Jane smoothed her immaculate gloves over her arms and accepted Philip’s arm to escort her into the open hall to stand with Rama to greet their guests. One man after another came, bowing before the ruler, shaking Philip’s hand, and then kissing the back of her own. The women in attendance were all quite mature and stately, and regarded her skeptically as they offered their own perfunctory curtsy out of respect for the prince. Raja Rama was dressed in a formal English suit similar to that which Philip wore, but instead of a top hat, his head was covered with a high, gold turban. Multiple necklaces of gold and jewels hung around his neck and his feet were adorned in the comfortable slippers of his culture. His wives, minus Lynette, stood behind him, each dressed in brightly color saris and intricate jewelry of gold, ivory and sparking jewels.
Rama turned to Jane after the greeting line was completed and bowed. “Might I have the first dance, my dear?” he asked.
Jane nodded numbly, accepting his hand. As they twirled around the floor, she casually asked of the whereabouts of Lynette. Rama chuckled.
“My dear wife is in her room nursing a tender bottom. Apparently she thought it necessary to take a little stroll to the forbidden pond this afternoon.”
“You know?” Jane gasped.
He spun her and then pulled her closer to speak into her ear. “I am the Raja, darling girl. I know all.”
“Y-you do?”
“It is my job to know everything that occurs under my roof or, in this case, outside of my gardens. Was your papa thorough in your discipline?”
“Y-yes, sir.”
“And in his lovemaking? Ahh, you blush so sweetly. You must be grateful that he spared you from a very harsh ordeal this afternoon. I was specific in my instruction to you, and yet you allowed my wife to persuade you to disobey. Lynette deliberately disobeyed my orders and showed disrespect in doing so. For that, her punishment was harsh and left her unable to sit comfortably for the next several days.”
“It was my fault, Uncle Rama,” Jane said breathlessly. “She was just being a good hostess.”
“No, she was simply being Lynette. There is no need to defend your new friend, Little Monkey,” Rama chuckled. “That name suits you well, for indeed, you are unable to stay out of mischief.”
“But Lynette…”
“Fear not. Your playmate will be permitted to join you again in two days. Perhaps she will think twice before disobeying me again, yes?”
Jane remained silent, her hands feeling the raw strength of his muscles as he danced her around the floor. She was relieved when Philip took his place.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Dove?”
“Uncle Rama called me Little Monkey.”
Philip laughed, squeezing her hand. “Did he? I guess that means he knows the trouble you got into today.”
“Yes. He said the name suited me well. Lynette is being punished. He did something awful to her and would not allow her to attend tonight. That is not fair.”
“My dear lady,” Philip said patiently, “Lynette is the wife of a Royale. The only person higher than Rama is the Maharajah, so people watch carefully. Her behavior is important to his rule. Because of Britain’s investment in this country, the few Rajas that remain must be very careful to enforce themselves properly. A wife can make, or break, a ruler’s strength.”
“It still is not fair. He also said that you spared me a harsh ordeal today. Wasn’t the spanking I received harsh enough?”
“The fact that you are here dancing and enjoying yourself says it all. I was very lenient with you this time. I will not be so in the future.”
“That tawse was not at all something that I consider lenient,” Jane argued. “It hurt.”
“Yes, but the pain was temporary and you were pleasured afterwards. Now, enough with talk about punishment. Dance to your heart’s delight, Little Monkey.”
Jane danced. And danced. And danced some more. Her invitations were constant from both British and Indian, and neither culture spared her the time to catch her breath. She was a curiosity and a bridge between the outside world and that of the Raja’s, and anyone who could engage her in conversation via the dance floor, did so.
When the chimes announced the coming of the tenth hour, Jane felt nothing but relief.
“I must excuse myself,” she said breathlessly to her escort, wincing as he again treaded upon her toes. “I have not sat out a single dance since the night began and I am quite thirsty.”
“The night is young,” the old man announced, tightening his grip on her waist. “Dance now, drink later.”
Jane bristled at his rudeness by neither offering her a chair, or to retrieve something for her to drink. “Please, Viceroy Clemmons, I am feeling quite tired and must retire. Have you seen Philip?” She looked around anxiously for the man to rescue her, nor was she able to catch Rama’s eye to plead for help.
“Nonsense, Marchioness de Courtier,” the vile man laughed in her face. “I insist on this dance.”
Philip’s concerns for her safety echoed in her mind and she reasoned it was safer for her to be unavailable, so Jane did not bother to correct his assumption of her marriage. She glanced fervently at the giant clock that resided over the hall, reading it to be nine forty-five. Philip had been quite specific about her bedtime, yet she had no means of breaking free from the sweaty palms of the wretched politician who held her too tightly for comfort. The dance barely ended when another man snatched her arm and dragged her onto the floor.
Shortly thereafter, Jane felt her head spin from a lack of fluids, exhaustion, and overstimulation. Wooziness from the heat of the hall, her multiple layers of heavy clothing and the corset confining her breathing took over and she swayed slightly before collapsing in her escort’s arms.
“Lady Jane?” she heard voices in the distance. “Give the girl some air!”
“Where is her husband?”
“Is she ill?”
“Lady Jane? Speak to us.”
“Move out of the way. Janie?” She heard Rama’s voice. “Jane, baby, it’s Uncle Rama. I will get you out of here, sweet darling. Someone find Philip and let him know that I will take her to bed. She has had enough for the evening. You!” he shouted to a servant. “Have cold refreshments brought to the Marquise’s quarters immediately.”
“Uncle Rama?” Jane whispered, leaning her face against his chest as he carried her easily to her chambers. “They would not allow me to stop. I told them that it was my bedtime. They wouldn’t let me sit down or get me anything to drink. I’m sorry. I did not mean to embarrass you.”
“Despicable curs. How dare they treat one of my family with such poor manners? Hush, now, sweet one. You have done nothing wrong,” Rama said kindly. “Usha! Come with me and tend to the child.”
After Rama gently laid her upon the bed and left the room, Usha peeled off layer after layer of clothing until only her shift remained. The older woman sung a lullaby in Tamil, occasionally pressing a cool cloth to Jane’s red face, and offered her frequent sips of chilled coconut milk.
“Where is she? Is she ill? I was told she fainted! Jane!” Philip burst into the room.
“Those old bores refused to allow the child to sit and rest,” Usha said bitterly. She held the glass of cool juice to Jane’s lips. “See how she drinks? They did not even offer her punch! How do these animals live with themselves? Drink, my precious girl.”
“Rama will take care of their rudeness, Usha. He is quite livid. Jane? My love, I beg forgiveness,” Philip said, sitting next to the overheated young woman on the bed. “I was caught up in discussing politics that I forgot the time.”
“I did not want to dance until midnight, Papa,” Jane whispered warily. “I was ready for bed when the clock struck ten, just as you told me. I told them that I was tired. The viceroy…”
“I know, baby girl, I know,” Philip said softly. “You are a good girl. Usha? I can take care of her if you would like to return to the festivities.”
“I will have ice cream br
ought to you. Rama had several buckets prepared for this evening.”
“Thank you. I am sure she would enjoy that very much. Usha? She is quite warm. Is there anywhere private that I may bathe her in cool water?”
“The area of the pools is occupied by guests strolling through the gardens,” Usha said quietly. She glanced at the door and approached Philip with her voice low. “The Pond of Valli is always private. It is a sacred place and we are forbidden to enter there, but for those who do not follow our faith, I see no harm.”
“Is that the place where the girls went this afternoon?”
“Yes. Lynette was spanked quite soundly for doing so. Please ask for permission for I do not want to see you on bad terms with my husband.”
“I will do that. Do you have any extra clothing for Jane? Something more appropriate for a young girl?”
“Yes. I will have a trunk sent over for you to make selections.”
“That would be perfect. Thank you. Would you mind asking Rama if he would receive me?”
“Philip, you know you are considered family and no formal audience is expected or required.”
“Please, Usha.”
The woman sighed and stood. “You are not asking for an audience. You are asking me to request that he come and speak with you, aren’t you? Well, I am certain he is looking for a reason to escape all the political discussions. I will tell him.”
Philip grinned and thanked her, then turned back to Jane. Ten minutes later, a knock on the door alerted them to a tray with a large bowl of vanilla ice cream covered with slices of pineapple and some side dishes. This was followed shortly by a trunk of girl’s clothing.
“How did it all get here so quickly?” Jane asked in surprise as Philip scooped up a spoonful of the cold confection and lifted it toward her mouth.
“I told you the vents have ears. That is how the royal servants manage to anticipate the orders of their employers and guests. Nibble on this,” he placed a banana sautéed in cinnamon and sugar on her tongue, followed by another taste of the ice cream. “Come in. Rama!” Philip stood quickly and bowed.
“Stop that nonsense,” Rama scolded. He sat next to Jane on the bed and ran his hand down her face. “How are you feeling, Little Monkey?”
“I’m being good, Uncle Rama. Why do you insist on calling me that?” Jane asked, wrinkling her nose.
“Because you are like my Lynette. You will find trouble if trouble is there. Did you wish to talk to me, Philip?”
Philip hesitated and then expressed his need to his friend. Rama shook his head. “No, I cannot allow that. I am sorry. The cottage has a running stream behind it. It is not deep, but it does soothe the heat.”
“It would take too long to get there and I just wanted her to be comfortable now.”
“Did you perhaps look under that gold dome? I had a piece of ice sent for her to suck upon. My girls love sucking on ice when they are over warm. They also like having it applied to their bodies,” the man added with a wink.
“Excellent idea. Thank you. Please forgive me if I offended you with my request.”
Rama slapped him heartily on the shoulder. “You did me no offense! I did not give permission because the pond is infested with snakes and leeches and is very dangerous. The Goddess takes care of her own possessions quite well and does not need me to interfere.”
“S-snakes?” Jane paled. “Leeches?”
“Spiders, territorial monkeys, scorpions and other things that do not make for a pleasant picnic spot, little one,” Rama patted her hand.
“Jane? You look ashen.”
“Snakes terrify me. I did not know there were snakes or anything else dangerous out there. I just thought of how good the pond would feel.”
Rama squeezed her hand. “There are many dangers in this beautiful country. Not just snakes. I will tell you again not to leave these palace walls without both an escort and permission.”
“I won’t, Uncle Rama. Thank you,” Jane said, pressing the ice wrapped in a towel to the back of her neck.
“I see you have the trunk filled with children’s clothing. Are you going to start dressing your little doll more appropriately?” Rama asked Philip with a wink.
“Yes, Sir. She is going to start formal training after tomorrow.”
“Excellent! The cottage is being prepared as we speak. I’ve included several other interesting contraptions that you might take pleasure in. I have also taken the liberty of choosing a staff for you. Each is aware of both the lessons and our unique way of expressing our love for our women. I believe they will be very helpful to you.”
“Thank you. I truly appreciate all you have done for us.”
“It is my honor, my friend. Little Monkey? You mind your papa.”
“Yes, Uncle Rama,” Jane sighed. “You are not going to call me anything else for now on, are you?”
“After your adventure with my Lynette today? No,” Rama laughed. He kissed the back of her hand and excused himself to return to the party.
“Papa?”
“Yes, my darling?” Philip asked, gently rubbing the back of her neck.
Jane leaned into his hand and sighed contently. “I’m so happy here. Thank you for bringing me. And thank you for loving me like you do. I really feel like I have friends and family. I never realized just how much I needed that until now.”
“You’re welcome,” Philip said softly. “I feel as you do. These people, and this country, have brought color and life back to our hearts. I also want to thank you for loving me, and allowing me the honor and privilege of being your papa.”
“That is the easy part,” Jane giggled. “What are you doing?”
Philip grinned, slipping her shift over her head. He took the piece of ice from her hand, pushed her back onto the bed and ran the cold end down the length of her body. “Just taking the advice of an old friend…”
Jane shivered with excitement, knowing that this was just a beginning. She glanced to her left. A large red lotus flower had been placed on the windowsill, promising future blessings and passion. But by whom?
Breanna Hayse
“I write what I know. With few exceptions, my scenarios are pulled from either personal experience or observation. I've served overseas as an Intell Specialist in the USMC, work as a nurse, and have degrees in Biology (pre-med) and a masters in Psych. Specialty? Deviant behavior and alternative lifestyles, of course. I put all of this together and try to bring about a fun, unique and, hopefully, thought-provoking reading experience.”
Visit her site here:
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Caught in the Net
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Meeting Her Master
Playing A Little
Dare to Defy
Painful Consequences
Blindfolded
The Reformer
Two By Day, Three By Night
Guardian Domination
Cowboys Know Best
Serendipity Ranch
Lost and Found
Captured and Conquered
Naked and Defiant
Piper’s Journey: Into Submission, Book One
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King Dom Comes
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