trying to do really started to sink in. Right now she was still in shock, still in escape mode. But that would wear off soon enough, and she'd struggle on her own if he couldn't gain her trust.
He went back through the door that connected their rooms, and quietly closed the door. Most of the submissives who came or were brought to him weren't fighting what they were. They'd already embraced the lifestyle, and looked to him for guidance. Brianna was different. She hadn't even had a chance to experience a true submissive role, only the role of an abused slave. Leaning back against the door, he knew she was going to be his greatest challenge.
He'd told her he would help, and now she'd need to come to him before they could proceed. How and when she did that would tell him everything he needed to know. Crossing the room, he got the ring of keys from his nightstand and went out into the hall. Slipping the key into the lock on her door, he turned it gently to release the thick deadbolt. Once it clicked back into place, he returned to his room, got fresh clothing for the day and went to take a shower.
Twenty minutes later, he went downstairs to the dining room, and took his place at the head of the table. Nodding to the three ladies who stood patiently behind their chairs, he waited until they were seated and then rang a silver bell beside his plate. Two serving girls came out to set platters of food on the table and then one filled James's plate while the other served the women at the table. When they were finished, they stood off to the side, hands behind their backs and bare breasts thrust forward.
"Angie, please go let our guest know that breakfast is on the table, if she wishes to join us. If she prefers, she can--" He stopped, raising an eyebrow as Brianna shyly peeked around the corner of the doorway. "Never mind, Angie. Brianna, would you like to join us?"
She stepped into the room, her hands clasped together as she took in the scene. "I'm sorry to interrupt, I just smelled the food and thought..."
James motioned to the empty chair on his right. "Please, come eat. There's plenty."
She moved toward him and sat down as Angie retrieved another place setting from the china cabinet and set it before her. James noted the quick glances Brianna made at the other woman’s pierced nipples, and the chain hanging between them as Angie reached across the table to spoon fruit on her plate.
"Oh...I can do that," Brianna said, reaching for the spoon. James put a hand on her arm, shaking his head when she looked up.
"It's Angie's day to serve. Let her."
He restrained a smile as Brianna sat back in her chair, waiting until Angie stepped back to reach for her fork. Glancing at James, then the others at the table, she set it back down, nervously chewing at her lower lip.
James took his time settling a napkin on his lap, and then picked up his own utensil.
"Brianna, please feel free to eat anytime. The others must wait until I'm done, but you are here as a guest." He tucked in to his plate, watching her out of the corner of his eye. She picked up her fork again, took a small bite, then laid it down.
"Why do you make them wait?" she asked, patting the corner of her mouth with her napkin.
"Because I am their Master. And the Master's needs come first."
Brianna sighed. "And what if the Master's needs aren't healthy for the slave?" She didn't address the comment to anyone in particular, half-expecting the standard master knows best in all cases line that had been drilled into her from the beginning.
"Speak freely, Angie," James said, focusing on his plate. Brianna turned to the woman standing behind her. The neutral expression melted away, and Angie smiled, her eyes soft.
"Submissives have a responsibility to choose their Master wisely, but sometimes the choice is not theirs. If the slave feels mistreated, the only recourse is to appeal to another Dom or someone outside the household for help."
Brianna shook her head, turning back to