Page 91 of A Master's Destiny
“Well, crap…” Slater mutters.
I see the brilliance behind the task. What better way for us to prepare to walk our own paths than to define what our future goals and values are?
I’m lucky in that I am the last one called to join Master Nosh for the evaluation. It’s given me time to think. As we walk down the hallway in silence, I wonder what the trainers will have to say.
Master Nosh stops and nods to me before opening the door…
The Calling
Iwalk into the room to see the trainers sitting behind a long mahogany table on a raised platform. Master Nosh instructs me on where to stand before joining his colleagues.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I look up at the four of them. The formal setting definitely adds weight to this moment.
Master Nosh is the first to speak. “Welcome to your final evaluation, Mr. Davis. Before we begin, is there anything you would like to say?”
I nod, collecting my thoughts before I begin. “I appreciate the time and dedication you have invested in my instruction. I came here solely to learn new skills. To be honest, that was my motivation for taking this course. However, over the last six weeks, I have come to understand myself on a deeper level. I can see how essential that is as a Dominant. How can you properly lead someone if you are not centered and sure of yourself?”
I look up at each of them. “I thank you for that.”
Maestro Leo nods in response.
“I also want to thank you for having faith in me even when circumstances did not show me at my best. To be given this opportunity to graduate with my classmates means more than you know.”
Laird responds simply, “You belong here.”
I suck in my breath, his words having a profound effect.
Master Nosh then informs me, “Each of the trainers will now give their evaluation based on their personal observations.”
I put my hands behind my back and prepare myself for the gauntlet.
Maestro Leo begins. “I was disappointed the night you walked out of the program to nurse your pride instead of caring for your submissive.”
I nod. Although harsh, his words are fair.
“However, you did redeem yourself in my eyes. The second scene with honey not only showcased your ability to make her feel safe but you also adapted the scene as you went along to ensure she wasn’t triggered after the accident from the night before. That impressed me.
“I know honey shared with you that she has been burned by wax before. When she and I talked afterward, honey mentioned that while the other Dominants took responsibility for burning her skin before going on to perform a successful wax scene with her, she has never felt as cared for as she did with you.”
He pauses for a moment. “I’m curious. What was your biggest takeaway from that unfortunate incident?”
Even though it hurts me to say it, I don’t hesitate to answer. “I could have prevented it from happening. Even though the candles had been switched, I should have tested the heat of the wax before it ever touched her skin. If I had, I would have known and been able to adjust accordingly. In the end, I am to blame for her burns, not Ashford.”
Maestro Leo nods thoughtfully.
“Although I cannot change the past, Maestro Leo, I will not make that mistake in the future.”
“That is as it should be,” he replies. “By the way, Mr. Davis, you still owe the Training Center for the fur throw.”
I nod, realizing I’ve failed to follow up on it. “I will make arrangements to pay for the replacement on Monday.”
Laird addresses me next, smiling when he says, “I have kept a close eye on you ever since the first day, Mr. Davis. I was well aware of Mr. Slater’s failed attempts to provoke you. You showed extreme restraint. It was quite impressive.” He nods when he adds, “The fact that you were able to work it out without intervention speaks to your level of maturity.
“I must also commend you for discovering the truth about Ashford. Your shrewdness helped expose his deception.” He looks at the other trainers at the table. “We sincerely thank you for that and will be revising our entrance procedures to more effectively eliminate unsuitable candidates.”
He folds his arms and leans forward when he says, “There is one last thing I want to mention. While your classmates each chose particular tools to concentrate on, it seemed as if you could never make up your mind.”
“Remember when I told you that I wanted to learn them all, Laird? I was being serious.”
