Late Evening - Duke's Private Chambers
Elise knelt in the center of the room. Completely naked. Hands behind her back. Waiting.
This was her punishment. Not for anything she'd done wrong. But for what she'd asked for.
"Mother needs discipline," she'd said earlier. "I need to feel your control. I need to be marked. To carry the marks of your ownership for days."
Draven had agreed. But with conditions.
"You set the safe word," he'd said. "You can stop this anytime. And I'll only do this if you truly want it. Not for me. For you."
She did want it. Desperately.
"Are you ready?" he asked now.
"Yes, Your Grace."
He produced a leather paddle. Not their usual one. Larger. Heavier. Purpose-made for serious impact.
"Five marks," he said. "One for each of your transgressions this week."
"What transgressions?" she asked with a slight smile.
"Questioning my judgment in council. Suggesting I move too slowly with the northern lords. Acting like you know better than your Duke."
