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“That’s it, beautiful You’re doing so well” He struck her again

A broken moan this time instead of the screaony

“Three” Her voice caught on a sob “I will not betray Prince Zander’s trust”

He ran a hand up and down her back, which now glistened with a light sheen of perspiration

“Faster,” she croaked “Get it over with Please, master”

He gritted his teeth and lifted the whip, striking again

She screaet them out fast, so he applied the next line before she’d even finished, then another and another Her words toppled over one another in a panicked screech, echoing off the walls of his cha down the hall She couldn’t finish the required speech after he reached seven, and he stopped, waiting for her to catch her breath, absorb the pain

Her back shook with sobs, but no tears dampened her face

“Please, noshaky, terraced breaths

He leaned over her, weaving his fingers into her thick copper waves and resting his forehead against hers “I’ive, or you’d have it”

“Seke…”

Veck—hearing his name on her lips made his heart lurch He wanted to protect her from all this To rescue her, to keep her safe

“Ready, lovely girl?” he murmured in her ear

“No,” sheher shoulders down

“We’re on eight” He moved to her other side to be sure he kept the pain evenly distributed, and applied the whip again