He left me in that room and went out. For a while I was sobbing lying on the floor. I managed to get rid of the gag and found my nightgown. I put it on and carefully opened the door. There was nobody in the corridor so I slowly moved back to my room. I was limping a bit, my ass was throbbing with pain and so was my back. I was too hurt to think straight, I only wanted to get back to my room, wash myself and hide in my bed.
The water was cold and it felt good to roughly clean myself between my legs, I even found some traces of blood. I took off the nightgown and saw a bright red burned scar on my back. I think it was Lorcan's seal. He branded me, just like you brand your cattle or a horse. That's what I was for him. It wasn't like it will ever disappear, the scar will remain there forever as long as I will live. It wasn't very big, yet it was there. A symbol of his ownership. I had no more tears to shed. That's it. I was punished because I grew fond of Lorcan instead of fulfilling my promise about revenge. Suits me fine, my family would be ashamed of what I have become. A male slut good enough to entertain some Lords.
Me the former prince, what a disgrace. I tried to cool down the burned skin but there was no use. I'd have to change the compress every few minutes. I went back to my bed and hid under the duvet. I was lying on my belly trying not to move. The fabric, even so delicate, was grazing against my branded wound. I was extremely tired both mentally and physically, yet I couldn't fall asleep. I was looking at the window and watching the night turn into dawn. After a long while I must have fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes the sun was up and shining. There was breakfast placed on the table but I wasn't hungry. I wanted to stay in bed.
The branding hurt all the time, so was the rest of my body. I touched my anus and it was swollen and painful, on my wrists and ankles there were bruises and abrasions. I looked like a mess. I was ashamed and didn't want to see anyone.
At noon I managed to get up and drank some cold tea left from the morning. I was wearing only my robe as anything else was out of the question right now.
From my window I could see the inner bailey, Lorcan was there along with his guests. He was seeing them off.
Only to think I was punished so severely because I smiled at them. Gael was right, Lorcan was and is a monster. The worst thing is that I will have to face that monster sooner or later.
I knew I had to pull myself together. Walking was still painful but it was enough with my self pity party. I went to the bathroom and looked at the scar. It was there, red and swollen, something was dripping a yellowish liquid. I knew I should take care of it but I was ashamed to ask Gelda for help. I washed my hands and with great pains my ankles as I had to bow a bit then I combed my hair and braided it. I changed the robe for a warmer one. I went back to my room and looked out of the window. Lorcan's friends were gone, I could only see some servants running their errands. I was standing by the window when Gelda entered my room. "You finally awake, sir, here I have some warm soup for you." She placed the food on the table next to what was left from breakfast.
"You haven't eaten anything, wasn't it to your taste or is it because of a hangover?" She asked while cleaning.
"I wasn't hungry."
"The soup is really good, you should try it." She encouraged me. I could see she was ready to leave.
"Gelda, do you happen to have something to clean wounds?" I felt so bad asking about it but I knew I had to.
She looked at me from head to toes trying to discover what happened.
"I do, I'll bring it in a moment."
I was grateful she didn't ask any more questions. She returned in a flash carrying a basket with some bottles in it as well as a bandage made of linen.
She was standing ready to help but I didn't want her to see my scars. Enough of my humiliation.
"Thank you Gelda, you may go. I'm sure you have lots of work."
She hesitated for a moment but then turned around and left. I was finally alone. I took out the bottle and opened a familiar scent that hit my nose. It was used to clean wounds, I could remember that from my childhood times. I loved climbing so I often grazed my legs and elbows. I was pretty familiar with that substance back then.
I cleaned my wrists and ankles, it was prickling and unpleasant but I knew it would work. Then I wrapped the line around my wrists. My back was a different story, I still had that ointment he was applying on me after we had our first night together. So I rubbed a bit on my hole. It felt better after some time. However I had nothing for the scar on my back and I was anxious to put something unfamiliar on it.
I ate the lukewarm soup while standing, it was less painful than sitting. After I ate I felt a bit better.
I was thinking about getting back to bed when I heard heavy footsteps in the corridor. I closed my eyes for a moment and hoped that he would not enter this room. After what he did to me the night before I hated him and looking at his face was the last thing I could wish for today. The steps stopped and the door flung open.