Her day was spent moving into her new home and reflecting on her new status. No one aside from Fred, the King and the Queen knew of her foiled plots so she had many visitors bearing good wishes and not a little surprise at the speed of their marriage. As they left she thought of how close she had come to untold humiliations. When the King held large dinners all the serving wenches were actually the women sentenced to the guard's pleasure chambers. She knew the King would demand that she be included in that number so everyone would see her. The ways in which those women provided physical relief to the soldiers was whispered about and all her ex- friends would know her for what she was. Even worse was that it was not unusual, when the parties got a bit rowdy, for the fa‡ade of being a waitress was discarded along with their clothes and they were thrown onto any available surface. Whether they landed face up or face down made little difference to the men. One by one they would use the unfortunate females for their pleasure as well as for the enjoyment of everyone else in the room. Of course, it was not seemly for the Ladies to be present so they would excuse themselves to a more private location where they would laugh at the misfortunes of the whores and make many rude comments. Jane knew she could expect no loyalty and she would be the topic of jokes and ridicule. She could never walk anywhere on the grounds with any semblance of pride or self-respect. She would be alone in a world where once she had been happy and accepted. Although unwilling to admit it, she was grateful to her new husband for saving her from that.

The real surprise was a visit from the Queen. She immediately fell to one knee and welcomed her. "Your Majesty. This is an unexpected and much appreciated honor."

The Queen replied, "Posh. I couldn't stay away. I had to congratulate you on your marriage or should I convey my sympathies? Is it the `life of pure hell' he promised?"

Jane raised her eyes. "I wish I could tell you but I'm not sure. But forgive me my manners. I will send for refreshments and would Your Royal Highness care to sit down?"

The Queen smiled and said, "I would like something cool to drink but I prefer to stand and you, of all people, should understand why. In fact, I believe I have you to thank for that."

Jane hung her head and said, "Oh, Madame. I'm sorry. I'd forgotten that you followed me onto that horrible table. You must hate me and I cannot fault you for it."

To her shock she felt the Queen's hand helping her to her feet and enveloping her in the kind of hugs they had shared during their former friendship. "Jane, I'll admit I was furious when I found out what you tried to do but I couldn't hate you then and I don't hate you now."

Jane reveled in the Queen's embrace. Even so, she had to reply, "But Your Majesty. As you just pointed out. It was my actions that caused you to suffer at the King's hand. Surely you must feel that I betrayed you and your confidences with me. I cannot forgive myself for that."

The Queen pushed her away for a moment and said, "If it'll make you feel better I'll send for one of the King's guards and have you whipped soundly. If that's what it takes to get you to be my friend again I will have it done but with a heavy heart."

Jane was confused. She meekly questioned, "Your Majesty? I don't understand."

With just a hint of annoyance the Queen replied, "Silly Jane, what's not to understand. You've been very close to me and I am loathe to lose you. And don't call me `Your Majesty' when we're alone. My name is Mary and there are few enough people who call me that. You, above all, have been my closest friend. But you must answer me honestly, was your friendship only to gain my confidence as part of your plot?"

Jane was starting to cry. "Oh No Your, I mean Mary. I admit I harbored my hatred of him for a long time but never thought to get any assistance from you. I was pure coincidence that the things you told me provided an opportunity to discredit him. I would never have used our friendship to that end or to put you in danger. Please believe me."

Mary smiled, "I not only believe you, I knew the answer even before you said anything. Now I have to know, what did Fred ever do that earned him such animosity from you?"

Jane seethed, "He was responsible for my Father losing his lands, his position and being banished. He was the only man who could've saved him and he either did nothing or, more likely, advised the King to send my father away, penniless and broken hearted. For that I can never forgive him. I will be an obedient wife as My Lord has decreed but I will never feel anything but hatred for the man who calls himself my husband. As his wife I can not and will not take any action against him but if I receive news that he has succumbed to an assassin's knife I will feel no grief. I can now answer your earlier question with confidence. My marriage to him is and will be the pure hell he promised."

Mary reached out for her friend. "Oh Jane, if you had only told me. I know more about that incident than I should. My husband was furious for days. Not only at your father but mostly at Fred. Your father was a learned and respected man. Unfortunately, he was also not unlike his daughter in that he was very headstrong and foolish. He should not have opposed the King the way he did. He was signing his own death warrant and that was the solution Ralph wanted. He was adamant that nothing less than execution would do but Fred, long after he should have accepted his Lord's decree, argued for a reconciliation. He tried to convince Ralph that he would be losing an enormous asset that could be saved if they would only talk face to face and resolve their differences. It was one of the only times the King didn't take Fred's advice and was firm in his sentence. I love my husband dearly and think he's a fine King but there are times when he can be dumber than dirt."

Those words brought forth another faint memory but Jane couldn't place where or when she had heard her friend speak of the King with those exact words. Before she could focus her mind on the matter Mary continued, "You were right in assuming Fred was the force behind your father's banishment but it was better than the alternative. It's almost ironic that Fred was able to suggest a change in your fate at the last minute the same as he did then. The King had already signed the papers that would lead to your father's beheading when Fred was finally able to get him to change his mind and your father's sentence. That's what confused me the most when I heard about your attempt to get Fred convicted of treason. The man you wanted killed was the very man who saved your father from the executioner's blade."

Jane was in tears and her head was spinning. In her dizziness she started to fall but Mary assisted her to a nearby bench where they both sat down. If Mary had been thinking a little clearer she would've chosen the padded couch since both women grimaced at the contact of the hard wood on their recently strapped hind quarters. But as Jane started to rise Mary held her down. "No, stay right where you are. This is just as uncomfortable for me but it is appropriate that we both suffer a little. Me for disobeying the King's command to refrain from discussing things that he told me in confidence and you for being so astonishingly stupid."

Both women cried on each other's shoulders until Mary said, "You should be ashamed of yourself."

Jane was but not for the reason her friend had in mind. Mary continued, "You promised the Queen some refreshments and you still haven't sent for them."

A little while later they were the two old friends they always were and Mary giggled in a girlish conspiratorial manner. "So tell me. Did your new husband enjoy his bride and did she enjoy his attentions?"

Jane blushed. "You'll have to ask him but I gather he found me to his liking. I don't think I could tell anyone but you but it wasn't what I expected. I anticipated and had prepared myself for a brutal rape but it was nothing like that. He was kind and gentle and, truth be told, he made me feel wonderful. We did things I would never have imagined and I couldn't get enough of him."

Mary smiled, "I think I know what you mean. The King has been busy with affairs of state and had little time for me until last night. Remember when he said that spanking me aroused him? All I can say is it sure did. Just between us girls, he was very energetic and we engaged in activities we haven't engaged in for ages. I didn't care for the business with the strap but if applying his hand to my bare backside is enough to energize him, he can take me over his knee and spank me any time he wants to."

Jane shook her head as another vague memory surfaced. Where had she heard that phrase? She was sure it was said about the King but this was the first time she and Mary had discussed such an intimate subject. And an intimate discussion it was. They each went into great detail regarding their (and in Jane's case, rather short) sex lives. They were laughing and having a wonderful time until Jane finished relating the grand finale of her wedding night. Then she broke into tears again. "Oh Mary, what have I done? He smiled at me this morning and I made it clear I still hated him. I snubbed him when I should've thrown myself at his feet and begged for forgiveness."

Mary thought for a moment. "The King is not going to be happy that I am continuing our friendship but I think I can convince him that you are to be trusted. However, if he hears that I've told you about the incident with your father I'll get the strap again for sure and he'll forbid me to see you again. I'm willing to take my chances and get another whipping but I couldn't endure losing you. You're the only person I can talk to and not have to play Queen. Nevertheless, you have to tell your husband about your misunderstanding and that you no longer wish him ill. He came to your father's aid and to yours. Maybe he'll be my champion also."

Jane hugged her friend. "No, I do not want to compromise you again. I will search for some other way to convince him of my love for I now know, I do love him."

With a final hug the Queen departed.

That evening Jane dined alone. A messenger had told her that her husband was otherwise occupied and she was free to retire without waiting for him. It was a lonely and tearful meal for Jane. She knew the true meaning behind those words. He was telling her he would abide by his promise not to force himself on her and allowing her to prepare for bed without fear. She knew what she had to do and, for the first time that day, left her new home. She went in search of a special object. Luckily, it was where she thought it would be and she quickly returned to wait for Fred.

I was very late at night when he quietly slipped into the room. He was surprised and not a little miffed to find her awake and still fully clothed. "I sent word that I would be late and that you were to be in bed. Is this what you call obedience?"

She meekly answered, "It is a wife's duty to welcome her husband. I must apologize if I misunderstood your message. I was told I was free to retire. If I had realized it was a command I would've done as you wished."

He scowled. "I will be coming home late every night. Wait up if you will but I'd prefer it otherwise. I've asked the King for larger quarters but it will be a week or so until they are ready for us. You will have your own bedroom and we will both be happier for it. Until then we must keep up pretences and sleep in the same bed. Beyond that I have nothing more to say and I want nothing to do with you."

His words cut like a knife but she was resolute in her plan. She asked, "So, how was your day?"

He stopped in his tracks and said, "What?"

She repeated, "I asked, `How was your day?' It seems like a normal thing for a wife to ask her husband."

He snorted, "Just because the King said we're married does not mean it really happened. You are not my wife and I am not your husband."

She smiled. "Such words are dangerous. Are you saying the King is not the law of the land?"

Fury raged in his eyes. "I see. You persist in your efforts to turn my own words into a way to discredit me. I had hoped that in ignoring each other we could live our lives in peace and I would not have to punish you again but I was mistaken. Remove your undergarments. I don't want to deal with them. I will send for the strap and you will learn to curb your evil tongue."

She quietly said, "That will not be necessary, Milord."

He roared, "And why not? Are you going to try and talk me out of it? Don't even attempt it. It is too late for apologies and I wouldn't believe them anyway. I retract my command for you to be in bed when I arrive. Every night until we can live separately you will greet me by removing all your clothes and preparing for another whipping. I promised you a life of hell and by God, that's what you will have. I was too much concerned with your pleasure when I possessed you last night. That's another thing I intend to correct. You will wish for the gentleness of the guards before this night and every night is over. I hope I've made myself clear."

Her heart was beating hard and she said, "When I said you didn't have to send for the strap if was because I have already procured it. It is on the table along with some rope. As for your request that I remove my undergarments to prepare for my whipping, that is also accomplished."

She undid the only fastener that held her dress up and let it slide to the floor. It was the only thing she wore and when she stepped out of it she was attired as she was when they went to bed the night before. He was speechless as she walked past him to fetch the strap and the ropes. She presented them to him but was distracted by another one of those fleeting memories as she asked, "How do you want me?"

Sensing a plot he said, "What are you up to woman? Is this some trick?"

She looked at the things in her hands and said, "No trick Milord. I was wrong to think ill of you and plot against you. It was the result of a great error and misguided passion but that is no excuse. I have wronged you severely and deserve nothing but your disdain and your punishment. I am resigned to the first and when you affix me properly, I will be prepared for the rest."

He still did not take the proffered items and sat down as he asked, "What is this great error and misguided passion?"

She shook her head, "I cannot tell you without betraying a confidence. Think what you will of me but that is one lesson I learned when you whipped me last night. I do not offer this as an apology or a means to lessen my punishment, but I swear I will never repeat anything you say to me either in confidence or anger. I know your feelings towards me. You do not think of me as your wife but you cannot take away my feelings or convictions that you are my husband and totally deserving of my loyalty."

He said, "I will believe you in this and I make the same vow. Whatever you say to me will go no farther than this room. Tell me of your `great error'."

She was torn between risking the Queen and her desire to make this man love her as she did him. She knew if she kept this secret he would never trust her. The question was, could she trust him. Her heart convinced her that she could and in a rush of words she related all about her father and how the Queen had told her the truth. She ended with, "Please Sir, you must not tell the King. He would whip her severely and, in truth, she is my best friend. I was the cause of her agony last night and I could not bear to know I had done it again. Use the strap on me as he would use it on her."

She held her breath as he considered the matter. At last he smiled and said, "All is clear and Her Highness is not in any danger. This is one time when her betrayal of the King's pillow talk was for a noble purpose but you and the Queen are correct. I know him very well and he's better off not knowing about it. Your secret and hers are safe with me. Have no fear of the strap tonight wife although you deserve it for driving me to anger."

Her smile lit up the room. Of all the words ever spoken, the one that meant the most to her was just uttered. Four letters that spoke volumes. He had called her `wife'. She looked down as one of those elusive recollections floated by. The details were all jumbled but it had to do with getting spanked. First by another man very long ago and then by Fred but rather than the strap, they spanked her with their hands and she enjoyed it. Surely this was another strange dream but the memories of contentment and excitement could not be ignored. She had to act on her feelings. She said, "A wife that does such things should not get off without some form of chastisement."

She threw the things in her hand to the side and lay across his lap. He needed no further suggestion or instruction. His mighty hand landed for the first of quite a few visits. It was not nearly as painful as the strap but it imparted a healthy sting and when put her on her feet and stood next to her she fell into his arms for a kiss that made her head spin. And like the previous night, he carried his naked wife to the bed and they frolicked until the wee hours of the morning.

A few days later he told her the King wanted to have a special dinner to celebrate their marriage which was not only a marriage of law but a marriage of souls. The night of the affair he was concerned that she was taking too long to get ready. (Some things are still the same even today.) She called him into the bedroom and he was even more irritated to discover she still hadn't put her dress on. He reminded her that it wouldn't do to be late for the King's party and asked what she was waiting for.

She held out the strap and said, "This. I didn't want my dress to get wrinkled so I thought I'd wait until after you whipped me."

He queried, "What are you talking about?"

She impatiently answered, "A fine Royal Advisor you are when you can't even remember a simple thing like this. I may've been scared to death but that didn't mean I didn't listen to every word you said to me and His Majesty. You made a promise that you would use this on me before we attended any of his dinners. He'll be watching to see if I sit as gingerly as you predicted and he may wish to exercise his right to see the marks so we cannot try to fool him. Perhaps he will free us from this requirement in the future when you tell him I reminded you to do it and endured the whipping without the need for constraints. You'd better get started. It won't do for us to be late."

She did what she had to do to arrange her clothing and grasped the far edge of the table. Although he was thoroughly enamored of the spankings which were now a nightly routine he was reluctant to cause her the kind of pain she received in the little room. But he saw the truth in her argument. They had a duty to the King and while the whipping was a severe as that first one, she was able to fulfill her part of the bargain and maintained a death grip on the table.

At the party she was sure everybody and not just King was watching her every movement. Movements which, by the way, were very slow. And when she sat down it was all she could do to not to cry out or show any signs of how uncomfortable she was. The only time she grimaced was not at her own discomfort but that of another. It started when one of serving wenches dropped a bowl. The frightened girl was immediately stripped and passed around to all the soldiers at her table. Much to the delight of the nearby tables, they each spanked the poor thing before, with a mighty clatter, the rest of the dishes on the table were swept to the floor to make room for her. She was no sooner plopped on her temporary bed when one of the men was on top of her.

Jane whispered to Fred, "That could've been me. I can't thank you enough for rescuing me at the last minute."

He smiled and said, "I won't spank you like that tonight but as for her present activity. That will be you when I get you home."

The King indicated that the ladies were free to leave so as not to have their sensibilities damaged by the show just starting. Already two other nameless females were serving the lusts of the men and it would not be long until all the maids would be used in the same manner. When Jane rose he said, "Not you Jane. I said `Ladies' and I don't include you in that category. You will come with me so I can see how well you've been prepared for tonight's festivities."

Fred stood next to her and said, "Your majesty, would you mind if I joined you?"

The King gave a hearty laugh. "Not at all Fred. I've been meaning to ask you about her but this place is getting too noisy."

They retired to a quiet room and with a small gesture of his royal hand he indicated that Jane was to raise her dress and bare her rear end for inspection. He seemed pleased and said, "Fine job Fred. If ever there was an ass made for whipping it's that one. How is she otherwise? In bed I mean. She looks like a saucy wench and giving her to the soldiers wouldn't have been all that bad. She could probably take on half the regiment with breaking a sweat."

Fred was getting angry but this was the King and some degree of tact was necessary to save her from further insults. "Your majesty. We have something to discuss. Perhaps Jane would be better off with the ladies so she won't overhear something she shouldn't."

His ploy failed. The King responded, "You're right that she can't be trusted but it would be an insult to those who are truly ladies and not just because of some silly birthright. There are a few members of my private guard in the next room and they are missing the fun in the main hall. She can entertain them while we talk. There's only ten of them so she won't be too worn out when you fetch her."

Fred's anger increased. "Milord, I cannot allow that. She is my wife."

The King laughed again. "Why Fred, you selfish old goat. I bet she's a real vixen between the sheets since you want to keep her all to yourself. But don't pay too much attention to her or you'll start to get jealous. I'll made a deal with you. I'll tell the guards they're not allowed to spank or whip her. That should guarantee she has plenty of life in her for you later."

With a bit more emphasis Fred repeated himself, "Milord, I said I can't and won't allow my wife to be used in that manner."

The King finally sensed that Fred was not pleased and some of the irritation rubbed off on him. "Will you give it up about her being your wife. You call that little ceremony a marriage? I remember it very well. She never actually agreed with it and with a stroke of my pen I can annul everything. I thought I was doing you a favor and letting you have some fun with the slut before I granted a divorce and sent her where she truly belongs."

Fred rage was about to boil over. "Your Majesty. I must insist that refer to her as the Lady she is."

The King was more than ready to lock horns with his oldest friend. "You call that a Lady? Open your eyes man, She's a conniving little bitch and not fit to be called anything better. Even the word `whore' is too good for the likes of her."

All pretences of civilized behavior were put aside as Fred roared. "Ralph, you are a cad. If it weren't for those guards in the next room I'd teach you a thing or two about how to refer to my wife. I bloodied your nose quite a few times when we were boys and I can still do it."

With a mighty roar the King accepted the challenge and dove into his advisor. The two were locked in hand to hand combat. Arms and fists were swinging wildly. The guards, having heard the commotion, rushed in to separate the combatants and hold Fred as a prisoner. But the King said, "No. Release him and leave the room. This is just a little disagreement and we'd like a little privacy. GET OUT!"

The guards were apprehensive but obedient. When the door closed behind them Ralph turned to face Fred. His hand went up to his face came away with the evidence that his old friend had done as he promised. The King grunted, "That was just a lucky punch. If they hadn't interrupted us I would've thrashed you."

Then the two men smiled and shook hands firmly. Fred answered, "I'm sure you would've and I'm thankful they saved me."

The King chuckled, "Ever the master of tact. I never stood a chance. You've always been the better man in strength and wisdom. You really love her don't you?"

Fred swelled with pride and affirmed the King's observation. "Yes Your Highness. I do."

The King shook his head in confusion. "I've been told as much and your actions towards each other during dinner seemed to add credence to the story but I still couldn't believe it. Have you forgotten her little escapades? If she had been successful you would've lost your life and I would've been adrift without your guidance."

Fred walked to Jane who had wisely moved to a corner away from the scene of battle. He held her hand and drew her back to the center of the room. He said, "That was a personal matter between us and it has been settled. She bears me no animosity. Nor do I of her. She has shown me a greater love than I deserve. And a greater loyalty to you will not be found. I had no need to punish her the way I did tonight. The only reason she is so marked is that she wouldn't let me renege on a promise I made to you to prepare her thusly. She submitted to it without bonds. I can think of no greater test of her resolve to obey Your Highness. I am, nay, we both are truly fortunate men. Your Majesty, may I present my wife."

Jane's heart wanted to burst and she went down on one knee to accept the King's blessing. "Rise Milady and accept my apologies. You are truly a lady and a lucky one to have a man who's willing to take on the King and his guards to defend your honor. And since the Queen allows you to call her Mary when you're alone I ask for the same consideration. To you and your husband I am Ralph, nothing more and nothing less. Ah, here's her royal highness herself."

Mary entered the room and said, "The lieutenant came and got me. Am I to understand you two were brawling like rutting bulls?"

The King puffed himself up and said, "Yes we were and I was about to pummel him when the guards saved him. What business is it of yours Madame?"

She chortled, "Posh. I'm sure it was the other way around. I see blood on only one face and although you are correct that the affairs of state are none of my business I say `Good for you.' What was the ruckus about? Never mind, it makes no difference. Whatever the reason I think it's an excellent idea for the two you to have a good old-fashioned knock down drag out fight once in while. I heard the last of your comment. Are you really willing to accept Jane?"

The lady in question had risen and was snuggling next to Fred while Mary found a similar position in the arms of her own husband. He said, "Yes, I was very wrong about her. I said some unkind things and Fred made me see my errors. You may continue to call her your friend and visit each other as often as you wish. You won't have to sneak around like you've done the last few days."

Mary smiled and turned towards Jane, "He has spies all over the place."

Ralph added, "and I'm glad that the two best ones are on my side. Now I have another apology. The dinner tonight was primarily to embarrass Jane and was not really the celebration it appeared to be. I don't even have a wedding present. Tell me what you want and it's yours."

Jane started to say that his blessing was an honor and a more than suitable gift that she would treasure. She didn't get to say that because Fred spoke first. "There is a gift you can give us and it will of great benefit to you also. You know of that problem that's plagued the privy council?"

Ralph started to glare and then backed down. "Maybe you've knocked some sense in me tonight after all. We could use him. If only he wasn't so stubborn."

Fred chided, "He's no more stubborn than his King but like his daughter, you can count on his unconditional loyalty."

The King smiled at his friend's beaming wife and said, "You're right as always but next time you'll be the one with a bloody nose. Oh well, I didn't know what to with his lands anyway. He can have them back. Send for him."

Jane would never have approached the King in such a manner but since he was Ralph, she kissed him on the cheek.

That night as Fred and Jane were preparing for bed there was knock on the door. A page delivered a package and a carafe of steaming liquid. The package contained a small bottle and a note which read, "The apothecary mixed this up for the Queen. She says it does wonders for soothing sore rear ends. I've also sent something the chef discovered. It's called coffee."

Jane sniffed at the concoction and said, "It smells good but it can wait a few minutes while we do the lotion thing. How do you want me?

Fred smiled, "I want to take you over my knee and as I rub the lotion in I want to spank that lovely bottom with my hand and softly caress it between each spank and then I want you naked in my bed so I can make love to you tonight and every night from now on."

Jane was quite happy. Being totally naked and over her husband's lap was the best place to be. Except for the bed and that was their next stop.

And they never did get around to drinking the coffee.

Life is good.

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