“I have rules I have to follow,” I explained. “Charlie set them for me, but we discussed them beforehand, and I agreed to all of them before we actually put the rules into practice.”
“Rules?” Abigail seemed slightly repulsed. “What kind?”
“Well, for example, some of the rules are very straightforward. I have to take a nap after lunch every day, so I don’t get too tired. My nails always have to be done— because I like doing them, and because Charlie appreciates it when they’re nice. I have a set bedtime, and a time to wake up. I have to eat three meals a day, and when we’re being intimate, I do my best to do as I’m told. He’ll give me commands to follow, then reward me with pleasure when I listen.”
“Does he tie you up every time?” Abigail questioned.
“No. We don’t always get kinky. Sometimes we just have normal sex. And sometimes the rules change due to circumstance. For example, I wasn’t feeling well over the past week, so I had to rest more. One of my rules is I have to make Charlie’s coffee for him in the morning, because even though the servants can, Ilikedoing that for him, because I consider itmything. But because I was sick, he told me I had to stay in bed while he made his own coffee, and that made me very grumpy.”
I gave a shrug. “A lot of our rules fly under the radar. In public, people wouldn’t think I’m being submissive. They’d just think I was doing something nice for my spouse, or taking care of myself. Charlie has alot of rulesfor that. He wants to help me improve in life and meet my own goals, as well as keep merelaxed. So the rules he sets center around that. The whole point of having rules is for me toenjoyhaving to follow them, so I can get pleasure out of pleasing him, and he can focus on making me happy.”
“What if you break a rule?” Abigail wondered. “What happens?”
"I would say the punishment suits what rule I broke. For example, if I skipped my nap that day, I would have to take an extra long one the day after, to make up for it."
“He doesn’t hit you, does he?” Abigail asked softly.
I felt absolutely repulsed by the thought. “No. Charlie won’t physically hit me in any way. Plus, spankings don't work on me, because I see them as a reward instead of a punishment. They turn me on, and that’s the opposite of being disciplined. A lot of the traditional punishments don’t have any effect. For example, putting me in time out would just make me think something exciting is coming later. And that's another reward. He’s got to get creative to want to deter me from misbehaving. Also, he never withholds attention or sex from me. That’s abusive, and I’m the kind of person who needs sexual contact to stabilize my moods and keep me grounded.”
“I know it’s not my place to ask, but what about in the bedroom?” she whispered. “I know some couples like striking each other with…”
She shuddered, and whispered lowly, “Paddles.”
Angelic purity culture had really done a number on this poor girl. I wanted to help her, because even though it wasn’t my obligation to teach her about safe, kinky sex, I didn’t think anyone else would. Ivy had been a big help to me when I’d started exploring, so now, I wanted to pass on that knowledge.
“We haven’t used crops or whips yet, but I’m into the idea. Charlie’s hesitant, because he doesn’t enjoy striking me, not even in a sexy way. But I get a vote, and I’m sure with enoughconvincing I can push him to try it.” I raised a coy eyebrow. “He might be the head of our family, but I’m the neck that turns his head, so to say. And I know my opinion has a powerful influence.”
“So who’s really in charge, him or you?”
“Him. He’s the boss, always. But he always takes my thoughts and feelings into account, so in the end, I typically get what I want, anyway.” I sighed. “And sometimes I don’t make the best choices, so it’s easier on me for him to make those decisions for me. Especially when my bipolar is out of control, because when my mind is all over the place, it’s hard to keep centered. Hebecomesmy center.”
“So are they rules, or more like guidelines?” Abigail asked.
“If he gives a command, I’m obligated to follow it,” I said. “For example, the other night, Ireallydidn’t want to do any stretching exercises for my physical therapy. But Charlie said I had to, and I’m submissive to him, so I did as he asked. But I felt better afterward, because I hadn’t realized my muscles were really sore, and I needed to stretch them in order to get the muscles to release. Charlie did, because even without our bond, he can sense micro changes in my behavior that I don’t necessarily notice. Then he can direct me toward what I need. I’m not the best at taking care of myself, so I need the extra guidance and help.”
“This sounds like you have to do all the work and he gets off with no responsibility,” Abigail grumbled.
“Oh no, he has rules, too,” I explained. “One of his rules is he can’t come home to me later than seven o'clock, because the time from dinner until we go to bed he’s promised exclusively to me, and that's my time to have him to myself. Unless it’s a Thursday, of course, or a Sunday."
"What happensthen?" She sounded terrified.
"Thursday evenings are friend days. He’ll go out with Marcus or Chancey, and I’ll see Opal or Kallie, or go see my family. On Sundays we have alone time by ourselves, so we can recharge for the week. But honestly, we don’t use a lot of that alone time on Sundays, because we like spending the free time we have together.”
I took a sip of tea and continued. “He also has to be open and honest with me at all times. He’s not allowed to conceal things from me. He has to be patient, and not let his emotions overtake him when I’m not doing as I’m told— because sometimes, I don’t. I try to obey his orders as much as I can, but I’m a brat, and I like being one, and he likes my bratty behavior. I know when to push his buttons and when to behave. Sometimes I’ll mess up just because I want his attention, and he knows that. So there’s a balancing act we both ascribe to. But if we really don’t like a rule, or it’s not working for us, we can agree to throw it out. It’s a constant work in progress. I like my role because I get pampered a lot. Charlie spoils me, and I show him I appreciate that by being submissive to him. It works for both of us.”
“But do youbelongto him?” Abigail insisted. “In a way that’s possessive, and not loving?”
“I don’t love the idea of ownership, but he owns my body, and I own his, so to say. I’m not his property, but his treasure. He knows that he belongs to me, and he’s dedicated to my needs, wants, and desires in all areas of life. And he knows that I adore him, and will do what he asks because I do. We’re both committed to improving ourselves, because you can’t maintain this kind of lifestyle without growing together. It takes work, like all marriages do.”
Abigail nodded. “I see. Although I don’t quite understand, I think I can acknowledge this isn’t hurting you. And if this is what you truly want, and your choice, I have no business getting in the way of that.”
“We’re really in a good place,” I said dreamily. “This setup works well for us, because we know what to expect out of each other and ourselves.”
“I’m glad,” Abigail responded. “All I wish is for my princess to be happy.”
I finished my tea and said, “I don’t mean to intrude, but you’ve never been with anyone, have you, Abigail?”
“No,” Abigail said sadly. “I prefer the female variety, myself, but I’ve never even been on a date. Or been kissed.”
