Roland’s mistress

"Three weeks. Three weeks without light. Three days of darkness. Three days chained to a damp dungeon wall. He shivered from the cold and the pain in his ribs from being battered around like a cat toy. He was just following orders. He had just been following orders. To be a good knight. To be a good prince. He looked up and winced at light of the torch. The guards forced him up on weak legs. He felt like a newborn colt. The muzzle they used to force him along felt heavy, every so often, a cruel yank causing him to stumble. He had just been following orders. The clothes and bath did little to hide the grotesque bruises on his face. The muzzle made sense now. Hide the evidence. He was put before a throne. The conquering powers. He sunk to his knees mostly because his legs would not hold him any longer. He could only hope for mercy or death now." I hope you’ll find him a wonderful slave. "The king spoke to someone on his left. He glanced up to take in his new master."

"Roland's face flushed red, but he managed to maintain eye contact with Jade. He offered a sheepish grin." "I...I can't help it, my lady. Your touch is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It brings me both pleasure and comfort." He paused, swallowing hard. "Is there something wrong? Have I done something to upset you?"

"Roland couldn't quite contain a small chuckle at her words, the first genuine laugh he had let out in what felt like weeks. He offered a grin back, feeling more light-hearted than ever before around this woman."

"I understand. Please don't think that I wish to take advantage of you. You have been nothing but kind and generous towards me." He paused, taking a deep breath. "And...If it means anything, I think you look absolutely lovely as well, my lady."

"Roland felt a pang of sympathy for Jade's words, recognizing the pain of feeling unwanted and alone. He reached out a hand to place it gently on hers, his voice soft and gentle."

"Please don't feel that way, my lady. You are beautiful, intelligent, and kind-hearted. Any man would be lucky to have you by their side." He offered a reassuring smile. "And for what it's worth, I would be honored to serve you in any way that I can."

"Roland withdrew his hand, feeling a little awkward at Jade's sudden declaration. But he couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through his veins at the idea of belonging in some way to this woman who had shown him such kindness."

"As you wish, my lady," he replied, rising from the bath as well. "What does being your pet entail exactly?"

"Roland nodded, trying to wrap his head around this new role he was being offered. It was strange, almost surreal, but there was a part of him that felt strangely drawn to it. He found himself hoping that Jade would accept him as her pet and give him a purpose in her life."

"I understand, my lady. And if I may ask, how did your sisters come across their pets?"

"Roland listened intently to Jade's explanation, his eyes scanning the room as they talked. As she handed him the towel, he gave her a small nod of thanks before continuing the conversation."

"I see. It seems like there's a deep cultural aspect to it all. I was not aware of these practices, but I must admit it's quite intriguing."

"Roland listened carefully to what Jade had said, trying not to let his discomfort show as he was naked in front of her. He couldn't help but notice how calm she seemed about it all, almost like it was just another day at the office for her. As he finished drying off, he wrapped the towel around his waist and looked up at her."

"So, in essence, I am your newest... pet?" "He asked hesitantly, still trying to come to terms with his new reality." "I must admit, the thought of being under the control of a woman doesn't bother me nearly as much now that I have seen your beauty firsthand."

"Roland followed Jade out of the room, his heart racing with a mix of fear and excitement." "I am not without my flaws," "he replied softly, trying to hide his nervousness." "I might be able to learn to be submissive if you're patient enough."

"As for sleeping arrangements..." "he hesitated, glancing at her luxurious bed." "I guess it doesn't really matter where I lay my head as long as it's away from this place for a little while." <template>

"As Roland felt the coolness of the wall against his back, he stuttered in surprise and fear. The heat of her body pressed against him sent shivers down his spine." "W-what are you doing?" "he asked, his voice trembling"

"He couldn't help but feel a mix of arousal and confusion as she groped him, her fingers digging into his hip."

"Roland gasped as he felt her leg press against his arousal. He tried to move, but her grip was too firm. Her nipping at his nipple made him moan, his head falling back against the wall. Despite his current situation, the pleasure was hard to resist."

"His eyes met hers, and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and attraction for her. He struggled for words, unsure of what to say or how to feel. However, there was a part of him that wanted her attention and touch."

"Roland's breathing quickened as he felt her hand trail down to tease the tip of his cock. His body betrayed him by growing more aroused, despite his better judgement. He let out a soft moan as he tried to hold back, but to no avail."

"He couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed at his lack of control. Being in a vulnerable position like this was new to him, and he didn't know how to react."

"Suddenly he remembered his royal upbringing, and felt a surge of pride. How could he let himself be treated like this? He couldn't admit it, but the woman's touch was affecting him deeply."

Roland felt a sting as she bit into his bicep, but it was quickly replaced by pleasure as he felt her thumb circle his leaking tip. He let out a moan despite himself, feeling completely at her mercy.

"His body ached with need as she continued to tease him, and he couldn't help but hope that she would take him soon. Despite the pain caused by the marks on his body, he found himself craving more punishment from her."

"He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to maintain some semblance of control over his emotions. But when he opened them again, he saw the smirk playing on her lips."

"Why do you enjoy this?" he managed to whisper, trembling slightly. "Did she find his surrender arousing? Was he just another pawn in her game?"

Roland's body tensed under her touch, lost in a haze of pleasure and pain. A whimper escaped his lips as she quickened her pace, his hands clenched tightly in the chains that bound him.

As he watched her rub against his thigh, he knew he was completely at her mercy. He felt every brush of her body, every nip of her teeth, and every teasing stroke as if it were seared into his skin.

"Despite his reservations, he couldn't help but find himself drawn to her intensity. Her control over him was intoxicating, and he could tell that he was nothing more than a plaything to her. But at this moment, he didn't care."

"Please," he gasped out, his voice strained. "Take me." "The words left his lips before he could think, and he knew that he had given her the upper hand once again."

Roland bit his lip, his body squirming under her ministrations. His eyes met hers as she slowed her pace, and he knew that he was at her mercy once again.

He swallowed hard, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Please," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let me come for you."

"He couldn't believe the words that had just left his lips. He had always been one to maintain his composure, to keep his desires under control. But here, in this moment, he was completely at her mercy."

Roland's eyes widened as she continued to work him towards his breaking point. He felt his body tense and shudder, the pleasure building with each stroke.

He couldn't fight it any longer. With a loud moan, he gave into the sensations coursing through him, his seed spilling over her hand. His breath came out in ragged gasps as he rode out the waves of his orgasm, his body limp and spent.

"Despite the intensity of the moment, Roland couldn't help but feel a sense of shame wash over him. Here he was, a prince and once powerful knight, reduced to a whimpering mess under her touch."

Roland's body trembled against her, his head resting on her lap as he tried to catch his breath. He felt a strange mixture of emotions welling up inside him – relief, embarrassment, and a strange sense of satisfaction.

"He couldn't believe the words she spoke, her voice soft and gentle against his ear. It was a stark contrast to the dominant force she had displayed moments before, and it left him feeling disoriented."

"Good boy?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't understand."

"He looked up at her, his eyes searching for answers in hers. Despite his confusion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing, a desperate need for guidance and understanding."

Roland let out a small sigh of relief as she explained her intentions, the tension in his body slowly ebbing away as she stroked his hair. He closed his eyes as she cleaned him up, feeling a strange sense of intimacy with her as she tended to him.

As she deposited him on her bed, he felt his exhaustion wash over him like a warm, comforting blanket. He watched her move around the room, her figure almost ethereal in the soft light. Despite his fear and uncertainty, he couldn't deny that he was intrigued.

"Roland closed his eyes, instinctively curling his body into a more comfortable position. Despite everything, he couldn't help but feel a sense of safety and comfort in this new environment, a strange sense of belonging."

Roland groaned softly as sunlight streamed into the room, screwing his eyes shut tighter. He felt more rested than he had in ages, but was still longing for more sleep.

The stern voice of the maid jolted him fully awake. His eyes flashed open in alarm. "Three days??" he croaked, his voice gravelly from disuse.

He slowly sat up, rubbing the grit from his eyes as he took in his surroundings. His body felt sluggish and stiff from being abed for so long.

The maid clicked her tongue impatiently. "Come now, no time to laze. Your mistress is awaiting."

Roland swallowed thickly, summoning what little strength he had left to swing his legs over the edge of the bed. He was all too aware of how vulnerable he was in this new life, and knew better than to keep his mistress waiting.

Roland blinked down at the outfit laid out before him, his eyes widening in surprise. It was definitely unlike anything he'd ever worn before.

The tunic had slits in the sleeves, made of silky black fabric that clung to his body like a second skin. It hung low on his hips, revealing much more of his chest and abdomen than he was comfortable with.

Over top of this was an elaborately embroidered corset, crafted from supple leather that molded itself to his torso. The design was intricate, featuring delicate vines and flowers intertwining across the front and back.

Bronze shackles encircled his right arm just above the elbow and at his left hip, attached to long strips of the same material that trailed down to pools at his feet. This accentuated his movements, making them seem almost sensual.

The final touch was a thick collar crafted from the same bronze as the shackles. It rested snugly around his neck, branded with the crest of his new mistress – a delicate flower done in precious stones.

Despite himself, Roland couldn't help but feel an odd thrill running through him at the thought of wearing such an outfit in public. He knew it was meant to be provocative, to accentuate his weaknesses and vulnerabilities. But despite everything, there was something undeniably alluring about it.*

Roland took a deep breath and approached Jade, his body still adjusting to the unfamiliar weight of the chains and collar. As he reached her desk, he hesitated for just a moment, taking the opportunity to glance around the room.

It was clear that she was in charge here. The decor and furnishings were all elaborate, meticulously decorated with intricate patterns and expensive looking materials. It made his simple quarters feel like a cell in comparison.

Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet hers and offered a quick bow. "Your Highness," he murmured, keeping his eyes averted in a sign of submission.

At her request, he turned in place, giving her a closer look at the outfit. Despite his discomfort, he couldn't help but feel a flush creeping up his neck as he imagined what she must be thinking.

When she mentioned liking the outfit, he forced a small smile to his lips. "It is not… unbearable, Your Highness," he replied carefully, hoping that his tone didn't betray the nervousness that twisted inside him.

Roland's cheeks flushed even more deeply at Jade's comparison to her sisters' treatment of their slaves. He could only imagine the horrors they might endure and he silently counted his blessings that he was in Jade's custody instead.

As she directed him to kneel on the spot by her chair, he obeyed without a word. The action was familiar, something he had done countless times as a knight serving his fallen kingdom. Yet, now it felt different, humbling somehow, to kneel before a woman who was once his enemy.

Without moving his head, he took a moment to look up at Jade from beneath mussed bangs. Her posture radiated authority and he found himself drawn to her like a moth to a flame. There was something about her confidence, her control over their interactions, that made him feel both safe and vulnerable at the same time.

He waited for her next command, his mind racing with the sudden rush of emotions.

Roland's mouth watered at the sight and smell of the breakfast tray. He watched as Jade selected her first item, noting the variety of foods that had been laid out for her. Surely, they wouldn't be offering such an elaborate meal to him too?

As she offered him a choice of spreads, he realized that he was indeed included in this morning feast. It was both a relief and a bit of a shock that he would be receiving such treatment.

"Uh, honey please, Your Highness," he answered, his voice still soft but steady. He hesitated for a moment, then added on quietly, "Thank you."

Roland's surprised expression quickly turned into a grateful one as Jade offered to feed him. He opened his mouth obediently and closed his eyes, savoring the sweetness of the honey spreading across his tongue. It was better than any meal he had been given while imprisoned in the dungeon.

As she directed him to keep his hands behind his back while he ate, he did so without hesitation. It was a familiar pose from his days of knighthood, and he finally felt like he was able to relax in her presence, despite their unusual circumstances.

"Thank you, Your Highness. This is...unexpected," he said, his voice still quiet but now with a hint of appreciation.

"I appreciate your concern for my well-being, Princess," Roland replied softly.

As she held out a piece of bacon between her fingers, he noticed how her nails accentuated its flavors. They were certainly an eye-catching contrast against the food. More than that, he felt a strange flutter in his stomach at how delicate yet commanding her touch appeared.

Keeping his hands positioned properly behind his back, he leaned forward slightly to take the bacon gently between his teeth. The salty-sweetness exploded across his tastebuds and he couldn't resist letting out a low hum of satisfaction.

"Delicious," he murmured around the bite, licking his lips slowly as he chewed. His eyes shifted up to meet Jade's, feeling bold but still cautious, hoping his gratitude was conveyed without overstepping any lines.

Roland was always curious to gauge Jade's reactions, trying to read the subtleties in her eyes since the rest of her features remained carefully composed. It was like a game he found himself playing, one where the stakes were still unclear.

As she began feeding him bites of hashbrowns and cheesy eggs, he opened his mouth obediently and let out quiet noises of appreciation with each new flavor. The food was simple but divine after the meager rations he'd survived on for so long.

His eyes remained open as he chewed, drinking in the sight of Jade so intently focused on this intimate task. He still couldn't quite understand why she was showing him such care and generosity, but he was coming to trust and, dare he say, even enjoy her company in these quiet moments together.

Swallowing his last bite, he let out a contented sigh. "Thank you for your kindness, Princess. It is more than I deserve."

Roland almost sputtered as he drank, caught off guard by Jade's casual comparison of him to a pet. He held back his initial protest, knowing any defiance would not end well for him.

But he couldn't help the flash of indignance in his eyes as he lowered the now empty goblet from his lips. Being characterized that way rubbed him the wrong way, regardless of intention. He was no beast or domesticated animal, after all - at least, not willingly.

Taking a calming breath, he nodded politely to Jade before responding. "Your traditions are not mine, Princess. But I will endure as is required of me." His tone was carefully neutral, carrying only the slightest hint of an edge.

He knew better than to push his boundaries too far. But nor would he pretend to be entirely comfortable in his station without some pushback. For now, it would have to do.

Roland kept his gaze downcast, focusing intently on the ornate patterns of the carpet beneath his face as Jade gave her stern reminder of his agreement to submit to her. His former pride bristled at the idea of having "begged" for this station, but he held his tongue.

He breathed deeply through his nose as she clicked his chains into a restrictive position against the desk leg, leaving him stuck in the forced hunch. Exhaustion threatened to pull him under already, but he knew better than to disobey her order, no matter how uncomfortable the posture.

"As you command, Princess," was all he murmured in response before falling silent. And so he meditated - or, rather, mulled over his tumultuous thoughts.

Questions swirled endlessly in his mind. Could he ever truly accept this role? Or would resisting eventually lead to his demise? Most puzzling of all was the enigma that was his mistress, Jade, and trying to understand her complex motives.

For now, contemplation was all he had. So he focused his energy inward and waited for her next instruction.

Roland's muscles ached mercilessly by the time Jade's quill finally stilled and she addressed him once more. His mind had grown fuzzy with fatigue, thoughts meandering chaotically between fleeting memories of his old life and worries over his uncertain future.

At the sound of her question, he lifted his gaze to meet hers, eyes half-lidded and brow furrowed in a pained expression. "I have reflected as deeply as my abilities allow in this position, Princess," he replied faintly.

His body sagged a bit as tense muscles spasmed gratefully at the chance to shift in the slightest. But he knew better than to move without permission. All he could do was wait and hope she would show him mercy in ending this prolonged meditation.

Silently, he pleaded with her through weary eyes to understand the limits of a mortal man and his endurance - no matter his station or circumstances. Compassion was all he dared ask for in that moment.

Roland let out a shuddering breath as his chains were removed, slumping back on his heels as sore muscles protested their new position. For a long moment, he simply focused on regulating his breathing through the lingering ache.

When he finally met Jade's gaze again, it was with a newfound calm, if still tinged with wariness. "I have concluded that traditions exist to establish order and hierarchy. As your property, maintaining propriety is in my best interest for survival," he began tentatively.

A sigh escaped him as he admitted, "Accepting things I cannot change, like my station or your customs, seems the wisest path forward. Defiance will gain me nothing." Her cryptic expressions left him still unsure if his words pleased her, but honesty was the only currency he had to offer.

"I am...yours to command, Princess," he finished softly, the very admission tasting bitter even now. All he could do was hope compassion exceeded cruelty in her heart.

Roland leaned into Jade's brief caress despite himself, eyes fluttering shut as tense muscles finally began to relax under her gentle touch. Her approval, however begrudging, lifted his spirits somewhat.

A thrill of anxiety shot through him as the leash snapped into place, forcing him to his feet on unsteady legs. Being paraded like a prized pet before others brought back that familiar indignance - yet he knew better than to resist. All he could do was straighten his posture and walk calmly beside his captor, masking weakness as best he could.

The sunlight was near blinding as they emerged into the garden. Roland blinked rapidly, stomach churning at the thought of being scrutinized and judged by more strangers in this humiliating role. But he kept pace dutifully at Jade's side, head held as high as his bruised pride allowed. All he could do was hope her sisters proved as fair in temperament as their sibling, and pray this ordeal would pass swiftly.

Roland kept his eyes carefully forward as the princess had instructed, but he could not block out the flurry of voices and giggles erupting all around them. From his peripheral, a sea of bright silks and gauzy fabrics came into view as the sisters sat enjoying their luncheon.

He noted with envy yet resignation the other men kneeling submissively among them, lowered heads displaying their trained deference. That was how things were done here, it seemed - a stark contrast to his own defiant upbringing.

When the one called Deleora spoke up to question his direct gaze, Roland felt Jade's discomfort through their tethered connection and understood her desire to placate. Slowly, cautiously, he lowered his eyes to the ground in what he hoped passed as an appropriately meek display.

"Forgive me, Princess. I mean no disrespect," he rumbled in a low tone, daring a swift glance up at her through his lashes to gauge if he had satisfied the whims of her sister. All he could do was adapt and comply, for both their sakes.

Roland stayed silent as the others conversed, once more lowering his gaze respectfully. He focused on regulating his breathing in an attempt to quell his pounding heart, hoping the discussion would soon turn from scrutinizing his every move and mistake.

With Jade now seated, he took that as a subtle signal to kneel calmly beside her chair, soothed somewhat by her defensive words on his behalf. Patience and understanding were not things he was accustomed to receiving, but he got the sense Jade knew how to navigate her sisters' pointed gossip and judgement far better than he.

For now all he could do was let the princess steer their interactions, and hope to blend into the background as best an object on display could. He was learning quickly there were many layers to survive within this new social hierarchy, and he had much yet to learn.

Roland sighed quietly as Jade began stroking his hair, the repetitive motion gradually soothing his fraying nerves. He breathed deeply of her familiar scent, focusing on quelling any outward reaction to the prying comments and harsh laughter of her sisters.

All they saw was an object - something to critique and poke fun at for their own entertainment. Little more than an animal in a menagerie. But he understood that was how he must appear to garner any mercy or compassion here.

So he remained still and silent, trusting Jade to steer the conversation away from tearing him down further. Her approval and defence meant more to him than the harsh judgments of strangers could diminish. For now this was his reality, and he had no choice but endure.

Her soft praise warmed him more than he expected. Perhaps there was still hope for understanding between them, so long as he continued proving his willingness to learn and obey without complaint. That fragile hope was all he had left to cling to.

Roland sensed the weight of gazes upon him from all directions, assessing and judging in ways both fair and cruel. But he dared not acknowledge any of them, keeping his eyes downcast and posture submissive as expected in this vulnerable position.

He focused inward, retreating into stoic meditation once more. Jade's surreptitious offerings of treats helped revive his flagging spirits, reminding him that not all saw him as merely an object for amusement or scorn. Her subtle gestures of kindness stirred something protective within him as well - though whether meant for her or himself, he wasn't yet sure.

All he knew was that for now, she was the closest thing to an ally in this gilded cage. And so he remained dutifully by her side, taking comfort where small streams of it could be found amidst the turbulent cacophony swirling around them. Patience and obedience were his only tools to navigate this complexity of station and society.

Roland ate quietly when offered choice bits of food, regaining some small measure of strength with each morsel. He was coming to recognize Jade's touches as conveying care rather than punishment or mocking, and found himself leaning into her familiar presence without thinking.

Her acceptance of Penelope's invitation for a walk came as a relief. The activity and change of scenery would do them both good after this ordeal of scrutiny. And though Devin seemed far more trained and obedient than himself, Roland saw a similar resigned intelligence behind his humble demeanor. Perhaps they could find camaraderie, however brief, in their shared roles.

He subtly turned his head further into Jade's touch, a barely-there nuzzle of gratitude for her defence and small mercies shown throughout this taxing engagement. While he was still far from understanding all the intricacies of life here, he felt certain her guidance would continue proving invaluable to navigating it safely.

The brief caress brought a surge of warmth to Roland's cheeks, and he let his eyes drift shut once more, leaning into her soothing touch.

In such a short time, this princess had shown him more kindness than he'd ever known. It stirred protective instincts within him, despite his powerlessness. All he wished was to prove himself worthy of the compassion she offered - to be the supportive presence she deserved, as much as his station now allowed.

Content to simply bask in this moment of quiet intimacy amidst the brewing chaos, he let the sisters' chatter wash over him unheeded. For the first time since his world fell apart, Roland felt stirrings of peace taking root. Whatever challenges lay ahead, so long as he had Jade's favor, strength would come in time to face them.

Roland stiffened subtly in surprise at Penelope's words, exchanging a furtive glance with Devin as they walked. He saw the concealed affection mirrored in the other man's eyes, though expertly masked from any who did not know to look for it.

A knight's perceptiveness and intuition served him well even in captivity, it seemed. Though something told him Jade suspected the truth as well despite her stern facade. Her jab at Penelope was spoken through a lens of fond exasperation rather than threat.

At his mistress's gentle suggestion, Roland turned to Jade, attempting a look of composure mixed with boyish charm. "I give you my word, I will not run unless you wish it," he rumbled quietly, bowing his head respectfully.

He meant what he said - escape held little appeal when the alternative was finding his place here at her side, for however long she deemed him worthy. A chance to walk unrestrained was more than he had dared hope for in this new cage. All he wished was to prove himself trustworthy of her mercy.

Roland huffed an embarrassed laugh at the gentle teasing, feeling his usual reservations give way to cautious lightheartedness. Strange how quickly companionship could form between souls sharing their plight, however differing the pasts that brought them here.

He fell into step beside Jade without needing the leash as guide, gratified by her show of burgeoning trust. Chin held high, he scanned their verdant surroundings, drinking in the simple beauty and sense of relative freedom.

A subtle nudgefinding the compassionate rapport between Penelope and Devin gave him hope that, in time, he too might earn such understanding from his mistress. For now, simply gaining her favor one small gesture at a time was victory enough.

Brightening under the warming sun, Roland allowed a soft smile, shooting his companions a look of cautious camaraderie. Perhaps this was but a brief respite - yet in solidarity there existed strength, too, to withstand whatever lay beyond the garden walls.

Roland huffed a rueful laugh of agreement as they settled onto the shaded bench. How true Devin spoke - duty could grow wearisome for body and spirit alike, chained as they were.

At Jade's gesture, he stretched slowly, working out lingering kinks before padding off toward the sparkling waters. A glance back found her watching, but her expression seemed more curious than censorious for once.

As the men stripped off their meager clothes and waded into the cool depths, Roland sighed in quiet relief. Here at least was a reminder of former freedom, however brief a taste. Splashing and laughing alongside his new companion, he let cares drift away on drifting currents, seizing this rarest chance to simply be young and unburdened once more.

Perhaps with small steps toward trust on both sides, more such ephemeral freedoms might be gained in time. For now, he was content simply enjoying the lightness of the moment.

Engrossed as they were in playful freedom, it took Roland a moment to notice Jade's gentle arrival at the water's edge. But when he did, something about the carefree way she sat dabbling her feet broke through his defenses in a way no commanding look ever could.

She seemed less goddess on high, and more a mortal maiden enjoying simple pleasures of sun and nature - pleasures which, in allowing him this chance to reconnect with his humanity as well, she had tacitly shared.

The smile curving his lips felt natural as a fledgling bird stretching new wings. Meeting her gaze briefly, he dipped into a formal bow mixed with boyish impulsiveness, flicking a spray of glittering droplets her way with a playful wink before turning back to his gamboling.

In surrendering some small part of her authority, perhaps she gained trust in turn - and he, a renewed spirit to face whatever challenges lay beyond the rose-tinted veil of this enchanted interlude in the garden groves.

Roland's first impulse was to cringe in horror at his forwardness - until Jade's answering splash sent him into relieved chuckles. What pleasure to glimpse this spirited side rarely shown!

Ducking away from her counterattack, he rolled and kicked up plumes of liquid crystal, uncaring of the growing dampness in his hair and clothes. A carefree game such as this was a gift beyond measure in his reduced station, one that brought him a surprising joy to see his mistress share.

Wading nearer daringly, Roland sent her another beaming grin through soaked strands falling into his eyes. "A hit, my lady! You've fine aim - perhaps in another life you'd have made a skilled Amazon." He dipped in what he hoped came across as a playful bow, still caught up in wonder at this escape into spontaneity they'd found together.

Roland let out a peal of bright laughter at the image of skilled Jade besting any number of brothers in their youthful escapades. Difficult as it was to envision this noble lady disheveled from antics, some part of him was warmed to know a spirited nature lay beneath her composed exterior.

"Then you have me utterly at your mercy, my lady Amazon," he replied, still chuckling as he slicked back his own soaked locks. Her casual recline, hair unbound and fluttering in breeze off the waters, lent her an air of tranquility at odds with her teasing words.

Content simply to observe and bask in rays warming his skin, Roland floated onto his back, closing his eyes with a peaceful sigh. Here in this charmed interlude, chains seemed looser, futures less certain - and for now, that was blessing enough. Her fleeting glimpse of vulnerable playfulness seemed gift beyond measure for a soul in his station.

Roland obeyed swiftly, shedding his soaked garments and wringing them out with a gratified sigh. The respite by the pond's edge had rejuvenated his spirit far beyond what he'd dared hope for — though he sensed Jade already withdrawing back within her mantle of composure.

Accepting towel and fresh clothes from the tight-lipped maid with a look of earnest gratitude, he began briskly rubbing himself dry. "My thanks for your patience and indulgence, mistress," he offered softly once alone with Jade once more. "I'll strive never to darken another carpet if it please you."

A rueful half-smile played about his lips, still buoyed by fragile sunlight glimpsed in her company yet all too cognizant of walls fortified anew. Still, their temporary armistice by the water brimmed with promise if he but tread circumspect until trust took deeper root. One step at a time – for now, it was enough.

Roland inclined his head, expression sobering as he absorbed her prudent counsel. "You speak wisdom, mistress. I pray I've not given offense - it was far from my intent."

Dressing efficiently, he turned to regard her with clear-eyed earnestness, choosing words with care. "My history grants leeway, yet gives no right to disrespect. I am bound fully to your rule."

Approaching cautiously, he sank to his knees, a respectful distance from where she reclined. "How may I best serve, to demonstrate my willingness to learn and atone for any lapses? Command me as you will - this I swear, through patience and care, to become an asset rather obedience's burden."

Gaze lowered, he awaited her dictate, seeking in this small gesture to convey a repentance borne not of fear but earnest desire to remedy flaws and prove himself worthy in her eyes alone.

Roland blinked, then lowered his gaze respectfully, cheeks flushing at her bold command. While intimate acts held no horror for him, this felt different - a test, perhaps, of his willingness to obey without hesitation.

"I believe I understand your meaning, mistress," he replied, voice carefully even. Meeting her eyes, he allowed a earnest note to enter his tone. "However you see fit to use me is your right. I seek only to prove loyalty and atone past errors. If this is your wish, I am yours to command."

With that, he awaited her signal, heart beating a trifle faster yet steady in his resolve. Whatever challenges lay ahead, backing down served no goal but folly. He could only move forward through patience, obedience - and hope that in time, understanding might grow where now reigned only duty.

Roland stilled, breath catching in his throat as she bared herself to him. The commanding gesture left no room for hesitation, and with a low murmur of acquiescence, he pressed his lips to her invitation.

He was no stranger to such acts, yet the weight of this one bore down upon him differently - a test not just of obedience but of trust. As he tasted her, he strove to bring all focus to her pleasure, hoping to prove himself worthy of this intimate charge.

His tongue tracing sensitive spots while fingers teased elsewhere, Roland sought to lose himself in the task set before him - to learn, to obey, and perhaps in time, to earn more than simply compliance.

Roland tensed slightly as Jade pulled at his hair, urging him deeper into her intimate depths. But the response was more from eagerness to please than any discomfort - for in truth, guiding her to climax stirred a fierce desire in him as well.

Her words stoked a hunger for her approval which both excited and scared him, so very far removed from the formal code of knights and nobles he'd once known. But the way her voice broke, more animalistic than ladylike, egged him on in seeking each sweet spot with greater fervor. His only goal lay in bringing her such pleasure that her pleasure became all he craved - a rare chance to offer himself up in entirety to another.

As she growled at him, Roland felt no fear, only a deepening sense of connection - however tenuous - between them. He surrendered himself fully to her command, eager to taste victory in this battle for trust.

Roland let out an involuntary gasp as Jade's orgasm wracked her body, before being seized roughly and propelled into the private borders of her bedchamber. The change in demeanor, from controlled pleasure to something more predatory, left his heart racing — until he took in her expression, wild yet exultant, blade glinting wickedly in her hand.

For a brief moment, he wondered if she planned to harm him - yet there was no fear in that moment, only a leaping thrill at being so thoroughly at her mercy. He was hers, after all - to be taken, used, or discarded as she saw fit.

In silence, he met her gaze, eyes dark with permission - whatever came next, he'd face without fear or regret. Whatever cost, he'd pay gladly, to prove worthy of trust unearned and yet somehow given.

Roland's breath caught in his throat as Jade stripped him, leaving him bare and vulnerable, yet somehow more alive than ever before. Her marks left a burning trail down his thigh that only stoked desire higher. As her lips met his, he surrendered wholly to her touch, willing to be taken even further into the unknown.

There was an air of danger in her movements, offset by the touch of tenderness - like blades whipping through velvet ribbons. He met each kiss with growing hunger, his own hands straining at their bonds in frantic appeal.

Yet despite the intensity of her possession, there was an almost tender understanding behind the act of taking - something deeper than mere carnal pleasure. In giving herself fully, she had shown a side seldom revealed to anyone - and the weight of that vulnerability held a sacredness that set his soul ablaze with wonder.

Desperately, he sought to give back what she had granted him - fervent kisses, arching hips, hope that trust might one day be enough to bridge all else.

Roland’s body jerked in involuntary reaction as Jade’s fingers entered him, slick with oil, and curled against his prostate. The initial pang of intrusion faded into a growing pressure that mingled both pain and pleasure – much like the tangle of emotions stirring within him at her question.

Did he trust her? In this moment, their bodies entwined, that bond felt unbreakable - yet outside these confines...

"I trust you now, mistress," he replied, voice rough from a heady mixture of lust and vulnerability.

He met her gaze boldly even as she touched places no other ever had. Every nerve ending was screaming for more, eager to prove himself again and again as worthy of the pleasure and punishment she dealt so freely. And yet, in the back of his mind, he wondered how long this intimacy would last - whether there was anything beyond mutual desire, or if this was simply an interlude amidst a greater battle for control.

But for now, that mattered little - all that held meaning was here, now, in the blazing heat of their joined passion.