Seeing her young slave in serious distress had overwhelmed Agnes beyond what she thought possible, and though she loathed showing her weakness before Patrick, she couldn't stop her softer side from emerging full force.
Hearing the bell ring for the second time, she had just known something was wrong, and she knew it had to do with the iron collar. Though the damage hadn't seemed profound right after it happened, and her slave had not shown any discomfort breathing while she was with him, he had jumped into his collar violently, and his throat must have gotten a serious blow. She had kept him in a constant state of anxiousness and ardour until he fell asleep under her touch, he probably hadn't noticed himself that something wasn't right, that he was hurt worse than he seemed at first glance.
His youth had reminded her of her first love so much, she really had to tell herself over and over again that a private drafted from the streets of town was not the same as the educated gentleman she had loved to distraction.
Besides, Frederick had ruled her totally, lovingly, and with her full consent, but totally nonetheless, and Agnes was not going to ruled again by anyone.
But she allowed herself her moment of tenderness, she needed it, and he would never know, as soon as the swelling was down he'd be back in his collar and at her feet.
Somehow, that really seemed to offend Patrick, and while it wouldn't change anything for Agnes, she did think his advice, given respectfully and very carefully, was sensible. She would not hold his audacity against him, and she would heed his advice for now, she really wanted to keep this young man, but his spirit seemed too damaged to give her what she needed.
The coming days would be crucial, as he gained strength he should gain spirit, and she would slack his reins a little to give him the opportunity to grow into his role. If he stayed meek, he'd have to be replaced, there was no place in this household for another worshipper, there were no more menial tasks to do, he had to pull his weight by delivering her sexual fantasy.
He did not wake while she held him, but his breathing slowed until it was clear he was back to a deep, easy sleep. His throat was still swollen, so she ordered Patrick to keep an eye on him and went back to her own business, putting the key back into her pocket.
As soon as her footsteps had died away, Dennis opened his eyes and searched for Patrick's face.
'You were awake all the time?' the handsome servant asked, nearly stunned.
'I was, I thought she'd hate me forever if I witnessed her breaking down, so I feigned sleep.'
'You are young, but you are wise, my friend. I must admit I was a bit jealous to see you the beneficiary of so much tenderness from the mistress, I never before saw her so devoted, so sweet. I love her, you know.'
Dennis was formulating carefully, and he didn't speak until he thought he had it right.
'I know, Patrick. And I know you are my friend despite that, which makes me feel very wanted. I've decided I will try my best to give the mistress what she wants, even if it costs me a few humiliations and whippings.
I will be working hard the next week to be much more forward than I really am, and I will test how far the mistress will let me go before she checks me. Will you help me to seem more experienced than I am? I have never really made love before, I just rutted in the way of teens and animals, I lack skills I will need desperately to deliver on the promises she made to herself.
And Patrick, I may need some support if things go wrong, if I cross the line. Which will certainly happen, for not only does she want the violence, she also craves to put me in my place. I will suffer, but there will be hope to help me bear it.'
Patrick took the younger, but broader man in a tight embrace, and Dennis returned it with all his heart.
'I'm certain you will suffer, and I may even be the one to inflict hurt on you, but I promise you, Dennis, I will make up for it, I will make it worth your while until the mistress herself delivers the love she is capable of. I think you will be happy in her service, but you will have to work for it, even harder than the rest of us.
I will talk to Guy, he will be on your side as well, but I have no influence with the others. Dick is a good man, but he cannot be trusted with a secret, he's simple, and if the mistress can choose between him or me beating you, I'll offer myself. Dick is strong and jealous of you, he fears to lose his position to you and rightly so. I fear for him as well, though he will always be useful because he does his work well. Please forgive me if I have to hurt you, Dennis, know I find no pleasure in it, but only pain.'
As if to prove that statement, he kissed him once more, his beautiful, soft mouth touching Dennis' lightly, his sweet tongue caressing the young man's. They kissed with heat, though Dennis felt apprehensive, if Patrick expected to have to whip his friend, what was he letting himself in for? Was this the best decision, shouldn't he just have himself kicked out and try to make it in town? Why choose another servitude?
After one day, her slave's throat was still bruised, but the swelling was gone, and Agnes personally slapped the collar back on it. He did not say a word, nor did he touch her, but he looked ready to spit nails. As she turned the key and removed it to put in her pocket, she dryly notified him, 'You will spend all your time here, bolted to the wall. I've always wanted a slave to serve my every need, and you're it. No-one will look for you, no-one will find you here, you will be here all by yourself, ready to please me at my every whim.
If you please me, you'll be treated well. If you are bad, I will whip you myself. Are you strong enough to stand?'
'I am, mistress.'
He answered politely enough, but he didn't drop his eyes as he talked to her, he looked right at her and his eyes seemed to mock her. Good. She'd let it pass, build him up for a while, until he dared show his dominance, until he got back his violence.
'Good, do try to keep in shape, there is not much room but I'm sure you know how to keep from growing fat. For the rest, you can entertain yourself with books, I want you to broaden your mind, so if you want others, or writing materials, let me know and you'll have them.
Now you may kiss me.'
He obeyed readily enough, but he didn't seem at all reticent to touch her anymore, he put a hand in her neck and pulled her in, then kissed her with ardour, a very dominant gesture she wanted to correct automatically by slapping him or talking to him sharply.
But she thought of building up and refrained from action, let him think she could be ruled, it would make getting him back in line so much more enjoyable.
Besides, it was as hot as she remembered, being handled by a man, she felt herself drawn to him inexorably, but that wouldn't do, that would be humiliating. She would decide when they made love, and today he would be without. Let him amuse himself, build up his resentment, build up his ardour.
She summoned Dick instead, he had to bathe first, and she decided to join him, he was such a good fellow and he deserved a little more than just a quick release of both their urges.
Joining him in the room where they kept a bath for exactly this purpose, getting Dick cleaned up after his menial and sometimes grubby tasks, she saw his surprise with pleasure. He was already in the bath, covered in lather, ready to scrub himself clean for her enjoyment, and Agnes quickly undressed under his stunned looks, then stepped into the bath daintily.