Maiden of Pain by Kameron M. Franklin Read Free Book Online

Iuna. Assuming it was for her, Ythnel slid into the empty seat.
    "Good morning, Ythnel," Prisus said, dabbing the corner of his mouth with a napkin. "We wondered if you were going to show." A middle-aged woman in an apron appeared with a plate of steaming sausage and two eggs, which she set before Ythnel. "I don't believe you've met Libia, our cook, yet." Libia gave a small curtsy before disappearing back into the kitchen.
    "I apologize for my tardiness, Master Saelis. It seems I overslept. I will submit to whatever penance you see fit." There was no regret in
    Ythnel's voice. It had been an honest mistake. She knew the importance of discipline, though, and did not fear punishment. Even a minor transgression like this received some sort of flogging back at the manor.
    Prisus waved her off as he lifted a glass of water to his lips.
    "Perhaps if you did not stay up all night casting spells, you would be able to get up with the rest of us," Iuna chided.
    Water sprayed from Prisus's mouth
    "What?" Prisus yelled, all color draining from his face. He turned to Ythnel. "Is this true?" Without waiting for a response, he turned back to Iuna. "I don't care," he continued, "I do not want such things spoken in this house. Ever! Am I understood?" Iuna nodded sullenly.
    "I was not casting spells, Master Saelis," Ythnel said evenly. She looked straight at Iuna, but the girl would not meet her gaze. "I pray every morning and evening as part of my daily devotion to Loviatar."
    "Be that as it may—" Prisus paused, taking a deep, steadying breath, "—why don't we all just forget about the whole affair? I'm going to be in my study for most of the morning. I suggest you two finish morningfeast and begin Iuna's lesson." He excused himself and left.
    Ythnel and Iuna continued their meal in silence. Ythnel efficiently cut up her sausage and ate each piece with a bite of egg. Iuna lethargically stirred her food with a fork for a few moments then sighed. Pushing her unfinished plate away, she got up from the table. Ythnel stabbed the last piece of sausage with her fork and shoved it in her mouth. She used the napkin to wipe off her face and followed Iuna. They climbed the stairs, Iuna seemingly unaware of Ythnel's presence behind her. At the top, Iuna surprised Ythnel and instead of continuing down the hall to the parlor next to Ythnel's quarters, turned to the right and walked straight to her bedroom, closing the door.
    "Iuna?" Ythnel called through the door. "You heard your father. We should begin your studies." She waited, but there was no reply. "Iuna open this door."
    Sudden anger at Iuna's disrespect welled up inside Ythnel. She wanted to fling the door open, charge in, and spank the girl. Undisciplined punishment teaches nothing, Ythnel told herself, pushing the emotion back. The vacuum was quickly filled with uncertainty. She felt as if she stood on the edge of a precipice as doubt fought with years of indoctrination. Her mind knew Iuna needed to be taught her place, but Ythnel's heart hesitated, questioning if it was her responsibility, if corporal punishment was the correct solution.
    This is the reason I'm here, she mentally affirmed. Pain brings strength of spirit.
    Ythnel opened the door and stepped inside. Iuna stood there, facing her with her arms crossed.
    "I did not give you permission," she said defiantly.
    "I don't need your permission. I am not a slave. Your father has employed my services to help raise you," Ythnel said sternly. "Now it is time to end this game."
    Iuna's eyes blazed, and her arms went rigid at her sides, her hands balled into fists. "How dare you! You are not my mother, you pile of troll dung!"
    Something stirred in the back of Ythnel's mind. A memory rushed back, sweeping her away.
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    Ythnel slumped at her desk, her head resting on her folded arms. Her stomach had been hurting since the morning, when she had discovered some blood in her undergarments. Sister Larulene, Mistress of Initiates, had told her it was