Brande froze. She had had many movement classes over the years. The false background she was using however didn’t include room for expensive courses.
“A friend of my family was an instructor. As a girl, I was allowed to attend some lessons.”
“Very nice. And now, you may put this shift on for the walk to the other side of the center for your medical examination.”
Brande froze. “Administered by an old physician?”
“Administered by a physician. He does not happen to be old, but his age is irrelevant.”
She pursed her lips. She had not liked the royal physician who had just retired from service. He had been overbearing and strict, causing all the young maids to leave the exam chamber in tears. At least Brandese would never have to undergo a betrothal exam at the old man’s hands.
“I decline the medical examination,” Brande said, still taking the opportunity to cover herself by sliding the shift over her head. “I am quite healthy. I provided the results of my last scans.”
Holly’s delicate brows rose. “My dear, you do not have the choice of declining.”
“And so I must undergo this or leave?”
“Yes.”
Brandese pursed her lips. “I don’t see the need.”
Holly whispered something into her com. A notation to herself of some type? Brandese stiffened, realizing that it wasn’t particularly submissive of her to object.
Tread carefully, she thought.You need some time here while money is being transferred. This is a secluded and secret place where meals and shelter are provided. If a medical exam is required, you will endure it.
“I apologize,” Brandese said softly. “I’m nervous about medical exams. They can be uncomfortable.”
“Many things can be uncomfortable, especially for a submissive,” Holly said lightly.
Ah, yes, the girl had warned her.
“I’ve composed myself,” Brande said firmly. “I’m ready to proceed.”
A hulking figure appeared in the doorway. Brandese had the urge to take a reflexive step back. Men of his type often intimidated her, though she would die before admitting it.
“This is Master Altis. You may refer to him as Sir, Master, or Master A,” Holly said. “He’ll escort you to the exam.” So when she’d spoken into the com, it hadn’t been to leave herself a note.
“Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary. I’m ready for you to escort me, Holly,” Brande said in her most charming voice, the one that had always gained her anything she wanted growing up.
“Good luck,” Holly said, slipping from the room.
“Sir, I can assure you that—”
“Quiet,” Altis said in a deep baritone. “Bend over the writing desk and raise your shift.”
She froze. “Why?” she demanded.
He stepped forward, took her arm, and placed her forcibly over the desk. Then he jerked her shift up with one hand and spanked her naked bottom several times with the other.
She gasped and rocked forward, trying to escape. Heat warmed her ass and her face at the humiliation of the moment.
When he ceased spanking her, he stepped back.
“That was not necessary,” she said in a furious whisper as she began to rise.
A heavy palm between her shoulder blades forced her back down. Several more heavy swats thudded against her defenseless bottom, causing the air to whoosh from her lungs and also a curious spike of arousal.
A meaty hand gripped her punished buttocks, squeezing quite mercilessly.
