Chapter 19: First Night

“Is an abusive past the reason every slave is here, Señorita?” I ask, risking a rebuke for speaking.

“No. There are many different reasons for submissive men and women to come into the orbit of the Dominas-Kongress. Not all situations end happily, but some do. The mistresses are not gentle or charitable people. They are ruthless if someone proves unsatisfactory. Please understand that they will break you if they think it desirable, and dispose of you if they lose patience with you. Only absolute obedience and submission is acceptable to them.”

I want to ask about Señorita Maria’s relationship to the Dominas-Kongress regime. However, I sense that I have pushed my luck as far as it will go, and asking further questions will be punished. I dutifully follow Señorita Maria’s instructions for the rest of the afternoon as she tests my physical fitness and my understanding of the Dominas-Kongress rules. We break for an evening meal, which is the first time I see all of the other seven ‘slaves’ at the same time. We are sat on cushions around a low rectangular table, four on each of the longest sides. Although our neck chains are still attached to the rail on the wall behind us, we are close enough to touch our immediate neighbours and those sat directly opposite.

I don’t know who prepares the food, which arrives on trolleys pushed by two of the Señoritas. The plates of food are passed along the table since our neck chains prevent easy access behind us. Once we each have a plate of food, the Señoritas and the trolleys leave. As soon as they are gone, the room erupts into conversation. I presume this is allowed by the Mistresses and Señoritas since nobody seems worried about being punished for talking.

Being the newest arrival, I’m the focus of a barrage of questions. I’m careful not to reveal too much about myself, nor the duplicity involved in luring me here. Cassie is the only one I’ve met previously, and apart from Miguel the wanker ... whose name is actually Fidel ... I’ve had no interaction with any of the others so far.

“Laura saved me from Señorita Juana’s tawse,” says Cassie to the others.

Cassie’s simple statement promptly elevates me in the esteem of the other ‘slaves’. I notice a couple of them shift uncomfortably in their seats at the mention of the tawse. Clearly more than one of them has been victim to Señorita Juana’s leather strap.

We exchange a few details about our backgrounds. As Señorita Maria implied, we have varied backgrounds and wildly different reasons for involving ourselves with the Dominas-Kongress. I’m surprised to discover that Cassie, Fidel and I are the only ones who confess to being naturally submissive. The others claim to be acting the part, although I doubt that can be true. If they are only acting, then at some stage they will be found out and unpleasant consequences may follow. As for why they link themselves to this place, then their reasons range from fleeing from poverty, brutality or addiction, to seeking a sexual adventure. Of course, there are other ways to achieve our various aims without becoming involved with the Dominas-Kongress. But here we all are, so I don’t judge any of their motives.

The meal is delicious and there is plenty of it. There’s only water to drink, but given Cassie’s former problems with alcohol, that’s perhaps a good choice. After a couple of hours of pleasant conversation, the arrival of Señorita Juana signals an end to our free time.

“Slave Laura. You will remain here. The rest of you return to the dormitory cavern.”

The others file out of the dining cavern in silence, leaving Señorita Juana alone with me. I look at her nervously, wondering what she has in mind.

“As the newest arrival, you are on tidying up duty. Clear the table and stack everything on the trolley. Quickly now, or you’ll feel the kiss of my tawse. It already feels cheated thanks to your efforts this afternoon. I know that you deliberately saved Slave Cassie.”

I move as quickly as I can, although my neck chain is a hindrance. I drop one of the empty plates while simultaneously trying to slide the chain’s runner further along the rail. Fortunately the plate is made of metal, so apart from a loud clang, no damage is done. Señorita Juana has a contrary opinion and unhooks her tawse.

“Clumsy oaf! What are you, Slave Laura?” snaps Señorita Juana.