How could Lord Kavan be so unfazed by Gareth taking my maidenhood in his presence? It made me wonder what kind of Kavan ruled, and what laws of comportment were to be followed, or discarded, in my future. The thought sent a shiver down my back.
I was clothed again, garbed in a green velvet gown that felt like butter against my skin. I was relieved to be covered again, but still felt naked. I was lacking all of the underthings that typically accompany such a fine dress: a chemise, corset, bloomers, petticoats, stockings, garters and garter belt, to name a few. I had assisted my aunt, a seamstress, as a child so I had a decent idea of the clothing I was lacking. I could feel my nipples poking out of the cloth, even through the floral gold embroidery that decorated my bodice. I was acutely aware of the sore, aching area where Gareth had used me, and how it was still exposed to the air. Additionally places on my body where he had bruised me felt as if they were glowing with heat beneath my dress, like his hands were still there on my thighs and on my chest, gripping me. I was afraid that my shame was visible for everyone to see. However, Gareth and I met very few people as we wended our way through the castle once again.
I knew from Kavan's command that we were on our way to a healer. I ached and hurt but I did not want or need a healer. Still, I kept this thought to myself, maintaining my mute display of compliance. After the casual attitude with which Gareth stole my maidenhead, I was even more fearful of causing his ire. It was best that I remain quiet and make myself small and soon they would lose interest in me. There could be so much worse in store for me in this castle if I did not keep my wits about me.
To my dismay, when we entered the infirmary, I discovered that the healer was a man. He seemed to be of middling years and ran a meticulously tidy sick bay. The room was well appointed, with a row of smartly made beds, all empty. As Gareth and I entered the man stared openly at me, all but ignoring Gareth's imposing presence. I blushed and looked at the ground, and to my embarrassment I saw that my décolletage was blushing pink as well.
"Hail, Sir Teranal, I have brought you a most important charge. Lord Kavan sent her here for examination."
"I do not need you to tell me that such a striking lady is of import." The healer, Teranal, took my hand and kissed it. "And what is this lady's name?"
When I did not speak Gareth gave me an impatient look. I tried to find my voice, my throat dry. I could not remember the last time I spoke, perhaps to the merchants in the market where I had been taken? I had screamed and shrieked I was sure, when Gareth was deflowering me, but that hardly had readied me to speak to this man. Finally I found my tongue, urged on by Gareth tightening his hold on my arm proprietorially. "Isme, sir," I whispered.
"A pleasure I am sure, gorgeous Isme. Please remove your gown and lay on the cot and we can get this examination done." Teranal gestured to a bed and put on gloves, gathering some instruments from a cabinet. The little I could see of them made a lump form in my throat. Loathe to part from my only form of security I slowly, painstakingly removed my gown.
