still, as soon as she realized what her face tried to do, the doe shook her head. Nonono! He's only using you for his own fun!

"Why are you doing this?" Judy asked plainly, wanting to hear what explanation he prepared.

"Why my little Cottontail, to enjoy the afternoon of course." He stated jovially.

I knew it! He's jus-

"And to give you a chance to spend some money." Sir Nicholas added, the big grin still present on his face.

Judy blinked, not comprehending the fox's words. "What?"

The noble vulpine leaned to her again. "I will provide you with 10 gold coins. One of them is worth 100 silver ones. Use them as you please during this auction."

"Wait… you want me to buy slaves?!" Judy hissed at his suggestion and though it seemed impossible, his grin widened even more.

Sir Nicholas opened his mouth when a familiar voice filled the hall. "Ladies and gentlemammals! Once again, I welcome you to the weekly Hais' slave auction!" A hyena stepped onto the stage with his arms wide open in a welcoming gesture. He then took a deep bow and indicated the curtain behind him. Following this signal, the heavy drape began rising. Voices died down and everyone's attention was directed at the lineup of mammals in chains and rags.

In an instant Judy forgot all about the fox and focused all her attention at the mistreated slaves. Most of them looked starved, frightened or even scarred. Some of those scars were fresh. The doe's own paw rose to her cheek, where several lines marked where the torturer disfigured her face with claws. On the stage, there was also a female lynx, bandages wrapped around her torso, red stains visible on the material. It looked like she was in great pain. Judy's ears fell down, along with her heart, at the sight of the wounded mammal.

And then she saw something that pierced her already burdened heart. Two young bunnies were part of the group of slaves. She was very familiar with their faces. Oh no… No, no, no!

„Sheila... Tommy…" She gasped and covered her mouth with both paws.

Two of her younger siblings.

And the doe's reaction did not escape Sir Nicholas' keen eye. He followed her gaze and also saw the pair, they couldn't have been more than 8 years' old. A guard yanked the pair to the center of the stage. The girl tripped over her chains and fell on to the hard wood, her brother hurried to help her up. The fox glanced down at the bunny, who was now clenching her partially healed paws.

Judy was absolutely furious, but at the same time helpless. With all the guards in this place, she didn't have even a shadow of a chance to save her siblings.

"You have the money, use it."

She blinked and looked up. Sir Nicholas gave her a small nod.

On the stage, hyena gestured towards the children. "Special occasion! Two rabbits for the price of one! Very young, good for upbringing as servants! Starting price is 10 silver coins!"

Before Judy even had a chance to speak, the auction was already in full swing.

"20 silver coins!"

"30 silver coins!"

"50 coins here!"

She was overwhelmed by the speed, at which the bidders kept shouting the prices and twisted her head left and right, trying to keep track of who is taking part in the auction. Her ears flat against the back of her head, panic started seeping into her mind, along with the fear of losing her siblings due to her own indecisiveness.

"One gold coin!" Shouted a strong voice above her head. Judy's ears rose and she looked at the confident expression on her owner's face.

"Go on." He encouraged her while someone already overbid his price.

This time she didn't waste any second for analyzing the fox's motives but joined the bidding on her own. "Three gold coins!" She yelled.

And another familiar voice immediately responded. "Five gold coins!" All three mammals from Sir Nicholas' group turned to the left. Several seats from them, an elderly grey wolf was seated and his eyes were locked on the bunny in an intense glare.

Lord Wolford.