His Little Courtesan

by Breanna Hayse

"Your nanny will be here to help you bathe and dress. Be a good girl and do not give her any problems. She is under instruction to take a switch to your bottom if you cause her problems."

  "A nanny? Papa, I'm too old—"

  "If you are young enough to be spanked then you are young enough to need a caregiver. I did warn you. You will not be out of sight for any reason. You will have to earn your freedom, darling. I will be downstairs in the study. Behave yourself, please." He kissed her on the back of the head, patted her hot backside, and left the room.

  The girl sniffed, wiping her face with the back of her hand. The way in which Philip had ended the punishment spoke volumes to her. It was indifferent, almost businesslike, and lacked the warm aftercare that he typically demonstrated after such an event. Her heart sank. She truly had angered and disappointed him this time. She turned her glazed eyes to the sound of the door opening.

  "Usha?"

  "Yes, little Jane. It is I. No, stay where you are. I want to see the damage your papa has inflicted upon your bottom."

  "This is so shameful." Jane hid her face. "Please spare me."

  "I shall not. I am to be here until our husbands declare it is time to go. I am to look after you as though you were a school-aged child, teach you manners, grace and eloquence, and instruct you in exercises of the body, mind and spirit. I am having a bath readied for you and afterwards, we will discuss what is expected of you."

  "I'm so sorry for my foolishness. Will Philip ever forgive me?"

  "His heart is in pain right now. It hurts him when you misbehave and he has to punish you. Men are very delicate that way," Usha explained, stroking Jane's hair. "Time will heal him, daughter. Have no fear. Now, let us get you bathed and dressed. You are scheduled to attend to your papa in his study when he calls for you."

  "Is he going to spank me again?" Jane asked nervously. She noticed Usha's confusion, and explained. "He frequently took me to his study when I was a child—for punishment. It has never been a place I enjoy being summoned or led to."

  "It is his right to spank you whenever he desires. He needs no reason or purpose, other than for his own enjoyment. Therefore, the question of whether he intends to do so, or not, is moot."

  "Are you saying that he can spank me with no cause?"

  "He is your husband."

  Jane blinked through swollen eyelids. "To punish without cause is barbaric! Philip might be strict, but he is not an animal."

  "And yet you asked me the question if he can spank you without cause. The answer is yes, he can. It is also no, he will not punish you."

  "There is no difference," the girl pouted.

  "That is not true. Punishment requires a misdeed. Discipline requires a purpose at hand. And spanking," Usha shrugged, "can be conducted simply for pleasure."

  "Usha, I love you," Jane said warily, "but I am so sore that I can barely move. Please, do not add pain by making me think as well."

  Usha smiled warmly and helped the girl off the bed. She slipped the shift from Jane's body, leaving her standing naked. Jane twisted to view her pulsating backend, biting her lip as she caught a glimpse of the angry swollen cheeks.

  "He was very thorough," Usha commented, sounding pleased.

  "You aren't here to comfort me, are you?" Jane frowned suspiciously.

  "No, darling, I am not. Rama and Philip have requested that I train you in the way of our household as I would a daughter. The lessons begin when the child is very young, perhaps at age four or five. Philip did well in many areas; however, he also fell short. That is why I am here."

  "I do not need a mother to tell me what is right and wrong any longer, Usha. My mistakes are my own," the younger woman said, accepting Usha's outstretched hand and following her painfully into the bathing area.

  "You do need a mother. You have never experienced a mother's love or a mother's discipline. There is a reason my children behave the way that they do. And it is not due to fear of their father."

  Jane eyed her suspiciously, gritting her teeth as she lowered herself into the steaming hot water. She immediately attempted to stand back up as her blazing bottom made contact with the heat. Usha pressed her down and shook her head.

  "No. You are to keep your backside set upon the bottom of that tub. Ah, the pain you are experiencing matters not. Let it remind you of your actions. Now, back to the reason why I am here. Your papa gave you a solid and balanced education, to encourage you to be smart, confident and intelligent. His mistake was not allowing you to use what he taught you to give you a sense of value. You will be responsible for his bookkeeping from this day forth."

  Jane shifted, trying to relieve the horrid stinging burn in her backside and thighs. She nodded silently. He had already told her his plan.

  "We embrace certain things regarding the raising of a daughter. The first is what I have mentioned; education. The second thing is to avoid spoiling. We believe that all a child's demands ought not to be fulfilled, particularly if they are unreasonable or greedy. Those children who gain everything they desire become stubborn and high-handed." She paused her washing of Jane's back. "I do not see those as being traits that we have need to be concerned about. You are generous and kind, and your stubbornness is related to your lack of discipline, not because you are spoiled. In fact," Usha tweaked her nose affectionately, "I think your papa needs to do a bit more spoiling. You would not be harmed because of it."

  Jane relaxed. Usha was her friend—an example of the perfect wife and mother—and a person whose behavior she would not mind emulating. Her heart swelled with the praise.

  "We are not to pamper our girls overmuch, lest they become lazy. Rama frequently errs in this area with Lynette, which is the reason she lacks discipline and forethought. I have not witnessed laziness in your behavior, but we will pursue improvement."

  "Then what are you here to teach me, Usha?" Jane asked irritably.

  "To encourage you to develop the ability to make good decisions based on a sense of right and wrong. To instill good qualities that will make you strong, healthy, and independent, apart from the needs of your husband and your home. To teach you the discipline of the Kama Sutra."

  "To be a courtesan."

  "Yes. To be Philip's courtesan, but also his little girl again. Stand."

  Jane wrinkled her nose as Usha helped her from the water and toweled her dry, knowing better than to argue with her carer.

  "Usha? I saw that old woman again in the garden. This time she gave me a golden lotus."

  Usha froze and looked up into Jane's face. "That is impossible. The golden lotus belongs to the One Enlightened only."

  "I'm telling the truth. She had me place it in the fountain after she showed me what she wanted me to know." Jane explained in detail what she had learned.

  Usha shook her head. "The Goddess is watching over you. Do not disappoint her."

  "I'm more concerned about disappointing Philip and you," Jane said sadly.

  "Your concern is unfounded. Be more concerned about disappointing yourself."

  "I am very cross with myself. How can I repair this damage?"

  "Time, my sweet. Lift your arms."

  Jane stood silently as Usha dressed her in the garb of a nursery-aged child, including two long pigtails, black stockings, and white pantaloons that peeked out from under her plain, white smock trimmed in pale blue ribbon.

  As Usha brushed her hair, a servant entered the room without knocking.

  "Madam? The master wishes to see his ward in his study immediately."

  "Excuse me, but you will knock before you enter my bedchamber," Jane snapped.

  "Thank you. We will be there shortly," Usha said to the man, dismissing him. She gently cupped Jane's face in her palm and kissed her cheek. "Knocking before entering is a privilege afforded an adult, Jane."

  "I am an adult."

  "You are an adult in years, but not in behavior. You will have to earn your privacy, my darling. Embrace your lessons, put forth a good and cheerful countenance, and
demonstrate gratitude, and these privileges will be restored in time."

  "This is wrong."

  "Jane, I have no desire to discipline you, but I will not hesitate for a moment if I feel it necessary. Sulking and moodiness are not desirable features in a young lady and will earn you a switching. I am certain your bottom would not receive that very well at this moment. Ah, the blush in your cheeks tell me that you understand. Now, look at me." Usha lifted the girl's eyes to meet hers, and smiled. "You are very lovely, both in heart and in face. We will work on bringing the beauty out in behavior as well. Let us join your papa."

  Jane chewed on her cheek as she eased herself down the large staircase and followed Usha to Philip's study, which was located in the back of the house. The servant bowed deeply as the Rana glided past them, honoring the princess of State, while clucking with disapproval over the girl.

  "I am still the mistress of this house, even when dressed in this ridiculous outfit," Jane growled, glaring at him. "Show some respect."

  "Beg pardon, Miss, but both the master and His Highness have ordered the staff to care for you as a child. We follow their commands," the man said nervously.

  "Commands or not, I will not be abased. If you—"

  "Jane!" Philip's voice bellowed from the study. "In my study. Now!"

  With one last glowering look at the servant, Jane followed Usha down the hall and into the dark, spacious room. Unlike the rest of the building's décor, the study had a distinctive English feel. Dark, polished wood bookcases harbored hundreds of fragrant, leather-bound volumes. A stone mantled fireplace, thick red carpets, and mounted swords all drew the eye to the room's centerpiece—a massive, mahogany desk with polished brass fixings.

  The sheer intimidation of the Brobdingnagian furnishings made her feel even smaller and more childlike as Jane shuffled her feet to stand before it. Instinctively, she pointed her face to the floor, wrapped her hands nervously in front of her, and shifted back and forth, from her left to right foot. Philip's eyes bore into her, leaving her feeling very much like the naughty child who had been caught with a finger in a freshly baked pie.

  "Cease your fidgeting. What is it that I heard in the hallway?"

  Jane lifted her face. "I'm the mistress of this house. The servants must treat me as such."

  "Let me understand this," Philip said, tapping his finger on the polished surface of the desk. "You are demanding that my staff treats you as the Marchioness, not a little girl?"

  "Yes," came the meek response.

  "Speak up so I may hear you," he ordered gruffly. "Is the mistress of the manor a position given to an adult, or a child?"

  "I am of age, and your wife—"

  "Answer me."

  "This is my home and—"

  "The manor in England was your home as well, but that did not make you the mistress. Being either a mistress or a Marchioness is a position of esteem and responsibility. Have you proven yourself mature enough to handle such?"

  Jane steeled her eyes upon him. "Is your reasoning behind removing my adult privileges to humiliate me before the staff?"

  "You know me better than that. The staff in our English manor had no particular fondness for you, nor did they approve of our personal involvement. The men and women attending us here are ones who adore and have fallen in love with you since the first meeting. Each has actually dared to approach me with several bold arguments regarding my decision. While I admire the loyalty they feel for you, I must also go forth with what I have declared."

  "And you have declared to demean and humiliate me?"

  "Usha? Have you discussed what is expected in a child's disposition in your household?"

  "I have."

  "It appears that your words were not understood. I fear that a switch will be necessary in order to clarify."

  "No! I'm sorry! Please." Jane brought her hands to her mouth fearfully.

  "Go and stand in the corner."

  Jane burst into a new set of tears as she quickly obeyed. She stood uncomfortably with her hot forehead leaning against the cool wall, her bottom and thighs aching miserably. She sniffed unhappily as the two 'adults' discussed her schedule, and planned out every breathing moment of her life. Slowly, she felt her body slump in defeat, slid soundlessly to the floor, and sobbed into her arms.

  "Philip? I think she has had enough," Usha gently said to Philip.

  "Agreed." He squatted down next to Jane's balled-up form and spoke softly. "I want you to apologize to the staff for your cockiness, and then go to your room for a nap. I will be up later."

  Looking at him with glassy red eyes, Jane nodded in acquiescence. She tried to stand on wobbly legs and found herself being lifted into his strong, warm arms. He carried her towards her room, pausing only when they encountered the man she had scoffed at. After a pretty apology, she was taken up to bed, where Philip removed her shoes and tucked her under the sheet.

  "Sleep a while. I will be up here to take care of you a little later on."

  "Papa? Please don't hate me."

  Philip frowned, his eyes glazing over with moisture. "How could you even think for a moment that I could hate you, baby? No. It is this way because I love you."

  "Truly?"

  "Truly. Rest now." He hesitated, then reached under the bed, producing an item wrapped in brown paper. "Maybe this will help."

  "I don't understand. Why are you giving me a gift after what I did?" Jane asked meekly, holding the package in her hands.

  "My need to comfort you is as great as my need to protect you. Your pain is mine, and my heart is shattered when I see you so unhappy. I was saving this for your birthday but, well, I think now is a better time to give it to you."

  Jane gasped as she unwrapped the paper. A doll, identical to the one that he had made for her as a child, rested in her hands. "Oh my…"

  "I know you missed the other one. I've been trying to find the original artist for a long time."

  "She is even lovelier than I remember. Thank you," came the choked whisper. She traced her index finger along the intricately decorated sari. "The needlework is exquisite," she exclaimed. "Is this your handiwork?"

  Philip blushed. "Who told you? Rama? I've been working on this for a long time for you. Usha and the ladies provided the beads. They are made from real gems."

  "I am humbled by this act of love. Thank you." Jane held the doll to her chest and snuggled into her pillow.

  "Are you starting to understand the necessity of my actions?" Philip asked with concern, gently grazing his fingers down the length of her smooth cheek.

  "Yes," came the quiet answer. "I just do not understand the methods. What do you hope to accomplish by removing all my rights and freedom?"

  "They were suspended, darling. They will be returned when I can trust that you will be respectful and appreciate them. That means," he touched her nose with his finger, "showing us that you know how to properly submit and be responsible with the little things." He stood to depart and Jane grabbed his hand.

  "Philip? Will you be making love to me during this time?"

  He paused. "Rama gave me other suggestions that I am considering. No more talking. Sleep, baby girl. You have a long day on the morrow."

  Chapter Seven

  "I cannot believe that you put her to bed fully clothed," Usha tutted, pulling the curtains from the windows.

  Wincing with pain, Jane carefully pulled herself to a sitting position and rubbed her eyes. She squinted at the glare of the sun.

  "I tried to wake her when I came in but she wouldn't budge. Janie! Come to me." Philip sat down in a large, stuffed chair and patted his thigh. "Hurry, girl. The longer you delay, the longer your morning spanking will be."

  "Morning spanking? Dear Lord, no…" Jane groaned. "Papa, please. I cannot sit and—"

  "One…"

  "Papa!"

  "Two…"

  She scrambled out of the bed, tripping over the linens in an effort to arrive before he reached the final number. He looked pleased as sh
e stood completely disheveled before him. Pushing the hair from her face, he cupped her cheek, rubbing the red wrinkles from her smooth skin with his thumb.

  "Good girl. Every morning will start with a spanking, as will every evening before you go to bed. The level of discomfort will depend upon the time it takes for you to go across my lap, and the sass that accompanies it. I want you to lift up your skirts and drop your drawers."

  Jane glanced at Usha and felt her face heat as the woman crossed her arms and nodded. Biting her lower lip, the girl eased her soft undergarments over her hips and down past her thighs. Gathering her short skirts in her hands, she lifted the material away from her bottom. Her eyes never left the floor.

  "I must use the water closet first," she whispered.

  "Usha? Take her to relieve herself, please. And then bring me the hairbrush."

  A look of panic shot across Jane's face. Before she could speak, Usha had her by the arm and was helping her hobble her to the commode.

  "Usha, I can care for myself. Please…"

  "Is it not the custom of your country that children are to be seen and not heard?"

  "Yes, but neither Father nor Philip believed in such a thing."

  "What is the purpose of such a theory?"

  Jane shrugged, finishing her business. "I'm not certain. I assume it is to teach them how to listen and learn from observing."

  "Then it is a good thing, yes? Come. Your papa is waiting, and you do not want him to grow impatient."

  Philip raised his eyebrow as Jane again entered the bedroom. "Are you ready now? Stalling the receipt of your daily spankings will not benefit you, so consider this your first, and last, word of advisement. Across my lap. Now."

  Wincing as his hand rested upon her still tender mounds, Jane held her breath in anticipation of the agony her bottom would again experience. Sensing his hand lifting from her flesh, she whimpered and squeezed her eyes closed. It fell with a loud crack.

  "Oh!" The tiny sound expelled from her lips. His hand fell again, just slightly lower, eliciting the same sound. Jane shifted, lifting her bottom closer to his palm. It felt pleasant! Smack by delicious smack, her womanhood responded by growing moist and hungry. He repeatedly landed his blows across the apex of her cheeks and down along the junction of her thighs, occasionally catching down the length of her slender legs.