Disclaimer:
Please read and take note. This work explores themes of power imbalance, older man/younger woman, corporal discipline, and the corruption of Christian traditions in a historical context. Please do not read this story if you find such themes offensive, distasteful, or upsetting. Also, understand this is a work of fiction directly from the creative mind of a fellow human being and is freely offered up for the enjoyment of those who would like it. Troll comments will be deleted with extreme prejudice.
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In his study the following morning, Father Edmund Hardwick looked over his young ward with an appraising eye. It was clear from her appearance that she had not spent a restful night, which was unsurprising as she had been bound lying on her well-whipped behind. Judging by what he could tell when he burst in on her wicked activities, she had been interrupted just a few strokes short of an impressively powerful climax.
However, her wrists did not look too raw, indicating that she hadn't fought her bindings and had obediently submitted to her torment. Good girl. A filthy, lust-driven girl undoubtably, but one with a good heart that just needed a firm hand to guide her. Luckily for her, he had such a hand.
'Look at me, Alice.' He rarely called her by her given name, and this, coupled with his stern tone, drew her eyes fly to his for the first time that morning.
'I'm so sorry, Father. Please, please forgive me,' she begged, her voice a mixture of panic and contrition.
She looked so small and repentant that he nearly changed his mind about the punishment he had planned, almost believing that she had learned her lesson. However, after she promised better behaviour yesterday and then followed her punishment with a wanton show of self-pleasure, he knew he could not go easy on her. The devil had his wicked claws into the very soul of this young woman, and it was his job to rip her from his grip and bring her back into the light, kicking and screaming if need be.
'I can assure you, girl, that you will indeed be very sorry by the end of the day.' Her face blanched. 'However, I have a task for you to complete before I begin your punishment.'
Some of the tenseness in her small frame eased when she realised that she would not be made to strip and bend for him immediately.
'Of course, Father. Anything you wish,' she said eagerly.
'I need you to pay a visit to the big house and ask at the kitchens to borrow some chili from their glasshouse. Say that Father Edmund has need of some liniment and that you will be making it for him.'
'Chili, Father? What is it for?'
'It's a medicinal and culinary plant. Cook will know what it is and can get you what I require. You might also ask her if she has a finger of ginger, while you're about it. In fact, make it a thumb.' He smiled, enjoying her confusion.
Although she looked puzzled, a young girl from her standing never having been exposed to such exotic seasonings, she seemed excited to be sent on an errand to the big house. She was never customarily allowed to go out unaccompanied and was keen to please him. He knew that she would get him what he required and return home quickly.
A short while later, her cheeks flushed from hurrying, she returned to the rectory with the spices wrapped in a piece of muslin.
He instructed her in how to finely dice the chillies, seeds, and all, and stir them into a little melted beeswax mixed with oil. The resulting liquid, which already made her eyes water, was poured into a glass jar, and left in the pantry to cool and harden. The thumb of ginger, he slipped into the pocket of his robes, along with a small paring knife.
'Now, tidy the kitchen, wash your hands well, and then meet me in my study.' She swallowed and paled visibly, knowing her punishment was about to begin.
When five minutes had passed, and he was about to come and fetch her himself, she appeared at his study, standing nervously at the threshold as though waiting for a formal invitation to enter.
'Come in, girl; there is no more delaying your reckoning. Remove your clothes and let me see if you still bear any marks from last night.'
Sitting in his leather wingback chair by the fire, he relaxed and enjoyed the view of her trembling form, disrobing reluctantly before him. Quite a change from last night, he thought, when she seemed prepared, almost eager, to bend for the kiss of his lash. Perhaps today was different because she had disappointed him so badly last night. Maybe it was the fear of the unknown? He had yet to share his plans for her punishment with her. Perhaps her bottom and womanly folds were just too sore to contemplate another dose of corporal correction?
Whatever it was, it would not deflect him from his course of action, for if he were weak in his resolve, who would save her immortal soul?
When she was completely bare, he beckoned her closer to stand between his spread thighs, her small, rounded breasts at eye level, her bold, berry tips making his mouth water. With his big hands on her hips, he turned her away from him, enjoying the way the flickering firelight highlighted her curves. Once her well-rounded bottom came into view, he drew in a breath, impressed at the way his lash marks still painted her backside and thighs. However, he knew that much of his handiwork was still hidden, so with a firm but gentle hand between her shoulder blades, he eased her forward until she was touching her toes.