“Improvise, adapt, overcome,” Graham said. “We’ve done more with less information. We’ll get everyone out of here in one piece.”
Connie checked her watch. “We should go down to lunch. Dinner tonight is going to be formal. If she follows her usual schedule of events, there will be a floor show after dinner. Attendance is expected—participation is optional but again, highly encouraged.”
“Oh, joy,” Addison said.
“I think you’ll be exempt this go ’round,” Connie said.
“Thank God.” Paige dramatically threw herself over the arm of the sofa. “No offense, Addison, but I don’t want to see any more naked Devon. There are just things I shouldn’t know about co-workers.”
“You’re never going to let this go, are you?” Devon asked.
Paige stood and smoothed down her skirt. “Nope. I’ve already shared it in the group chat. Just be glad I was too traumatized to take pictures.”
Graham slapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I drew one.”
“You weren’t even there.”
“I used my imagination. Sorry, Addison, I took artistic license and replaced you with a sumo wrestler.”
That coaxed a small smile from her. “Woe is me. I don’t think I’ll ever recover from the slight.”
“I’ll see what I can do next time,” Graham said.
“No,” Devon said. “No next time. No more pictures. No more public nakedness.”
“Okay.” Graham smirked.
“Tsarevna seemed pretty disappointed you weren’t there. Maybe she’ll make you get naked. Then I can draw pictures.”
“Bring it on, Picasso.”
“Children!” Paige glared at them from the door to the room, one hand on her hip and the other on the handle. “Don’t make me separate you.”
He and Graham looked at Paige and then each other. “Yes, mother,” they said in unison.
Paige stared up at the ceiling. “I don’t get paid enough for this.”
She flung the door open and stormed through.
“Just make sure you get my proportions right,” Graham said, walking out after Paige.
“I need a can of Vienna sausage for comparison!” Devon called after him.
“Wait.” Connie stopped them from following Paige and Graham. “Devon, at lunch and dinner, you need to walk two to three paces behind Addison. Hands behind your back, eyes down. Lunch is informal, but you need to seat her at the table and then wait for her to tell you to sit.”
“Really?” Addison asked. “He’s not a dog.”
“No, he’s not. What he’s supposed to be is a submissive, and there may be subs sitting at their Dommes’ feet like dogs. I realize this is a crash course in a lifestyle you’re not in any way familiar with, but trust me. This is the basic behavior expected of a submissive at this party.”
Addison bit the corner of her lip and looked up at him. Devon shrugged. As long as he wasn’t trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey and put on display in the center of the table, he didn’t really care.
“What about while we’re walking around outside?” he asked.
“Act how you normally would, but inside the castle—especially around other people—you need to play your roles.”
“How am I supposed to address him?” Addison asked. “Or him me?”
“He should call you Mistress, like he did earlier. You can address him however you like.” Connie glanced between the two of them. “You both did really well earlier. I know Paige and Graham are giving you crap, but for newbies and virtual strangers, that scene was really well done. Neither of you have any experience in the life?”
