Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Heat flooded through my core at his brutal description, my body responding with that familiar, shameful eagerness even as my mind recoiled from the promised agony. “I need it to be savage,” I whispered, hating how breathless I sounded. “If it appears merciful, the propaganda value is lost.”
“There are ways to make it more bearable,” he said, his voice dropping to that intimate tone he used when we were alone. “I could activate the governor’s stimulation function during the punishment. The pleasure would help offset the pain, make it easier for you to endure.”
The suggestion sent a bolt of mortifying arousal through me, but I forced myself to shake my head. “No, Master. That would compromise the demonstration. I have to accept the full severity of what I deserve.”
Prince Hendren studied my face intently, as if searching for any sign of uncertainty. “You’re certain? The stimulation would be a kindness, Viola. Without it, you’ll experience nothing but pure agony.”
“I’m certain.” My voice came out stronger than I felt. “In fact, am I correct that on Prosperia, where the governor was developed, wives’ arousal is suppressed when their husbands punish them?”
“Yes,” Prince Hendren replied, his expression growing even more serious. “The suppression function ensures that wives remain properly penitent during correction, preventing any confusion between punishment and pleasure.”
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry as I forced out the words that would seal my fate. “Then I ask you to activate that function during my caning, Master. Set it as high as it would be for a penitent young woman on Prosperia receiving her husband’s discipline.”
The request hung in the air like a physical weight. Counselor Barber’s eyebrows rose with evident surprise, while Prince Hendren’s eyes searched my face with renewed intensity.
“Viola,” he said quietly, “that would make the experience considerably more difficult. The suppression function doesn’t just prevent arousal—it actively dampens your body’s natural endorphin responses. You would feel every stroke with complete clarity, no chemical cushion to soften the impact.”
Terror coursed through me at his explanation, my knees threatening to buckle as I imagined the full implications. But beneath the fear, buried so deep I could barely acknowledge it to myself, was a dark thrill that sent liquid heat pooling between my thighs. The thought of being so completely at his mercy, of enduring the most severe correction possible while the entire galaxy watched, awakened something primitive and desperate in my core.
“I understand,” I whispered, fighting to keep my voice steady while my pulse hammered against my collar. “That’s what I deserve, Master. Complete clarity. No mercy.”
Prince Hendren’s hand moved to cup my chin, tilting my face up so I couldn’t escape his penetrating gaze. “You’re asking me to hurt you more severely than I’ve ever hurt anyone, Viola. To make you suffer in ways that will test the very limits of your endurance.”
“Yes,” I breathed, the single word carrying all my terror and shameful need. My body trembled under his touch as I imagined the judicial cane whistling through the air, the devastating impact against my bare flesh with nothing to cushion the agony. The thought should have horrified me completely, but instead it sent another wave of forbidden arousal through my system—arousal I desperately hoped neither man could detect.
“Very well,” Prince Hendren said finally, his voice carrying that finality that meant the decision was made. “If that’s truly what you require, then that’s what you’ll receive. Maximum suppression, judicial severity, before the entire Federation.”
A small, secret part of me exulted at his words even as the rest of my mind screamed in terror. He would be so savage with me, so completely merciless, and somehow that knowledge felt like a victory even though it would cost me so much. I had maneuvered him into giving me exactly what my deepest, most shameful needs craved, while appearing to sacrifice for duty and principle.
“Thank you, Sire,” I managed, my voice a hoarse whisper.
CHAPTER 25
Hendren
As Viola’s master, I recused myself from the tribunal that accepted her avowal of guilt, in accordance with Magisterian custom. I sat in the gallery, watching, as the embassy’s sergeant-at-arms led her into the hearing chamber, naked except for the collar that signified my ownership.
The media team from Federation News Services had their position in the gallery right next to my seat. I could hear the reporter, Jana Trequin, a young woman from Draco who had already gained renown for her vivid narration of public interest events, as she explained to her viewers what was taking place. Next to her, her director controlled the microdrone cameras and edited the broadcast in real time.
“And here is the former president now,” Jana was saying. “You’ve probably noticed that as His Royal Highness’ property she’s not entitled to clothing.”
The sight of Viola’s graceful composure despite her nakedness struck me with unexpected force. Even stripped of all outward dignity, she moved with the bearing of someone who had once commanded star systems. The cameras followed her every step as she approached the tribunal bench, capturing the moment when a planetary leader would formally surrender her last claim to authority.