by Maren Smith
“That’s my eyes?” Tears filled them, and her lower lip trembled with joy from the words of her new friend.
“Yep, and put that with the ball gown you’re holding right now, and you’ve just magnified your intensity by about a hundred.”
“Thank you.” She reached forward and pulled Kaylee into a half hug, the crinkling fabric coming between Kaylee’s belly and Grace.
“All right, your Dom has been sitting out there patiently waiting for us, and I can’t guarantee he’s not going to redden your bottom for not talking straight with him—if you want that, that is.”
“Yeah, that’d be okay.” Grace grinned and stepped back from Kaylee. “Thanks. So, would you be willing to help me get this thing on? It feels like a lot of layers.”
“I didn’t want to be pushy, but yeah, you’re kinda holding it backwards.”
They both laughed as Grace handed it over to Kaylee.
“Okay, after we get this beauty on you, I have an idea for a mask, so you don’t have to wear that stupid blindfold anymore.”
“Thanks.”
Chapter 6
Chris
Standing outside the Wardrobe, Chris listened to the giggles and chatter from inside and rolled his eyes. He only knew he had because a passing Dom he didn’t know by name chuckled and said, “You’d spank her for that, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes, I would.” He grinned. “So, it’s just as well she wasn’t here.” Then he remembered, even if she was, she wouldn’t have seen it. As the other man continued down the hallway whistling to the naked sub with the tail plug and doggie ears on the end of his leash, Chris was reminded again of his position as a Master of the Castle. Even if he hadn’t taken a sub in some time, he knew the ropes. He enjoyed being a Dom and training a sub. Grace was new to the lifestyle and hadn’t yet committed to more than just trying out a series of acts or scenes as a sort of experiment. Kind of a BDSM tourist.
And that was fine, for some people, he supposed. But the physical aspects of the lifestyle were such a small part of the whole thing. Those who stuck around did it to meet a need. To fill a part of them nothing else could. When someone joked on TV about people who liked to be spanked or shocked or tied up, they had no understanding of the effect on those who lived it. Did Grace want to truly experience the lifestyle her favorite cousin lived 24/7? Or did she just want a little erotic spanking?
Listening to her friend helping her select a gown, something he had apparently failed miserably at, Chris considered their time together so far. Nobody would deny he had been in the Dominant position. Administering the spanking, for example. But, that was where it stopped. She’d been topping from the bottom, something no competent Dom would tolerate very long. Sure, he’d been set off by his mini meltdown when the noises from the Dungeon sent him into a flashback, reviving the survivor guilt he thought he’d made it past already.
So, in questioning himself, he’d allowed things to get out of control. Not a lot, but enough. And Grace had control issues herself. He’d seen it more than once today. The costume… she could have asked him for something more specific when he helped her pick the original dress, but she hadn’t. Now, she’d turned to someone else, and he didn’t like how that felt.
Perhaps he wasn’t the Dom for her.
Another wave of giggles poured out the door, and he smiled despite his self-doubt. He loved hearing her happy. The door opened, and Grace swept out in a long full skirt in a blue that set off her eyes. Eyes no longer hidden behind the blindfold. She wore a mask that, while not exposing her beautiful unseeing orbs, had a fine mesh in the eye holes, so the color came through.
Her hair was pinned up in a complicated set of rolls and twists that somehow had a fairy-tale feel, intertwined with strands of sparkly beads. “You look like a fairy princess,” he said, agog.
She lifted her heavy skirts and stuck out a foot. “Can you guess which princess I am?”
“Is that a glass slipper, Cinderella?”
Dropping into a curtsey, she said, “Yes, my prince.” As he kissed the back of her hand and drew her upright again, she gave a happy little bounce. “Now, you may escort me to the ball.”
Really.
Making the decision in that moment, he determined to draw a line in the sand. Chris would be her protector. He would pretend to be her Dom. But if she wanted him to be her Dom for real, even on a temporary basis, they’d have to come to an agreement beyond the standard form she’d filled out. It didn’t cover some things he considered very important. Grace was enjoying the play, but with him, it would have to be so much more.
He needed the mind parts. The psychology. He didn’t spank just to wear out his palm.
“Before the ball, I will be escorting you outside to one of the gardens for a bit.” He lifted her hand and placed it on his arm. “This way.”
But the princess dug in her heels. “The ball has already begun. Can’t we talk later?”
“No, little girl. We have to get some things straight between us, and we’ll do it now.”
Still, she did not move forward. “But I’m all dressed for the ball. I don’t want to go to the gardens.”
Leaning close, he spoke in her ear in a low voice. “Move forward now. If I have to ask you again, you’ll be punished.”
She pouted. “Don’t be mean. I thought we were having fun.”
Beyond annoyed, he spotted a bench a few feet down the hall, scooped her up into his arms and walked towards it. Dropping her over his knees, Chris proceeded to lift layer after layer of skirt until he reached her bare bottom. He rubbed her curvy cheeks, waking up the skin and preparing her for the firm spanking he was about to bestow. “Hands on the floor so they stay safe. And I thought you understood disrespect would be punished.”
She struggled a little, but he pressed her head down. “I was just excited. I wanted to go to the dance!”
“Princess, we are in the middle of a hallway where the traffic is fairly heavy. While you were selecting your outfit, I was watching everyone stroll by on their way to the dance.” He lifted his hand and gave a sharp smack to both cheeks. “And every one of them can enjoy your punishment.”
He’d almost said see it, but, of course, vision was not the only sense someone could employ while observing this princess’ spanking. Sound… the crack of a hard palm on soft flesh. The scent of her arousal drifting into the Castle air. And she’d agreed to exhibitionism. What better time to make the point of who was in charge, than when nearly every visitor and staff member was likely to pass by.
The Dom with his ‘doggie’ strolled past a few times, while he had his hand raised for another spank, the Daddy with his Little one, the women from Wardrobe peeked out with wide eyes. All of a sudden, he didn’t want anyone else involved in this. Despite the fact she’d agreed to public play or punishment in her contract, despite the fact it was a common sight that nobody was shocked by, only interested in, or in the case of the voyeuristically inclined ogling. Despite his desire to assert and demonstrate who was in charge, he didn’t want the others watching.
And before this went any further, before his hand reddened another inch of her bottom, they needed to talk. This was just another scene, and, without those words, without her understanding what he would accept between them, he wouldn’t lay another hand on her.
Except, of course, to help her find her way around, as was his job as her protector, a situation that would change as soon as Marshall could find a replacement if she chose not to accept him as her Dom. They’d come too far to turn back.
Flipping her skirts back down, he stood her upright in her pretty glass slippers and rose to his feet. Setting her hand on his arm, he murmured, “We’re going outside.”
She was smart enough not to argue. Her punishment was not over, not unless she decided she didn’t want him dominant over her. Just delayed.
The gardens were beautiful on this moonlit night. They followed a path to a bower of mostly white, night-blooming flowers. Chris wished Grace co
uld see them, but when he stopped and pushed her down on a white padded bench, she drew in a deep breath.
“Jasmine and four o’clocks… gardenias. I don’t know what all. The scent is amazing.” She looked so happy he wanted to just sit down beside her and kiss her in the moonlight. Forget anything more than a magical princess in his arms. But there would be more nights like this one if she chose him. Tonight was about understanding.
Chris knew what she’d agreed to do, but it was about meeting needs as well. What did she need from him? He had an idea, but unless she also knew or at least permitted him to show her, they were going nowhere.
“It does smell nice.” He didn’t rush, taking the time to formulate his words.
With another big sniff, she turned her face toward him, tilted up, as if she could see him. “I’d like to think you brought me here for the romance of it all, but after what just happened, I don’t think that’s the case.”
“No, although, we can come back later, if you like. But I know you want to go to the ball, and I want to take you. Once we finish some business together.”
She gave a little shiver. “Business. That sounds a little frightening.”
“It should.” Taking her hand, he laid it on his thigh, placing his palm over it. “Princess, we’ve been playing at Dom/sub all day, but for me it’s not a game. It’s how I relationship. And not just in the bedroom. I am not sure you want more than just the job I’m paid to do and a little slap and tickle in the Dungeon spaces…”
“You didn’t like the Dungeon, though.”
His face flamed. “That’s a whole other issue, one I’m dealing with. And I must admit one that surprised me. I’ve been down there any number of times without a flashback, but my therapist says as I heal, it might happen.”
“I’m so sorry.” Her fingers squeezed his leg. “It must be terrible to have bad memories come back out of nowhere.”
“It’s not fun, but I’m learning to deal with it. But that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.”
She shifted closer, her scent sweeter than the flowers. “Why did you stop spanking me?”
“I wanted to talk to you first. To try to reach a better understanding of what is between us.”
Grace rested her head on his shoulder. “Okay, I like that idea.”
“Princess, I don’t know what your past relationships have been like; but I have to be in charge of mine. It’s important to me to give you what you need, to give it to us both.”
She jerked upright. “So I never get to give?”
His heart ached for her. Yearned to ease the tension he saw in her. She vibrated like a violin string, always having to control everything to feel safe. “Of course, you do. You give by being you, by letting up a little and letting me be there for you.”
“Because I’m blind and you think I can’t survive.” Her voice rose. “I’ve made it this far on my own. I get around everywhere, I take care of myself.” She sounded so taut she might snap.
“And you do a fine job. But doesn’t it get tiring? Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone else take care of you sometimes?”
A pair of glistening tears rolled down her cheeks below the mask. “I had a boyfriend who wanted to take care of me once. He treated me like an invalid, suffocated me. I can’t have that. I don’t want that.”
“I don’t want that for you either. You’re a strong, independent woman who has achieved much. But from your reactions earlier, once you got past the initial outrage, you relaxed under my hands. I don’t want to steal your independence. I want to support that, but also to give you ease. A place you can let down your guard. I need to protect, and you need a safe space.”
“And being tied up or spanked is safe?”
“How did it feel to you?”
Voices came close, another couple strolling the paths and they waited until their laughter faded as they moved away. Then she answered. “How did it feel? It felt amazing. After you spanked me, my shoulders relaxed for the first time in a decade. And erotic… so erotic.”
“I think we have a lot to learn about each other still, but we’ve made a start. Do you think, when we’re alone together, or here at the Castle, you can give up control to me?”
“I don’t know.” More tears fell, and he caught them on a fingertip. “But it would be nice to relax for once.”
He kissed her lips, tasting the salt of the tears that continued to fall. “I can help you do that.”
“Please, Sir.”
The little word meant more than a dictionary full of bigger ones. “If you’re ready, let’s go to the ball.”
“But what about my punishment?”
“That can wait. After all the effort of getting ready, you don’t want to get all rumpled before you even get there.”
“Oh!” She patted her hair. “Am I a mess?”
“No, still a beautiful princess.”
Arm in arm, they strolled back, but before they went inside, she stopped. “Does what happened earlier mean you won’t spank me in public?”
He chuckled. “Not at all. The whole Castle is a safe space.”
“Safe to get spanked?”
“Safe for so many things, but not always for your perfect bottom.”
Chapter 7
Grace
It only took a hundred and seventy-eight steps to get to the ballroom. Only one turn after heading through the large doors from the outdoor garden, a few steps… heck, she lost count. And she blamed it all on this man, this gorgeous, strong, brave man who made her feel like a schoolgirl with her first crush. Many other women seemed to appreciate his silk suit and tie. Grace could hear their murmurs as they passed, their comments to try to draw him into a conversation. And it wasn’t only the submissives. A few Dommes had quietly said something about it being a tragedy to have an ass better than Beckham and be unavailable for a paddling. Since Grace had never seen the soccer star’s ass, she’d have to take their word for it.
They continued into the room, the sounds of music and laughter flowing through it, her skirts softly swishing in time with the inner seams of his crisp pants. Chris greeted some women then explained quietly to Grace that they were Littles drawing at a coloring table while waiting for their Daddies to get their drinks. Grace frowned and turned toward them when one of the Littles mentioned wanting to suck Chris’ special lollipop.
Chris chuckled and tightened his grip on her arm. “Ignore their bad behavior. Their Daddies will take care of it later.” He stopped and pulled her against his chest. He swayed back and forth, and Grace melted in his arms.
A beautiful waltz played from an orchestra in the back of the room. There were real players. Grace cocked her head and noted the different instruments. A cellist in the corner. Seated close to him or her was a clarinetist, then someone with a guitar. The pianist played his or her notes with precision, rounding out the small ensemble, from behind them, and Grace took notice of the people around her.
As they swayed in time with the music, people laughed and chatted. Some were on the other side of the room, boisterously laughing, a few couples, at least three anyway, danced around them. The music was glorious, the energy in the air light and happy, the smells surrounding her and making her beam at her escort.
“Whatcha thinking about right now, princess?”
“This is amazing. I can hear all the different people partying right now in their own way, and I’ll be honest, I never would have thought it would mesh. The Littles coloring, the couples dancing, wearing ballroom attire—”
“How do you know they’re all wearing ballroom attire?” He spun her gently and pulled her back against him.
“Well, I’m not positive, but I can hear the swishing of the fabric from the skirts, the way at least two of the dance leaders’ pants slide together when they step. It sounds like satin, and tulle, maybe a crinoline underneath. Kinda like mine? Am I right?”
“Almost. One of these couples is not quite like the others.” He leaned down to speak into her e
ar, making her shiver. “See if you can guess which one.”
She reached up to stroke his face, loving the feel of the stubble as his lips turned up at the corners, a few wrinkles on his smiling face. She loved games. Playing with him was exciting and fun. “Okay, hold on a second. Mind turning me a few times slowly?”
Her palm still rested on the side of his cheek, so she felt him nod. “Hold on tight.”
She did, opening her senses to the dancers around them as they twirled in place. “Hmmm, I don’t know,” she said. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The skirts swished, the fabrics rubbed in their own unique ways. Okay. Two women were wearing heels that tapped along the floor as they stepped. One was barefoot. “No shoes on couple number three. Hope he doesn’t step on her toes,” she whispered, and Chris chuckled.
“Focus on number three. Can you tell a difference in the skirt length?”
She turned so her side was to the couple and honed in on the lower half of the women. “The front of her skirt is definitely down to her ankles. I can hear her stepping, and her toes hitting the edge of the fabric.”
“What about the back?”
A loud smack, bare skin on bare skin startled her, and she shuddered in Chris’ firm arms.
“You hear that, princess?”
She nodded, and his hand dipped down to her own bottom. “Yes. But?”
“Let me help you understand, baby.” Chris rolled up the back of her skirt and held it against the small of her back. She shivered as the cool air wafted against her bare bottom.
She should be embarrassed that he was displaying her naked bottom for everyone in the room to see. But she wasn’t. She reveled in the thought that someone might get off seeing her aroused and spanked by the large man. Would he spank her in front of all these people?