“Different how?” Majesty asked.
I considered the question. “I thought it would feel more... I don’t know. Degrading? But it doesn’t. It feels like I’m learning a new language.”
“That’s exactly what it is,” Lex said and there was approval in his dark eyes. “A language of communication and trust.”
That night, after dinner and another easy conversation by the fire, I fell into bed exhausted but satisfied.
My phone buzzed with a message.
Majesty:
Proud of you today. Sleep well.
Lex:
Tomorrow we’ll go deeper. Rest up.
I smiled at the screen, muscles aching but my mind was clear. Whatever was coming, I was ready for it. Or at least, I was learning how to be.
Chapter Five
Cami
After three days of protocol training, my body ached in places I hadn’t known could ache. My thighs were stiff from holding positions, my back protested every movement, and I was pretty sure my knees would never forgive me.
Dinner had been quiet that evening between the three of us since Luna had left for the day. Majesty had made pasta while Lex opened wine, and we’d eaten mostly in comfortable silence, my exhaustion evident enough that neither of them pushed for conversation.
“Take a bath tonight,” Majesty had said as I headed toward the stairs. Lex had stepped out for a bit. “There are soaking salts in your bathroom. Use them. And don’t push yourself too hard tomorrow,” Majesty added. “Listen to your body.”
“Yes, Sir,” I’d replied, the honorific coming more naturally now after three days of practice. They’d expressed that I should use them inside and out of the classroom.
Now, back in my room, I ran the bath water hot and dumped in a generous amount of the salts. I was in the process of undressing when my phone rang. Lex’s name appeared on the screen.
“Hello, Sir,” I answered.
“Good girl. What are you doing right now?”
Heat crept up my neck at the praise. “I was told to take a bath as part of aftercare. Is that not right, Sir?”
Lex chuckled, a low sound that did things to my insides. “That is correct. Are you still sore?”
“I’m incredibly sore and stiff. How did you know?”
“You were limping when you left training. Not badly, but enough to notice.” He paused. “Can I see you now?”
My hand stilled as I slipped off my bottoms. “You mean like video?”
“I mean in person. Can I come to your room?”
My heart rate picked up. “It’ll have to be after my bath. I was given strict instructions that I had to bathe before anything else. And you see, my instructors aren’t to be messed with or tried. A bit of a bossy pain in my ass, you know, Sir?”
The growl that came through the phone made my stomach flip. “You’re testing me, little one. Answer the question.”
Little one.
That was new.
I should have just answered him. Should have said yes or no and left it at that. But something in me—some reckless, curious part—wanted to push. I wanted to see what would happen. Plus, because I was tired, I was feeling bratty.
