Rada- The Wedding

Rada: The Wedding Susie Daniel ©2010 by Blushing Books® and Susie Daniel

Copyright © 2010 by Blushing Books® and Susie Daniel All rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by Blushing Books®, a subsidiary of ABCD Graphics and Design 977 Seminole Trail #233 Charlottesville, VA 22901 The trademark Blushing Books® is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office. Daniel, Susie Rada: The Wedding eBook ISBN: 978-1-60968-269-9

Cover Design by ABCD Graphics

Blushing Publications thanks you whole-heartedly for your purchase with us! There are plenty more stories such as the one you‟ve purchased from Blushing Books! Visit our online store to view our might selection! http://www.blushingbooks.com This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

Chapter One “Wife, you will stop this worry and fretting, or I swear I shall give you something to fret about!” Harlan of Zandor looked across the bed chamber to scold his flustered wife. At forty-five years of age, she was still a beautiful woman, and he was more than pleased with the choice he made all those years ago. Diki had proved an asset, keeping his home neat and clean, raising their child, entertaining clients when he asked it of her, even at a moment‟s notice. She rarely ever complained, and when she did, he prided himself on being intelligent enough to listen and find a resolution to the problem that would keep her smiling. Harlan loved Diki, and he hated seeing her so upset over something she couldn‟t control. Diki did not appear the least bit concerned over her husband‟s threat. After twenty –five years of marriage, she knew his warning was mostly bluster. She was a Personality One, and Harlan a Personality Two. She seldom behaved in a manner to require correction. He had punished her twice since their wedding twenty-five years ago, and both of those times she had been relieved when he‟d taken her to task because she felt so guilty. The first time had occurred when they‟d been married just a short time. She was reveling in the freedom marriage offered her after her strict upbringing by her Personality Five parents. Harlan was not nearly as demanding as she‟d been led to believe a husband would be, and she was given so much freedom that her training began to slip, and she started neglecting her new home… and her husband. She made a few friends, and although Harlan complained and admonished her a time or two about these friendships, he did not forbid her to continue seeing the other women. Diki found excuses to spend more and more time in pursuit of pleasure, and her reward was that the others found her company exciting, too. There were many evenings when Harlan came home to an empty house, and no dinner on the stove waiting for him. He was saddened by this, but also realized that Diki was experiencing her first taste of freedom as a married woman, and he hated to spoil her fun. He felt it was a time for patience. Then came the evening that Diki was so caught up in her friends‟ activities that she completely forgot she was supposed to prepare a nice dinner for Harlan‟s family, who was coming for a visit. Harlan was shamed in front of his family, and Diki was embarrassed and full of guilt when she walked into her home and found her in-laws sitting in the social room. She knew she deserved punishment, and did not argue when Harlan sent her to their chamber in disgrace. “Diki, you have neglected your wifely duties once too often. Go to our chamber and prepare for punishment.” His voice had sounded so firm, and she could still remember the nods of approval his father and mother made at his decision. Her own parents would have demanded she be punished immediately, and in front of them. The worst part of the punishment was waiting for Harlan to come to her. She could hear snippets of conversation coming from the social room, and the door alert when the food that Harlan ordered arrived. She was not offered anything to eat, and Diki knew without asking that it was part of her punishment. Finally, Harlan‟s family left for their trip home, and Diki knew the time of her punishment was close. She heard the security tones, and knew that Harlan had made their home safe for the night. “Diki, do you have anything to say for yourself?” Harlan asked as he entered their chamber and closed the door. “I am sorry I shamed you, husband. I know that I deserve punishment…” she said, tears in her eyes.

Harlan nodded. “I agree.” He‟d lectured her then, and it was painful to hear that she‟d been such a poor wife. When Harlan told her to remove her pants and her undergarment, she did so without protest. Harlan was a mild man, but when he determined to do something, he was nothing but thorough. He placed a straight backed chair in the middle of the room, took a seat, and motioned for Diki to come to him. She obeyed, and in the next instant, she was across his lap, and his hand was doling out a spanking, the likes of which she hadn‟t experienced in several years. It hurt, and she was crying long before he stopped. And when he did stop, it was to send her to his wardrobe to retrieve the punishment strap that the Marriage Committee presented to all new husbands. “I am so sorry, husband!” she pleaded for mercy. “You will be sorrier, wife. I will not be shamed in front of my family.” He motioned for her to place herself over the back of the chair, and told her to keep her hands flat on the seat. Harlan made his point well, Diki shuddered at the memory. She promised Harlan over and over that she would be a better wife, and she kept her word. She forgot all about her new friends, and became the wife he wanted and deserved to have. The second punishment was also deserved, but Diki still had a difficult time admitting that to herself. A teacher punished little Rada during her first year in school, and it infuriated Diki to the point that she‟d marched to the school, had words with the older woman, and ended up slapping her. She still felt the teacher had it coming, but Harlan had disagreed. He felt that Rada deserved the punishment she received, and his promise to the teacher and the school principal that Diki would be thoroughly punished as well, was all that prevented a warrant from being issued. Harlan hadn‟t wasted a moment. He‟d sent Rada to her chamber with firm orders to go straight to bed unless she wanted a sound spanking on her bottom, and the four-year-old did as she was told, not used to seeing her indulgent father in such a firm frame of mind. When Diki tried to walk after her child, to make sure she was safely tucked in, Harlan took her arm in his hand and marched her straight to their chamber. This time he didn‟t ask her to undress, he simply marched her over to their bed, sat down, and hauled her over his lap and started spanking the seat of her pants. This spanking went on for a long, long time, and when Harlan finally released her, her poor bottom was on fire, and she was sobbing. “I will check on our daughter, Diki, while you remove your clothing, get out the punishment strap, and stack the pillows on the bed. I want to see your bare butt presented to me for a strapping when I come back into this chamber.” Diki cried harder, but did exactly as she was told. She couldn‟t help but worry about little Rada, and when Harlan didn‟t return immediately, she feared their headstrong little girl had disobeyed her Father. Harlan returned, and Diki had to ask, “Was Rada obedient?” Harlan looked at her, and his expression softened slightly. “She was in bed, with several of her toys. I took them away, and explained that she must behave better at school. Her punishment is an early bedtime, Diki.” He paused, and then said, “I am most displeased with your behavior, wife. I‟m sure your parents taught you that it is wrong to slap another human being, especially when that person is trying to teach your child respect. You did not set a good example for Rada, and you nearly found yourself with a warrant to appear before the Court. This punishment will be harsh out of necessity.” Harlan didn‟t speak again, and if he had, Diki was positive she wouldn‟t have been able to hear him over all the noise she was making. The strapping hurt worse than she‟d imagined it

could, and it was a long time before it stopped. By then, she was welted, bruised, and in terrible pain. Harlan tucked her in bed, and told her she would share in their child‟s punishment, since she‟d acted with a child‟s lack of restraint. Diki did not waste time being angry or upset with Harlan. He was a very good husband, and treated her with love and respect always. She knew the punishment was very much deserved, and it was the last she‟d earned at his hands. He‟d threatened a time or two, of course, as was a man‟s nature, but he would never punish her without a good reason, and worrying about her grown child was not a good reason. “How can you not be concerned, husband?” Diki asked. “Rada‟s future is at stake. I would see her suitably settled. What if the Marriage Committee finds fault?” “Diki, this is the year 3000. The Marriage Committee leaves nothing to chance. Rada will be tested, as are all young women her age, as you were yourself. They will determine her Personality Level, and I would imagine it will be much higher than ours. My guess is that Rada will rate a five, maybe even a six. There is naught you can do now, and worry will not help.” “A five or six! That will mean her husband must be at least a six, or possibly even a seven! That will mean he will be firm with her, and she is not used to such treatment, husband!” Diki fretted. “The Marriage Committee is used to making these decisions, Diki. They will take into account Rada‟s upbringing, and will decide what is best for her. You know this is for Rada‟s own good. If emotions were permitted to interfere, chaos would rein, and then we‟d soon be in the same sad shape our ancestors were in, in the year 2000. They married and divorced, and married and divorced. And the children learned nothing of commitment to a relationship, and the responsibility toward their House. Rada will fare no worse than any other young woman her age, Diki,” he said gently, hoping to ease his wife‟s fears for her only child. “Rada is so outspoken, and she does not wish to be tested,” Diki warned her husband. “She does not think it is right for men to choose their testing when it is mandatory for females of her age.” “That is nonsense. A man is not ready for marriage at the age of twenty. He still has much to learn, an education to finish, and must establish himself. It varies from man to man, but most will know when they are ready for the responsibilities of their own House. A female is best married when she is still young, and able to adapt to the changes her new husband will require of her.” “I do agree with you, husband, but Rada does not wish to be married at this time of her life.” Harlan nodded in understanding. “I am aware that Rada does not wish to be married, but that is only because she fears the unknown. She needs a man in her life.” “She wishes to pursue a career,” Diki whispered, wanting to warn her husband. “Nonsense!” Harlan scoffed, raising one eyebrow. “Rada will marry.” One look at his wife‟s doubtful expression caused him to ask, “She does not plan to antagonize the Marriage Committee, does she?” “She has not said so, husband, but I must admit that Rada‟s temper is seldom docile. And she will do as she pleases. Rada rarely considers the consequences before speaking.” “You are aware that the Marriage Committee could fault you, wife? I would surely hate to enforce a penalty against you,” Harlan reached out to gently caress her cheek. “I would hate for you to be shamed so, husband,” Diki replied, her green eyes sparkling with unshed tears. She very much feared that her husband‟s dire prediction could come to light,

and if it were true, and Rada failed her testing, the Marriage Committee would be quite correct in finding fault and insisting on a penalty. As Rada‟s mother, the fault would lie in her training. Why hadn‟t she been firmer, more like her own mother? Diki asked herself miserably as Harlan gently rubbed her back as he held her close. “Go and tell Rada I would speak to her, Diki,” Harlan said decisively, his hand dropping to his wife‟s bottom for an affectionate pat. ******************** Rada woke early, as was her custom. It was her private time, the time she spent thinking and planning, and trying to manage her life as she saw fit… not necessarily in the manner her parents would approve of. But, there was no solace in her own company today. This was the day she was to be tested by the Marriage Committee, and Rada was lost to find a way around it. It was the law. Unless the Committee released her of their own volition, she would be as every other female her age… poked, prodded, questioned, observed, and given a Personality rating that she would wear for the rest of her life. It wasn‟t fair. She didn‟t want to be a number. She didn‟t want to be auctioned off to whomever was willing to pay the most money to her father. She didn‟t want to get married to someone she‟d never met before. She didn‟t want to get married, period. Why couldn‟t she just monitor and control her own life? She wanted to raise flowers. It was what she loved most. Flowers didn‟t argue; they never found fault with her. She wanted to be a florist. Her only hope was to convince the Committee, and she would go about that her way… Rada took a quick stroll through her private garden, enjoying the beautiful blooms. Then she headed for her bath, making sure she was squeaky clean. She took pride in her appearance. Rada ran the brush through her red hair, then twisted the long curls around her hand into a thick knot, and pinned it to the nape of her long, slender neck. Long hair wasn‟t fashionable, but Rada wasn‟t about to cut it to please the Marriage Committee. She didn‟t want to marry, and she saw absolutely no reason to submit to testing. She would simply state her preference when they arrived. Rada was going to be herself, she vowed, walking to her closet. She dropped the fluffy white towel she‟d wrapped herself in after her bath, and removed a long-sleeved, ankle length green robe to wear for the day. The she slipped a pair of white slippers on her small, dainty feet. The Committee would not be impressed, but Rada found the normal pants and tops favored by most women to be restrictive. She preferred gowns. The door to her chamber opened and her mother walked inside. “Surely, Rada, you do not intend to wear that robe today?” her normally gentle voice reflected her shock and concern. “I bought you a new outfit for the day, remember?” “Good day, Mother,” she smiled at the older woman, her green eyes sparkling in good humor. “Oh, good day to you too, daughter,” Diki smiled, unable to resist her daughter‟s teasing. ”Did the new outfit not fit you?” she asked in concern. “It fits well, Mother, but this is what I choose to wear,” Rada said firmly. “Rada, your dress is old-fashioned!” Diki remonstrated. “The Marriage Committee will think we do not dress you well!” “This is how I dress, Mother,” Rada replied calmly. “What kind of husband will you find, child, if you persist in defiance?” Diki scolded. “Please, think before you present yourself!”

“Mother, I will not pretend to be what I am not for any man. I do not wish to marry. The Marriage Committee will have to settle for that.” “You know it is rare for the Committee to grant a female complete control of her life. By refusing to cut your hair and dress as a proper young lady, you are proving you need authority.” “This is me, Mother. I will not conform in my dress for a better score.” “Very well,” Diki shook her head sadly, knowing from twenty years of experience it was pointless to argue with her stubborn, outspoken daughter. “Your father wishes to speak with you before you have your breakfast tea.” Rada‟s surprise showed on her lovely face. It was unlike her father to summon her, especially so early in the day. Interaction with her father occurred during family hour, from 5-6 PM daily. The only time he summoned her was to scold… or punish. Rada didn‟t think he‟d had time to learn of her latest escapade, and he could hardly sentence her to a day in the kitchen if the Committee were here. But, what other reason could he have for sending for her? Surely her friends hadn‟t confessed the wrongdoing? It was such a minor disobedience. They‟d taken a jet-cart without permission, and spent the day off-planet. None of them were permitted to go so far away without parental supervision, since they were all unmarried. And, her pretty cheeks blushed, they certainly were not permitted to flirt with single men… Her father would be most upset with her if he‟d learned of the escapade, not that she would be spanked. Harlan hadn‟t spanked her since she was very small. He preferred early bedtimes, grounding, and extra chores about their home. “Best you do not keep him waiting, dear,” Diki interrupted her thoughts, and reminded her she needed to collect herself. Rada gave her hair a pat and glided through the hallways until she came to her father‟s office. She knocked politely, and waited until he bade her enter. “Mother said you wished to speak to me, Father?” “You look lovely this day, daughter,” Harlan smiled at his only child. “Thank you, Father,” Rada was pleased by the compliment. Her Father loved her in spite of her unusual dress. “Rada, your mother is worried about your testing,” Harlan came right to the point. “It would please me if you would do well and not bring shame upon your mother.” “Shame upon Mother?” Rada asked in surprise. “How would it be Mother‟s fault if I did poorly?” “The Marriage Committee would say she did a poor job training you, child, and could issue a fault and a penalty.” “Against Mother?” Rada‟s voice squeaked. She hadn‟t considered that possibility! “Yes. I would hate to have to punish her, child.” “Why wouldn‟t you simply punish me, Father?” Rada‟s green eyes pleaded. “It would by my own fault, not Mother‟s!” “She is your trainer, Rada. You would do well to cooperate today.” He was prevented from saying more as Diki tapped on the door and announced the arrival of the Marriage Committee, and said they were anxious to begin. Rada had no time to change into more traditional clothing, and after her conversation with her father, she was painfully aware of the disapproval of the two women and one man who made up the Marriage Committee. And, even worse, she felt her mother‟s embarrassment. Rada‟s heart was tender, and while she might not want to marry, she would not have these stuffy

people think badly of her mother. If it was her mother who would suffer, then Rada would control herself as best she could. Punishment of any kind was a rarity in the House of Zandor “Why are you dressed in this manner?” the eldest of the two women asked with a critical tone of voice. Her badge reflected she was named Maureen, late of Castor, meaning she was a widow. Her hair was snow white and cut short, and she was dressed in mauve silk trousers and blouse. Sandals were the standard footwear for women, and Maureen was nothing if not „proper‟. “Madam,” Rada addressed her respectfully, “My dress today is not meant to be disrespectful, and is not meant to reflect badly on my Mother. This is the way I prefer to dress, and I felt it best to be myself.” “Yes, you will best be served by being honest with us today, Rada,” Rasin of Orr replied calmly. He was her father‟s age, and very matter-of-fact. He had no hair to speak of, and his eyes were a startling gray. He seemed to look right through Rada. He continued speaking, “Our intentions are to insure you will be well-placed, and in order for us to do our job well, we will need to know everything about you. You will be thoroughly tested, including the medical examination. Doctor Caleb will be conducting that part of your testing later today. Do you have any questions before we begin?” “Not a question, but I would like to request that my testing be postponed until I am ready to marry.” She‟d clearly shocked the three people… and her poor Mother. The youngest of the women recovered first. “All young women are tested at the age of twenty, unless their House requests testing earlier… You are clearly twenty years of age, Rada, and there is no reason to postpone testing. Do you feel ill today, perhaps?” “I am not ill, Madam,” Rada said truthfully. “It is simply that I have no desire to marry at this time. I wish to have a career.” “That is not for you to decide, young lady,” Rasin said firmly. “Your House made no such request, and the Committee was told that you would be marrying.” “I was not consulted before this decision was made,” Rada protested. “Young men are not tested at this age, nor are they expected to marry before they wish. They are given the opportunity for a career. I wish to be treated equally.” “Do not be ridiculous, girl!” Maureen snapped in irritation. “The laws were made to prevent foolishness of this sort. You will do as is expected of you, and without any more argument. Is that clear?” “What is clear is that because I was born a female, I am given no choice in this matter at all,” Rada tried to control her rising temper. “I have no desire to be sold into marriage. I want control of my own life. I want to become a florist!” she declared, her green eyes snapping, and her voice raising to make herself heard. “Rada, you are missing the point, dear,” Madame Pilari said softly. “You are not being sold; your new husband is simply reimbursing your parents for their love, care, and training. He will be expressing how much he values you… and you should know that the testing for men is much more rigorous and demanding than it is for women. All of us on the Marriage Committee are dedicated to making the best possible choices for you. We wish to see you happily placed, and then, if you still wish to become a florist, your husband may well sponsor you.” “I do not wish to be sponsored, Madame. I wish to sponsor myself!” “I think this discussion has gone far enough,” Rasin said firmly, his gray eyes alight with disapproval. You will cease and desist this foolish behavior, and let us get on with your testing.

Is this understood? Do we need to call your Father and ask him to discipline you to insure your cooperation?” Rada abruptly realized that she was doing the very thing her father had warned her against. She was antagonizing the Marriage Committee, and her poor Mother was pale, and nervously twisting the band of gold she wore on her marriage finger. Rada closed her eyes for a brief moment, then took a deep breath and let it out slowly, controlling her temper. “No, Sir,” Rada replied. “I‟ll cooperate.” She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that her life was never going to be the same…

Chapter Two The Marriage Committee was quite thorough in their testing. Rada found herself struggling to control her temper more times than she could count, and she could tell from her Mother‟s frantic expression that the testing was not going well at all. Madame Maureen seemed to take great delight in pointing out to the other two members of the Marriage Committee all of Rada‟s mistakes. She did not make a bed properly, according to the older woman. The lunch she was forced to fix for all of them under the Committee‟s watchful eye was practically inedible. Her grace and hostessing skills were faulted as well, and Rada lost her temper far enough to tell the hapless threesome that they certainly weren‟t behaving as proper guests, either. She invited them all outside to see her private garden, and was quickly told that her hobby was of no interest to them… and then she was instructed to demonstrate the proper method of cleaning a carpet. The only respite from the Marriage Committee was when Doctor Caleb arrived to conduct her physical. Only her mother was permitted in the room with her, and the Doctor was kindly when he spoke to her and explained the purpose of his visit. A brief discussion with her mother noted all of her childhood problems, and since they were minor at best, Doctor Caleb moved on to the next part of his examination. He withdrew a small drop of blood from the tip of Rada‟s finger, and placed it into the analyzer. While the results were being processed, he instructed Rada to remove her undergarment and lay back on her bed. Rada‟s mother had warned her that she would be examined to make sure she was able to conceive children, and that she was still untouched by a man. If she was unable to conceive, she would only be permitted to marry a man who had children by a previous marriage, and she would be expected to raise his children as her own. If it was proven that she‟d been breeched without marriage, then her parents would be faulted, and a penalty issued. Doctor Caleb made the examination as easy on Rada as possible, and after he checked the results of her blood test, he pronounced her very healthy and gave her the highest rating possible. He bade them goodbye, and told Rada to take a few minutes to make herself presentable before joining the Marriage Committee. Diki‟s relief was obvious to Rada, and the younger woman couldn‟t resist giving her mother a loving hug. “Mother, surely you didn‟t fear I‟d been intimate with a man?” she asked. “No, daughter, I did not,” Diki replied immediately, returning her daughter‟s affection. “I just had a normal mother‟s fear that something could be wrong with my child. I am relieved to know that all is well, and you will have children of your own to love and cherish as much as I love you. It always grieved me that I wasn‟t able to give your father more children.” “Father said I was more than enough for the two of you to handle!” she teased lightly. “Yes… I will look forward to spoiling my grandchildren,” she smiled wistfully. “You will make a wonderful grandmother,” Rada told her. “We must first get you married, daughter. The Committee is waiting, and we need to return to them.” Rada knew that argument was pointless, and she bravely took her Mother‟s hand in hers and walked through the house to the social room. Doctor Caleb was winding up his report, and signing the official documents. He smiled at them both, and then took his leave. The testing resumed, and when it was finally over for the day, Rasin of Orr asked Diki to summon Harlan while he and the two women finalized their report. Both Diki and Rada were asked to leave the room until Harlan arrived, and Rada was relieved to escape the damning looks

leveled her way. Madame Maureen disliked her, and she feared Rasin was equally unimpressed. Her only hope lie in Madame Pilari, but as the youngest member of the Committee, Rada was positive her thoughts carried very little weight with the other two. “Daughter, do not frown so. What is done, is done,” Diki smiled at her. “Mother, I would not have the Committee think badly of you,” Rada whispered. “If the Committee thinks badly of me, it is because I have failed in my duty to you and to this House,” Diki said simply. “What is done, is done,” she repeated, then fixed each of them a refreshing drink. “I suppose I should be a good hostess and offer a drink to the Committee, but I think I will allow my good manners to slip a bit…” she winked. “I do not care for Madame Maureen one little bit. She is snooty!” Diki announced, and Rada giggled. It took Harlan the better part of an hour to arrive. “My apologies for taking so long,” he said graciously. “I was in the middle of a problem when Diki called… Is the testing all finished?” he asked, giving the Committee an opening to begin their report. “It is, and I regret to inform you, Sir, that we are not pleased,” Maureen was the one to speak first. “We found Rada to be undisciplined, and lacking in skills necessary to run her own home. Her personality tested a strong ten, which is almost unheard of in this day and age!” “A ten!” Harlan gasped, and looked at Diki in surprise. His lovely wife‟s green eyes filled with tears of shame, and Rada looked pale. “A ten?” “Yes, Harlan,” Rasin spoke up. “All three of us rated Rada a ten. That will not change. We also find it necessary to find a fault with your wife, and issue a penalty. We are aware that Diki‟s rating is only a one, but she has sorely neglected to train Rada in the matters that are important. She must be made aware of the seriousness of the situation, and made to suffer the consequences of her negligence.” He looked down at his notes, and then said, “It is at Pilari‟s suggestion that we are going to retest Rada in wifely skills one month from today. At that time we expect to see a huge improvement, or further penalties will be leveled against this House. As a father myself, I am strongly suggesting a firm hand for your wife and daily supervision of your daughter‟s progress.” He got to his feet, and handed the papers to Harlan. “You will find our comments and suggestions here, as well as the fault and penalty issued to your wife. We will return one month from today.” ******************** Harlan took the papers and went to his home office to study them. He was in no mood to discuss the findings until he was settled in his own mind with the best way to proceed. He‟d always known that his Rada had a higher personality rating than he and his wife, but to learn she was a high ten came as quite a shock. It was no wonder the Marriage Committee was not pleased. Ratings of ten were practically unheard of in this day and age. It would certainly narrow Rada‟s options for making a good marriage. Very few men were rated a ten, and very few men could afford the luxury of bidding on a bride who was rated a ten. The fact that his daughter did so poorly on her testing did not help matters one bit, either. The silly girl was fortunate that Madame Pilari had talked the other two judges into retesting in a month‟s time. Harlan spent an hour reading over the test results, and shaking his head in disgust at the low scores. He knew Rada was not stupid; in fact, he knew she was intelligent, but the scores reflected none of that. He made several notes on a separate sheet of paper, and then picked up the fault his Diki was given. It was a simple piece of yellow paper, and he supposed he should be thankful that it wasn‟t issued on purple. The fault was clearly spelled out, and Harlan, as head of his House, was required to administer a penalty. He read it through, flinched, and then read it again. He was a man of honor, and had no choice but to accept the Marriage Committee‟s fault.

He sincerely wished it was otherwise, but Diki would be punished for failing to do her duty by Rada. His punishment would be in inflicting pain on his wife‟s body… He got to his feet, and went to join Diki and Rada in the social room for their family hour. Their evening meal would follow, and once that was finished, he would call Diki and Rada into his office to discuss the penalty and what he expected of them both for the coming month. Harlan knew that the ladies in his life would not be happy with him this night, but it couldn‟t be helped. He would do what needed to be done, for all of their benefit. Rada glanced up in trepidation as her father entered the social room. She was thankful that her mother was still in the kitchen, tending to their meal. “Father, may I speak with you a moment?” she asked softly, touching his arm. “Rada, we will discuss the Marriage Committee‟s findings after dinner, in my office. This is a time for relaxing,” he said firmly. “Father, please, I would speak without Mother hearing…” she begged for his understanding and forbearance. “I am to blame, not Mother. I would prefer that you give me her penalty…” “Rada, child, it is not possible. I am a man of honor, and I will obey the laws and customs. They were made for a reason, and I‟ll not debate the situation with you. There will be no more discussion until after dinner. You may tell me about your latest floral experiment,” he changed the subject, and listened with one ear as Rada dutifully told him of her project. When Diki joined them, he was not surprised to see that her eyes were red rimmed from crying. He regretted that she would shed many more tears before this day… and month… were through. Dinner was a quiet affair, each of the three lost in thought, and Harlan saw no sense in prolonging matters. He rose when he was finished eating. “When you are finished eating, and matters attended to in here to your satisfaction, I would have you and Rada join me in my office, Diki. We have much to discuss.” “Yes, husband,” Diki meekly replied. With Rada‟s help, the kitchen was soon made neat, and the two females walked to Harlan‟s office, both filled with trepidation. Diki knew she would feel the punishment strap this night, and Rada was filled with guilt. It was not fair for her mother to be punished… “Please sit down,” Harlan said formally. He was clearly unhappy with his duty. “Rada, I would ask this of you, did you do poorly on purpose, daughter?” He leveled his dark eyes on the child he loved with all his heart and waited for her to reply. “I won‟t lie to you, Father,” Rada replied solemnly. “I intended to do poorly so that the Committee would find me unsuitable for marriage. I knew you would never turn me out if that happened, and I do want to be a florist. But,” she rushed to finish explaining, “after our talk this morning, I tried to do well. I did not want my actions to reflect badly on Mother. I did poorly because I did not prepare myself… and because I angered the Committee by telling them I did not wish to be tested.” She took another breath, “Father, please do not be upset with Mother. I am the one at fault.” “Rada, this is not true. You did poorly because I have not insisted on teaching you and training you as I should have done. I preferred to make you happy by permitting you your garden and flowers when I should have been teaching you to cook and sew, and do other household things of importance. You did poorly because I neglected my duty to you and to this House. Husband, I have shamed you, and I am very sorry for doing so.” “Diki, are you prepared to correct your mistake this next month?” Harlan asked quietly. “Yes, husband. I will do my very best,” she replied.

“It will make the penalty easier to bear if you do well,” he told her, his dark eyes full of sympathy and regret. “Please, Father, I will bear the penalty for Mother,” Rada begged. “Rada, this is not possible, and you will not shame your father by asking,” Diki said firmly. “You will apply yourself to learning the tasks you need to learn before your next testing. Is this understood?” Diki reminded herself of her own mother when she spoke so sharply. “Yes, Mother,” Rada quickly agreed, anxious to give her Mother what comfort she could. “Rada, I have made a list of the areas you need help with. Your Mother excels in all of them, and I will accept no less than your full cooperation with her instruction. You will do as she says, or you will be strapped. Is this understood?” “Yes, Father,” Rada was shocked at his manner. “You are grounded from any activities outside this house for the next month, Rada, and you will retire to your bed after dinner each evening. You will use the time to reflect on the penalty your Mother must pay each day until you are retested.” “Each day?” Diki‟s green eyes opened wide in horror. “Oh, husband, no!” she gasped. “The penalty is stiff, wife, and it will hurt me to administer it,” Harlan assured her. “You will go to our Chamber, and prepare yourself. Place the strap beside you on our bed.” Diki rose immediately and ran from the room, already in tears. “Father, I am so sorry! Please… please… Do not punish Mother…!” Rada begged him, feeling as though her heart would break. Harlan stood, walked around his desk, and handed her the yellow fault, and the handwritten penalty. “I want you to read this, Rada, and perhaps each day you will be compliant. It will lessen your Mother‟s pain.” Rada quickly scanned the fault, feeling her face redden in the face of the formal charge of negligence her Mother faced. The second page of the fault dealt with the penalty. Harlan was honor bound to accept the penalty as written, or seek the Court to have it dismissed. If he took it to the Court, there was every chance it would be upheld, and perhaps increased. Frivolous suits were not tolerated, and the Marriage Committee had the test results to prove their claims of negligence. Diki was in disgrace, and Harlan chosen to provide correction. Diki was to receive a minimum of seventy-five with the punishment strap as her initial penalty, and a minimum of five more each day until her daughter was retested. At that time, she would be relieved of the original fault, and a new one issued if Rada didn‟t pass. It was further ordered that Diki be closely supervised, and if Rada did not show daily signs of improvement, the penalty be increased appropriate to the fault. Rada wanted to rip the paper in shreds, but it wouldn‟t solve a thing. She handed it back to her parent, and said, “I would take the penalty if I could, Father, but given that I cannot, I will promise you that I will make each day as easy on Mother as I can.” “If, for any reason, Rada, I am forced to give your Mother more than the minimum, you will receive double that amount when I finish with her. Is this understood?” “Yes, sir.” “Very well, you are being punished. I expect you to accept your early bed time and use the time wisely to reflect on how you will make tomorrow easier on your Mother.” Rada went to her chamber, and put herself to bed. She would accept her punishment, knowing it was far less than what her Mother would endure over the next few weeks. It simply wasn‟t fair… ********************

Harlan entered the chamber he shared with his wife, and wasn‟t surprised to find her waiting for him. Her bottom was completely bare, and she was lying over the pillows she‟d stacked on the bed to make herself readily available for the strap. She‟d laid it beside her, and he knew he loved her with all his heart. “I regret this is necessary, Diki. I am to give you a minimum of seventy-five stripes this night, and I know you will feel them, and have cause to be upset with me. It will please me if you will accept them well, so that I do not have to add extras, or start over again.” Diki flinched. Seventy-five was too horrible to contemplate, but she had been negligent of Rada, and would accept the strapping as due. “I will try to remain in place, husband. I regret shaming you.” “It was not intentional, Diki, and I know that,” Harlan gave her his assurance. “Your punishment will be to accept a penalty daily, and mine will be to administer it.” He picked up the heavy strap, and took a deep breath, then brought it down across her full rump. Diki cried out in pain, and Harlan felt tears sting his eyes. After the first ten stripes, Diki was sobbing, and he felt nothing but sympathy for her. Her skin was very tender. She was not used to being punished, and the strap had seen little use in twenty-five years. Diki wasn‟t sure how she would keep herself in place for the rest of her punishment. It hurt so much more than she remembered! She couldn‟t prevent herself from crying, then sobbing, and finally begging Harlan to have mercy on her and stop the whipping. Her pleas caused his heart to ache, but Harlan was a man of honor, and he had no choice but to finish the strapping. The Marriage Committee would be within their right to send a representative to check and see if their edicts were followed, and Harlan would not have Diki submitted to a public whipping if he was found to be lax in his duty. Better she suffered the full seventy-five at his hand, and knew it was given with love. He strapped the backs of her thighs, and her sensitive sit spot, mentally counting each stroke as it left a fiery red welt on her flesh. Diki would not want to sit down for a few days after this thrashing, and each night‟s reminder would make her howl. Diki finally collapsed, too spent to cry out anymore, and in to much pain to do anything but pray that it would soon be over. Harlan whipped her steadily, and when he finally stopped, she was limp, and in more pain that she believed possible. Harlan gathered her in his strong arms and offered her comfort and soothing words, and gently tucked her in their bed. There would be no wet towels or soothing gel to ease the pain. She would have to suffer the strapping until it faded away on its own. “Try to rest now, Diki,” Harlan said gently, stroking her back gently. “The rest of the month will not be so harsh to endure. Five each night, unless Rada disappoints us… And I do not think she will do that…” ******************** Rada brushed the tears from her face, thankful that her Mother‟s screams of pain had finally stopped. Her Mother might be the one to suffer the penalty of a whipping, but Rada felt most thoroughly punished and chastened. She would do everything in her power to keep her Father from whipping her Mother like that ever again! ******************** “Mother, I am so sorry you were punished,” Rada said when Diki turned to greet her as she entered the kitchen early the next morning. “I will work hard to make you proud of me…” she promised, hugging the older woman.

“Rada, the worst is over now,” Diki smiled at her lovely daughter. “We will both work hard and in a month‟s time, you will prove yourself an accomplished young woman. We will make your father proud of us both,” she kissed Rada‟s cheek, and then insisted that she set the table properly. The training had begun. At the end of the first day, and each day after, Harlan asked, “Diki, how did Rada‟s training go today?” “It went well, husband,” was Diki‟s reply. “Did our daughter cooperate as she should?” “Yes, she did. I am very pleased,” Diki replied without exception. Harlan would then turn to Rada, “What did you learn today, daughter?” Rada would give a thorough explanation, wanting to lessen her Mother‟s nightly penalty as much as possible. Harlan always heard her out, then would turn to Diki and ask, “Is Rada excused for the day, Diki?” Her mother always replied in the affirmative, and Rada was sent to bed like a naughty child. The only reason she did not protest the treatment was because she knew that Diki faced the punishment strap each and every night. Not to accept the early bedtime wouldn‟t have been fair. Each night, no matter how much she longed for sleep to come right away and spare her, she was forced to endure her Mother‟s cries of pain as the leather strap fell on a bottom that was already sore and bruised. Not one time had her father increased the number beyond the mandatory five, but that was more than enough to keep Rada feeling subdued and repentant. It would have been much easier to accept the strapping herself… ******************** “How are you feeling this morn, wife?” Harlan asked as he watched Diki brush her short hair. “Do you have any fears?” “No, husband, I am sure Rada will do well today,” Diki smiled. “I will be home today. If there are questions concerning your fault and the administration of the penalty, you will refer them to me to answer. Is this understood?” Harlan demanded. “Yes, husband.” “You have paid in full, wife, and I will have that known. I am very proud of the way you have worked with Rada this past month.” “Thank you, husband,” Diki smiled warmly. It felt good to be in her husband‟s good graces once again. ******************** Rada took out the pants and top and looked at them with distaste. She hated the very thought of putting them on her body. She much preferred the long gowns she was used to wearing, but she was going to make certain that her Mother didn‟t suffer for her actions today. It was time to be prudent. She was all finished dressing when Diki joined her. “What are you doing?” Diki asked in surprise. “I‟m getting ready for the Marriage Committee,” Rada answered. “You will dress normally, daughter,” Diki said firmly. “You have earned that right. You will do well on the testing, but you will be comfortable while doing so.” “Mother, I don‟t want to do anything to cause you more grief!” Rada protested. “Then wear your new green silk…” she walked to the closet and took out the garment she‟d had specially made for Rada. “You will be beautiful today.”

Rada‟s eyes shone, and she quickly dressed. The Marriage Committee arrived right on time, and when Madame Maureen looked with distaste at Rada‟s gown, Diki said, “I gave my daughter a new gown to wear today. She prefers this style of dress…” Rasin nodded, and said, “What is important, Madame Diki, is how well Rada does on her testing. Are you ready to begin?” he asked the redhead. “Yes, sir, I am,” Rada replied calmly. The testing was considered completed once Rada cooked and served lunch to the Marriage Committee and her parents. “We will adjourn to the social room to review our findings,” Rasin announced, and Rada calmly got to her feet and helped her mother clear the table, happy to have a few minutes without the three pairs of eyes staring at her as if she were a lab specimen. “How do you feel the testing went, Diki?” Harlan asked of his wife, and she could see he was genuinely worried. The last month had been hard on him. “I feel it went well, husband. I am proud of our daughter,” she added with a smile. The Marriage Committee concurred, and Rada was dismayed when she was given a marriage date for the following month. The very thing she didn‟t want… ******************** Zade didn‟t know why he bothered looking through the marriage ads. It was more of the same. He didn‟t want some meek and mild simpering female who was afraid of her own shadow. He wanted fire and spirit, and a woman who could match his temper without fear. He consistently looked for a Personality Nine or Ten, knowing that anything less would be doomed to failure and misery for both of them. He rated a top Ten himself, and while unusual, he wanted a woman to compliment him. Reluctantly, he did his daily perusal, and was shocked when he happened upon one ad in particular. The female was a Personality Ten. He read over the particulars, and noted with some amusement that the starting bid was more than some men could hope to make in a lifetime. He carefully cleared his calendar, and determined this was one marriage auction he wouldn‟t miss.

Chapter Three Zade of Zimitri was satisfied when he received the expected invitation from the Marriage Committee to attend the auction for Rada, daughter of Zandor. He was fairly positive there wouldn‟t be much in the way of competition, but his mind was made up. He would look upon the girl, and if she was as fiery in personality as he hoped she was, he would have her for his wife. She was a Personality Ten, which meant she had to have a mind of her own. She would need it to put up with him. He couldn‟t abide simpering women, and he hated it when a women dissolved into tears at the mere raising of his voice. He wanted a woman with spirit, and unless she was ugly beyond belief, he would make her his bride. It was time to marry and raise children. He wanted a happy home, one filled with laughter. He didn‟t want some quiet little mouse tiptoeing around for fear he would take offense. He wanted a woman with enough fire and sass about her that she‟d earn a spanking or two every few days. He enjoyed a challenge! He looked with anticipation on the day still two weeks away, and decided it wouldn‟t hurt to alert his family of his attentions. They would be shocked, but if he married and they weren‟t there to witness the ceremony, they would be hurt. He chuckled, and then picked up the telephone to call his little sister first. ******************** Rada knew the marriage ads were placed right away, and she was permitted to read hers. Her green eyes flew open in shock when she learned what the opening bid was. She knew her father was a successful man, but she had no idea he was so wealthy that her marriage bid would be so high. Diki patiently explained that since Personality Ten‟s were so rare, the bidding always went much higher. Any man who married Rada would be wealthy indeed, and that was a comfort to her parents. Rada would not want for anything. A month seemed like a long time, but her mother insisted it would pass quickly. There was much to do. Her wedding gown had to be purchased, and Diki wanted it to be something truly special. Rada was also made to study her vows, memorize them, and practice them daily, so that when the time came, she would not have to be prompted. Diki carefully explained how the wedding would be performed, and then comforted her daughter when she threw a major fit and declared she would not participate in such a thing! She‟d had much the same reaction when she‟d heard the news from her mother, but was more loving with Rada in dealing with the shock than her mother was with her. Her mother had taken a hairbrush to her backside, and sent her straight to bed for behaving like a child. Diki preferred to sit with Rada and hold her close and tell her it would be alright. Rada grew more and more nervous with each passing day, and was unable to take solace in her flowers and her garden as the day of her wedding drew near. The fact that she would have to leave her garden behind was devastating, and not knowing if her new husband would approve of her love of flowers was making her quite mad. She still wanted to be a florist, but even Diki said it was doubtful her new husband would permit that. He was bound to be wealthy and have a successful business to run, and she would be expected to be a gracious hostess and help him entertain. Rada was pretty sure her mother was correct, but it didn‟t mean she had to like the idea. What was to become of her lovely garden? Each day her father received more packets from the Marriage Committee, and both he and her mother were shocked that so many men were planning to attend the auction for her hand.

Rada was not permitted to see the packets, as was customary. It was Harlan‟s decision to veto any of the packets he found lacking in any way, and he did veto three of them, stating the men were too old for Rada. Five others were rejected on basis of cultural differences that Harlan was positive Rada would not be able to adapt to. The Marriage Committee accepted his vetoes, and when her marriage day arrived, there were nineteen men in all who would have the privilege of bidding for her. Rada rose that morning, and promptly ran to her bathing chamber and threw up. She did not wish to marry, did not like the prospects of being on public display, and the actual ceremony itself was terrifying to her. Her mother had talked to her daily, telling her it was something that every married woman faced, and was every husband‟s duty. Her grandparents would all be attending, as well as her aunts and uncles and cousins. Family friends were also invited to witness the ceremony, which would be the last of the day. Women were married in order of their Personality Ratings, and with Rada being a high ten, she would be last. Diki had provided her with her marriage gown, and Rada decided she should be thankful that at least she did not have to wear a shirt and trousers. She would wear the shimmery gold gown and nothing underneath, as was the requirement. It was how every bride dressed for their wedding. They were required to be at the Marriage Hall early, and Diki called to her once more to make ready to leave. Rada knew that being late would place a fault upon her House, and she wasn‟t about to let that happen. As much as she hated it, she would behave as a bride was expected to behave. She slid the gold fabric over her head, and had to admit the fabric felt wonderful against her body. It left little to the imagination, however. Every time she moved, her breasts were outlined, as were her hips and her bottom, and her legs. Her feet were left bare, as was customary. Rada brushed her long hair… She was required to wear it long and flowing on this day. “You are simply beautiful, daughter,” Harlan said in a voice husky with emotion as he saw her. “Thank you, Father.” “Yes, darling, you are absolutely beautiful,” Diki said proudly, then kissed her. “We‟d best leave now.” Once at the Marriage Hall, Rada had to be persuaded to walk inside. Her garment marked her as one of the brides, and men and women alike looked her over curiously. They approached the table where the Marriage Committee sat waiting to receive them, and even Madame Maureen‟s stern features relaxed into a smile when she saw Rada. “You look beautiful, Rada,” she complimented the young woman. “You are assigned to Room 117. You will be able to observe the weddings before yours, and be relatively comfortable. Three hours before your ceremony is to begin, any of the gentlemen issued an invitation may meet with you and your parents briefly. They will then submit their bids. Rasin will come to discuss those bids with your father, and a selection will be made. I wish you every happiness today.” “Thank you, Madame,” Rada said courteously. She would not shame her parents on this day. She was relieved when they reached their room. Her mother smiled at her, and her father took a seat to watch as people filed into the Hall and were seated. Invited guests were given priority seating, but anyone was welcome to attend provided there was seating available. The Hall was large, and there were many people who came and went. The brides‟ families had the advantage of knowing ahead of time of the wedding, and could arrange to be witnesses, but oftentimes, the grooms‟ families only knew that he would be

bidding. A lot of them came to the Marriage Hall, only to be disappointed if the young man‟s bid was refused. But, many considered watching the ceremonies an entertainment, and came often to see which brides would behave properly, and which ones would balk at meeting their groom. Rada was silent as the first bride and her parents walked onto the dais to meet her new husband. Rada felt sorry for the poor girl. She was wearing the golden bridal dress, but it looked terrible on her. Her short hair made her neck appear too long, and the color of her hair clashed with the gold of the dress. Her bridegroom looked as unhappy as she did. The girl‟s parents kept whispering to her, but she refused to look at the groom. Madame Pilari read the terms of the marriage contract aloud, and then asked the groom and the bride‟s father to sign it. Once that was finished, an elderly Judge stepped forward, and the couple spoke their vows quickly and with no emotion. In fact, neither could be heard to speak above a whisper, but the Judge was satisfied. Madame Pilari then placed a chair in the middle of the floor, and the new bride started sobbing. The groom took a seat, and motioned for his bride to come to him. The girl shook her head „no‟. Her mother whispered something, and tried to take her hand. The girl stubbornly refused to go, and Rada heard Diki‟s gasp. The father firmly ordered the girl to go with her mother, but she refused again. The groom‟s face was turning redder and redder, and Rada felt sorry for the girl when her father grabbed her arm and forcibly marched her over to where her husband was waiting. The family and friends watching the ceremony were visibly shaken by such a show of poor manners. He placed the girl‟s hand in her husband‟s, and she was promptly pulled down over his knee. Her mother raised her dress to bare her plump bottom to everyone‟s eyes, and Rada felt her stomach muscles tighten in dread. This was the part of the ceremony she dreaded most! Mistress Pilari stepped forward and presented the new groom with the Punishment Strap that all couples are awarded. Its purpose, in the eyes of the law, was to instill order in the home, and establish the boundaries right from the very beginning. The Punishment Strap is expected to be kept in the couple‟s chamber, and used if necessary to keep peace and harmony. Once the strap is presented to the new groom, he has the choice of using the strap, or his hand, to give his wife the symbolic spanking that is a part of the wedding ceremony. Most grooms made the choice to use their hand, and make the spanking a light one, hoping to show their bride tenderness and compassion. Other grooms chose to use the strap lightly, but others, ones who found their new bride‟s behavior embarrassing in front of family and friends, applied the strap with enthusiasm. Judging from the look on this groom‟s face, the poor girl was going to receive a serious strapping. It was easy to see the man was not happy with his bride, and he was determined to let her entire family know it. Rada was thankful she wasn‟t married to him!!! She cringed as the slap of the strap filled the air, and the girl‟s cries grew more and more desperate. The only thing that stopped the spanking was when Madame Pilari rang the bell. It was automatically set for three minutes as soon as the groom was presented with the strap. The man pushed her off her lap in disgust, and leaned down and said loudly enough it was heard throughout the Marriage Hall, “We will continue this at home.” The girl sobbed even more, and her mother helped her up, tears of shame on her face. The girl‟s father attempted to speak to the groom, but he stomped off the dais, clearly unhappy. “That was disgraceful,” Rada heard her father complain. “She must have been terribly frightened,” Diki said softly.

Rada remained silent, praying she would not be wed to someone cruel. How could the Marriage Committee possibly think that couple would get along? The day passed quickly, too quickly to suit Rada. She witnessed all the weddings, and refused to eat when lunch was served to their room. She was too afraid she‟d throw up. She watched as bride after bride left with a stranger she was to call „husband‟… a man who‟d just spanked her bare bottom in front of a huge room full of people, and she wondered how she could do such a thing when it was her turn to stand up on the dais with her parents and the man who would bid for her. She thought more than once about slipping away, but if she so much as moved, both her parents immediately asked what was wrong. Rada was going nowhere. As promised, three hours before her ceremony was to begin, Rasin knocked on the door and entered the room. “Harlan, are you prepared to meet with those men who wish to look upon Rada before bidding?” “Yes, of course,” Harlan agreed. “I will send them in, one at a time. They will be given a maximum of five minutes to speak with you, and twenty minutes after that time to submit their bids to me. I will bring the top three bids to you when we are completely finished.” Rasin walked out of the room, and almost immediately the first man entered. Rada took an intense dislike to him, and the man seemed shocked by her cold tone of voice. He left after only three minutes, and Rada was hopeful that he wouldn‟t bid. The next man spoke only to her father, and while he seemed polite, she was not impressed. It went on and on, and Rada was growing weary. Another man seemed polite, but the look in his blue eyes frightened her. “You would cut your hair at once after we wed,” he told her firmly. “No, I would not!” she immediately replied. He smiled coldly, and Rada felt a chill go through her. When he left the room, she turned to Harlan, “Father, please do not accept that man‟s bid. I am frightened of him.” Harlan looked at her silently for a moment, and it was with relief she saw him make a note on his paper. Another one or two came through, and Rada was growing wearing of their questions. Her mother gave her a whispered directive to mind herself, and Rada did her best to comply, but there was only so much a body could stand. “How many was that, Father?” she demanded. “Fourteen, daughter. Five more, if they all request an audience.” Harlan made a couple of notes beside the names of four men he‟d found more amiable and suitable, and he‟d put checks beside three of the names on his list, and hoped they wouldn‟t bid for his daughter. He would take a lower bid if he had to in order to prevent one of them from marrying Rada. He wanted her to be happy. The next man was tall, his eyes dark, and his hair was longer than most men found acceptable. He met Rada‟s gaze boldly, and smiled. She turned her chin up a bit in the gesture of defiance that warned her mother she was about to lose her temper, but before Rada could say a word, the man greeted her father, and her mother, doing so with extreme politeness. He asked Harlan a few questions, and Rada had to admit she was impressed when he also addressed Diki. He smiled at Rada, winked, and then left the room, without once addressing her personally. She didn‟t know what to make of him, but decided that he was probably put off by her long hair, as a couple of the others were.

There were only two more men who showed up, two others having decided not to bid after all. Rada was numb. She didn‟t want to marry any of the men. “Mother, were you frightened when you waited to learn that Father would be your husband?” “A little,” Diki admitted. “But I quickly grew to love your father, as you will your husband. Only those carefully screened by the Marriage Committee were allowed to bid today, dear. All of them will make you a suitable husband, if only you will try.” Rasin returned exactly one hour before the ceremony, three bids in hand. He showed them to her father, and seemed most pleased when Harlan consulted his list and promptly chose the highest bidder. “You are most prized this day, Rada,” Rasin said with a smile, then left the room. “Pilari will come for you when it is time.” “You must make yourself ready, Rada,” Diki fussed. “Take time to go to the facility, and I‟ll brush your hair.” Rada did as her Mother said, doing her best to find her inner strength. Rada knew she was not going to escape this, no matter how much she prayed for an intervention of some kind. Within the next hour, she would be on the dais, speaking her vows, and submitting to her new husband. She would not cower, she would not beg, she would not cry! She would hold herself with dignity and accept her fate with honor. When Madame Pilari came to escort them to the dais, Rada linked her arms through her parents and gave them each a kiss. It was customary for a bride to learn who her new husband would be when he stepped upon the dais. Somehow she‟d known it would be the tall man with the dark eyes and too-long hair. He was standing there, proudly, his eyes for her alone. She met his gaze, and wondered what it was about this one man that stirred her. “Harlan of Zandor and Zade of Zimitri have agreed to enter into a marriage contract for Rada, daughter of Zandor. The Marriage Committee wholly supports the terms…” There was a gasp from the crowd of people gathered to watch the ceremony when they heard the auction bid, and even Rada looked at Zade as if he‟d lost his mind. He merely winked at her again, and she was hard pressed not to giggle. That would never do. This was a most solemn occasion, and she would not humiliate her parents or herself in any way. She watched as her father and Zade signed the official papers, and once that was all done, the elderly Judge stepped forward. “We are gathered here today to join this man and woman in social bonds of marriage that cannot and will not be broken. Zade of Zimitri, you will now speak your marriage vows.” Zade turned to Rada. “I, Zade of Zimitri, will protect, nourish, encourage, satisfy sexually, and punish when necessary, this woman, Rada, daughter of Zandor.” He spoke firmly, and loud enough that those present could hear each and every word. He knew his mind, and was well satisfied with his choice, and his entire manner expressed that approval of his beautiful bride. “Rada, daughter of Zandor, you will now speak your marriage vows,” the Judge solemnly intoned. “I, Rada, daughter of Zandor, will obey, honor, respect, satisfy sexually, and submit to punishment, by this man, Zade of Zimitri,” Rada stated clearly, looking into the tall man‟s dark eyes as she did so. She would not quiver and show fear. Madame Pilari carried the chair to the center of the Dais, and Rada watched while Zade took his seat. He looked at her, and held out his hand. Rada could feel her parents tense on either side of her. Neither had wanted to ask her what her choice would be at this moment. She could take herself to her new husband, which would show an eagerness that was unseemly, and

embarrass both her parents and her new husband. She could grasp her mother‟s hand and let Diki take her to her new husband and help her over his lap and then prepare her for the spanking, or she could do as several brides did earlier, and throw a fit and have to be forcibly taken to her husband by her father. The latter would also prove embarrassing to her parents, and could well make her new husband angry. Rada‟s choice was to do this with dignity. She took her Mother‟s hand and squeezed it for courage. Diki smiled at her, her green eyes shining with pride. She walked Rada over to Zade and helped her over his lap, and then raised the golden fabric to bare her daughter‟s bottom. When Diki stepped back to stand with Harlan, Madame Pilari presented Zade with the new Punishment Strap. He thanked her politely, and then rested it on Rada‟s back, letting her and everyone else know he did not intend to use the strap. His hand was gentle as he started spanking Rada. The slaps were firm, but by no means painful. He leaned down to whisper for her ears alone, “You have made me proud, wife.” The timer went off, and Zade carefully covered Rada, and then gently helped her to her feet. He stood, and then leaned down to give her a gentle kiss, something none of the other grooms had done that day. The Marriage Committee all stepped forward to offer their congratulations, and Rada forced herself to be gracious. She would not spoil this day for her mother, not after what she‟d suffered to bring Rada this far. There would be no faults issued. They made their way as a group to the reception room assigned to them, and Rada received the congratulations and well wishes of her four Grandparents, her many Aunts and Uncles, and those of her cousins who were able to attend. Some of her Father‟s business acquaintances were there as well, and Rada smiled graciously at one and all. Zade had several family members present, but she was shocked to learn his parents were deceased. She met a couple of younger brothers, and a sister who was also married. Rada was positive she would forget all of their names, but Zade told her not to worry. Time would take care of the matter. Zade finally came to Rada and said it was time to make her goodbyes to her parents. She would be going to her new home, and they would not see her for the next two weeks. It was the time the Marriage Committee declared as „mandatory solitude‟. It was the time for a husband and wife to get to know each other and form a bond. Neither Zade nor Rada would be leaving their home, and visitors were not allowed during this time. Zade would make his wishes known to Rada for the running of his home, and they would consummate their marriage. Rada was not allowed to bring any of her personal belongings from home, and Zade was to provide for her needs. Rada walked over to where Harlan and Diki stood, talking with their parents, and reminiscing about their wedding day. “Zade wishes to leave now,” she said simply. Harlan stepped forward to give his child a big hug and a kiss. “I am very proud of you, Rada. You are a beautiful bride… just as your mother was,” he smiled at Diki. “Thank you, Father,” she said, pleased by his words. Diki tearfully bade her daughter goodbye, and told her to “be good”. Harlan reminded her that her husband was a strong ten, and would not be as lenient with her as she was accustomed. He kissed her, too, and then it was time to leave with her new husband. She was no longer, Rada, daughter of Zandor, she was Rada of Zimitri.

Chapter Four Rada was surprised when Zade swept her off her feet to carry her to his transport. She quickly put her slender arms around his neck as he smiled at her. “I would not have you bruise or cut your feet, wife,” he explained. Rada was more inclined to think he was protecting his hefty investment, but she responded politely with a “thank you”. Zade smiled to himself. His bride was a woman with a fiery spirit, and he was pleased by his choice. He gently seated her, and once she scooted across the seat, he climbed in beside her. Once they were underway, he turned to Rada. “You pleased me during our ceremony, Rada. You behaved with confidence and grace, and made me proud.” “I would not bring fault to my parents,” she replied, then forced herself to be polite. “I thank you for showing me consideration during the ceremony.” Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment, but she continued, “I am grateful for your gentleness.” Zade smiled. “Were you frightened, Rada?” he wanted to know, and was amused when her chin shot straight into the air. “I will not lie to you, Zade. That part of the ceremony is barbaric!” “I agree,” he shocked her by replying, and then added, “I think the spanking should take place in private, before the contract is read aloud to the witnesses.” “That is even worse!” Rada argued. “What woman would agree to marry a man who was harsh with her?” “Perhaps the man would feel no need to be harsh if the spanking were kept private?” he pointed out. “Perhaps the Marriage Committee should be spanked for forcing women to marry against their will!” Rada‟s temper was starting to fray around the edges. To her surprise, Zade chuckled. “What do you find so funny?” she asked sharply. “I wanted a woman of fire and spirit, and I am pleased with my choice. You will keep life interesting.” Rada didn‟t know what to say to that, so she looked out the window to see where they were heading. “Are you anxious to see your new home?” Zade asked after a few moments of silence. Rada nodded. “I hope you will be pleased, but if you are not, you only need tell me, and we will make changes to suit you,” he offered. Rada looked at him in surprise. “Do you have a garden?” “One that needs much improvement,” he admitted with a smile. “I recall reading that your hobby is flowers; you will find plenty to occupy your time.” “It is more than a hobby,” Rada confessed. “I wish to be a florist, but I was not given the opportunity. My father and the Marriage Committee insisted I marry!” her voice reflected her disappointment. “Rada, I would not have you truly unhappy in our marriage. We will discuss your wishes after we know each other better.” The promise was more than Rada expected and she smiled at her new husband. Perhaps this marriage would not be as miserable and unhappy as she feared?

“Here we are,” Zade announced when their transport stopped. He dismissed the driver, and once again, took Rada in his arms to carry her over the threshold. The door scan recognized Zade, and the door opened to admit him into the large foyer. He placed Rada on her feet, and then leaned down to gently kiss her cheek. “Welcome home, wife. We will start our „mandatory solitude‟ now.” Rada was suddenly full of fear, and she felt tears sting her eyes. How could he call this „home‟ when nothing at all was familiar to her? His was the only face she would see for the next two weeks; his the only voice she would hear. If he was cruel to her, no one would know. Zade wiped away a single tear with the pad of his thumb. “I know this is new to you, Rada. I will treat you with care.” When she nodded bravely, he said matter-of-factly, “The first thing we need to do is explore the kitchen. I have not eaten this day. What about you? Have you eaten?” “No,” Rada whispered. “Good, we will eat and talk.” Rada didn‟t protest as he took her hand and led her through a large dining room and into a spacious kitchen. “I asked my housekeeper to leave food, Rada. We will not have to cook tonight.” Rada looked around and felt the kitchen was every bit as nice as her mother‟s, but it lacked a „homey‟ feel. That would come in time, perhaps. Zade found what he was looking for, and he soon had warmed plates on the kitchen table. Drinks appeared next, and Rada wondered if perhaps she should be offering to help. “Sit down, Rada,” Zade invited, pulling out a chair for her. Rada sat, and waited for Zade to join her. Zade sat, too, and then raised his glass. “To our life together, Rada,” he said simply, his dark eyes challenging her to respond. Rada picked up her glass and clinked it against his, then sipped the delicate wine. She giggled, her green eyes sparkling with humor. “I did not imagine our first meal would be in the kitchen,” she admitted. Her Mother had warned her it was „traditional‟ for a bride and groom to eat in their bedchamber, feeling it would create a mood of intimacy. Zade nodded, and then said in a serious tone. “My brother-in-law served Lissa their first dinner together in their chamber. It made her very nervous, she told me. I am not too proud to accept well-meaning advice from my little sister. I would not have you unduly frightened, wife. When we go to our chamber, it will not be to eat. We will spend this evening talking and becoming more comfortable with each other.” He smiled, “Do you enjoy the wine?” Rada took another sip, and nodded. “It is very good, Zade.” “It is from our family vineyards. My sister and her husband are in charge there, and this is my favorite,” he explained. “Your sister is actually permitted to work?” Rada asked, very interested in Zade‟s reply. “Lissa is a winemaker, as is Alexander,” Zade answered. “They work well together and are well-suited. Lissa combines motherhood with her other duties, and she is happy.” “One of my greatest fears of marriage was that my new husband would not permit me to be a florist,” Rada confessed. “It encourages me to hear that you approve of your sister‟s occupation.” “I do not know much of gardens and flowers, Rada, but if it pleases you so much, then I am sure we can determine a suitable plan so that you will be happy.” “Thank you, Zade,” Rada smiled. “You are proving to be a good husband.”

Zade laughed. “I will do my very best to be a good husband, lovely Rada. Will you try also to be a good wife?” he wanted to know. “I will try,” Rada promised half-heartedly. “This food is delicious,” she wanted to change the subject. Zade let the conversation wander where Rada wanted to take it, and he was pleased when she rose to help him with the clean-up. Perhaps she wasn‟t totally spoiled after all. He showed her around the house, and it was easy for him to spot her favorite rooms. They were his favorite, too, he noted with satisfaction. He picked up the Punishment Strap the Marriage Committee presented them with, and finally led her to their chambers. “This is where we will spend our nights together, wife,” he said formally. “I would have you hang this in the closet. There is a hook inside the door for the purpose,” he told her. Rada swallowed hard, her face turning a fiery red as she took the strap from his hands. Just touching it filled her with anxiety, and she was filled with gratitude that he hadn‟t used it during the ceremony. She walked over to the large, walk in closet, and found the hook. She hung the strap, and then closed the door. “I can see the strap makes you very nervous, Rada. Were you punished often?” he asked. “No…!” she quickly denied. “Rarely… Father‟s punishments were mostly work assignments, or confining me to home. He rarely spanked.” “What of your Mother? Did she feel the strap often?” he asked gently. “She told me that Father had occasion to punish her twice over the years… until I failed my testing. The Marriage Committee found a fault, and issued a penalty… and Mother was strapped every night for a month…” “That is harsh!” Zade said in some surprise. “And your Father did not treat you to the same?” “No… I was sent to bed early nightly for my punishment, but worse was hearing Mother‟s cries each night.” Zade did not doubt that the punishment was worse for the lovely redhead than suffering a strapping. Her green eyes were full of tears, and he began to suspect that Rada‟s exemplary behavior during the Marriage Ceremony today was to insure her Mother would endure no more punishments. “Why did you fail your testing?” he asked, taking a seat on the bed so that he could watch her. “Because I did not pay attention to Mother‟s teachings… Because I preferred my garden and flowers to learning the things I would need to know to be a good wife… Because I told the Committee that I did not wish to be tested and auctioned off,” Rada replied with honesty. “I failed all but the simplest of tasks, Zade. If I‟d known that Mother would be faulted, I would have paid more attention to her lessons…” “Your Father should have turned you over his knee a few times,” Zade said quietly. “He should have been paying more attention to matters in his own home.” “It was my fault, Zade. Father and Mother are good, loving parents. I used that to my advantage.” Her cheeks were pink, but she would not let her new husband blame her Father for her shortcomings. “I will not make that same mistake, Rada. I will expect you to be a good wife, and when you fall short, you will be punished.” He watched as her eyes went to the closet. “I doubt I will need to use that Punishment Strap very often, Rada. It will only be used if you break a law, or a

fault is found against you. I prefer to use my hand to correct minor mistakes, and a paddle for more serious matters.” Rada found that her knees were shaking. She didn‟t like the conversation they were having. “Did your sister not warn you that discussing punishments could make your new wife feel extremely nervous?” Zade did not smile. “My sister has been married five years, and has been punished only once that I know of. She is only a level three, however. As a level ten, I am sure you will require a spanking at least once or twice a week… and in fact, I think you require one this very evening,” he shocked her by stating. “Why? What have I done wrong?” Rada‟s green eyes were fairly snapping. “You have done nothing wrong in our marriage,” Zade said calmly, “But you came to me full of guilt for the punishments your mother received. I think you need a sound spanking to relieve you of that guilt.” “No!” Rada protested. “If you can look me in the eye, sweet Rada, and tell me you do not feel guilty for the fault and penalty your Mother faced, then I will forget spanking you, and we will proceed with our wedding night.” She refused to meet his eyes. “Well, wife…? Is there guilt?” he asked gently. Rada wanted to sink through the thick white carpet. Yes, she felt guilty… but she did not want to start her marriage with a punishment! What could she say to prevent this from happening? “Rada, you will answer me when I speak to you,” Zade‟s voice was a bit stronger now. “I will be obeyed, and I will be respected.” “I feel guilty,” she whispered. “As well you should,” Zade remarked. “I think it is best to rid you of the past before we begin as husband and wife. This lesson should have been given by your Father, but now it falls to me as your husband. Come here,” he patted the thick comforter covering the huge bed. Rada had no choice but to obey him. His voice was full of determination, and his dark eyes were compelling her to do as she was told. She walked over to stand beside him, and once more he patted the bed. She realized that he wanted her bottom in that precise spot, but it was so hard to make herself comply. After chewing on her lower lip for a few seconds, she finally bent over, presenting her backside for a correction she knew she deserved, but one that she really did not want! “This spanking is to take away your guilt, Rada. I will not be harsh, but it is expected that you will lie right here and accept what is due.” Zade spanked hard, right from the very first spank, and Rada found it most difficult to maintain her position, and her dignity. She‟d vowed to accept the correction without uttering a sound, but it was soon impossible to stop herself from gasping as his hand landed unerringly on the soft, golden fabric covering her bottom. Over and over, he spanked, and Rada finally gave in to the tears threatening to spill. Zade was determined to spank his wife until she let go of the guilt she was carrying. He was sure that raising her gown would make that happen much sooner, but her gown would not come off until she was ready to give herself to him. It would be a dishonor to her to bare her until she did so of her own free will. And, by the same token, it would not be fair to Rada to use a paddle that would be for serious infractions in their marriage. He continued to spank her, making sure to spank a little lower to catch the sensitive area right below her cheeks.

“I am sorry, Zade! Oh please, I am so sorry!” Rada finally sobbed. Her bottom was on fire, and she simply didn‟t think she could take much more. She wasn‟t used to being spanked…! Her poor Mother! How awful it must have been to have the heavy strap smack against her delicate skin every night for a month! She cried even harder. Zade smiled in relief. Finally his lovely bride was reaching her emotions and letting the punishment assuage her guilty feelings. He spanked even harder, and rested his hand on the small of her back to assist her. “Do you feel punished now, Rada?” he asked. “Yes! I am so sorry! I really am!” she bawled. “Then I think another one hundred will serve to finish the punishment, wife. Will you accept them as your due?” he asked. “Yes, sir,” she agreed. Zade did not spare her. He gave her the spanks in sets of ten, spanking one cheek five times, then the other cheek five times. He spanked her upper thighs, and her sit spot, and started all over again. He did this three times, and Rada was having trouble staying in place, even with Zade helping her. “Ten more, and these will be the hardest of all,” he warned. All of them were given to her sensitive sit spot, and when the spanking was over, Zade rubbed her back while she sobbed. Finally, she quieted, and he asked softly, “Do you feel better now, Rada?” “I‟m embarrassed,” she whispered. “No need for that, lovely one. We are husband and wife now… Are you over your guilt? Was the spanking enough?” he asked in concern. “It was enough,” Rada answered truthfully. “I am ashamed of my childish behavior, but it‟s done, and I have been punished. I can leave it behind now,” she said, surprised at how much better she did feel. Her Father should have given her the strap… “You are not angry with me for this spanking?” he asked softly, his words full of meaning. Rada looked at him shyly. “I am not angry, husband. You were right to insist I put this behind us before we start our marriage.” “Are you well enough to start our marriage tonight?” he asked. He would not like it one little bit if she said „no‟, but he would accept her decision. A woman had every right to refuse sexual favors right after a punishment, just as a husband had every right to refuse gratification after a punishment if he felt it in the best interests of their marriage. Rada looked at him, and was pleased by the compassion in his dark eyes. The spanking she had received was for her benefit, not his. She was shocked to realize she really did want to start her marriage. She was a bit afraid, but she instinctively trusted Zade to treat her well. “I would like to start our marriage tonight, Zade,” she smiled. Zade caressed her cheek. “I am pleased, wife. I will fix your marriage bath, if you are ready…?” “I am,” she answered, her face turning pink. Rada had been well schooled in what to expect from her Mother. Diki explained that the marriage bath was meant to relax her body, and that by preparing the scented water, her new husband was inviting her to wash away her childhood, and come to him as a woman. Once Rada removed her golden wedding gown, she would never wear it again. From this point forward, her new husband would clothe her. Diki also explained that some men preferred total nudity for the two week „mandatory solitude‟, claiming it helped the wife adjust to her new role. Diki said it would be up to Rada‟s new husband to make this choice, and that Rada was lovely and should not be ashamed of her body.

Zade went into the bathing room, and adjusted the temperature to one that he hoped would be comforting to his wife‟s reddened bottom, and he added the scent he‟d chosen especially for Rada after reading the information provided by the Marriage Committee. He hoped he had chosen well, recalling some of the disasters he had heard about from other men over the years. It was a well known fact that women either loved or hated the scent chosen for their wedding bath. A woman who hated the scent was apt to cry… and Zade did not want that. He wanted lovely Rada to desire him as much as he desired her. The bath was made ready, and he returned for Rada. “Your marriage bath is prepared, wife. Will you give me your gown?” he asked, his dark eyes smoldering. Rada blushed profusely, but nodded. Her hands were trembling, but she carefully removed the shimmery golden dress from her body, and placed it in his outstretched hands. She stood there proudly, folding her hands behind her back as Diki instructed, permitting her husband to see her fully. “You are even lovelier than I imagined you would be, Rada. I am pleased,” Zade said in a husky voice. “Thank you for the gift of your gown. May I take you to your bath?” Zade was trying to do everything in his power to let Rada know how special this moment was for him. Rada nodded, and accepted the hand he held out to her. His touch made her tingle, and it was with anticipation she accompanied him to the bathing chamber to learn which special scent he had selected for her. She recognized the perfumed fragrance immediately, and smiled. “This is perfect, Zade,” she inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance of exotic roses soothe her soul. “Oh, yes… You have chosen well,” she sighed, relaxing completely as he helped her into the tub. The water was exactly the right temperature, and Rada enjoyed Zade‟s ministrations. He was gentle with her, and took the time to let her adjust to his touch. The large white towel he wrapped her in absorbed the excess water, and Rada could see that her new husband was very much aroused beneath his clothing. “Has your Mother explained what happens between a man and a woman when they join together?” he asked carefully. He did not want Rada to be frightened, and often women came to their husbands without the first bit of knowledge. It was felt to be a husband‟s right to initiate his wife in whatever manner pleased him. “I know what to expect, Zade. Mother said it is a beautiful thing to be loved and cherished by a husband, and she said it is just as important to give pleasure as to receive it.” “Your mother is wise, Rada, and I am pleased with her instruction. I will be gentle with you, and if you feel frightened or rushed, you are to tell me right away. Will you do that, lovely Rada?” he asked, his finger tracing her sweet lips. “I will be safe with you, husband,” Rada said simply, not sure why she felt she could trust a man she barely knew, but as positive of her feelings as if she‟d known Zade her entire life. Zade placed Rada on their bed, and removed his own clothing before joining her. He was relieved when she showed no sign of fear when she looked upon him in his fully aroused state, and he cautioned himself to take things slow and easy. Rada‟s skin smelled like the exotic roses she grew in her garden, and the simple pleasure only added to the delicious things Zade was doing to her body. His touch was gentle and tantalizing, and she was moaning and begging for more. Zade was humbled when she asked if she could touch him, too, and he granted permission with a husky, “Please…” Her touch was completely innocent, but drove him wild with desire, and he had to stop her much too soon or he feared he would disgrace himself all over the sheets.

Rada could tell that Zade‟s patience was fast coming to an end, as he used his hand and tongue to make her mindless of anything but wanting him deep inside her willing body. Their joining was made easy by their passion, and Zade swallowed her cry of pain as the tiny membrane gave way. He gentled her and coaxed her through the uncomfortable moments right after the joining, and soon she was urging him to bring them to release. Zade was amazed when Rada cried out her release, and her body‟s spasms caused him to spill his seed deep within her. He held her close, unwilling to let her go, while their breathing calmed. He stroked her, and whispered to her, then finally rose to run another bath to soothe his bride. The night was a magical one for Rada, and her last thought before drifting into a satisfied sleep was that she was one very lucky woman! Morning found them entwined in each other‟s arms again, and Rada was shocked to find herself responding just as ardently as the night before. Finally, Zade gave her bottom a pat and asked if she intended to feed him or keep him in bed all day! Rada giggled, and announced she was hungry too. She felt self-conscious when she rose from their bed, and smiled when Zade helped her slip into a long robe. He put one around himself, too, and they padded barefoot through the house to the kitchen. Rada told herself that she could and would cook something fit to eat. The problem was, she didn‟t know where anything was kept in the large kitchen, and most of all, she didn‟t know what her new husband liked to eat. “What‟s wrong?” Zade was quick to note her mood. “I feel lost!” she explained. “I don‟t know what you like to eat, or even what you have to prepare…” “I eat almost anything,” he told her matter-of-factly. “The kitchen is yours, Rada. You‟ll learn where things are by looking around, and by asking.” “What if I cook something you hate?” she asked of him, unsure of herself. “Then I will bend you over the table and spank you and make you do it all over again,” he answered solemnly, and when Rada looked at him in shock, he chuckled, and then laughed outright. Rada‟s quick temper took over, and without giving it a thought, she tossed the first thing she picked up, a piece of fruit from a bowl on the gleaming counter-top, right at Zade‟s head!

Chapter Five Rada watched in shocked disbelief as Zade‟s large hand came up to catch the piece of fruit. “I am sorry!” she whispered, appalled at her own behavior. It was not acceptable to throw anything at one‟s new husband! He would be within his rights to punish her, and truth to tell, her bottom was still tender from last night‟s spanking! “Am I witnessing a bit of temper, wife?” Zade asked, noting the bright red flush over her lovely cheeks. “I am sorry I threw the apple, Zade.” Rada could not bring herself to look up at him. She was pretty sure she would see anger in his dark eyes. “Throwing things, even fruit, is not acceptable behavior, Rada,” Zade said gently, then added, “Even when I have teased you. Some objects in this house are valuable, and I would not have them broken in a fit of temper. Are we clear on this?” “Yes, husband,” Rada replied, hoping that would be the end of the matter. “You will need a small spanking to remind you of this rule. Would you prefer to tend to the matter at this moment? Or would you rather eat first and accept your punishment afterwards?” he asked quietly. “I will remember the rule, Zade,” she said earnestly. “There is no need for a punishment…” “This is not for you to decide, wife,” he said gently. “Only the decision to be corrected before or after we eat…?” He waited for her to say something, and when she did not, he asked, “Perhaps you wish to be corrected before breakfast for throwing things, and after breakfast as well for refusing to answer your husband‟s question?” He was positive that would get her attention, and it did. Within seconds he was looking into her flashing green eyes. “I would prefer to get it over with… since it is most disagreeable and distasteful, and you are being mean!” Rada could not resist adding the last little bit, and then wished she‟d kept her mouth shut when she saw his lips tighten in disapproval. “Come to me, Rada,” Zade said as he pulled out a chair and took a seat. She hesitated for a few seconds, in genuine apprehension, but not out of a desire to be defiant, and then walked over to where he waited patiently. “Why are you going to be punished, wife?” he asked. “Because I threw the apple at you,” Rada replied, forcing the words from her lips. “I did apologize, Zade,” she reminded him. “Yes, you did, but since then you have argued with me, and shown me disrespect. I will not permit that, Rada,” he said softly. “Over my knee now, and pull your robe up so that I can see your bottom.” Rada felt herself blushing from the toes up. It hadn‟t occurred to her that Zade would make her ready herself for the correction, or that she had made matters worse for herself by arguing. She was not starting off the day in a good way. Tears burned her eyes as she settled over his thighs. “I am truly sorry for arguing, Zade. My only excuse is that I am not used to your ways. I will strive to do better,” she whispered, hoping that he would accept her apology and lessen her punishment. “I know you are not used to marriage, wife. Neither am I, and we will learn much from each other during our „mandatory solitude‟.” He patted her bared bottom, and then commented. “I do not wish to have my wife throwing things like a child having a tantrum… even in jest. This lesson is to remind you of this rule, Rada.”

Rada gasped when his hard hand cracked against her bare flesh. The spanking was slow and deliberate, and it HURT! “Oh! I am sorry! Zade! Please stop!” “Will you recall this lesson the next time you are tempted to throw something, little Rada?” he asked gently. “Yes, husband! I will recall. I promise!” “Very well. We will have done with this.” He stood her on her feet, and her robe fell about her ankles. When she raised her tear-filled eyes to his, he added, “I am going to overlook your arguing and your disrespect this one time, Rada. We are both new to this, and I will accept your apology as sincere. I will not be argued with when you have earned a punishment, and if this happens again, you will learn very quickly that I do not tolerate disrespect. I would not be harsh with you this morn, Rada,” he added gently, caressing her cheek with tenderness. “I will try harder, husband,” Rada stepped forward to rest her head on his chest. “I behaved badly…” Zade wrapped his arms around her slender body and held her close. He meant what he said; he did not wish to be harsh with her. He wanted her to be warm and loving with him, not fear him. Rada was not used to much in the way of correction, and it would take time to ease her into his life. After a few minutes, he kissed the top of her head, and gave her backside a gentle smack. “Wife, I am hungry!” Rada giggled when his belly rumbled to give proof of his words. She smiled, and then said, “Since you are so famished, husband, then perhaps you will not be so picky if my offering does not please you…!” Zade chuckled. “I promise not to be picky, wife.” He offered to help, and Rada had no qualms about putting him to work. He caught her sly, amused glances when she thought he would not notice. “I take it your Father does not help in the kitchen?” he looked at her to ask. “Oh, no! Father is very traditional. He hired a woman to come in the few times Mother was unable to care for us for some reason. And, to tell the truth, Zade, Mother would be mortified to have Father help her in the kitchen.” “Do you think it unmanly?” he asked curiously. “No,” she promptly replied. “I think you are very capable of doing whatever you wish and no one would think less of you.” She meant the words as a compliment, and was relieved when he smiled. “I enjoy cooking,” Zade admitted without shame. “I enjoy sharing the kitchen with you like this. It will be a good way for us to stay in touch with each other, especially if you wish to have a career as a florist.” Rada‟s green eyes were shining. “I feel like pinching myself to see if this is truly real, or if I am going to wake up and find this was all a dream…! Zade, please tell me you are seriously considering permitting me to be a florist!” she pleaded. “I would not tease you about something that means so much to you, little Rada. I would have you happy and content. We will make adjustments so that we are both happy in this marriage.” He was more than a little pleased when she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. He returned the favor, and then released her with a hearty smack. “FOOD!” he growled. Rada winced when she sat on her chair to eat, but she did not complain. Her tender bottom did not upset her at all, and to her surprise, she found that it made her feel loved and cherished. Perhaps marriage to Zade would be a wonderful thing… ********************

Zade and Rada had been married for one week to the day, and Zade was very pleased with his new bride. She was willing and eager in their chambers, anxious to please and be pleased, and he found her absolutely delightful. She was also highly intelligent, and he was amazed he could discuss some of his business matters with her and get advice that was right on target. He was pleased, happy, and content with his choice of a wife. The only problem he could see was that Rada had a terrible temper. He‟d watched her struggle with it a few times, and he was pretty sure it was only a matter of time before she gave in to the tantrum that had been brewing within her for a few days… Rada was feisty enough to keep their marriage from becoming dull and boring. Rada didn‟t know why she was so irritable. She missed her parents, of course, and her gardens, but she was lacking for nothing. Zade had provided her with a wardrobe full of robes that were beautiful, and he preferred her long hair down and flowing free. He accepted her preference of dress, and to her pleased surprise, admitted it was one of the reasons he bid for her. She had plenty of food to choose from, and willing hands to help prepare it. And, her husband kept her very happy and satisfied in their marriage bed. Rada was angry with herself for being so irritable, and could not explain what was wrong with her. She had no legitimate excuse for her unrest. “Stop it!” Rada snapped. “Excuse me?” Zade looked at her in surprise. “You are crunching!” Rada accused. Zade grinned. “Feeling a bit testy, are you?” “I mean it, Zade. You are crunching, at it is annoying!” Rada‟s eyes were full of temper, and Zade couldn‟t help chuckling. “It is not funny!” Rada slapped the table, and their coffee sloshed all over. “You crunch when you eat. Even soup! You crunch!” Zade leaned back and let her rant. His little bride was asking for a spanking, even though she probably did not realize it. He listened to her find fault with everything under the sun for the next ten minutes without pause, then got to his feet, swept her up into his arms and carried her to their chamber, still squawking at him. “What are you doing, Zade! You put me down right now!” Rada fussed at him, and when that did not work, she turned to bite him. “Yeouch!” Zade yelped in pain. “That, my dear, is going to cost you!” he promised, entering their chamber and dropping her on their bed. “I cannot believe you bit me!” he looked at her in surprise. Rada promptly burst into tears. “I do not know what is wrong with me, Zade! I am so sorry! I do not want you to hate me!” she wailed, sobbing as if her heart would break. “I could not hate you, little Rada,” Zade sat beside her and stroked her back. “You are the perfect wife for me,” he told her so seriously that she raised her tear-streaked face to look at him in surprise. He could see that she did not believe him. “Little Rada, do you recall asking me why I chose you?” “You said my long hair and dress pleased you very much,” she replied. “They do, but even more, I wanted a woman with spirit. A woman who could handle my moods, and one who would keep me on my toes and never let life get boring. I wanted a woman who would need a spanking every so often to feel loved and cherished… I wanted a woman of fire, and I am certain you are that woman.” “My temper does not anger you, husband?” Rada questioned.

“You are trying so hard to be perfect, little Rada, and you need not. Your temper will not earn you more than a spanking on your sweet bottom.” “I do not want a spanking!” Rada pouted. Zade smiled at her. “You may not want one, wife, but you do need one in the worst way.” He took her hand and pulled her over his lap, then pushed her gown up and out of his way. “No! Do not, Zade!” Rada pleaded, but her cries went unheeded. Her husband started spanking, and her bottom soon burned. “Please, no more!” “I have barely started, wife. Trust me, you will feel much less irritable when I am through spanking you soundly.” He continued talking to her, soothing her with his voice, even as his hand turned her cheeks a deep, dark red. Her upper thighs were next, and Rada was soon crying. “Are you beginning to feel less irritable, wife?” Zade questioned. “Yes… I am so sorry!” she proclaimed, then added, “I am so sorry I bit you!” “Ah, yes… We will deal with that now,” Zade turned his attention to her sit spot. His lovely bride would feel his displeasure over that bite for the next day or so. He spanked hard, and Rada cried out with each spank to the tender area. He was not severe, but was satisfied a lesson had been given when he decided to stop spanking her. Rada wanted to be alone, to cry out her misery in peace and quiet, but Zade did not give her that option. He gently turned her over to sit on his lap, and he cuddled her while she cried. When she finally quieted, he asked, “What are you thinking right this moment, wife?” Rada started a bit, and then admitted, “I was thinking that my butt really hurts!” “I am sure it does,” Zade acknowledged, then persisted. “I would know your emotions, Rada. Are you angry? Afraid of me? Sad?” “I am mostly upset with myself,” Rada confessed. “I was not raised to bite people, and I am ashamed of myself.” “You have been punished for your behavior; it is forgiven now.” “Thank you,” she surprised him by saying. She sat quietly for a while, and then asked curiously, “How did you know a spanking would make me feel better?” Zade smiled, “So it did make you feel better…?” “I am feeling just as you said: cherished and loved, and very content and safe. I do not understand why a punishment should make me feel this way. I am sure my Mother hates being punished.” “I am sure she hates disappointing your Father, and that she does hate the punishment itself, but I am equally sure she knows he punishes because he loves her… not out of a desire to hurt or harm her…” “I know Father loves Mother,” Rada agreed. “He hates punishing her…” “And I am sure he holds her afterwards to make her feel loved.” “Mother said that her feelings for Father did not change after a punishment. She loved him even more.” “And your feelings for me?” he asked, holding his breath. Rada shyly looked at him, and saw the vulnerability in his dark eyes. That vulnerability gave her the courage to say, “I think I am falling in love with my husband.” Zade smiled, then kissed her tenderly, before whispering, “I am falling in love with my wife, little Rada, and I am most pleased…” Their lovemaking took on another, deeper aspect, and the days passed quickly. Their precious „mandatory solitude‟ would be coming to an end in another day, and Rada was truly

shocked at how quickly the time had passed. She was anxious to see her parents, but hated the fact that this special time would soon be at an end. “What are you thinking, wife?” Zade noticed the little frown on her sweet lips. “I cannot believe that we have so little time left alone, husband.” “When we entered this house, you thought the two weeks would be an eternity.” “I did, and I was so afraid. You made me feel welcome, and safe, and loved. Now I wish we could have another two weeks,” Rada smiled. “I am sure we will find time to be alone, wife,” he pulled her close and gave her a kiss. “I do a lot of work from home, and we will spend a lot of time getting your floral business set up. And we do have the formal reception to plan.” “Do we have to do that?” Rada hated large parties of any kind. “We have discussed this, Rada. I need to introduce you to my family, friends, and business acquaintances who wish to meet you. It is customary.” “I do not hold with this custom,” Rada stomped her foot. “Rada, we will begin work on the guest list after lunch today. This is one area in which I will not indulge you. I entertain frequently, and you will be responsible for making our guests welcome. This party is only the first of many.” Rada set her lips in a stubborn line, but did not argue with Zade. She was not good at this sort of thing, and he would soon discover that. Zade was pretty sure he was going to have to get firm with Rada. Surely she had to realize how important social obligations were to his business relationships. If not, she would learn. He patiently helped her fix their noon meal, and enjoyed the salad she made. The dressing was different, and when he questioned her about it, she merely shrugged and said it was her Mother‟s recipe. “It is very good, Rada. You are a much better cook than you led me to believe,” he teased. “I had a good teacher,” she smiled, pleased that he was pleased. The cleanup was quickly done, and Zade invited Rada to his office. He sat her at a small desk, gave her paper and a pen, and said, “You can start by making a list of guests you wish to invite, wife, and I will do the same from my end. Then, you can make a list of ideas you have for the party… and I will do the same. We will compare them then, and see what we have. Invite as many people as you wish.” “I do not wish to invite anyone!” “Little Rada, we are having a reception. I expect you to accept that, and put your mind to planning… right now.” He saw her stiffen, but she picked up the pen and turned her back to him, and started writing. Good. A little firmness, and his new bride would soon learn when he meant what he said. Rada worked diligently for the next hour. She doubted her new husband would be pleased, but that was just too bad. She did not want a huge party, and she was not going to plan one. A small dinner party was one thing, but a huge, meet-everyone-at-one-time party, was more than she could contemplate. She was not having it, and her new husband needed to know that he was asking entirely too much of her. Zade was pleased to see the look of concentration on his wife‟s lovely face. She was throwing herself into the project with determination. Finally, she laid down her pen, and looked over at him. “May I see what you have written, wife?” Zade asked politely.

“Of course. I wrote it for you,” she smiled sweetly. She put the stack of papers on his desk, then said, “I need a few minutes alone,” she excused herself, and then hurried from the office. Zade would need some time to come to grips with her statements. Zade watched her leave the room, and assumed it was „necessity‟ making her hurry. He smiled to himself, and then decided to check over her guest list. He frowned when he saw the pages were covered in her handwriting, but there was no list. No… It was a letter, to him. He started reading, and by the time he was finished, Zade decided his lovely wife had earned herself a good paddling, and there was no time like the present. Rada wondered why she thought writing Zade a letter would work…? Her husband was seated on the bed, and he had a wooden paddle in his hands. “Zade, I would like to discuss this,” she said. “We are going to discuss your letter… thoroughly,” he agreed. “I found your tone disrespectful and condescending.” “I was angry when I started writing,” she admitted. “You would not listen to me. I truly hate large parties.” “I listened to you, Rada. I also explained to you why this Reception is necessary and important to me. I expected you to cooperate after that. Instead, I get a letter filled with cutting remarks, and attempts to make me feel guilty. I will not be manipulated in that manner, Rada. Your letter was disrespectful, and there is no room for that in our marriage. I want you to remove your robe and come over here. You are going to be spanked and then paddled.” Rada‟s green eyes filled with tears. “I did not mean to be disrespectful…” “Were you not trying to make me feel guilty in order to get your own way? Manipulate me? Is that not disrespectful?” Zade demanded. When she did not reply, he said sharply, “Well?” “It is disrespectful, husband. I am sorry.” “You will be very sorry shortly,” he stated. “Remove your robe, and come to me.” Rada slowly undid the buttons on her floral patterned gown. She feared she was in for a time of it. Zade was truly unhappy with her, and she wondered if she would ever learn to curb her angry impulses. All too soon Rada was standing in front of her husband, and he was scolding her over various points in her letter. All of the reasons and excuses that seemed so valid only minutes before, seemed childish and petty now that she was being called upon to explain them. Zade brought her to tears, and he had yet to raise a hand to her! “Over my knee,” he curtly ordered, and Rada was happy to comply. Anything was better than standing in front of him and listening to her own words condemn her… Zade spanked with his hand, and Rada‟s lovely skin reddened quickly. He meant this to be a firm lesson, and one he would not have to repeat any time soon. Rada was struggling to stay in place. The spanks hurt and her delicate skin felt as though it was on fire. She begged Zade to stop, but all he did was slide her forward over his left thigh, and then use his right leg to hold hers down. It put her bottom in a most vulnerable position, and when she tried to reach back, he captured her wrists in his hand and pinned them to the small of her back. She was completely helpless to stop the punishment, and Zade showed no signs of stopping any time soon. The spanking went on endlessly, and it wasn‟t until she was limp that he finally stopped peppering her behind. Zade stood her on her feet, and then marched her over to a corner with instructions to stand there and think. She was to be paddled soundly when he called to her.

Rada was miserable. Her backside burned already, and she didn‟t know how she would be able to take the paddle on top of what she‟d already endured. Why oh why had she given him that letter? She truly regretted it. Zade let Rada stand there until she stopped crying and was in control once more. He knew she had to be hurting already, and he regretted the fact it would be necessary to paddle her as well. Disrespect was something he would not tolerate, and Rada needed to learn that lesson. He just hated giving it to her so close to the end of their „mandatory solitude‟. He wanted her to be happy and cheerful when her parents came to visit them, not wincing every time she tried to sit down. Rada jumped when he called her name. She turned and walked over to the bed, where he was waiting for her. “What have you to say for yourself?” he demanded. “I am very sorry, husband. It was wrong of me to write that letter… It was very disrespectful, and I regret my words.” “Very well. If you regret them, you will ask for your paddling.” He wondered what she would do. “I do regret my words, Zade, but it is very hard to ask for a paddling… I hurt so much already…” she tearfully explained. “I know it is deserved, but I really do not want to ask for it…” He waited a bit longer, willing to give her time to make it easier on herself. Finally, she whispered, “Will you give me a paddling for being disrespectful, husband?” “Yes, I will,” he agreed, relieved he would have an excuse to go a bit easier on the lovely redhead. “Over my left thigh. I will hold you tight to make it easier for you to stay in place.” Rada was crying, but she did as he requested. He pinned her legs, and her arms, then said, “I planned to give you twenty-five, wife, but since you admitted you deserve punishment, and since you were brave enough to ask for your paddling, I am only going to give you ten. They will hurt, and you will feel each one…” he warned, and a brief second later the thin, wooden paddle cracked on her right cheek. Rada yelped in pain, and a second later, her left cheek felt the same stinging sensation. This was much worse than his hand! Somehow she managed to take all ten, and then the spanking was over. Zade held her while she cried, but when she wanted to rub her bottom, he denied her the simple relief. She was to wear the spanking until it wore off on its own… Rada found she did not care much for sitting at the small desk when Zade took her back to his office a few minutes later. She hurried to write out a guest list, and scribbled several ideas for the Reception, hoping Zade would find them acceptable. He would not permit her to get up from her chair until he read each word. “This is a good start,” he finally agreed. He smiled, and then invited Rada to curl up with him on the sofa so they could compare ideas. She was amazed at how easily their plans came together… “Now, I think we should plan a special dinner for guests tomorrow evening…” Rada looked at Zade in disappointment. She had been so sure they would visit her parents tomorrow evening. Their official „mandatory solitude‟ would be over tomorrow afternoon… “Who were you planning to invite?” she asked, hoping her upset did not show. “I think your Mother and Father would like to see your new home… And I would like the opportunity to know them better,” he smiled.

Chapter Six Once the guest list for the reception was finished to Zade‟s satisfaction, he announced, “I think we should plan a special dinner for guests tomorrow evening…” Rada looked at Zade in disappointment. She had been so sure they would visit her parents tomorrow evening. Their official „mandatory solitude‟ would be over tomorrow afternoon… “Who were you planning to invite?” she asked, hoping her upset did not show. Her poor butt was still smarting from the spanking she‟d received earlier and she had absolutely no desire to experience more of the same for arguing with her husband, or for sounding disrespectful “I think your Mother and Father would like to see your new home… And I would like the opportunity to know them better,” Zade smiled. It was wonderful to see Rada‟s face light up with delight as she immediately agreed with him. “Oh, Zade, that would be wonderful. I have missed them so much,” she declared. “I was hoping to visit with them, but your suggestion would make Mother very happy indeed.” “And your Father? He will not wish to come and see how you fare in your new home?” Zade asked curiously. “Of course he will,” she promptly replied. “It is just that Mother tends to worry more than Father does.” “I am positive that your Father worries, too, wife, but that he hides it from you much better than your Mother does.” He smiled. “What dishes should we prepare that would be enjoyable to them?” Rada considered his question, and then answered, “I am not sure, husband. Father eats whatever Mother prepares, and always compliments her efforts. I do notice that he seems to eat two servings of anything with chocolate as the primary ingredient. Perhaps a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting would be a good choice for dessert? I do know Mother‟s recipe…” she smiled. “An excellent choice,” Zade nodded, and then added, his dark eyes twinkling in good humor. “I am partial to chocolate cake myself.” “I will remember that, Zade,” she promised in a soft voice, giving him a shy smile. “I do wish to please you.” “You do please me, wife,” he assured her, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “And what of your mother? Does she have any favorites?” “Mother cooks mainly to please father… and me,” Rada acknowledged, then added, “I do think she loves recipes that make use of fruit. They add just a touch of sweet to a meal,” she quoted her Mother. “I have the perfect dish… and we will add a variety of vegetables, and some old-fashioned rolls.” “You know how to make old-fashioned rolls?” Zade asked in genuine surprise. “Yes, Mother taught me. I enjoy them so much. Do you enjoy them as well, husband?” “Very much, and it has been a long time since I have had any. The baker I use now doesn‟t make them.” “I will make them often, Zade,” Rada promised, earning herself a huge smile. She was starting to feel more and more like a wife, and as though the kitchen was her kitchen. Two weeks can make a huge difference in a person‟s life, she decided. “I am pleased with your consideration for my parents, Zade. I will strive to make the evening pleasant.” “I am sure you will.”

“I am also ashamed of my earlier behavior regarding the reception. Mother would never give Father an argument when asked to plan an engagement,” she conceded in a small voice. “You were correct to punish me for being difficult and stubborn.” “I think your reticence comes more from inexperience at planning an event than from a desire to be difficult, wife,” Zade stated with confidence. “Would you mind if I had Mother look over our plans and give me advice, husband?” she asked respectfully. “I would not wish to embarrass you… or myself,” she added. “I am sure that your Mother would be of help, Rada. You may ask her opinion, or for suggestions, if you wish.” Rada snuggled closer to her husband. “Right now, it would please me just to be held,” she whispered. Zade was happy to comply with her wishes, and held her close. He was pleased that his little redhead was not harboring any hard feelings over the punishment he‟d given her earlier. She was a most unusual woman, not resorting to pouting after a sound spanking, and even admitting that the punishment was deserved. Somehow he could not picture his sister behaving in that manner. He was certain that Alexander was made to feel guilty for days after punishing Lissa, even though Lissa clearly deserved the spanking she had received. Yes, Rada was a strong woman, and he was very satisfied with his choice of a bride. She was worth waiting for. Rada giggled when Zade swept her up into his strong arms and headed for the privacy of their chamber. Making up after a punishment was sweet indeed. ******************** Harlan of Zandor was not surprised when his assistant informed him Zade of Zimitri was calling. He turned on his Communicator, and his son-in-law‟s smiling image greeted him. “Good afternoon, Zade,” he said formally. “Good afternoon, sir,” Zade was respectful, aware that he was speaking to his wife‟s father. “I am calling to see if you and Diki would be free to join Rada and me for dinner this evening? Rada has missed her parents, and I am anxious to know you both much better.” Harlan was pleased, and smiled. “Diki and I will be pleased to come for dinner. We have sorely missed our daughter,” he said truthfully, “and we would like to get better acquainted with you as well.” Zade smiled in return, and the rest of the conversation was brief; making sure the other man had the address and knew what time to arrive. He was aware that Harlan was a busy man, and conversation could wait until evening. Harlan promised to let Diki know, and then shut off the Communication. He pushed another button, and within a short time, Diki‟s face was on the screen, looking as lovely as ever. “Diki, we are invited to dinner with Rada and Zade. I accepted, of course.” “Oh, did Rada call?” Diki asked, anxious for word of their child. “No, wife. Zade called and made the invitation, as is proper.” He smiled, understanding his wife‟s concern. “Of course,” Diki nodded. “He said that Rada missed us,” he added, and smiled when his lovely wife smiled, too. He told her what time they needed to be there, and knew his wife would make up a gift of some sort to take to Rada‟s new home. She was good at that sort of thing. ********************

Rada was nervous. She wanted the meal to be absolutely perfect, and had been working most of the day to accomplish that. She and Zade normally ate in the kitchen area, just as her parents did when she was home. The formal dining room was for special occasions, or for guests. She and Zade agreed that this was a special occasion, and Rada was delighted with all the pretty dishes she had to choose from as she set the table. Her very favorite was a floral pattern on a cream colored background, and Zade was pleased he‟d purchased the set in anticipation of making her his wife. Her lovely green eyes were sparkling with pleasure. “These are so perfect, husband!” “I am happy you like them, wife. I bought them for you,” he confessed. “Before you even knew that you would bid, or that Father would accept your bid?” she was completely shocked, and her expression showed that. “I am a man who knows what I want, Rada, and I was sure that I was finally to be rewarded for waiting for the right woman. I wanted to please you, and make you feel welcome in your new home.” “Which is why you chose my scent so carefully,” her eyes were sparkling. “And why you filled a closet with robes in my size. And these lovely dishes!” She stopped what she was doing, came around the table, and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “Thank you for making me feel so special and cherished, husband. I find it hard to believe I was so fearful of marriage.” “You need not fear me ever, Rada. I love your fire and spirit, and would never want to crush that.” “I am afraid you will regret those very qualities of mine from time to time,” she warned. “And you will feel that regret on your pretty little butt,” he whispered, smiling to take the sting from his words, even though his hand imparted one upon her left bottom cheek. Rada squealed, and then giggled. “Have care, husband. I am still tender from one such moment yesterday about this same time!” “Do you need me to soothe the sting?” Zade asked solemnly, but the heated look in his dark eyes gave her to know what he really wanted. “Why, yes, I believe I do need soothing,” Rada quickly agreed, taking his hand and leading him to their chamber. ******************** “Rada, these are your parents. They are coming to see you, and I am sure the meal will please them,” Zade tried to calm her. “I want everything to be perfect this first time, husband,” Rada fussed. “It will be. Please, take a calming breath now, and relax. I want to see a smile on your face, or your parents will think the worst of me.” “You are nervous, too!” Rada accused. “You are making me nervous,” he retorted. Before Rada could answer, they were summoned to the door. Harlan and Diki were a few minutes early, and Rada greeted them warmly, hugging each one. “I have missed you both!” she exclaimed. “We have missed you, too, daughter,” Harlan said gruffly. “Zade, thank you for your kind invitation.” He handed him the basket Diki had prepared. “Thank you,” he smiled at both of them. “Yes, we are very pleased to be here,” Diki added with a smile for the young man.

“I knew that Rada would be anxious for you to see her knew home,” he explained, and led the way into the social room. “May I get you something to drink?” he offered, and then nodded when they expressed their preferences. “You look lovely, Rada,” Diki commented. “I see you are wearing a robe…?” “Mother, Zade had them made for me since he knew of my preference before we wed. I will show you later. It happens that he prefers robes, and long hair, too.” “That is a comfort,” Harlan smiled, liking the younger man already. He never could understand all the fuss made over how a woman dresses. “I trust that your Mandatory Solitude went well…?” he asked politely. “Yes, very well indeed,” Zade answered for them as he handed a glass to Harlan and another to Diki. “Rada and I were both sad to see it come to an end,” he smiled. Diki looked at Rada to see if she agreed with her husband, and smiled when she saw the intimate look that passed between the young couple. All was well, and she could now relax. Her worst fears for her child did not come to pass, and her prayers were answered. She steered the conversation onto more general matters, and when Rada excused herself to take up dinner, she asked if she could help. Rada smiled. “Not this time, Mother. This time you are a guest, and I want you to feel special. The next time, I promise to ask for help, and will treat you as family.” Diki smiled. “I will enjoy being pampered tonight, Rada.” Zade was extremely proud of his wife. Dinner was delicious, and her parents both complimented her choices. Rada‟s old-fashioned rolls were the best he‟d ever had, and Harlan enjoyed the chocolate cake every bit as much as Zade did. Once the table was cleared, and the dishes put into the dishwasher, Zade and Rada took Harlan and Diki on a tour of the house. “You have a lovely home,” Diki was truly relieved, and pleased for Rada‟s sake. It was obvious that Zade had gone out of his way to plan for Rada‟s arrival, and that his bid was not a spur of the moment thing. He chose Rada for the very qualities that other men would find objectionable. Diki very much liked her new son-in-law, and embarrassed him greatly by telling him so. Harlan merely shook his head in good humor. “My wife is very outspoken when it comes to Rada.” “She loves her daughter,” Zade smiled. “Yes, she does,” Harlan agreed, and then added, “So do I… Daughter, I have noticed that sitting is not easy for you this evening. Have you already done something to cause your husband to punish you?” he was straightforward and direct. He did not want Rada putting on an act for their benefit. If there was some sort of problem, he wanted to know it right now, and see what could be done to correct the situation. “You were punished, Rada?” Diki seemed shocked, and the look in her green eyes was accusing as she glanced in Zade‟s direction. “The matter is settled now,” Zade said gently. He did not want Rada embarrassed. Rada knew her father. She smiled at Zade, “Husband, I know you are trying to protect me, but I would like to explain, if that meets with your approval?” “As long as you do not mind,” Zade said softly, putting himself in Harlan‟s place, and remembering when he demanded to know what Lissa did to earn a punishment from Alexander. Harlan was merely being a good father. “Zade asked me to help him plan a Reception for family and friends. I refused. He explained why it was necessary, and insisted I prepare a guest list of our family and friends…

Instead of complying, I wrote him a childish letter, full of excuses, and trying to make him feel guilty for wanting the Reception. It was disrespectful… and Zade dealt with it yesterday afternoon. I was wrong, and I earned the punishment… We will have the Reception in three weeks time. Mother, will you look over the plans we have made and see if you can see any flaws? Father, you might wish to check the guest list and make sure I have not overlooked any one of importance to you. Please…?” she ended. “Rada, part of marriage to a business man is entertaining,” Diki said quietly. “Yes, your Mother has done so for years, daughter.” “Rada has apologized for her reluctance, and she will do an excellent job,” Zade put his arm around her protectively. He got up then, and brought the guest list, and the plans for the party. Harlan scanned the list, and promptly added a few more names, making Rada very happy she‟d asked for his input. He then had Diki look it over, and she made Rada aware that one more relative just returned to the area, and would be hurt if she was not invited as well. She said, “If I think of anyone else, Rada, I will call.” She finished looking over the plans for the Reception, asked a few questions, and then said, “It will be beautiful, dear. If I can help in any way, call me. I‟ll not be interfering unless you ask for help,” she stated, recalling Harlan‟s admonishments over the last couple of weeks. “Rada is just lacking in confidence, Diki. You will not be interfering if you make suggestions and use your experience to counsel her. This Reception is the first impression Rada will make on my family and friends, as well as business acquaintances. I would spare no expense to make it tasteful and elegant. I‟m sure that with your guidance, Rada will do a wonderful job.” Harlan chuckled, and then said, “You know how to keep a mother-in-law happy, Zade.” Zade chuckled, and then changed the subject. “I have been waiting all evening for Rada to tell you her news. I can‟t believe she hasn‟t mentioned it yet…” “I was waiting for the right moment,” Rada smiled happily. Both of her parents were looking at her in expectation, and Rada didn‟t keep them in suspense. “Zade is going to permit me to work as a Florist. He is very supportive of my having a career as well as being his wife.” “Oh, Rada!” Diki clapped her hands joyfully. “I know how much you wanted this.” “I am so excited, Mother! Zade has been helping me plan this, and I am positive I can make a success of the business.” “Her knowledge of plants and flowers amazes me,” Zade admitted. “I have business skills and can help her with that end of things. I want Rada to be content; she will not be a good wife and helpmate if she is unhappy that she cannot fulfill her dreams, too.” “You are a wise young man, Zade,” Harlan said with a genuine smile full of warmth. “I couldn‟t have chosen better for my daughter.” The rest of the evening was filled with conversation and laughter, and when Harlan and Diki left, they were light of heart. It was obvious to both of them that their daughter was in good hands, and more than happy to be in those hands. They were pleased. Once the door closed on her parents, Rada turned to her husband, a joyous expression on her face. “Father and Mother like you, Zade.” “I like them, too, wife. They are good people, and loving parents who only want to see you safe and happy.” “If meeting your family goes as well as tonight did with my parents, we will be all set!” she announced, and then added, “I think we should have your sister and brothers for dinner next.”

Zade was pleased by her suggestion, and promised he would make the calls the next morning. ******************** Zade was amused when Rada was even more nervous to meet his two younger brothers, his sister and her husband than she was when her parents came for dinner the first time. He told her that his brothers would be thrilled to have a home-cooked meal, and so would his brother-inlaw. His sister rarely cooked. Rada did her best, and even went so far as to ask her husband if he wanted her to change into something else, namely pants. Zade promptly pulled her into the bedroom and turned her over his knee for a mild spanking, reminding her that one of the reasons he chose her to wed was because she was her own person, and that meant she wore robes, not pants. Rada was sputtering when Zade put her on her feet, and before she stopped to consider her actions, she stomped on his foot! “You moron! I was only asking so that I would make a good impression on your sister! I‟m well aware that most women find me odd because I prefer a gown over pants! You needn‟t smack me to tell me how I prefer to dress! I know that! I am trying to please you, although why I should want to completely eludes me at this moment! Wretch!” Zade truly loved her fire. He shook his head, then asked calmly, “Now what do you think happens to a little wife who stomps on her husband‟s foot and calls him a moron and a wretch?” Rada put her hands on her hips. “Nothing, not unless he wants his siblings‟ dinner to burn while he‟s wasting his wife‟s precious time!” “Fair enough, little Rada. Attend to dinner now, and I will attend to you at bedtime.” Rada stomped her foot again, but didn‟t have time to argue with Zade. His family was expected within a few minutes time, and she needed to collect her thoughts, and put on a happy face. “Wardon was first to arrive, and he immediately started teasing and picking on his older brother. Zade was good-natured, and Rada couldn‟t help giggling when he easily turned the tables on the younger man. Lissa and Alexander were next to arrive, and it was obvious that Lissa had been crying. The look on Alexander‟s face was grim, and even Wardon stopped his teasing to inquire, “What‟s wrong with you two?” “It‟s none of your business,” Lissa snapped irritably. “Good, I want details,” Wardon grinned, clearly unrepentant. Zade clamped a hand on the young man‟s shoulder, and Wardon took the hint. “Sorry, Lissa. You know me… Is there anything I can do?” he asked seriously. “No, thank you,” Lissa was a bit more civil. “We probably shouldn‟t have come, but Alexander insisted.” Grodot arrived at that moment, and he wasn‟t in a good mood either. He took one look at Lissa‟s tear-stained face and shook his head. “What is it with you women? Say one word to you and you start bawling your eyes out.” “Knock it off, Grodot,” Alexander spoke sharply. “Lissa, go and bathe your face, and pull yourself together. You are being rude, and spoiling the evening after Rada has gone to the trouble of inviting all of us.” Lissa glared at Alexander, but quietly left the room. Grodot and Wardon started bickering, and Rada looked at Zade in confusion. How was she to deal with this? Fortunately,

Zade didn‟t seem to expect her to do anything. He ignored his battling younger brothers, and asked, “Is dinner ready to serve?” “Yes.” “Good. Perhaps some food will improve my brothers‟ manners.” Rada served the dinner, hoping that everyone would settle down and have a good time. Lissa came and took her seat, and Rada was pretty darn sure the other woman hadn‟t been punished. She was sitting too easy for that to have happened. “You can cook?” Grodot looked shocked, then added, “Leave it to my older brother to find a beautiful woman who can actually fix edible food!” Wardon was enjoying his food with the attention of someone who hasn‟t eaten in a long time, and Lissa was barely picking at the food on her plate. Alexander had his head down, ignoring everyone, but he wasn‟t eating either. Rada felt her temper rising. Why on earth had she put so much effort into pleasing these people? She attempted to start a conversation, but Grodot made fun of her, and Wardon picked that moment to tell Grodot that he had no manners whatsoever. Rada stood up, and marched from the room, ignoring Zade‟s softly worded order to return to her seat. She ran to their chamber, closed the door, and turned on music to fill the room so she wouldn‟t hear another word. If she went back to the table, she would lose her temper. How dare these people come into her home and act so boorish? ******************** “Rada worked hard on this dinner, and worried she wouldn‟t make a good impression on you. And, I‟m sure she‟s wondering why on earth she invited all of you.” Zade was not pleased, and he didn‟t mince words. “I shouldn‟t have come,” Lissa burst into tears. “I‟ve upset Rada… and now she will hate me!” “It‟s not you, Lissa. It‟s me. I had a rotten day,” Grodot said in disgust. “I am sorry, Zade. I didn‟t think how I was affecting your wife. She doesn‟t know me and know that I get this way when I‟m angry.” “Go and bring her back to the table, Zade,” Wardon suggested. “We‟ll apologize.” Zade leveled his eyes on all of them for a few seconds. “Rada is not responsible for your moods. I will not tolerate any more of this behavior. Is that clear?” He went to find Rada, and found her sitting on the floor, her eyes closed, listening to music. “Will you come back to the table, please?” “I am not sure that would be a very good idea, husband. My temper is perilously close to exploding,” she confessed. “At least you are not sitting here crying your eyes out,” he smiled. “Come on, Rada. I promise you that they all have better manners than they have exhibited this evening.” He held out his hand to pull her to her feet. Rada grasped his hand and permitted him to help her up. She was the hostess, and she would try once more to be pleasant. “Rada, I am sorry,” Grodot was first to speak. “I had a terrible day at work. Two of the women who are employed in my office were in tears all day long, and it wore on my nerves. It was unfair of me to take that out on you. This food is delicious,” he added. “Thank you,” Rada smiled graciously. “Really delicious,” Wardon added. “I am pleased you invited us.”

“I am afraid that I earned my husband‟s displeasure today, Rada. I am truly not upset to be here, but am not looking forward to the end of the day.” “I understand, Lissa,” Rada said in sympathy. “What did you do, Lissa?” Grodot asked in concern. “Unless it is too personal to discuss…?” “It is not for your ears, Grodot,” Alexander spoke up. “It is a matter between Lissa and me, and does not concern the family.” “You did not do something as foolish as the last time, did you Lissy?” Wardon frowned, unwilling to drop the subject. “No. I gave my word that I would not be unsafe with my person again, and I have kept my promise,” she answered indignantly. “Good. You frightened us all,” Wardon told her, then added, “I will mind my own business now.” “Thank you. I really do not wish to discuss the matter.” Rada felt sorry for Lissa, and did her best to turn the discussion elsewhere, but she had to admit, she was a bit curious herself as to why Lissa was in trouble.

Chapter Seven Zade was pleased when his brothers made an effort to get to know Rada better. Wardon made a special point of telling her how much he enjoyed her old-fashioned rolls, and Zade wasn‟t surprised when there were none left. The treat was exceptionally good, and he was convinced that if Rada were so inclined, she could be successful with a bakery specializing in those alone. Making the old-fashioned rolls was an art. Wardon was suitably impressed, and Grodot was equally impressed with the tomato casserole. That didn‟t surprise Zade; tomatoes in any form were Grodot‟s favorite food. Zade made that known to his wife, and Rada immediately thought of the dish. Zade‟s dark eyes fell on his little sister, and he frowned. It was obvious she was very upset, and trying her best to hide it from everyone at the table. Her husband was just as distressed, and Zade feared that didn‟t bode well for Lissa‟s backside. He couldn‟t imagine what she‟d done that would upset Alexander so much. The man was normally very even-tempered, and rarely found cause to scold Lissa, much less punish her. Zade couldn‟t help but feel protective toward Lissa, and wondered if he should pull Alexander aside for a discussion, in spite of the fact the other man had clearly stated the matter was personal between himself and Lissa. Rada felt sorry for Lissa, and she could see that Zade was very concerned about his little sister. Every time she glanced in his direction, Zade‟s dark eyes were on the young woman. Rada decided it would be a kindness to end the meal. “If everyone would like to go into the social room, I will bring coffee and dessert in there once I clear the table.” She rose to her feet, and wasn‟t surprised when Lissa promptly jumped to her feet, anxious for the meal to end. “I will give you a hand, Rada,” Lissa promptly offered. “The guys can go talk about skyball teams, and the pony dodges…” she added. “It will give Rada and me a chance to talk about the things that matter to us women.” Zade glanced at Rada, and she seemed pleased with his sister‟s decision. He decided to leave it at that. “If you need help to carry a tray, Rada, call for me,” he offered politely, and then followed his brothers and brother-in-law to the social room. Wardon was already discussing sports, and it was the first time he had seen a smile on Alexander‟s face all evening. “Rada, I wanted a moment alone with you to make sure you know that I am truly not upset to be here tonight. I am so embarrassed that I am making such a horrid impression on you. I am not normally so quiet and reserved.” “I understand, Lissa,” Rada responded with a gentle smile. “It has to be difficult for you to think of anything else when you are dreading a punishment.” “Yes, it is,” Lissa agreed, her dark eyes brimming with tears. “It is only the second time that I have earned one in the five years Alexander and I have been married. I wish I could say that I do not warrant his displeasure, but I do.” She acted as though she wanted to say something else, and then changed her mind. “Lissa, if you wish to talk about it, I will listen,” Rada offered. “I realize you do not know me well, but we are sisters-in-law, and I know that your happiness is very important to my husband.” “Zade would be ashamed of me if he knew what I did,” Lissa whispered. She looked at Rada, and then said quietly, “I do not want my brother to know of this, Rada. But, if he asks, please tell him I earned whatever Alexander decides is fair. He need not worry that Alex will hurt me.”

“I will make sure Zade knows that, Lissa,” Rada replied as she put the last of the dirty dishes into the washer. She and Lissa chatted about Lissa‟s little girl Deema, while Rada put their dessert on plates, and within minutes, they were ready to join the men in the social room. Grodot jumped to his feet to help with the large tray, and Alexander helped Lissa with the coffee tray. Zade was relieved to see his sister smile at her husband, and immediately realized that it would be best if he stayed out of the middle. Whatever was between them would be settled privately, and his sister was not acting fearful of her husband. Wardon enjoyed the tart, and asked Rada when he could come again for dinner. They all laughed, and even Lissa seemed a bit more relaxed as she sipped her coffee. Alexander was the first to get to his feet and suggest leaving, and Lissa didn‟t argue. She bade everyone a good night, then let her husband escort her out of the house. Grodot and Wardon left a few minutes later, and Rada sighed in relief. “Was it so bad, little Rada?” Zade asked in amused confusion. “I am not so sure, husband,” Rada responded, looking up at him questioningly. “I am a bit confused, and do not know your siblings well enough to know if they were sincerely pleased, or merely being polite because it was expected of them.” She squared her slender shoulders and added, “I am sorry I left the table in a snit. It was not well done of me to behave so badly. I did not mean to shame you, but knew that if I did not rise, I would say something rude.” “Ahhh,” Zade nodded in understanding, then smiled, “You do not need to trouble yourself over that, little Rada. You were not the one being rude. It was my family, and I would not fault you for their behavior. You had every right to feel provoked.” He lifted her chin and looked into her troubled green eyes. “Groton and Wardon were pleased with dinner, and had an excellent evening, little Rada. I am not so sure about Lissa and Alexander. They were at odds this night, and not behaving as they normally do. I fear it is they who made the wrong impression on you.” “Lissa wished that I give you a message,” Rada dutifully stated. “Yes?” Zade‟s dark eyes were probing. “She wishes you to know that she has earned the punishment she will receive, and you need not fear Alexander will harm her.” “I see,” Zade accepted the explanation. “Did Lissa tell you what she did to earn this punishment?” he wanted to know. “No, she did not. She does not want you to know. She claims it is very personal between her and her husband,” Rada replied. “Very well,” Zade nodded, and then helped his wife carry the heavy trays into the kitchen. It didn‟t take long to finish cleaning up after their guests. “Have you finished with everything that must be done, Rada?” Zade asked. “Yes, I have,” Rada answered. “It is still early… Would you like to play a game of Curves?” Rada thoroughly enjoyed playing the card game, and her husband was a worthy opponent. “Have you forgotten we have another matter to attend to, little Rada?” Rada‟s green eyes widened in dismay, and it was very evident to him that she‟d forgotten all about the little incident. “No, Zade! Please do not!” “Do you honestly think I will permit you to stomp on my foot and call me a „moron‟ and a „wretch‟?” he raised one dark eyebrow questioningly. “You know I did not mean it, Zade!” Rada protested.

“If you did not mean it, then you should have refrained from saying the words. Your behavior was disrespectful, and you know very well that I will not tolerate disrespect.” “I was only worried, husband. I did not mean to sound disrespectful… I am sorry!” she tacked on in an effort to appease him. “Rada,” he gently caressed her cheek, “are you arguing with me?” Her eyes opened wide again, “No, sir!” “I believe that we have had a discussion before on arguing with me over a promised punishment.” “I am sorry, Zade,” Rada abruptly realized she was making matters worse, and thought it would be best if she just took the spanking. Surely Zade wouldn‟t make such a big deal of it…? “You will go to our chamber, and remove your clothing. Place the paddle on the bed, and then go stand in the corner and think about your behavior right before my family arrived. I will be interested in hearing what you have to say when I join you in a while.” “You are being unfair, Zade!” Rada‟s good intentions flew out the window the very second he mentioned the corner and the paddle! “You spanked me for asking you a simple question regarding my dress, and I had a right to be upset with you! It was nothing to spank over, and you earned that stomp on your toes! Only a moron would spank for something so silly, and you are behaving like a wretch right now, as well! I did everything humanly possible to make this evening successful, and it is not fair of you to treat me so shabbily!” “Rada, what you have accomplished by this display of temper is to earn yourself one very sound paddling. I will not tolerate disrespect, and name calling is disrespectful. “You will go immediately, and do as you were told. You will have one full hour to stand there and regret your choice of words and the manner in which you spoke to me. Refuse once more to do as you were told, and you will receive a daily reminder for a full week that I expect to be obeyed.” Rada stomped her foot in pure temper, then whirled around and headed for their chamber. The man was completely impossible! ******************** Lissa was nervous, and try as she might, she couldn‟t hide it. She didn‟t even have Deema to check on and to provide her with a distraction. The little girl was spending the night with Alexander‟s parents. It was just her and Alexander, and she was sure her husband had planned it that way. Lissa wasn‟t very brave when it came to punishments, and Alexander wasn‟t taking any chances that she might wake Deema with her cries of pain. “Very well, Lissa. It is time for us to speak of this matter. I do not need to tell you how disappointed I am in your behavior, do I?” Alexander demanded as they walked into their chamber. “I am very sorry, Alex,” Lissa said contritely. “I doubt that you are sorry. You have lied to me for the past twelve months. You purposely mislead me, and if I hadn‟t intercepted a call from your Doctor, I would not yet know the truth, would I?” “I did not want to mislead you, Alexander,” Lissa softly insisted. “You did not? How do you expect me to believe that, Lissa?” Alex scolded. “We agreed to have another child, and for the last year I thought we were trying to create that child! It is only that I took a call from your Doctor that I learned the truth. How dare you lie to me, Lissa?!! How dare you let me think we are trying to have a child, then go behind my back to insure that child does not happen?”

“It was not like that, Alexander!” she cried. “I just wanted to finish this project… I know how much time another child is going to take away from work. “We agreed to have another child once Deema turned three years of age; she is now ready to turn four. You did not discuss this decision of yours, Lissa. You acted on your own. You put your wishes, your career, ahead of our wishes as a couple, and ahead of our agreement for having our family. Can you deny this?” “No, sir. I did not think the project would take so long…” “Why did you not come to me and discuss your concerns and wishes, wife?” “I was afraid you would tell me „no‟,” Lissa admitted. “You did not give me the chance to say „no‟, or „yes‟, Lissa. You made the decision to deceive me instead.” He looked at her. “I am very upset with you, and extremely disappointed that you would do such a thing.” “I am sorry, Alexander,” Lissa was crying openly. “I have been thinking on this matter all day, young lady, and trying to decide on a punishment that is fair and yet harsh enough to impress upon you that lying and deceiving your husband for well over a year is a serious matter. I do not feel one strapping is adequate.” Lissa was crushed. “I was wrong, Alex. I know that now… If I could go back to a year ago, I would ask to discuss „waiting to conceive‟ with you. I made a terrible choice, and I am ashamed. Please, forgive me… Give me another chance to prove to you that I can be trusted… I‟ll stop the shots immediately…” “It‟s not that simple, Lissa. The last thing I want you to do right now is to get pregnant. I won‟t have you bringing a child into the world unless you are ready to be a mother.” “I am ready to be a mother, Alex. I am!” “No. You will continue the shots until we both agree that a child is desired.” “But, Alexander… I do want a baby! The project is nearly done now, and it is the perfect time!” Lissa insisted. “For you, perhaps. Now, I am the one who is not ready. I do not like being lied to and deceived, Lissa. You have committed a serious breech against our marriage. A simple punishment is not going to erase my disappointment this time.” He sighed. “Go to our closet and remove the Punishment Strap and bring it to me.” Lissa did as she was told. Her hands were shaking as she held it out to her husband. “I am most sorry, Alex. I need your forgiveness, and I will accept whatever punishment it takes to earn your trust.” “Remove your pants, Lissa.” Lissa undressed from the waist down, and then took a position behind the chair Alex pulled out into the room. The other time he punished her, she was required to bed over the back, and put her hands into the seat. The position was awkward. Her feet did not touch the floor, and it left her bottom and thighs completely at his mercy. Alex didn‟t punish often, but when he did, he made sure it was not an experience she would want to repeat. That one strapping occurred within six months of their wedding… and it was because she went off planet to inspect a vineyard… after Alex warned her against going alone. The planet was notorious for being unsafe, especially for women. If Alex hadn‟t come after her, she would have been raped and sold into slavery by the very man whose vineyard she went to test. That strapping was severe, and it was only for disobedience and risking her safety. This time she‟d deceived Alex on a matter that was very dear to his heart… and she feared he wouldn‟t be able to forgive her.

“You have not found yourself in this position often, Lissa, so I will remind you what is expected. You are to bend over the chair, and move forward until your bottom is uppermost. I will have your legs spread wide so that you may not clench your cheeks. Your hands will remain on the seat of the chair, and you will hold your position and take your punishment until I tell you otherwise. Do you have any questions?” “No, Alex,” she whispered, her dark eyes full of tears. “I am so sorry, Alex. I know I deserve this, but could you please hold me first? I am so afraid…” Alex stepped forward, and pulled her into his arms. He hated punishing Lissa, but he had to. She‟d given him no choice in the matter. He held her for several minutes, letting her cry, and then he said, “Let‟s get this over with, wife.” Lissa didn‟t argue. She bent over the chair, and slid forward until her hands were on the seat, and her feet completely off the floor. She felt totally vulnerable, and knew that she was going to be hurting and writhing in pain very soon. “The first part of this is for not trusting me enough to speak to me truthfully about your feelings, Lissa. You made an assumption that I wouldn‟t listen to you and take your feelings into consideration. I have never been unreasonable with you, young lady, and you should have trusted me to hear you out.” The first slap of the strap was across the fullest part of her bottom, and Lissa couldn‟t help crying out in pain. It left a wide strip of flaming hot pain across her right cheek. The second caught her left cheek, and Lissa knew that Alex had no intention of sparing her. He didn‟t stop until every inch of her bottom and upper thighs was a scalding red, and she was sobbing and begging for mercy. “The second part of this punishment is for deceiving me, Lissa. You knew that I was hoping you would conceive, and when I think of the times you regretfully informed me you had your menses, I was disappointed, and then concerned, thinking that perhaps something was wrong with our health! There is no place for deceit in this marriage, Lissa. Deceit and lies destroys trust.” “I am so sorry, Alex. I truly regret my actions. Please, I will never do it again. I can not take any more, Alex. Please, please… I beg you to forgive me!” The punishment was already worse than the one he had given her the first time! She truly didn‟t think she could bear any more of the strap. “I do not enjoy this, Lissa, but you have mislead me, deceived me for over a year. You will be punished accordingly.” Lissa immediately realized that Alex was not making an idle threat. The Punishment Strap landed repeatedly on her bottom, upper thighs, and on her sensitive sit spot. She screamed and pleaded with him, but her cries fell on deaf ears as Alex scolded her for her actions. Alex stopped when he was positive that Lissa simply could not bear another stroke. As it was, she would not be sitting for several days. The punishment was severe, and he regretted it was not yet over. Lissa needed a firm reminder that decisions regarding the size of their family were to be made jointly. He was going to impress that upon her in a manner she would find completely unacceptable. “You will go to bed now, wife. Tomorrow you will be told of the rest of your punishment.” “You are not finished, husband?” Lissa hiccupped the words, looking at him in horror. “We will not be finished for some time to come, wife. You will be punished daily until I am convinced that you will never take it upon yourself to make a decision that is not soley yours

to make. Now, go to bed, and not another word from you, or I will think you are desirous of another long session with the Punishment Strap.” “I will go, Alex,” Lissa assured him. “May I please use the facility first?” “Yes,” Alex gave his permission. Once Lissa returned, he made sure she was settled in their bed, and he left her to her thoughts. He needed some time to prepare for the next few days. ******************** Rada simply could not believe the hour was passing so slowly, or that she was to be soundly paddled at the end of the hour. Why hadn‟t she kept her mouth shut? And a lid on her temper? Why did she have to be so outspoken? Still, it was not fair of Zade to spank her for asking him whether or not she should change her clothing! She did not mean to call him names, it just happened! He was overreacting! She was torn between wanting him to come in and get it over with, and wishing he would never come into the room! She did not want a paddling! Zade waited the full hour, and then decided to see if Rada had her flaming temper under control. If she apologized, and was sincere with the apology, he would be fairly gentle with her. If she was still protesting, he was going to give her a serious paddling. He entered the room quietly, saw the paddle lying on the bed, and was pleased to see that Rada was in the corner, just as he had instructed. “You may turn around and face me, little Rada.” She did so, and he could see at once that she was nervous. “What have you to say for yourself, young lady? Did you think about your actions?” “Yes,” Rada replied. “And?” he prodded her for information. “I shouldn‟t have stomped on your foot and called you names,” Rada answered. “But, you shouldn‟t have spanked me for asking you if I should change my clothing. I only wanted to make a good impression on your family, and you made me feel foolish!” She glared at him, and then added, “I am sorry for arguing with you, and for losing my temper. I did not think the incident important enough to warrant punishment… since I truly meant no disrespect. I was hoping for a different ending to our evening, and I did not react well when you stated you were planning to spank me. I am sorry.” Zade caressed her cheek. “Any time there is disrespect, Rada, it means a spanking.” “Even if I did not intend to be disrespectful?” she pleaded with him for understanding. “I reacted to that spanking. That is all… I was not trying to be disrespectful, just let you know that I was upset… It really was not fair, Zade.” “I spanked you to calm you down and settle you, Rada. It was not a hard spanking, just one to get your attention.” “You embarrassed me.” “That was not my intention.” “And it was not my intention to be disrespectful!” she repeated. “But you were.” “And I was embarrassed! What is your punishment to be for that?” Rada demanded. “There was no need for you to feel embarrassed,” Zade scolded, then took her arm and pulled her over to the bed. “You earned a paddling, which you will have, and you earned another for arguing with me and for refusing to do as you were told. I had hoped an hour in the corner would help you to see the error of your ways, but you are still arguing with me, and I will not permit you to do this. It‟s best you learn this right now.

“No!” Rada tried to pull free, but Zade was too strong. She found herself over his lap, and he did not bother with using his hand to warm her skin. He picked up the paddle, and started spanking her… hard. “This spanking would have been fairly mild, Rada, if you would have apologized for your earlier behavior instead of trying to justify it. Now you have earned twice as much, and twice as hard.” Rada kicked and tried to get free, but Zade easily held her. The spanking continued for several long minutes, and Rada was sure her skin was on fire when Zade stopped. She prayed that he was finished, but no such luck. “Now you will be paddled for arguing and having a temper tantrum.” “Please do not, Zade! I am sorry!” “Not as sorry as you will be!” he promised. “Please, Zade… No more… I AM sorry! Honest I am!” “Prove it,” he dared her.

Chapter Eight “This spanking would have been fairly mild, Rada, if you would have apologized for your earlier behavior instead of trying to justify it. Now you have earned twice as much, and twice as hard.” Zade‟s voice was firm and full of purpose. He did not enjoy punishing his pretty little wife, but he would have respect in his home, and she would accept the consequences each and every time she forgot. Rada kicked and tried to get free, but Zade easily held her. She was beginning to realize that her husband did not consider the incident as minor as she did. He was insistent that she accept the consequences, in spite of the fact that she felt provoked when she sassed him earlier. It was his opinion that she should have voiced her objections in a different manner, and Rada was certainly wishing that she had done so! The spanking continued for several long minutes, and Rada was sure her skin was on fire when Zade stopped. She prayed that he was finished, but no such luck. “Now you will be paddled for arguing and having a temper tantrum,” he stated without the least bit of regret in his voice. “Please do not, Zade! I am sorry!” Rada‟s voice sounded desperate, even to her own ears. “Not as sorry as you will be!” he promised. “Please, Zade… No more… I AM sorry! Honest I am!” She simply could not bear a paddling on top of the spanking he had already administered. Her bottom was simply hurting too much already. “Prove it,” he dared her. “How do I do that?” she asked tearfully, anxious to do anything that would prove to him she would be more respectful in the future. “You will return to the corner, and stand there, and when I come in the room and call you to me, you will come immediately, and you will tell me why you have earned punishment.” Zade put her on her feet, and to his surprise, Rada immediately went to the corner, without one word of protest. Rada heard him leave the room, and she rested her forehead against the wall, careful to keep her hands away from her flaming backside. She desperately wanted to rub away the sting, and she feared it was going to sting even more when Zade returned. She tried to control her tears, and promised herself that she would not say one thing to make her paddling worse when Zade called to her. She was already sore as could be, and she truly did regret losing her temper with her husband. Even her mild-mannered father would not permit her mother to call him a moron and a wretch! Rada crossed a line, and Zade was right to punish her for doing so. Zade returned after a few minutes, took his seat on their bed, and called to Rada. “You may come here, wife, and tell me why you are being punished.” Rada approached him, and he could see at once that she was in a different frame of mind than before. Apparently the spanking made quite an impression. “I am being spanked for being disrespectful, husband. I was wrong to speak to you in the manner I did, and I should have refrained from losing my temper and arguing with you when you attempted to correct me for being disrespectful. I am truly sorry and ashamed of myself.” “I believe you are sincere, Rada,” Zade‟s voice was gentle and kind. “I will still paddle you, but I will take your heartfelt apology into consideration. Please lie across my lap,” he patted his thigh with his right hand as he reached for the wooden paddle with his left. He could see

Rada‟s lovely green eyes fill with tears, and he felt compassion for her. He knew her bottom was burning furiously, and the paddle would intensify that burn to a nearly unbearable state. He regretted the lesson was necessary, but if he let the situation pass, his feisty wife would feel free to act out the next time she was displeased with him, and he would not have that. He would do what was necessary to keep peace in their home. Rada placed herself over Zade‟s lap, and braced herself. Zade was going to see to it she remembered this lesson for some time to come. He did not keep her waiting, either. The first crack landed almost immediately, and was followed by another. Rada couldn‟t help but squirm and kick her legs. It hurt, and she was desperate to evade the paddle. “Hold still, Rada, and accept your paddling. Prove to me that you are genuinely sorry,” Zade‟s voice was soothing, and his left hand found the small of her back to give her some help. “I am sorry, Zade!” Rada tearfully insisted. “Please… I do not need to be spanked any more. I will remember this lesson, I am sure.” “I am sure you will, too, wife.” Zade paddled her again and again, and hardened himself to her cries of pain, and her promises of good behavior. The paddling went on until her buttocks and upper thighs were a deep inflamed red, and Rada was lying over his lap, unmoving, accepting the spanking. He knew that the lesson was complete, and hopefully would not need to be repeated any time soon. He gently lifted her in his arms, and pulled down the covers on the bed. Rada did not protest as Zade tucked her into bed, leaned down, and kissed her gently. “You go to sleep now, wife. All is forgiven, and we go on with no anger between us.” Rada fell asleep almost instantly, but when Zade joined her in their bed, her body automatically sought comfort in his arms as he held her while she slept. She felt safe and loved. ******************** Rada‟s bottom was unbearably sore the next morning, and sitting on her chair to eat their morning meal was not at all comfortable. Zade did not comment on the punishment of the night before, and he was loving with her. Rada was embarrassed, and did not know how on earth she was to accomplish all of the tasks she was to take care of that day. She would be required to sit when she met with her mother for lunch and to discuss plans for the reception, and Zade expected her to come to his place of business and spend some time meeting his employees and personally inviting them to the reception. It was going to be difficult to be gracious when all she wanted to do was curl up in bed on her tummy and read a book. She knew that Zade would not find her sore backside an acceptable reason to cancel her plans for the day, and truth to tell, the reception was drawing near and she needed to make certain decisions and tend to all the many details that giving a successful party entailed. There was also the matter of choosing a garment that would be appropriate for the gathering, and not embarrass her husband in front of his business associates and acquaintances… not to mention her father‟s contacts and both of their families! Rada‟s stomach churned at the thought of facing all these people. “You are not eating, little Rada. Is something troubling you?” Zade asked politely, his concern evident in his dark eyes. “I do not feel comfortable at large gatherings, Zade, and I fear I will do something to embarrass or shame you. I am not at all sure what I should wear…!” she admitted, blushing as she recalled what happened the last time she mentioned her clothing. “You will dress as you normally do, Rada… You will be more comfortable in a gown than in pants, and I prefer that you wear your hair down for me. I am very proud of your appearance,” Zade told her without hesitation, then he added, “I should have told you this last

evening when you offered to change for my family… I will always prefer that you dress as a lovely woman in the style that becomes you. Is that clear?” he asked softly, gently caressing her cheek as he smiled warmly. “Yes, husband. Thank you,” Rada felt warm inside. Her husband accepted her as she was, and even encouraged her to be herself. “You will not embarrass me as long as you try your very best. Mistakes can and do happen, and I will not hold one against you. It is only deliberate misbehavior or omission that will earn you a punishment. I am sure your Mother will advise you well, and I promise not to criticize. I will also help if you need help with a decision. You need only bring it to my attention.” “Thank you, husband,” Rada said gratefully. “I feel much better now,” she answered, squirming on her chair in a futile attempt to get comfortable. “Your butt does not feel better,” Zade pointed out, grinning wickedly. “My butt hurts so much I have no idea how I will get through the day,” she blushed as she conceded the fact that she was in some pain. “Your butt is supposed to hurt. You will remember the reason it hurts, and it will make you determined to avoid a spanking. Will it not?” he asked, raising one eyebrow questioningly. “I definitely do not wish another spanking, but I would wish that you would permit me to stay home today and move my appointments to tomorrow…?” she asked hopefully. “You know that is not an option, Rada. When you are punished, you will go about your business normally, unless a part of your punishment is confinement to home. You earned a sore bottom, and you will sit on that sore bottom. It is a part of the punishment.” Rada took a sip of her coffee to avoid opening her mouth. She couldn‟t help but wonder about Lissa. Was she as sore as Rada? Was she having to work all day with a sore backside? She wondered if perhaps she should call and check on her… then shook her head. She did not know her sister-in-law well enough yet to be so personal. Still, she couldn‟t help but worry about the other woman. “Aren‟t you worried about Lissa?” the words popped out of her mouth before she realized she was going to address Zade. Zade paused with his fork halfway to his mouth to look at Rada in surprise. He realized immediately that his lovely redhead was referring to the fact that his sister was due a spanking last evening as well, and he was a bit amused that she was obviously feeling sympathy for Lissa. “I know that Alex will not hurt Lissa, Rada. She might be extremely sore at the moment, just as you are, but Alex would not do anything to harm her. I will call later and check on her, and express your concern for her well-being, if you like...?” “Please do. I do not wish to be nosy, but I got the feeling that she was seriously dreading the punishment, Zade. I do hope she is well today.” Zade got up and gave Rada a kiss. “You are a special lady, Rada of Zimitri, and I am proud to have you for my wife.” He kissed her again, then said, “You be a good girl today, and keep your commitments.” He kissed her again, and then left for his office. Rada made short work of cleaning up the kitchen, thankful to be on her feet and not sitting… Her mind went to Lissa, and hoped that Zade would have word of her when she saw him that afternoon. ******************** Alex did not come to their bed, and Lissa did not sleep well. She was in terrible pain, and the thought that Alex was so disappointed in her that he did not wish to share her bed hurt her heart even more than the strapping hurt her body. She wanted to rise and go find Alexander and

tell him how sorry she was, and beg him to hold her, but the thought that he might punish her again, or even worse, reject her, kept Lissa in their bed, even though she spent most of the night in tears. Lissa rose at the normal hour and bathed her body, grimacing as the warm water made contact with her bottom and thighs. There was no way she would be able to sit, and transporting to and from work was going to be pure agony. Lissa did not know how she would bear more punishment, but Alex promised she would be punished daily until he was convinced she had learned her lesson. Lissa knew that she had already learned that lesson; in fact, she had learned it months ago when the deception grew to such lengths that it preyed on her mind day and night, and left her feeling unbelievably guilty. If only she could find the words to convince Alex that she regretted her selfish decision, and convey to him that she would never again do something so blatantly dishonest toward their marriage. Alexander was in the kitchen when Lissa joined him. He could see that she had been crying, and he frowned when he saw how she was dressed. “You may return to our chambers and remove your clothing, Lissa. You will not be leaving our home today, or for some time to come.” Lissa‟s dark eyes widened. “Alex, what about my work… the project? It is nearly finished, but…” “The project is no longer your concern, Lissa. You will not see it to completion.” “That is not fair, Alexander! I have worked hard, and I have earned the right to finish what I started,” Lissa put her hands on her hips and squared off at him. “I will not permit you to take away all my hard work as a punishment! That is beyond cruel.” “Cruel is permitting your husband to think you are trying to conceive a child and putting a project before your husband and family, Lissa. This project was more important to you than our marriage, and you will have nothing further to do with it. The decision is made, and it is final. You will not be returning to the winery until you have your priorities straight. Go to our chamber, and remove your clothing. You are being punished, and will not have the use of clothing until you earn that right.” Lissa burst into tears, and ran to their chamber. She locked the door, and threw herself on the bed and cried. How dare Alexander take away her project? It simply was not fair! She cried and cried, and when Alex tried to open the door, she screamed at him to go away and leave her alone! ******************** “I think your plans are coming along very well, Rada,” Diki smiled at her daughter. “Your reception will be lovely.” “I hope so, Mother. I do not wish to embarrass Zade, or you and Father…!” she added with self-doubt. “I do not want to reflect badly on you.” “You will do amazingly well, and you need to trust in yourself, daughter. Your Father and I will be proud of you for doing your best.” “Zade said the same thing, Mother,” Rada admitted with a smile. “He is a good husband,” Diki nodded, then asked with a hint of discomfort, “You have earned his displeasure again, I am afraid…?” When Rada‟s cheeks turned pink, she added gently, “Would it help to talk about it, Rada?” “I lost my temper, Mother, and I was disrespectful. Zade reminded me that he will not tolerate that type of behavior, and he assures me that sitting to lunch with you, and during meetings to plan this reception, will only serve to remind me not to earn another punishment for the same thing.”

“Is it working?” Diki asked with a gentle smile for her daughter. “I would say so, Mother,” Rada responded, and then changed the subject. She truly hated discussing her punishments… even with her Mother. Once Rada bade her Mother a good day, she went to Zade‟s offices, she found that she was extremely nervous. She knew that first impressions were important, and Zade‟s employees were sure to judge her and she was anxious to reflect favorably upon her husband. Bravely, she entered the building, and was greeted immediately. “Good afternoon, Madame. How may I be of service?” The receptionist was older than Rada by several years, and very attractive. She held her head to one side, and her smile seemed genuine. “I am Rada of Zimitri. Zade is expecting me,” Rada announced, and watched in disbelief as a flash of anger crossed the woman‟s face, only to be hidden a quick second later. “I will summon Zade,” the woman replied shortly, and did not offer to seat Rada first, as was customary. She pushed a button, and after only a second or two, she announced, “Sorry, Zade is busy. He said for you to leave.” Rada knew the other woman was lying. She tried to be pleasant. “I am afraid you did not give me your name…?” Her green eyes met the other woman‟s and refused to back down. Finally, the blonde answered sullenly, “I am Solenie.” “Solenie, Zade is expecting me, and he made a point of telling me not to forget. Please try his office again.” “Zade has changed his mind, and he will be displeased if I bother him again. He wishes you would leave.” “I am not asking you, Solenie, I am telling you… Contact Zade now.” Solenie got to her feet, towering over Rada. “I will not!” “Very well.” Rada dismissed the woman, and headed for the tube marked „PRIVATE‟. Rada knew from conversations with Zade that this particular tube was for his exclusive use, and would take her directly to his personal office. “Where do you think you are going?” the blonde hissed angrily, running to stand in front of Rada. “I am going to see my husband. Now move out of my way!” Rada was perilously close to losing her temper. “Zade does not wish to see you! Are you deaf, or merely stupid?” Solenie asked with a sneer. “You must want to be fired…?” Rada asked, positive that Zade would back her up once he learned how she had been treated by his receptionist. “Zade would not fire me! But he will take a strap to you if you do not leave immediately!” The woman‟s presumptive behavior was too much for Rada to bear, and she tried to walk around the blonde. Solenie wasn‟t about to let her pass, and made the mistake of reaching out to grab Rada. Rada‟s temper snapped, and in the next instant, she knocked the other woman on her butt. She made a dash for the tube, and seconds later, she was in Zade‟s office, her flaming temper obvious to her husband, and to the others in his office. “Rada! I wondered what was keeping you…? You were to be here several minutes ago.” “I have been here for some time, husband, but your receptionist was determined not to let me see you!”

“You are mistaken, little Rada. Solenie was told early this morning that I was expecting you, and to send you right up.” “Zade, perhaps we should not discuss this matter until we have some privacy…?” Rada clamped down on her temper, and made an obvious effort to control herself. “Zade, if it is all the same, I would like to hear what has occurred with Solenie,” one of the men stood, and leveled his piercing blue eyes on Rada. “It is apparent that your wife is upset, and if Solenie is responsible, I would have it settled immediately.” Zade‟s dark eyes were sober as he regarded his wife, and Rada swallowed hard. It was immediately obvious to her that her husband was not pleased… and she could well be in serious trouble if she embarrassed him in front of his employees. “Rada, this is Amon. He is in charge of sales, and he is Solenie‟s father.” He nodded toward a striking woman in her fifties, and said, “Mina is my assistant… And Rufuar is Amon‟s assistant. We were waiting so that I could introduce you before taking you through the offices.” “I am so pleased to meet all of you,” Rada smiled, calming herself, and making an effort to be pleasant. “Zade has told me wonderful things about all of you, and how you make his life easier.” “He has said wonderful things about you too, Rada,” Mina smiled in acknowledgement. “We are happy to see him so content and settled in his marriage. You are good for him.” Rufuar grinned, “We wondered if Zade would ever marry, but it is easy to see why he waited until you came along. Best wishes to you for many happy years together.” “Thank you!” Rada smiled at both of them. They were as nice as Zade said they were. “I am pleased to meet you, Rada, but I would hear what my sister has done this time.” Rada looked at Zade, not about to say anything unless he wanted her to do so. “Tell Amon what happened, wife.” Rada reluctantly explained the situation, and was not surprised when Zade said, “Solenie did not let me know you were here, Rada. I would never send you away like that.” He actually took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze to reassure her. Amon shook his head, and then said, “Zade, I apologize for Solenie. I fear it is time to deal harshly with her.” He looked at Rada, and explained, “Solenie has hoped for years that Zade would find her attractive, and she did not take the news of his marriage well. There is no excusing her behavior, and I assure you that she will be punished.” Without a word, he picked up the communicator, and said, “Solenie, get Adrienne to cover the desk, and come up here to Zade‟s office immediately.” He shut off the device before she could reply, and then made small talk with Rada and the others while they waited. Rada remembered to personally invite them to the reception, and promised they would receive invitations as well, and Zade‟s comforting pat on the back told her that he was very pleased with her. “I envy you your style, Rada,” Mina announced. “You look lovely in a robe, and with long hair. That style looks dowdy on some women, but you are simply beautiful, and I can understand why Zade is so pleased with you. You stand out as special.” Rada blushed, thoroughly embarrassed by the compliments, and answered with her usual honesty, “I do not get compliments of this sort very often, Mina. Thank you. I am most fortunate that my husband accepts me as I am, and does not wish to change me.” “Zade is a good man,” Mina agreed, and Solenie took that moment to arrive. The blonde‟s expression was sullen, and she wasted no time in attacking Rada, “I suppose she came up here and told all sorts of lies about me?”

Rada was instantly furious, but before she could respond, Zade said calmly, “My wife does not lie, Solenie. I insist you apologize immediately, or you will no longer be working for me.” Solenie‟s face drained of color, and she looked ready to cry. “I am sorry,” she whispered, refusing to look at Rada. Rada did not think it was much of an apology, but she trusted Zade to handle the situation. “I want to hear exactly what happened, Solenie,” Amon stated. “Do not lie to me, either, or it will go all the worse for you.” Solenie took one look at her father‟s stern expression, and haltingly told what happened. To her credit, she did tell the truth, and Rada had to feel a bit sorry for her. She had to know that she was going to be punished. Amon would not risk his family‟s security by making Zade angry with him over his daughter‟s unseemly behavior. “You may apologize to Rada, Solenie, and tell her what will happen to you now.” “Father! Not here and now! Please?” the blonde begged. “Rada, I am sorry for my rudeness. Please, don‟t let Father punish me here…!” she implored Rada to intervene on her behalf. “Rada will not interfere, Solenie. You are due a punishment, and I agree with Amon that it should be given here and now.” Zade was perfectly serious, and Rada couldn‟t help but feel sorry for her when Amon ordered her to bend over Zade‟s desk. Solenie did as she was told, crying already, and Zade handed Amon the ruler he asked to borrow. It was made of a hard wood, and was thick enough it would not break. Amon did not spare his daughter, although he let her keep her modesty for the spanking. The ruler splatted across the seat of her pants repeatedly, and Solenie‟s apologies were sincere and heartfelt after a good solid ten minutes in that position. Still, Amon did not stop, and Rada felt tears sting her eyes by the time Amon decided his daughter was sufficiently punished. Zade excused Solenie from work for the rest of the afternoon, but told her he expected her there early the next day, and without a pillow to sit upon. Solenie nodded, and then hurried from the office when she was excused. Amon, Mina, and Rufuar made their goodbyes and left Rada alone with Zade. Zade gave Rada a hug, and started to say something, but his communicator rang, and he immediately took the call, saying, “Hello, Lissa… Honey…? Stop crying; I can‟t understand a word you are saying…”

Chapter Nine “Zade, I no longer wish to be Alex‟s wife,” Lissa declared, sobbing. “He is being cruel to me, and cannot possibly care for me to treat me without consideration.” “Lissa, you will calm yourself and think about what you are saying,” Zade scolded, his dark eyes full of concern. He was shocked to hear his sister speak in this manner. Divorce was not common, and ending a marriage did not happen without good and just cause. “I need your protection, Zade. Please come and take me from here. Alexander would make me a prisoner in my own home.” “This is not an issue to be discussed in this manner, Lissa,” Zade said firmly. “I will come to your home, and the three of us will sit down and resolve the problem. In the meantime, I would ask that you calm yourself. You are emotional, and not thinking clearly. I cannot believe that Alexander‟s feelings have changed so drastically overnight.” “He hates me, Zade.” “He may very well be upset with you over something, Lissa, but I seriously doubt that he hates you. We will talk further when I arrive.” Zade ended the call, and then turned to Rada. “Rada, I need to take time and go to talk with Alexander and Lissa. Do you know anything at all that will help me; did my sister confide anything of the nature of her problem with Alex?” “No, husband. Only that which I have already stated. Lissa said you were not to worry, that she had earned her husband‟s displeasure. Would you like for me to attend their home with you?” she offered out of genuine concern. Zade was very old-fashioned in some respects, and hearing his sister speak of divorce had to be upsetting. “No, little Rada. Your day is full as it is. I will see you this evening.” He walked her over to the tube, and then leaned down to give her a kiss. “You made me very proud, especially with the delicate way you considered Aman‟s feelings as you told him of his daughter‟s behavior. You were gracious and forgiving, and you controlled your temper well. I will take the time to escort you through the offices another day,” he promised, and then kissed her again. “Be safe this day.” Rada soon found herself at the bottom of the tube, and she quickly glanced at the reception desk. Another woman was sitting there, and smiled at her. Rada stopped and said hello to her, pretty sure that everyone in the building knew she was Zade‟s wife, and she did not want anyone to think badly of Zade and call her „rude‟. A few minutes later she was on her way to attend countless errands in preparation for the reception, while her mind was fully preoccupied with Lissa, and wondering if Zade would be able to fix whatever problem was causing her such sorrow. ******************** Alexander was the one who answered the door alert, and if he was surprised to see his brother-in-law, he did not let it show. “Welcome, Zade,” he invited the other man inside. “Where is Lissa?” Zade asked. “She has locked the door to our chamber, and is behaving like a child having a tantrum,” Alex stated calmly. “She asked for my intercession, Alex,” Zade said formally. “Lissa told me you no longer love her, and asked that I take her from here.” Alexander‟s eyes flashed angrily. “Lissa is my wife, and she will not be leaving to escape a punishment she has earned. I believe I made it clear last evening that the matter is between

Lissa and I. My thought was to protect her, but since she has brought you into a matter that is so personal, she will have the telling of it.” He pointed to a chair, and told Zade to have a seat, while he informed Lissa of her brother‟s presence. Zade heard light, running footsteps, and his sister came into the social room, her eyes rimmed with red from crying. “I am happy to see you, Zade. Will you take me away, please?” “Not until we discuss the problem with your husband, Lissa,” Zade said firmly. “He has said that you will have the telling.” “No. I will not discuss something so personal,” Lissa refused, and Zade was quick to notice the guilt reflected in her dark eyes. “I wish to leave, but as you know, I need your blessing to do so… until the marriage counsel can be petitioned to dissolve the union.” “If you are at fault in this situation, the Marriage Council will not support your claim, and you will be faulted. Divorce is not acceptable, unless violence has been committed against you, and I can see no evidence of that.” “A person can be cruel without using physical violence!” she argued. “I wish to end this marriage!” “Lissa, I love you, but I will not tolerate any more such talk. It is apparent that you are feeling guilty about something you have done, and you are refusing to accept the consequences of your actions. You are not used to being punished, but in every marriage, there are times when it becomes necessary. Either you will tell me what Alex has done that is so objectionable and cruel, or I will leave, and suggest he take a strap to you for acting so foolish.” “He has forbidden me to finish my project, Zade. Alex says I must stay home now. I have worked so hard, for over a year, and I am so close to finishing… He would deny me the right to see all the hard work to a conclusion. It is not fair, and I will not accept his decision. I am most sorry he is upset, but forcing me to give up my work is cruel.” Lissa was passionate, and her eyes were flashing… “Lissa, do you deserve punishment?” Zade asked directly. “I have been thoroughly punished, Zade,” Lissa declared. “Alex is being cruel.” “We are not accomplishing anything with this discussion.” Zade got to his feet, prepared to walk out the door. “Zade! Do not leave!” Lissa begged of him. “I would not be denied my work!” He gave her a solemn look, and then called out, “Alex…” The other man came to the social room, his eyes blazing. “Has Lissa satisfied your questions?” “No, she has not.” Zade was clearly frustrated, and it showed on his face. “Lissa has stated she was punished. That you have forbidden her to work at this time, and stated that she is upset she will not get to finish a project she has worked on for over a year. I have heard no reason for the punishment, or why you would choose to keep her home as a part of the punishment. Lissa has refused to discuss that, stating it is too personal. I was hoping you could supply more information. If not, I will leave the two of you to work it through on your own.” “You cannot do that, Zade! Alex means to keep me prisoner in this house indefinitely!” “Lissa, I am not going to discuss this matter with your brother,” Alex said stiffly. “You are well aware of my feelings regarding your behavior. If you choose to leave, I will not try to stop you. If you choose to leave, you will not be welcomed back If you choose to stay, you will be punished as I see fit as your husband.” His expression softened. “I would hope with all my heart that you would choose to stay.” He said no more, and left the room his head held high.

Lissa covered her face with her hands and cried openly. Zade could not remember a time when he had seen her so upset, or for that matter, when he had seen Alex so upset. “Lissa, your husband does not sound like a man who hates you. He sounds like a man who is determined to be the head of his household, and one who accepts his responsibility and duty to you quite seriously. I am aware that neither you nor Alex wish to discuss the details with me, and frankly, that is as it should be. I will ask you this… Is it your choice to leave or to stay?” “I do not wish to leave, Zade… but I do wish to continue working. It is important to me. I will not be a happy person if Alex insists I remain at home.” “Then it is best you sit down with him and explain your feelings, Lissa,” Zade said gently. “There is nothing more I can do here. I suggest you look at this situation through Alex‟s eyes, and put yourself in his place. It is not like him to punish you without a good reason.” Her eyes were full of guilt, and her cheeks pink. “I did not say he did not have a valid reason to punish,” Lissa said in a small voice. Zade took her chin in his hand and lifted her head so that he could look into her guiltfilled eyes. “If you misbehaved, little sister, then you will accept the consequences of doing so. To do less is not worthy of the woman you are.” He got to his feet once more, leaned down to kiss her forehead, and then took his leave. Lissa was still crying when Alexander joined her in the social room a few minutes after Zade took his leave. “You chose to stay, wife?” he asked, his dark eyes full of emotion as he looked at her. “Do you still love me, Alexander?” she asked tearfully. “Yes, I do, Lissa,” he answered, and was unprepared when she threw herself into his arms, sobbing as if her heart would break. Alex lifted her into his arms, and carried her through the house, and into their chamber. He gently placed her on the bed, and lie down beside her, holding her close. When she finally quieted, he said, “I am pleased you decided to stay, wife.” “I did not wish to leave, Alex. I only wanted you to listen to me, and understand my feelings. I would not be a happy wife to you, or a happy mother to Deema, if you punished me by taking me away from work. It is vital to the person I am.” She paused, then continued speaking, her voice shaky as she said, “I was wrong… and I realized just how wrong I was months ago. I was made a decision that was ours to share, when I could have come to you and discussed my feelings. I compounded that mistake in judgment by deceiving you, and lying to you. That was also seriously wrong… and I have suffered guilt for the last twelve months, and have dreaded the confessing. I deserve punishment… a severe punishment,” she admitted. “But, Alex, I would ask you to reconsider taking away my project. Unless I am the one to finish it, and make something truly worthwhile out of my wrong decisions, I will not be able to forgive myself for hurting you. I have made it through the last few months by knowing I was accomplishing something for you. I will be shamed and unable to live with myself if I do not at least have this gift for you.” She raised her head from his chest and looked him in the eye, her expression as sincere as could be, “I am your wife, and I have greatly offended you by my actions. I want your forgiveness, and your trust, and most of all, I do not wish you to leave me alone in our bed at night. I made a mistake, a very bad mistake, and one that I have regretted for months… I know you have every reason to question my word, but I sincerely did not mean for this deception to go on as it did. I am ashamed of myself. I wish to make amends, Alexander. If it is your will that I remain home, then I will abide by your decision, even though I am hoping you will be merciful and find another way to punish me.”

Alex stroked her back, and asked, “Did you ever consider how you might be punished, Lissa?” “Yes. I knew you would take the strap to me, and I knew it would be severe, which it was. But, husband, I did not expect you to find out in the manner you did. I intended to confess to you myself, and beg your understanding and forgiveness. You were upset and angered, but I do not feel you would have been so hurt if you had learned the truth from me personally.” Alex pondered her words for a few minutes, and had to admit that she was probably right. If she had come to him and told him herself, he would have been upset, and a bit angry, but all she would have received was a thorough strapping. “Do you feel the strapping is sufficient punishment?” “No, sir,” she shocked him by stating. “I have spent time looking at my actions through your eyes, and you have every right to insist on further punishment.” “And if I decide that your punishment is to be confinement to this house for the foreseeable future…? Will you threaten to divorce me again? Or call upon your brother to come and rescue you?” His tone of voice left her no doubt as to his feelings on that particular subject. “I am sorry, husband. It is like Zade scolded… I am not used to punishments, and I overreacted. When you did not come to our chamber last night, and then took away my work project, I was devastated and thought you did not love me any longer. It was not until you said you hoped I would stay that I calmed down. I will not turn to my brother for protection again. I might not like to be punished, but I know now that you do so out of love, and not a desire to hurt or be cruel.” Alex smiled gently, and then kissed her. “Thank you, wife. I do not wish you to be unhappy in our marriage.” “I do not wish you to be unhappy, either, husband.” “I will permit you to finish the project, Lissa, since you have explained your need for doing so.” “Thank you, Alex. Oh, thank you!” Lissa hugged him excitedly. “However, your evenings will not be so pleasant for the next month. You will be punished in some way each day.” Alex‟s eyes were full of purpose and determination. “You will not feel free to make decisions which concern both of us, you will not lie, and you will not deceive. Is that understood?” “Yes, sir. I will try very hard to accept the punishments without complaint.” “You will not receive another severe strapping, but you will be spanked often enough to make sitting at work an unpleasant reminder as to why you are being punished nightly.” “Yes, Alex,” Lissa meekly replied. “As for this day, and evenings in our chamber, you will remain unclothed. This will also serve to remind you that you are my wife, and that I expect obedience.” Lissa slowly got to her feet, and removed her clothing, putting it neatly away. Alex patted the bed, and she rejoined him, looking at him questioningly. “Take a nap, wife. The punishing can wait until we are rested.” ******************** Zade returned to his offices, but his mind was not on his work. He was thinking of his sister, and finally he decided he might as well go home for the day. He would spend some time with his lovely Rada. However, she was not at home when he arrived, and he was not pleased. He tried calling her communicator, but she did not answer. He left a message, but two hours passed, and she did

not call or come home. Zade was growing more and more worried with every passing minute, and when his normal arrival time came and went with still no sign of her, he began to pace the floor! Where could she be? ******************** Rada was having a good time, and did not stop to consider the time. She‟d run into a group of friends while she was shopping for the reception, and they‟d invited her to go for a treat of galeta in a nearby shop. To their surprise and delight, several more of their friends were there, and Rada lost all track of time. All she knew was that it was fun to be among friends, laughing and joking, and getting a bit tipsy on fluffa. The music was loud, and they all sang along… “So, Rada, what is your new husband like?” Nantink asked with a smile. “Oh no! What time is it?” Rada dropped back to earth and reality with a thud, and a grab for her timepiece. “Oh NO!” she wailed. She should have been home over three hours ago! She grabbed for her communicator, and saw the message light blinking. She listened to Zade‟s voice, her eyes growing wider with each message. He was frantic, and angry… Deciding not to put off the inevitable, she called his communicator, and he answered immediately. “Zade, I am so sorry! I lost track of time!” she stammered. “Are you all right, Rada?” he asked in concern. “Yes, I am fine. I ran into a group of my friends, and we have been chatting a bit. I did not mean to worry you.” “Where are you, wife?” he demanded, and Rada could tell he was not pleased. She answered, and was told to „wait right there‟. The fun and sparkle had gone out of her day, and Rada was nervous as she waited for Zade to arrive. She just knew she was going to be in trouble… However, Zade was pleasant when he walked through the door. He insisted on meeting her friends, and was polite to each and every one. After a few minutes, he made their excuses, and escorted Rada to their transport. “Young lady, was this sort of irresponsible behavior tolerated in your father‟s home?” “No, sir,” she answered truthfully. “Father would have punished me with an early bedtime,” she admitted, not even pretending she did not know why he was upset with her. “I could not hear my communicator over the music, but that is not a good excuse for my not calling to tell you I was safe. I did not think.” “I am sure I can come up with a way to ensure you do think in the future,” Zade informed her. “I am sorry, Zade,” Rada said contritely. He was going to punish her, and since her bottom was already tender, it would be even more unpleasant than usual, unless she could convince him to use a non-corporal punishment. “I feared for your safety,” Zade admitted. Rada reached over and placed her hand on his arm. “I am sorry, husband. I was thoughtless and inconsiderate.” Zade nodded, but concentrated on getting them home safely. He felt the time and place for discussion of the matter was in the privacy of their home, although he was pleased that little Rada was not making excuses, or pretending she did not understand why he was upset with her behavior. His mind went again to his little sister, and her own unwillingness to accept the consequences for her misbehavior, and he had to wonder again what she could have done to incur her husband‟s displeasure to the point he would deny her the privilege of finishing her

project. That, in turn, reminded him that he had not been as diligent as he should have been in helping Rada with her plans. Rada grew a bit more wary as she watched the emotions play over her husband‟s handsome face. She feared he was even more upset with her than she thought he would be, and she feared the consequences for her lack of attention to the time would be painful and extreme. “I will fix dinner very quickly, husband,” she said as they walked into the large foyer of their home.” “Dinner needs only be reheated, wife,” Zade told her. “I have prepared food already.” She wasn‟t pleased as he thought she would be, and she appeared crestfallen. “There is no need to be upset, Rada. I came home early today and merely thought to surprise you.” “I am sorry I was so late and ruined your surprise, Zade.” She felt just awful, and wanted to cry. “Rada, it is just dinner, and I am too relieved you are safe and well to be angry. Let‟s eat now, and we‟ll discuss the situation afterwards. There is no need for tears,” he added, and kissed her gently, his lips offering her comfort. The meal was delicious, and Rada praised her husband‟s efforts. He was pleased by her compliments, and kept the conversation light and playful. Zade was curious about her friends, and asked if she‟d included them on the list for the reception, and Rada shyly admitted that she had. He nodded in approval… then told her once more how pleased he was with her behavior in his offices. “Aman was quite taken with your grace, and the fact that Solenie‟s punishment seemed to upset you. He found you compassionate. Genai also praised you and told me you made a point to meet her on your way out.” “She seemed very pleasant, and had wonderful things to say about her employer,” Rada smiled in return, feeling more relaxed. “She spoke of the help you gave her family…” “Genai is a hard worker, and deserving of assistance,” Zade said seriously. “The problem was not of their doing, and it was a small matter to speak for them. I was honored to be able to help them.” Rada listened as Zade explained in detail, and was amazed. She was fortunate to have such a considerate husband. He was like her own father in many ways she found important. She could envision her parent behaving as Zade did to protect a valued employee from an injustice. She bade him sit while she cleaned up the kitchen, and he did as she asked, finally telling her about Lissa‟s problem, and admitting his worry to her. “I fear I did nothing to help the situation, wife. Yet, I feel I did what was in Lissa‟s best interests by walking away and leaving her to face Alexander and discuss the problem. I would ask this of you; please talk to me if there is ever a problem.” “I will honor your request, husband,” Rada promised, sensing it was extremely important to him to hear her promise. “Thank you,” he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, then kissed her sweet lips. “We can face any problem together.” Another kiss and hug, and then he said with regret in his dark eyes, “We need to go to my office and discuss today‟s misbehavior.” Rada did not argue. She‟d been dreading this moment ever since she‟d glanced at her watch and learned the time had slipped away from her. She followed Zade into his office, and stood there while he perched on the edge of his desk and faced her.

“I would ask a question and have your honest answer, wife. How often during the past year was your Father forced to punish you for neglecting the time and being unaccountable for your whereabouts?” Rada blushed, and knew that Zade would not be pleased with her answer if she were honest, but lying to him was simply out of question. “Three times.” Zade‟s eyebrow shot up in genuine surprise. “Three times? Three times you were late without calling to ease your parents‟ minds?” he wanted to be sure she understood. “Yes, sir.” “And your punishment each time was to be sent to bed early for one night?” he asked in disbelief. Her father was much too lenient with his feisty daughter. “No… the last time he added a day of cleaning in the kitchen. I had to take everything from the cupboards and wash them, and all the dishes… and after dinner, I was sent straight to bed.” Her expression gave him to know that she‟d hated that particular punishment. “I was much more considerate from that time… until today…” she added. “I am sorry, Zade. I will not let this happen again.” “How long has it been since you were punished for this, Rada?” he asked curiously, still trying to decide what was appropriate. “The last time was before Mother‟s birthday. I was shopping for her gift that day…” Zade nodded, and realized that her father‟s last punishment had served to make a noticeable improvement in her behavior. He hoped this punishment would make even more of an impression. “You are a married woman now, not a child, Rada. You were inconsiderate of my feelings, my worry and concern. This is not acceptable to me, and will not be repeated. My lesson will seem harsh compared to your father‟s, but I want you to think the next time you run into friends and decide to stay out a bit longer. All you need do is remember to call and leave a message. This punishment is designed to help you remember the next time.”

Chapter Ten Zade spoke firmly. “You are a married woman now, not a child, Rada. You were inconsiderate of my feelings, of my worry and concern. This is not acceptable to me, and will not be repeated. My lesson will seem harsh compared to your father‟s, but I want you to think the next time you run into friends and decide to stay out a bit longer. All you need do is remember to call and leave a message. This punishment is designed to help you remember the next time.” “I will be more considerate in the future, husband,” Rada quickly promised. Her bottom was already so sore she did not think she could tolerate a serious punishment with the paddle… or even worse, with the punishment strap! Nor did she think she could handle more than a night of being sent to bed early. It was a much hated punishment. “How long was I permitted to worry about your whereabouts, Rada?” Zade asked meaningfully. “I do not know what time you came home, husband…” Rada admitted. “I will not punish you for the time that I was early, wife. You had no way of knowing I would be home early. We will calculate the time from my normal arrival time.” Rada felt her cheeks turn pink with embarrassment. “It was three hours, Zade.” “It was three hours and twenty-four minutes, Rada,” he corrected. “Three hours and twenty-four minutes that I was left to worry and wonder if you were safe. Three hours can be a very long time if you are uncomfortable.” Rada swallowed hard. She did not like the way the conversation was going. It did not bode well for her bottom. “Please, Zade, permit me a second chance. I will not disappoint you.” “I am sure you will be more considerate in the future because you will not wish a repeat of this punishment,” Zade told her. Rada‟s heart was pounding. What was he going to do to her? Surely he would not spank her for over three hours! Somehow, she knew she was going to despise the punishment with her entire being. A few minutes later, she was positive it was going to be the single most horrible punishment she had ever had in her entire life. Zade had taken out a punishment mat and placed it on a wooden chair, and the chair was facing the corner of the room in his office. It was a corner she‟d had to stand in several times, but this was going to be much worse. Sitting on the rough mat would make sitting after a spanking even more unbearable than usual “You may remove your clothing, wife. You will not be needing it this evening.” “Could we not do this in the privacy of our chamber, husband?” Rada pleaded. “We will do it right here, wife, and you will undress immediately, or your spanking will be even harder to endure on your sore bottom. It IS still very sore, is it not?” he asked, wanting her to realize that he was very much aware that sitting was difficult for her this day. The whole purpose of this punishment was to get her attention, and show her that time passes very slowly when one is uncomfortable. It did not matter if the discomfort was physical or mental. It was excruciating to have to endure a torment for a long period of time, and have no idea when it would end. The lesson would be a harsh one of necessity. Rada removed her clothing, trying not to feel embarrassed in front of her husband. They‟d shared many intimate moments during their marriage, and she‟d been spanked several times as well, but she still found it disconcerting to remove her clothing in a room that was not considered private. It was unlikely that anyone would come by without calling first, but there

was always that chance, and Rada would be humiliated if she were discovered in this position… even if it was only her Mother. “Stalling has earned you five more, wife. Would you like to try for an additional ten?” “No, sir!” Rada hurried to finish, her cheeks a flaming red. “Come and lie over my knee.” Zade was seated on the corner of his desk again, and Rada knew he intended to spank her right there. She did not see a paddle, or a ruler, and she hoped that he would feel his hand sufficient for the lesson. It was bound to hurt more than normal since she was so thoroughly punished the night before. Zade wrapped his left arm around Rada‟s tiny waist, and easily held her in place. He started spanking, and was not surprised or shocked when she cried out and kicked and tried to squirm off his lap right from the first spank. She was spanked hard and paddled thoroughly last evening, and she had squirmed on her seat all through dinner tonight. Sitting was very painful, and it would make her lesson this evening that much more memorable. “Ouch! Oh, Zade, please stop! I am so tender already! I cannot bear this!” Rada complained and kicked her legs, trying to twist her bottom around so that it wouldn‟t be such an easy target. “I worried for several hours earlier this evening, wife. I wanted that worry to end as well, but it did not, not for over three long hours.” “You can‟t spank me for that long!” Rada protested, her body going rigid as the possibility occurred to her. “Please, Zade, do not!” she begged. Zade spanked her sit spots hard, leaving a handprint on each side. “I‟ve no intention of spanking you for three hours,” he informed her. “But I guarantee your backside will be on fire when I do stop. All of this wiggling is only making the spanking longer and harder,” he imparted the information, but he realized that Rada was incapable of settling in and taking the spanking. She was simply too sore, and he was going to have to hold her in place to properly redden her cheeks and upper thighs. He wanted her to feel the punishment mat and learn what it was like to have to wait for release from a situation causing anguish. Rada was crying hard, and when Zade finally stopped, she was relieved… until he ordered her in a no-nonsense tone of voice to get up and get the ruler out of the desk drawer. He was going to use it to give her the extras he promised. There was nothing to do but retrieve the wooden ruler and hand it to him. “I‟m sorry, Zade. Please do not be harsh! It is so difficult to be punished again so soon.” “You should have considered your backside before you got involved with your friends and forgot all about calling home. Now you will accept the consequences for your thoughtlessness. Bend over my knee again,” Zade ordered, smacking the ruler against his palm. Rada wanted to turn about and run, but knew she did not dare. She bent over again, and felt Zade‟s arm wrap around her waist. She wouldn‟t be getting out of position until he was satisfied that her bottom was completely miserable. The ruler cracked across the fullest part of her right cheek, and then her left. Rada counted to five, but the spanking did not stop! “Zade, you said five! You said five!” she called out. “I promised you five extra, but I have not reached that point as of yet. You are still being spanked.” “Oh no!” Rada cried out in dismay. The ruler was even worse than his hand, and he was using it effectively, making sure every inch of each cheek, and her upper thighs was stinging and red. Then he shifted her forward a bit, and spanked harder, covering every inch of her backside

two more times. Rada was sobbing and beyond pleading at this point. It was a terrible spanking, and on top of the ones she‟d had last evening, she was sure she would not sit for a week at least! “Now we will attend to the extras, wife.” The difference in the strength behind the strokes was immediately apparent. Zade gave her five sound cracks to her left side, then five more to the right side. “You received ten for arguing with me, Rada. I will not tolerate that.” He put her on her feet, then marched her over to the chair in the corner, and sat her down on the mat. When Rada‟s eyes widened in shock, he nodded. “The mat is uncomfortable on your bare backside, Rada, and will grow even more uncomfortable with each passing minute. You will compare this feeling to the concern I felt when I did not know where you were for over three hours… It grew and grew until I was certain I could not bear the worry any longer. I was not given a choice but to bear that worry and concern, and you will not be given a choice either. You will remain on the mat, with your feet planted firmly on the floor, and your hands folded in your lap, until I choose to release you. You will endure this punishment until I choose to end it, and you will not speak at all. If you speak, for any reason, the punishment will start all over, including the spanking. Do you have any questions?” Rada shook her head „no‟, not about to speak and have him chastise her for doing so. She was already uncomfortable. The rough mat was hard on her tender bottom. How would she endure this for another ten minutes, much less three hours! What if Zade made her sit here for the entire amount of time? Rada felt tears sting her eyes at the thought. Her mind told her the punishment was fair, but her body was rebelling already! Her total nudity made the situation even worse. She felt so exposed and vulnerable, and it was not a comfortable feeling. Several minutes later, Rada was positive she couldn‟t take another moment. Her butt felt raw, and the stinging was growing more and more unbearable by the moment. She wanted to plead with Zade to stop the punishment, but she did not dare open her mouth. She was helpless to prevent what was happening to her, and no way at all to tell him of her pain. She tried to wiggle just a bit to take some of the pressure off her sit spots, and the punishment mat reacted precisely as it was supposed to react. It made her regret moving instantly. The pain in her bottom grew even more unbearable, and it felt as though her skin was raw from the abrasive surface of the mat. Rada felt tears rolling down her cheeks, and she couldn‟t even wipe them away since she‟d been told to keep her hands folded in her lap. She was truly miserable, and Zade was right. The punishment was truly awful, and she would remember it the next time she was out and going to be late. She would make a call to relieve her husband‟s mind, and never again suffer this torment. Zade could see that his lovely bride was suffering, and he hated that it was necessary to get her attention in this manner. Her father was too lax in his punishments, and that is why Rada was in dire need of a strong husband to correct her ways. A strong ten personality needed to know that her husband would enforce the rules of his household in a manner she could count on… each and every time. If Harlan would have spanked his daughter a few times she wouldn‟t be so thoughtless, and Zade wouldn‟t have to be so firm. He decided that Rada needed this punishment to last a good while longer… she needed to feel as helpless as he felt earlier. He forced himself to turn his attention back to the papers he was studying. Ten minutes was not nearly long enough to make the punishment serve its purpose. How much longer would she last? Rada asked herself. How long had it been? Surely it was over an hour? Her bottom cheeks were burning like fire, and she wanted nothing more than to stand up and ease the pain. The tears sliding down her face were dripping on her breasts. She

couldn‟t pretend that she wasn‟t suffering… but suffering in silence was harder than hard. It was nearly impossible. She knew she could not last much longer… and she feared what would happen the moment she raised a hand to wipe the tears from her face, or stood up to give her bottom some much needed relief from the mat, or if let her anguish spill out in sobs she couldn‟t control. Rada wanted Zade‟s forgiveness. He‟d proven to her just how difficult it was to „wait‟ when time seemed to move so slowly. She would never let him suffer in that way again. She vowed she would always remember to call… even if she was only going to be one or two minutes late. Zade‟s communicator rang, and he picked it up, hoping it was Lissa. “Hello?” “Hello, Zade,” Lissa‟s gentle voice greeted him. “Alex bade me call you and tell you that we are doing well. The crisis is over.” “I am pleased to hear this, Lissa,” Zade smiled in genuine relief. He liked and respected Alexander, and wanted his sister to be happy with the man, even when it was necessary for him to administer a punishment. “Alex has decided to permit me to work, but I will be punished for the next month,” she confided. “Is it deserved?” Zade asked matter-of-factly. He knew his sister well. She rarely misbehaved, but when she did misbehave, it was usually very serious. “It is very much deserved,” Lissa replied truthfully. “Then I expect you to show your husband the respect he deserves and take your punishment like the woman you are.” “I will,” Lissa promised. “Thank you for helping me to realize that I do love Alex and want to be with him, Zade. He does love me as much as I love him, and what I did wrong was a serious breech of that love and trust. I will accept my punishment, although I wish it was not necessary.” “I am sure that Alex wishes it was not necessary as well. No good husband truly enjoys punishing his wife, no matter how deserved that punishment is.” “No, Alex will not enjoy punishing me, but we will not be „right‟ with each other until it is done. I would have guilt, and he would have disappointment. The punishment is necessary for both of us to move forward.” “It is good you realize this, Lissa.” They spoke a few more minutes, then Zade heard Alex speak softly in the background. Lissa made her goodbyes, and Zade was positive that his sister was due another part of her punishment right then. He hoped that Alex would treat Lissa with love, and promised himself that he would not mention the subject again, unless either Alex or Lissa brought it up. Rada had heard Zade‟s end of the conversation, and was praying that he would end her punishment soon. It had to be at least two hours by now, and she was in more pain than she believed possible. Waiting for this to be over was hellish. She wanted and needed to beg for mercy, and it was only sheer willpower that kept her from opening her mouth. She did not doubt that Zade would make good on his promise to start over, and she knew she would not be able to tolerate another spanking, especially when she knew that he would sit her on the punishment mat once again... It was truly miserable, and her backside was screaming for relief. She was crying openly, and struggling to remain silent. She would never put Zade through this again. Never. She was thoroughly ashamed of her thoughtlessness.

“You may answer my questions now,” Zade said softly, sensing that she was truly struggling. He wanted this to be a punishment, not a torture. He had his own experiences with the punishment mat to recall, and he did not take its use lightly. Rada wanted to turn to Zade and ask if she could rise, but did not dare do so. Just because he gave her permission to answer his questions did not mean he was going to end the punishment. “Is the waiting unbearable?” Zade asked. “Yes,” she whispered. “I am sorry I put you through the worry, and I will never do it again. You have my promise, Zade. I am truly sorry.” “How long do you think you have been sitting there?” he asked, wondering what her answer would be. “Over two hours,” she replied, and then jumped when he snorted in disbelief. “It‟s only been thirty minutes, Rada. How do you imagine you would feel in another three hours?” “I feel awful now, Zade, and I would not make it another three hours without losing control. I am close to that point now,” she admitted with a sob she truly tried to control. “Please forgive me now, husband. This is an awful lesson, and deserved,” she admitted tearfully, “But, I promise I have learned it well, and it will need not be repeated in the future.” Zade replied, “I intended to leave you there for a full hour, wife, but I will be merciful this time… provided you realize one thing. If this ever happens again, you will sit on this mat for the entire time I spend worrying about your safety, whether it is fifteen minutes or six hours. You will sit the whole of it on a well-spanked backside, and there will be no reprieve. Is that understood?” “Yes, sir, it is,” Rada replied, and then added, “I will never do this again. It was thoughtless, and I do not wish to be a thoughtless, uncaring wife.” Zade nodded and reached down to lift her to her feet. Her backside was a deep, angry red, and he knew that the stinging feeling would only increase over the next hour unless he applied medication to stop the pain. The punishment mats were used for public punishments when warranted, and were commonly used to get rebellious teenage boys attention. Kneeling on one for even a few minutes was a swift reminder to control inappropriate behavior, and often left the knees sore for a few days without the least bit of damage. It was also common to have a wife or rebellious daughter sit on one after a sound spanking. It was a sure way to make a point, but Zade felt that using a punishment mat should be used rarely, only when the lesson needed to be swift and sure, such as for endangering herself in some way, or like today… failing to let him know she would be late and causing him to worry needlessly. And God help Rada if she ever did this again. She wouldn‟t sit for a month, and she wouldn‟t have the aid of a soothing medication to ease the effects of the mat. He carried her into their chamber, and within seconds, he was applying the cream liberally to her reddened buttocks, thighs, and sit spot. The cream wouldn‟t take away the pain entirely, but it would keep it from growing any worse than it was at the moment. Rada couldn‟t help crying. Her bottom was on fire, and sitting on the punishment mat was worse than enduring the spanking. She had one friend who was forced to sit on a mat after each and every spanking, and the friend had not exaggerated how awful the burning was on raw skin. The cream was soothing, and Rada was thankful that Zade was taking such good care of her. Once she was a bit better, he tucked her in bed, and for once, Rada didn‟t mind being sent to bed early. She was exhausted.

******************** Lissa placed the communicator on the charging stand and then went to find Alex. She was a bit nervous, and unsure of what to expect. Alex was going to punish her again, and she was going to have to accept the punishment as her due, no matter what it was. He had reconsidered letting her finish her work project, and she would pay him back with her full cooperation. Staying nude all day had been embarrassing, and she considered it a punishment in and of itself, but it would be a constant state of embarrassment in their chamber for the next month. Alex was waiting for Lissa when she entered their chamber. “I promised you that your evenings would not be pleasant for the next month, Lissa, and I fully intend to see that you have reason to regret your behavior the past year. We will deal with the fact you told lies this evening. How many in all do you feel you told me?” he asked, wanting her to stop and think. “Too many to count, Alex,” Lissa replied honestly. “While I did not come right out and state lies to you very often, I did lie to you by omission, and by letting you assume things that were not true. This lasted for a very long time, Alex, and I do regret these untruths very much. I am not proud of myself.” “I am not pleased with your deceptions, either, and I want to be sure it will never happen again, wife. We will spend tonight, and several other times during the next thirty days ensuring it does not.” “Yes, Alex,” Lissa bowed her head. She‟d known this was going to be difficult, and coming face to face with the reality of the punishment was overwhelming.” “One of the oldest punishments on record in the history books for lying is a mouth soaping. It is also used for bad language. I believe tasting soap tonight while contemplating your lies will serve to remind you that lying is never an option to be considered in this home.” Lissa cringed. She couldn‟t stand the smell of most soaps, and tasting it would be even worse. Alex bade her follow him into their private facilities. He took out a soap capsule that was normally inserted into the center of a bath sponge to create a nice, soothing lather for bathing the entire body. Lissa wanted to plead with him not to make her endure a mouth full of soap, but pride would not permit her to do so. When Alex motioned for her to open her mouth, she reluctantly did so. The capsule started foaming the second it was placed on her moist tongue, and her mouth was instantly filled with soap. It almost made her gag, and Lissa couldn‟t do anything but hold the liquid in her mouth. “Soap does not taste so good, does it, Lissa?” Alex asked. She shook her head no. Her eyes were tearing, and she wasn‟t sure how much longer she could contain the soap without swallowing or spewing it all over the facility. The taste was so much worse than the time or two she‟d accidentally touched her mouth with a finger that wasn‟t completely rinsed off. The soap was starting to burn the delicate tissues of her mouth. “You will remain in here for as long as possible tonight, Lissa. I have determined that you will taste soap for a total of sixty minutes. You may do the entire process this evening, or you will repeat this as often as necessary until you‟ve soaped for sixty minutes. You are on your honor, Lissa. I will leave you to contemplate your lies. When you are finished, you will go to bed for the night.” When her lovely eyes turned to him, he smiled, “I will join you at the usual time, Lissa. An early bedtime will be the rule for the next month. You will retire after your punishment each evening.”

Lissa was miserable, and when Alex left the facility, she had to force herself to endure the soap as long as possible. She truly did not wish to go through this several more times… It was terrible. She consoled herself with the reminder that it wasn‟t another strapping on her bruised bottom, but after several minutes, the punishment strap seemed less fearful. Finally, Lissa had to spit it all out and vigorously rinse her mouth. She had no real idea of how long she held the soap. She just knew she didn‟t want to do this ever again. Telling lies was not worth tasting soap. Alex was waiting for her in the bedroom. He‟d already turned down the blankets, and Lissa crawled into bed. She wasn‟t the least bit sleepy after the long nap they‟d had earlier, but she was being sent to bed like a naughty little girl. “You did well, Lissa. You managed fifteen minutes tonight. Tomorrow night you will be spanked, as well as the night after. Then you will soap again.” When she didn‟t reply, he asked gently, “Are you regretting your actions, wife?” “Yes, Alex. More than you can possibly realize.” “Why is that?” “I am ashamed of myself. Truly.” “You are not a bad woman, Lissa. You will feel less guilty as the month passes… I promise you that.” “I may not have any tastebuds left in my mouth, and I may never sit again,” she smiled sadly, “but I will be less guilty…” Alex kissed her gently, then turned off all the lights and left her alone to regret her behavior. He would not like spending the evenings alone any more than she would.

Chapter Eleven “Yes, Alex, I have. I will never repeat this again. I will never make a decision that belongs to both of us… I deeply regret doing so this time.” “I believe you, sweet Lissa.” “You do?” she asked hopefully. “I do. You have taken your punishment well, and without complaint. It is my belief that you have learned from your mistake, and it will not happen again. Am I correct in this?” “Yes, Alex. Never again,” Lissa assured him, her eyes proclaiming her sincerity. He gently kissed her and held her close, then said lovingly, “It would please me to forget the next two weeks of punishment, Lissa. I feel you have suffered enough, and to continue would prove nothing. Will your guilt be abated satisfactorily if we stop now?” he requested. “It is most definitely abated, husband. Thank you,” Lissa kissed him sweetly, her love for him overwhelming in its intensity. “Oh, Alex, I do love you. You are a wonderful husband!” Alex smiled, and was sure he‟d made the right decision. He did not want his wife to fear him, and to fear coming into their chamber. It was time to forget the misdeed, and move on… with forgiveness. He loved his Lissa. “I love you, wife. You are a good wife.” Lissa‟s eyes filled with tears, and she whispered, “Thank you, Alex. Thank you so much.” “May I make love to my wife?” he asked hoarsely. “I will surely die if you do not, husband,” Lissa responded, and it did not take her long to realize that she and Alex were once again truly husband and wife. She would never risk her marriage again, and she would never put her career before her husband. ******************** Zade finished his work, finally… and looked at the time. He did not expect Rada home from her shopping for some time yet, and he decided he would go and pay an unannounced visit on his sister and Alex. He could not help but worry a bit after Rada came to him in concern for Lissa. He needed to see with his own eyes and heart whether or not his sister was in some way feeling abused. Lissa answered the door alert, and Zade could see at once that his sister was happy. Her dark eyes were sparkling, and she was in an exuberant mood. “Zade, do enter. Alex and I are sitting in the social room.” Zade spent a comfortable half hour with Alex and Lissa, catching up on each other‟s lives, and listening to Alex and Lissa rave about the reception. Zade admitted he was proud of Rada, and pleased with his choice for a wife. As Lissa was telling him about the project that was nearing its completion, the door alert sounded, and Alex excused himself to answer the summons. “Well, hello, Rada,” Alex‟s voice drifted into the social room. “Come inside,” he invited. “I shall not take but a moment of your time, Alex,” Rada said softly, then said, “I want you to know that I am here of my own volition. Neither Zade, nor Lissa, knows that I am here to speak with you.” “Rada…” Alex tried to tell her that her husband was in the next room, but the redhead was too intent on having her say to pay attention. “I am greatly disturbed that you are continuing to punish Lissa. What she did was well over two weeks ago, and it is upsetting to me that this continues. I wanted to invite you both to

dinner this evening, and Lissa said she could not accept… You are being much too harsh, Alex, and I am sure that Lissa is very sorry for whatever she did to offend you so much.” “Have you quite finished, Rada?” Zade asked with tightlipped anger. “Zade!” “You did not tell me of your intentions to come here.” “I… I… Well, you told me you would not… but if I‟d known you were coming to speak with Alex, I would not have needed to do so!” Rada scolded her husband, her green eyes full of temper. “I had no intention of telling Alex how to tend his marriage, wife. I also forbade you to do so. We will now take our leave and go home to discuss this matter thoroughly.” “Zade, I would have a word with you, please?” Alex said formally, then led the way into another room. “You will return home, Rada. I will expect to find you in our chamber when I arrive.” Rada knew that Zade was extremely upset, so she did not argue. She made her way home, and went to their chamber. It would not do for her husband to walk inside and find her in any other room. If only Zade had told her he was going to pay his sister a visit, she would not have done so. She cared about Lissa, and she truly hoped that Alex would not punish Lissa for her interference. She should have trusted Zade to deal with the situation, but he‟d seemed so immersed in his own work… It was only a few minutes later when she heard the security tones chime and she realized that Zade was in their home. She heard his footsteps in the hallway, and then he was standing in front of where she sat on their bed. “Zade, will you please make sure that Alex doesn‟t take my interference out on Lissa? I could not bear that…” she whispered. “Alex will not punish Lissa for your actions, Rada. No more than I would punish you for something my sister did.” “I am relieved,” she said softly. “Why did you not tell me you intended to speak with Alex? I would not have interfered. I only wanted to protect Lissa because I care about her.” “I am aware you care about Lissa, but did I not tell you to mind your own business and let the discipline to Alex?” he reminded her. “Yes, you did, but it was two weeks, Zade! That is an extremely long and hard punishment!” she insisted. “Yes, it is. Yet, when I asked, my sister assured me it was warranted.” “She sounded so sad on the communicator when I invited her and Alex for dinner this night. The punishment was too harsh… I could feel it was so. I know I should not have interfered, especially when you told me not to do so, but Lissa is family now.” “I am also family, and I asked you not to do something.” “I would not have gone there if you simply would have informed me that you intended to tend the matter yourself, Zade. You cannot convince me that you were without concern.” “Perhaps I cannot convince you that I was without concern, wife, but perhaps I can convince you that it is not a good idea to disobey me.” Zade watched Rada‟s green eyes open wide in trepidation. “Please stand up and pull up your robe.” Rada did not want to do so, but Zade was right. She had disobeyed him. If she defied him now and resisted her punishment, it would only be that much worse. Reluctantly, she stood up and pulled up her robe so that her bottom was exposed. Zade pulled out a chair and said, “Put your hands flat on the seat of the chair, Rada.”

She put her hands on the chair, and did not have to wait long for the first hard slap to land on her bare left cheek. “Owwww!” “Stay in place, young lady. You will be spanked for your disobedience.” Zade spanked her left cheek next. Rada wanted to straighten up, but Zade put the palm of his left hand on the small of her back, atop her robe, and reminded her to stay right where she was. The spanking continued, from cheek to cheek, and she was crying out for Zade to stop. “Ouch! Ouch!!! Oh Zade, I am sorry! I will not disobey you again! Oh please! Owwwww!” “Rada, I would not permit Lissa and Alex, or Grodot, or Wardon to interfere in our marriage. I would not interfere in Lissa and Alex‟s marriage, and I will not permit you to do so, either. Is that perfectly clear?” he asked with another sharp smack to her reddened bottom. “Ouch! Yes, Zade. I will obey you.” “I want you to understand, Rada, that I fully intended to bring out the marriage strap for its first use. I regard marriage as a bond between two people and NO ONE should interfere in that bond. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes, Zade.” Her bottom was on fire, and she prayed he would not decide to use the strap. She would recall this lesson for several days as it was. “There is only one reason you are not going to receive the strap this time. Alex informed me that he overheard Lissa when she was speaking with you earlier this day. He determined at that time she had been punished thoroughly. He told me this because he said that you loved Lissa enough to hear the same thing in her voice that he did, and he was extremely pleased to know you love Lissa enough to risk a punishment to come to him. He thinks you very brave.” “Really?” Rada asked in surprise, trying to look over her shoulder at her husband. “I, however, wish for my wife to obey me. Is that clear, Rada?” “Yes, Zade. I promise I will do so in the future.” ”To make absolutely sure, I am going to give you one hundred more, Rada. All where you sit. I will have you remember this promise for a few days.” Rada knew it was pointless to argue. If her husband thought she needed another spanking to help her remember, then she was going to get another spanking. She soon learned that he meant her to feel each and every spank. His hard hand left a burning sting that grew with each successive spank. Her upper thighs and sit spot soon burned as badly as her bottom cheeks, and Rada was in tears. The pain was terrible, and she was relieved when Zade permitted her to rise. He held her close while she cried, and when she finally quieted, he tipped up her chin and kissed her gently. “I am very pleased that you love my sister, Rada. You make me proud. There are going to be times that we cannot interfere, no matter how much we wish we could. If there is ever a next time, be it now or ten years from now, I will use the marriage strap for correction.” Rada nodded in understanding, then said quietly, “I am happy that Alex is finished with Lissa‟s punishment.” “I am, too,” Zade admitted. “She is happy to be forgiven.” “Am I forgiven?” Rada asked with a smile. “Of course, sweet wife. You will always be forgiven.” Rada didn‟t know what the next years would bring, but she was very pleased that Zade of Zimitri chose her to be his bride.

The End

Blushing Publications thanks you whole-heartedly for your purchase with us! There are plenty more stories such as the one you‟ve purchased from Blushing Books! Visit our online store to view our might selection! http://www.blushingbooks.com This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.