Page 19 of Trained Royal
Kieren
The change that came over Patrick as he stepped into his role as a Dom was breathtaking. Kieren had not expected the change to be visceral, but Patrick seemed to grow—not physically, but in confidence. It was sexy as hell. What Kieren didn’t like, though, was Patrick’s attention on someone else. That was something he hadn’t anticipated. He wanted to push the woman aside and take her place, even though he had no idea if this was something he’d enjoy.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to himself stop from going up there, especially when Patrick focused his attention solely on her. He’d been the recipient of his focus when they’d spent those stolen moments in the gym, and he wanted it again.
Pushing aside those thoughts, he refocused on the equipment Patrick was using. The bench that the woman was on reminded him of short stilts, which was an antithesis if ever there was one. It had a narrow padded cushion on which she rested her stomach and chest; a U-shaped padded headrest that appeared to rest against her forehead and cheeks, enabling her to breathe freely; and leg and arm platforms at adjustable heights. The frame of the bench itself appeared to be some sort of steel but didn’t look like it would hold much weight.
Patrick placed the cane beside the bench and bent down to speak to the sub while fastening the straps to her arms. He continued to talk while he restrained her, though Kieren couldn’t hear what he said. Then, Patrick picked up the cane and ran a hand over Cecily’s back and ass.
“Ready?” Patrick said, louder than before.
“Yes, sir.”
“What is your safe word?”
“Pineapple.”
“I will be asking for your colours throughout the session, okay?”
“Yes, sir.”
Patrick rested the cane on the top of Cecily’s ass, then slid it to about halfway down, probably the fleshiest part, and paused. He pulled his arm back and shot it forward, the resounding smack loud despite the noise already in the room. Cecily flinched and made an almost bitten-off sound. Kieren couldn’t see her face, but her hands clenched into fists.
“Colour?”
“Green, sir,” she gasped.
Kieren could see the redness blooming on her ass cheeks already, and he winced. He wasn’t sure how that could convert into pleasure, but maybe it was one of those things he’d have to try to find out for himself. He wouldn’t do it for anyone, but if Patrick did it… His mouth curved.Hmm, maybe.
Another thwack sounded as Patrick caned Cecily again, this time against the tops of her thighs, just beneath her cheeks. Kieren winced again. That couldn’t be comfortable. That area was really sensitive.
“Colour?”
“Green, sir.”
Apparently, it was acceptable. As the caning continued, he noted the places Patrick hit, the patterns blooming on Cecily’s skin and how often he asked for her colours. He hadn’t realised how long they’d been on the stage until Patrick put the cane down and unfastened the woman.
“Lay there for a moment, Cecily.”
“Yes, sir.” She sounded sleepy or drunk.
Patrick became a whirlwind of motion, grabbing several items from the shelves and a small fridge Kieren hadn’t noticed before. He placed them all on a small table beside the sofa at the back of the stage before returning to Cecily and helping her climb from the bench. He guided her over to the sofa, helped her lay on her stomach and covered her with a blanket.
Kieren couldn’t hear what was being said, but he watched their every movement, a warmth flowing through him at seeing the care Patrick took for her. He held a straw for her to drink some pink liquid and brushed his fingers through her hair as she drank. When she nodded, Patrick put the drink back on the table and grabbed a tube. He spoke to her, then lifted the blanket from her legs and ass, pulling another one from the back of the sofa and covering her legs, leaving just her ass exposed. He rubbed cream into the welts that were still visible, and Cecily barely flinched, a small smile staying on her face as she closed her eyes.
Once Patrick finished, he replaced the blanket over her and slid onto the sofa, lying beside her and obstructing Kieren’s view. They stayed that way for a while, and Kieren glanced around, wondering whether he should stay or leave them to their privacy. He was about to leave when a hand clamped on his shoulder, and it took all his training to stop himself from throwing the person to the floor and subduing him.
Eyes narrowed, he turned his head, relaxing when Prince Frederick grimaced. “Shit, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking,” Frederick said.
Kieren inhaled and smiled. “No, it’s fine. I was…distracted.”
“I can imagine.”
“I didn’t realise you were visiting tonight,” Kieren said, for conversation more than anything. He preferred having someone to talk with to stop him from looking out of place on his own.
“I hadn’t planned to, but Henry mentioned Patrick was coming here. I thought some moral support would be good.” Frederick slipped a hand into his pockets and stared at Patrick’s back. “Has he explained about aftercare?”
Kieren waved his hand back and forth. “A little. I understand what he’s doing, but not really the why and for how long.”
