Chapter 4 #2
“The longer answer,” Majesty continued, “is that you have to build a foundation of trust first. Without that, none of the rest matters. That’s why we spend so much time on negotiation and boundaries in our workshops.”
“And why we wanted you here early,” Lex added, his eyes finding mine. “So we could build that trust with you before things get complicated.”
Something warm bloomed in my chest. “I appreciate that.”
We talked for another hour, the conversation flowing easily between serious topics and lighter moments. I learned that Majesty had grown up in Colorado, that Lex had a background in psychology before getting into furniture design.
When I finally stood to go to my room, exhaustion pulled at me. They walked me to the staircase.
“Tomorrow we start at nine,” Lex said. “Dress comfortably. We’ll be doing some physical work.”
“And, Cami?” Majesty’s voice was gentle. “Thank you for being brave. It means a lot.”
I smiled, feeling that warmth again. “Thank you for inviting me.”
In my room, I arranged my toiletries in the bathroom. Through the window, the mountains were dark silhouettes against a star-filled sky.
My phone buzzed with a text from Shelly.
Shelly:
How is it?? Are you okay??
Me:
It’s beautiful. They’re really wonderful. I think this is going to be good. There’s so much to see. I’ll have to send you pictures of the scenery. I know you’ll love it.
Shelly:
I love that for you. I’ll be waiting on the pics. Try to have some fun and bring me back a hat and some cute boots. Call me tomorrow!
Me:
You bet.
I set my phone on the nightstand and changed into pajamas, then slid between sheets that were impossibly soft. Tomorrow I’d start learning protocol and begin understanding what I’d agreed to. But tonight, I let myself feel the anticipation, the possibility, the strange rightness of being here.
Then I melted into the sheets, cozy, and relaxed then drifted off. Tomorrow could wait until I was done enjoying being wrapped in these sheets. Tomorrow…
Morning arrived with sunlight streaming through the windows. I showered, dressed in leggings and a comfortable, long tank top, and headed down to find both Majesty and Lex already in the kitchen.
“Morning,” Majesty said cheerfully, handing me a mug of coffee. “Sleep okay?”
“Better than expected, actually.”
“Good.” Lex gestured to the spread on the counter and my mouth dropped open in awe. Fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, granola, french toast, eggs, and bacon were lined up waiting for me to choose. “Eat something. We’ll head over for training after we’ve finished breakfast.”
I made myself a parfait with french toast on the side, topped with blueberries, whip cream, and syrup.
We sat and talked for a while, enjoying the morning together.
Afterward, we walked across the property back to the lodge and upstairs to a room I’d not seen before.
Inside was an open space with mirrors along one wall, mats on the floor, and minimal furniture in the way. It reminded me of a dance studio.
A woman was already there, stretching near the mirrors. She was athletic but curvy, dressed in simple black athletic wear, but her hair was anything but simple. It was various colors, reminding me of a rainbow and pulled back in a ponytail.
“Cami, this is our volunteer assistant for the weekend, Luna,” Lex said. “She’ll be demonstrating alongside you.”
The woman smiled warmly. “Nice to meet you. They told me you’re new to all of this? I’m no pro, so don’t feel like you’ll have to follow my example to the letter. How new are we talking?”
“Very new,” I confirmed.
“Don’t worry. We’ll go slow,” Lex said.
Luna smiled. “Just remember to breathe. My Dominant is always reminding me to do that. A lot of fears, concerns, and even pain can be remedied by just breathing. Holding your breath makes you tense up. I got you, girl.”
I smiled, liking her already.
Majesty clapped his hands once. “Alright, let’s get started. Today’s focus is basic protocol—positions, forms of address, and understanding body awareness. We’ll start with the fundamentals.”
Lex moved to stand beside him, the two of them a united front. “Protocol serves several purposes. It creates structure, builds anticipation, and helps establish headspace. But most importantly, it’s about communication. That’s both verbal and non-verbal.”
“We’re going to teach you three basic positions today,” Majesty said. “Kneel, present, and inspection. Each one serves a different purpose and requires you to be aware of your body’s limitations.”
Luna moved to the center of the room, and I joined her, my heart rate picking up.
“Let’s start with kneel,” Lex said, his voice taking on an instructive quality. “This is a position of attention and readiness. Watch.”
Luna gracefully lowered herself to her knees, spine straight, head held high but eyes cast slightly downward. Her hands were clasped behind her back, and despite the submissive position, she looked powerful.
“Notice her alignment,” Majesty pointed out. “Back straight, shoulders relaxed, head up. The eyes being lowered is a sign of respect, but her body language is confident.”
“Try it,” Lex said, looking at me.
I attempted to mirror what I’d seen, lowering myself to my knees. The floor was padded, thankfully, but finding the right position was harder than it looked.
“Head up more,” Lex corrected, moving closer. “You’re hunching your shoulders. Relax them.”
His hand gently guided my shoulder position, and I felt heat creep up my neck at the contact.
“Better,” he said, stepping back. “Now, when you address either of us in a formal setting, you’ll use ‘Sir’. This isn’t about diminishing you, but it is about establishing structure and respect.”
“Yes, Sir,” I said, testing out the words.
Majesty smiled. “Good. Now, let’s do that again. Both of you, stand and then kneel for us.”
We practiced the movement over and over. Standing, kneeling, adjusting our posture based on their feedback. Luna was patient, offering quiet tips when I struggled.
“Your body is different from hers,” Lex noted after several repetitions. “What works for her might not work exactly the same for you. Listen to what feels sustainable versus what causes strain.”
Luna was slimmer than I was and obviously more flexible. I tried not to get discouraged, but she always seemed to hit everything perfectly. After twenty minutes of practicing kneel, Majesty called for a water break.
“How are you feeling?” he asked as I grabbed my water bottle.
“Like I need to do more yoga,” I admitted, rolling my shoulders.
He laughed. “It gets easier. Your muscles will adapt. However, having a good workout means better stamina.”
“Also, I’ve been doing this a lot longer than you have. So I have a lot of experience. Please, don’t compare yourself. You’ll get it, trust me.” Luna smiled.
I nodded back, accepting her feedback.
“Next position,” Lex announced. “Present.”
Luna demonstrated by kneeling again, but this time with her thighs spread wider, her hands resting palms-up on her thighs, her head tilted back slightly with eyes forward.
“This position is more vulnerable,” Majesty explained. “It’s an offering of trust. Notice how her entire body is open.”
I tried to copy it, feeling immediately more exposed despite being fully clothed and warned.
“Wider,” Lex instructed. “And relax your hands. You’re gripping your thighs.”
I adjusted, trying to find the balance between open and comfortable.
“Good,” he said. “Remember to breathe. A lot of people hold their breath in vulnerable positions.”
We practiced until my thighs were shaking, then moved on to inspection—standing with feet shoulder-width apart, hands behind my head, eyes forward.
“This one is about stillness,” Majesty said, walking a slow circle around both of us as we held the position. “About being able to maintain composure while being observed.”
It was harder than it sounded. Every instinct wanted me to fidget, to adjust, to look at them.
“Breathe, Cami,” Lex said quietly. “Stay present in your body.”
After what felt like an eternity, he said, “Release.”
I dropped my arms with a grateful sigh.
“You did well,” Majesty said, and the approval in his voice made something warm curl in my stomach. “For your first day, that was really good.”
“We’ll practice more tomorrow,” Lex added. “But you’re getting the fundamentals. That’s what matters.”
Luna smiled at me as we grabbed our water. “You’re a natural. Seriously.”
“I don’t feel like one.”
“None of us do at first,” she assured me. “But you’re listening to your body and making adjustments. That’s the important part.”
After we finished, Majesty and Lex walked me back to our cabin.
“How are you feeling?” Lex asked.
“Sore,” I admitted. “But good. This is... different than I expected.”
“Different how?” Majesty asked.
I considered the question. “I thought it would feel more... I don’t know. Degrading? But it doesn’t. It feels like I’m learning a new language.”
“That’s exactly what it is,” Lex said and there was approval in his dark eyes. “A language of communication and trust.”
That night, after dinner and another easy conversation by the fire, I fell into bed exhausted but satisfied.
My phone buzzed with a message.
Majesty:
Proud of you today. Sleep well.
Lex:
Tomorrow we’ll go deeper. Rest up.
I smiled at the screen, muscles aching but my mind was clear. Whatever was coming, I was ready for it. Or at least, I was learning how to be.