CARNAGE CASTLE

CHAPTER 41

Ryder kept his mouth shut when they returned to the castle and Lanecea didn't breathe a word of what had taken place that morning either simply because she felt it unnecessary. Herja was her gift to do with as she pleased, the woman's sole purpose Lanecea's pleasure. Lani had gotten a lot of pleasure that morning, quite possibly the most since Storm had given her the gift. 

Storm was working on hanging shackles in the washroom when Lanecea returned, the man looking up with a smile as Lanecea breezed into the room.

"I'm glad you're back. How's everything at the farm?"

"It's taken care of," Lanecea assured him before kissing his cheek."I'm just going to be getting ready for the surprise this evening. I like this arrangement, by the way. It looks like you will be able to fit more in this smaller space. I'm looking forward to seeing your prey decorating the walls."

"Mmm," Storm moaned, seeing it as well before Lanecea turned away.

"Oh, thank you for taking care of my file last night. I know I thanked you at the time, but I am truly grateful and feel more centred since trusting you with everything in my head. If you don't mind, I'd like to add a short list before tonight to clear my mind before we leave, is that alright?"

"Of course. I'm glad it helped."

"Thank you." Lanecea hesitated, unsure if now was the time to bring it up. If she waited any longer, it would feel worse, she was certain.

"The gift you gave me - your wife - I do appreciate it, but I've struggled with it these past two days. Things cumulated this morning and I stripped her privileges. She is nothing more to me than a slave of Ignacy's calibre - probably lower if I'm being completely honest. I've never trusted her but I am grateful that you cared enough to give me a gift. I know she is your wife, but she is also my slave and it puts me in an awkward predicament as I feel I must tread a fine line. I don't want you to be disappointed in me ever and I already know my mind can get carried away and I can be a lot of trouble even when I'm desperately trying to be a good girl..."

Storm had stepped down from the ladder during Lanecea's winded speech before cupping her face between his large hands.

"She is your gift and you have my blessing. Herja is for your enjoyment and pleasure, nothing more. Don't worry, alright? You don't disappoint me."

Lanecea was so blown away and happy that she was officially speechless, so didn't say a word as she wrapped her arms around Storm, holding onto her anchor.

"Thank you," Lanecea said, at last, the two words saying everything.

****

The slaves were ghostly pale as they knelt in Lanecea's bedroom, no one daring to say a word as Lanecea wrote a list, pausing only to search her slaves' eyes one by one before returning to her list. Lani hadn't even told Ignacy she was proud to see him kneeling beside the bed where she had left him earlier, the hybrid just as pale as the noble slaves she'd set free upon entering the bedroom.

"Come," Lanecea motioned for the slaves to follow her, after setting down the quill, her list complete.

Lanecea led the noble slaves as they walked behind her to the torture chambers, only Ignacy crawling behind the nobles. Following their mistress into the chambers, they paled even more, if that were possible as they watched Lani place her list beside Storm's knives, then motioned for Ignacy to climb onto the surgical table, but remain on his knees.

Lani didn't say a word as she watched Ignacy obey while she fingered the handle of Storm's largest knife for a long moment before turning to the noble slaves.