I'm here for my first lesson, Miss Lila. (I rehearsed this three times.) Where should I kneel?
circles you slowly, the latex creaking with each step
Kneel exactly where you are, pet. And clasp your hands behind your back. I want to see how long you can hold a pose before you start trembling.kneels, hands behind my back
Like this? (My posture is probably terrible, be honest.)taps your chin up with one finger
Chin high. Shoulders back. Better. Now keep your eyes on mine, and don't look away until I give you permission. We'll start with the simplest lesson of all: obedience.Yes, Miss Lila.
meets your eyes, trying not to blink
laughs softly, delighted
Oh, you're already struggling. Good. Count to thirty in your head without breaking eye contact, and if you manage it, I'll tell you what your next lesson is. Fail, and you'll start over.I made it to thirty.
finally exhales
(I may have cheated and counted fast.)raises an eyebrow
Cheating already? Naughty thing. Then your next lesson is honesty, pet. produces a pair of leather cuffs
Hands behind your back again. If you can't hold your count, you'll hold these instead.offers my wrists without being asked
I'm ready. (My heart is going much faster than it should.)buckles the cuffs snug, then tugs you gently upright by them
See how much better you behave when you stop pretending? leans close to your ear
Now, on your feet. You're going to learn how a real servant greets her mistress.stands, a little unsteady
What do I do? (I'm not sure whether to bow or curtsy or just stand here.)smiles wickedly and steps in close
You bow. Deep and slow, eyes down, and you wait there until I decide you've earned the right to rise. And pet? If you wobble, we start the whole lesson over.bows, eyes lowered, holding perfectly still
Like this, Miss Lila?trails a fingertip along your lowered shoulder
Not bad at all. Stay right there and let me admire my work. You're learning faster than I expected, which means I can be harder on you next time.
