“I trust Jane to make smart decisions. I don’t believe she will allow anyone to influence her against my wishes,” Philip said. Jane glanced at him. He was tightening his jaw, which meant only one thing—he was doubtful of his own words. Well, let him be that way. She would show him!
“Very well,” the princely man chuckled, observing the expressions on Jane’s face. “I will allow Lynette to be your teacher, Jane. I will watch your back for you, though. I can see mischief brewing in your eyes. Really, child?” Rama laughed as Jane tried to straighten her face, “Do you believe that trying to control your features after the fact will change my opinion?”
“It is worth a try, is it not, Uncle?” Jane asked saucily.
“Anything is worth a try if you are willing to pay the price,” Rama responded. “You were correct, Philip. This one is a Little Monkey.”
“Let’s just pray that she does not find an overly large tree to climb,” Philip agreed.
“Jane? I insist on obedience to two rules,” Rama said. “One is respect. The other is that you are not to leave the palace grounds for any reason, understand? There are too many dangers, both natural and political, awaiting outside these walls.”
“Yes, sir,” Jane nodded. “I’ll stay put. I promise.”
***
After breakfast the following day, Lynette grabbed Jane’s hand and led her down the corridor to the lush gardens.
“I am so excited that Uncle Philip brought you home with him! I don’t really fit in with the other wives and those children are so demanding. I have been so lonely.” She hugged Jane tightly.
Jane blinked. “Uncle Philip? Have you known him for long?”
“For years! My father worked with him in shipping and that is how I got to meet Rama. A real Raja! He was so handsome, elegant and mysterious,” the girl’s eyes glazed over. “Father said that I was too young to know that I loved him. He was wrong!”
“How old were you when you got married?” Jane asked hesitantly.
“I was an old maid! Sixteen! But Daddy, he likes me to call him that, he said we could not really be married until I turned eighteen. I had to wait two whole years to enjoy his bed.”
“This is a different world than the one I am accustomed to. I know girls wed that early, even in my country, but it still seems odd to me.”
“There are many strange things to learn here. You are never to refuse food or an invitation if it’s offered unless you have a legitimate excuse. That will earn you a spanking,” Lynette giggled. “I am always saying no to offerings.”
“You sound as though you enjoy being spanked!” Jane gasped.
“Oh, I do! Rama is quite good at delivering them. I don’t enjoy the ones I receive when I truly transgress, though. He does not make those pleasurable at all.”
“I’m confused. Spankings can be pleasurable?” She tried to dismiss the memory of her treatment and how Philip’s spanking had relaxed her. That spanking had purpose, though. It was not meant to be fun or enjoyable.
“Very much so. And when he makes love to me afterwards, it is delightful,” Lynette sighed. “That is why I always get into mischief. If I cry, even a little, then Rama feels the need to comfort me. In many, wonderful ways.”
“I know that this is an odd question, but why don’t you just ask him to spank you?”
“He is the Raja. He prefers to initiate pleasure, or pain, on his own accord. He knows how I enjoy it, though.”
“I don’t think I could ever enjoy being punished,” Jane shuddered. “Not even lightly. Papa has a very hard hand and an even harder cane.”
“Daddy does not use a cane. In fact, he forbids them to be used on us. Instead, he has a tawse. That can be wicked.” Lynette stated. She changed the subject. “Do you like swimming?”
“Oh, yes! Is there a pool around here?”
“Better! We have a secret pond hidden in the shadows of an old, deserted temple. It is cool and refreshing, and very close by. Would you like to go?”
“I would give anything for a real dip in deep waters,” Jane sighed. “Shouldn’t we ask for permission? Uncle Rama specifically said not to leave the palace grounds.”
“Technically, the pond is part of the palace.” Lynette grinned. “Besides, I am the Raja’s wife and am allowed to come and go as I please.”
“The guards won’t stop you?”
“They would stop me from traveling through the rear gates. They will not stop me from walking through the secret passage under the palace. It takes us directly to the pool and only the royal family knows of its location. Well?”
The temptation was too great. “Let’s go!” Jane said excitedly.
The two girls tiptoed down the long halls, snuck behind corners to stay out of view of the palace guards, and then slipped downstairs to the secret room that harbored the hidden passage. Jane accepted the oil lamp from her new friend and carefully made her way through the narrow, winding tunnel.
“I don’t like this place,” Jane whispered. “It’s so dark and cold.”
“You will like it in the summer when it becomes truly hot here. Don’t worry, we only have a short way left to walk. See?”
Jane exhaled with relief as they emerged through the vine-covered exit into a thick grove of trees covered with heavy falls of hanging vines. No light directly penetrated through the canopy, and the ground was lit only with misty filtered rays from the bright sun. The sound of monkeys hooting in the trees and birds singing made Jane twirl around in wonder.
“Well? Do you like it here?” Lynette asked, turning to Jane.
“It feels so mysterious and secretive. Like a fairy garden,” Jane whispered.
“No one comes here either. There’s the pond. I always acknowledge the goddess in case she gets mad because I went in, but so far, she seems to be fine with my invasion,” Lynette stated, bowing briefly at the statue and placing a stolen piece of Turkish Delight at the base. Jane mimicked the gesture nervously, glancing around for any onlookers. Except for the path leading to the secret tunnel, there was no apparent way to enter the area without making an excessive amount of noise through the thick foliage.
Lynette quickly shed her sari and unbound her long, blond hair from the braid over her shoulder, and then stepped naked into the dark waters of the still pond. Jane followed, removing the child’s clothing from her body, ending with the skirt. She entered slowly, surprised by the chill of the clear water.
“You have a Blessing Ring!” Lynette exclaimed. “I want one! How did you get it?”
“You want one? For years, I received much taunting because of it. I was born in India and the midwife had it placed on me after my mother died.”
“I heard that it increases your pleasure. Is that true?”
“From what I have experienced, yes. Usha taught Philip how to maneuver it. I thought I would die with satisfaction,” Jane confessed.
“Your papa is a handsome devil. He is also very kind. When did you marry?”
“We have not as of yet,” Jane said, sinking up to her neck in the waters. She inhaled deeply. “It smells so fresh and alive here.”
“The moss and the trees rejuvenate the air,” Lynette said, closing her eyes. “Are you to marry soon?”
“I don’t know. I was very ill because of the sea voyage and I assume Philip will wait until he believes that I am back to my normal self before he brings up the subject.”
“You seem just fine to me,” Lynette said, splashing the water in Jane’s direction.
“Hey!” Jane splashed back. The two giggled and Jane shared news from “back home” and all the advances being made in fashion, science, electricity and transportation.
“I must admit that it is easy to be content here,” Jane said. “You can breathe in a place like this. And you don’t have those awful corsets and layers of clothing to hamper you.”
“True. I do miss some of the dishes. Cows are considered sacred in many parts of this country so Daddy abstains from steak to honor his subjects
and their beliefs. Some of the native dishes are an acquired taste as well.”
“Papa had a cook from India at the manor, so I am accustomed to many of the dishes served. Curry took a while for me to enjoy,” Jane said. “Of course, one can never go wrong with sweets.”
“Daddy has a cabinet where he hides treats from us,” Lynette giggled. “I learned how to jiggle the lock a while ago. I take a couple and then rearrange things so it doesn’t look like they have been touched.”
“You are indeed naughty!” Jane laughed. “You might have to teach me that trick.”
“Just don’t get caught. Daddy looks upon that as stealing and that is a harsher spanking than when we are just being pert.”
“There is a simple solution to that problem. We just won’t get caught,” Jane offered.
CHAPTER 11
After several hours, the girls started their way back to the palace, once again slipping behind the pillars and hiding from the guards. Lynette yanked Jane into her private chambers and closed the door behind them in relief.
“Whew! That was close! Did you see that guard?”
“Yes,” Jane giggled. “He saw us out of the corner of his eye and started looking behind the curtains. I would never have thought to hide behind that screen. It was good that it was away from the wall.”
“You can only crawl behind them when they are not fastened in place. That one divides the room, so it is moved quite often. I am hungry. Would you like to go with me to bother the kitchen help?”
“Yes!”
Philip arrived about thirty minutes later to find both young ladies stuffing their faces with coriander and mint crackers topped with cheese.
“There you are! I was worried. Jane, are you all right?”
“Yes, Papa, of course. Would you like some?” She offered him a cracker.
“No, thank you. Why is your hair wet?”
“I washed it for her, Uncle Philip,” Lynette said sweetly. “It helps relax the spirit and the soul.”
“Hmm…what type of mischief are you two making?” Philip asked suspiciously. “Janie? Look at me. I’ve seen that expression on your face too many times to tell me that you are not inviting trouble.”
“I’m just feeling at peace, Papa. Have I thanked you for bringing me here?”
“No,” Philip raised an eyebrow. “You heard Uncle Rama’s warning about Little Lynette. I do not want to hear that he had to discipline you because you followed her example.”
“Oh, Uncle Philip, why must you make me sound so wicked?” Lynette laughed. “You know that I never succumb to serious naughtiness.”
“Yes, and I also know that you provoke your daddy to spank you. Janie is not like you. She does not enjoy pain.”
“That is because you have not introduced her to the pleasure in it,” Lynette poked Philip’s arm. “You need to marry her and take advantage of your marital bliss.”
“I don’t need to marry her to do that, young lady. Nor is it your concern. My next question for you is this—do you have lessons today?”
Lynette paled, jumping out of her chair. “Oh my! I completely forgot. Excuse me!”
Philip laughed as the girl raced out of the room. He turned to Jane with a smile. “That is one little girl who will be going to bed with a sore bottom tonight. How are you fairing? You appear very refreshed.”
“I am! I can’t seem to eat enough,” Jane laughed, swallowing a glass of sweetened mint tea. “The fresh air and delicious food here have strengthened me.”
“That treatment seemed to help as well. Are you in need of another?” Philip asked.
Jane blushed. “Perhaps later. I would enjoy taking a short nap, though. Would you join me?”
“I would love to. Rama is holding a private ball this evening to introduce us to his family, friends, and colleagues—both Indian and British. I would like both of us to be alert. I caution you to avoid any discussion of politics or religion, however.”
“A ball? Oh my! I have nothing to wear!”
“That has been taken care of. He had this planned months ago and made all necessary arrangements for this time. As I was saying, please exercise discretion when involved with any of these discussions. I trust no one.”
“Gladly. I loathe both the topics of religion and politics, as well as finances. You have no need to worry. Will there be sweets?”
“Many, I am certain,” Philip laughed. He held his hand out for her to take. “Let us go rest for a while.”
Philip scooped her in his arms as they neared the guest quarters and carried her inside their room. He placed her on the bed, tucked sheets around her and lay down on his side with his right arm wrapped around her waist. Jane blinked at the wood ceiling, trying to dispel the guilt she felt for lying to Philip. After about an hour, she was unable to contain herself.
“Papa?”
“What, my darling? Are you feeling all right?” Philip asked sleepily. He curled around her and pulled her body closer to his.
“Physically, I feel much better than I have been. It’s my heart. I lied to you, Papa, and I feel terrible.” Jane sat up and dropped her gaze.
Philip was suddenly very much awake. “You lied to me?”
“Yes, Sir. I’m sorry.”
“What did you lie to me about?”
“Please don’t hate me,” Jane whispered. “I went swimming in a pond.”
Philip sat up. “What?” he asked, tilting his head in confusion.
“I found a pond in the woods and went swimming.”
“You left the palace grounds?”
“Yes, Papa,” Jane hung her head. “Technically, the pond is on palace property, but not within the gates.”
“Uncle Rama specifically forbade you and Lynette to go beyond the walls, did he not?” Philip’s voice held a tinge of anger.
“Yes, Papa. I knew it was wrong but I begged her to take me somewhere to refresh myself. I was very warm and the bath in the chamber did not ease my discomfort.”
“You deliberately disobeyed your host, Jane, and then you lied to me. I trusted you to behave and you chose not to.”
“I know. Please, forgive me.”
“I will forgive you, but you understand that there is a price to pay.”
“Please,” Jane looked at him pleadingly, “don’t allow him to spank me. I don’t even know him.”
“He will not punish you this time, but I will.” Philip got out of bed. “Jane, I am so disappointed in you.”
“I did tell you the truth. Does that buy me some mercy?”
“No, madam, it does not. You were very naughty and I have no choice but to punish you. Get out of bed.”
“Papa…”
“Stand in that corner with your skirt up past your bottom. You are to stay there until I return.”
“Where are you going?”
“To let Rama know that we will not be attending the ball tonight.”
“No! You can’t do that. It’s rude. Their culture dictates that we are never to refuse an invitation!”
“Well, well, it seems that somebody learned something today. You are correct, though. You will go to the ball tonight, but I doubt you will be sitting comfortably. Where is my walking stick?”
“No! Rama forbids the use of canes here!”
“You silly girl, I was not going to strike you with it. It is much too thick. I was going to use it to pull the window shades over the opening and give us some privacy.”
“Privacy?”
“Do you want the groundskeepers to see you being spanked? Consider yourself fortunate that the guest quarters are not directly located in the palace proper.” Philip said, shaking his head at her. “Get your bottom into the corner, pull up that skirt, and put your backside on display. I will be back in a few minutes.”
“But you said we were still going to the ball.”
“Yes, I did. However, I need to speak to Rama and borrow his tawse. To the corner.”
Jane paled, walking slowly to the far side of t
he room. She gathered her skirts into her arms and shivered as her naked hindquarters were exposed to the air. Goosebumps rose over her flesh in response to the heated wave of embarrassment that rushed through her body. Philip came up behind her and placed his hand upon the curves of her bottom cheeks.
“This beautiful bum is going to be very red, very soon. I shall return momentarily.”
Gulping, Jane nodded and rested her forehead against the wall. She felt so young and childish, standing in the corner with her skirts raised to her waist. Her heart raced as the minutes ticked by. There was nowhere to hide now, not that she would dare try. There was not anywhere she could really go anyway—she did not know the palace or the grounds well enough to avoid either Philip, Rama, or the guards.
Jane heard the sound of Philip’s booted footsteps and felt her insides churn. Sweat broke onto her brow as she had a fleeting mental vision of the three-tongued strap as it whistled through the air and cracked across her naked rump. She swallowed dryly as the knob on the door clicked, squeaking as it swung open. Already tears began to form in Jane’s eyes.
"There’s my bad, little girl. My dear Jane, you are about to experience a lesson in obedience that will not be forgotten this time. It is a shame that I keep being forced to raise the bar in the depth of these same lessons.”
His voice was raspy and menacingly low. He grasped her elbow and pulled her toward the davenport, unconcerned as she stumbled next to him while mumbling apologies and excuses. She was shocked as to the strength of his grip, knowing she would not escape even if she tried.
As he sat down, he lectured her. Philip was a tall man with a strong constitution in both character and physique, and years of running a trade company gave his voice an authority that brooked no dissension.
“Take off your skirt, Jane.”
“Please, not that.”
“I’ve seen you naked and have already tasted you intimately. You may keep your top on. Obey me.”
Jane still felt horribly exposed and devoid of dignity as her skirt fell to the floor.
“Pick up your clothes and fold them neatly.”
Little Lady Jane Page 12