She rose as we entered, coming to stand in front of her desk. The three of us took position.
She walked around me, Her familiar crop in hand. "Baby, have you been touching yourself again?" I blushed bright red. She knew me too well, as well as Master.
"Yes, Mistress Bergenia."
Tapping me on each nipple once, then twice on my clit with the crop, she said, "Well, then we will just have to leave the sleeve on for now." Her arms circled and drew me to her, my and face rested in her more than ample cleavage. "It’s so good to see you my little one."
I whispered back that I too had missed Her.
The door opened as she held me close. "Go with the girls and we shall join you shortly." I tried to move out of her arms thinking she was telling me to go, but I was held fast to her chest. She didn't release me till the door closed. She stepped back and leaned against her desk. "How has the year been, Baby? Are you happy with your Master? I heard there is another there now, too."
I know my faced beamed when I answered, "Oh yes, Mistress Bergenia, he is all I could ever ask for in a master. Kitten is a love and brings him much joy. I am very happy."
"I hear a 'but' in there, Baby, tell me why."
Letting out a sigh, I lowered my head and the crop came up under my chin. Baby, you know the rules. Look me in the eyes when you answer a direct question."
"That's it Mistress Bergenia. I know the rules, but lately I seem to be breaking one after the other."
A knowing smile crossed Her beautiful face. "Baby’s cry for attention. So you have been feeling some strain with Kitten there after all. It's natural to feel unsure and act out. Your Master and I have had a few conversations about you over the past year." She laughed. "No need to look surprised. Did you think I would give you away without making sure all was well during that time? I warned your Master you might react that way when he called to tell me he had been given a slave. Why the tears baby?"
I didn't realize I was crying and I sniffled to compose myself before speaking. "Until today, Master had never told me in words how he felt about me, Mistress Bergenia. I knew He cared, but…"
"There was another there. Yes, Baby, I know. You do know why he brought you here today?"
"I believe so, Mistress Bergenia. Up until we arrived I would have told you he was returning me." A really big smile covered my face as I continued, "But on the way in, he told me he loved me for the very first time. So I'm hoping we're here to sign the papers to make me his permanently."
"Yes, signing of the papers is why you're here. He wants to do it right. There will be a ceremony as soon as the rest of the guests arrive. It’s scheduled for noon. You'll go now and get ready." She once again took me in her arms and held me close. With one last squeeze and kiss on the forehead she released me, and the doors opened again. "Girls, take Baby to get ready. Make sure she eats something, she was upset this morning and hasn't eaten."
Giggling at the joy I was feeling, I had to shake my head. She knew me so well; eating wasn't even on the list of things I had thought about this morning.
CHAPTER 20
The music of songbirds floated through the morning air from the open window as I was prepared for my collaring ceremony. Cathy had released me from the sleeve and removed the leather collar. They led me to a huge tub and I was submerged in an Egyptian Milk Bath. Christy told me the queens of the Nile bathed in milk, honey and almond oil to soften their skin.
They let me relax while they did up my hair. They twisted and twirled and fasten it with a single clip.
I rose and stepped out of the tub and they patted me dry. My skin felt so soft, and it shimmered as if dusted with gold. Raising my hands away from my body they dressed me in dark green silks that caressed every spot it touched.
The brunette who had been on the wall earlier entered the room as the twins tied the last of the silks in place. Smiling brightly at me she said, "All the guests are here, and Mistress Bergenia said they're ready for you."
My heart was pounding so hard I thought my ribs were going to shatter any moment. Taking in a big gulp of air, I nodded once and moved to follow her as she turned to leave. Cathy stayed me with her hand turned me to her and she and Christy kissed me on both cheeks..
"Come on, I don’t want Mistress Bergenia to think I muffed up this too," the brunette laughed.
"She’s ready, Kelly, lets go," said Cathy as they shuffled me out the door.
We walked down the long hallway and out the French doors to the garden. A bubbling brook flowed gently alongside the stone path we followed. Even in my excitement I sensed everything was ready. The garden was lush and green, overflowing with large weeping willow trees. The gentle breeze carried scents of lavender, jasmine and magnolia trees, mingled with the flowers that were in full bloom. I was floating on air.
The canopy-covered area was filled with guests, a quartet of string instruments softly played a welcoming tune. I gazed around and smiled at Master's and my friends and loved ones who had come for this joyous occasion.
My sight was drawn to a beautiful ornate box centered upon a pedestal, surrounded in dark shimmering green silk to match the one I wore. Master walked over and stood next to it. His wonderful smile beckoning me.
I felt a collective sigh from the crowd and a shuffling as they sat back in their seats. A warm feeling; almost a soft touch seemed to sweep through the canopy, making me aware that everyone knew of the love I had for my Master.
Mistress Bergenia cleared her throat, then greeted and thanked the guest for coming as I moved up the aisle and stopped about three feet from Master. He nodded and motioned to a pillow on the ground and I knelt on it. No one had told me what to expect. I lifted my eyes to his for a moment before lowering them. I listened to what Mistress Bergenia was saying:
"Welcome all to the Academy’s two hundredth and third collaring ceremony. I take great pride in the fact that all are still joined. We strive to match each and every one of our subbies and slaves to the appropriate Master or Mistress. The process at times has seemed long and drawn out to some." She smiled at Master and winked. "But a tried and true method it is. So before I sound like a commercial, let me begin with a bit of history on the Master and subbie we are joining today.
"He and I have known each other for years in the lifestyle. As some of you will know, his dungeons and equipment have been given the Good Dungeon’s seal of approval through the Black Rose and Houston Lifestylers. However, he had never found one that he wanted to make his permanently, until now. Over the years I have dealt with him, he has always been honorable, trustworthy and has shown very high values for himself and his work." She looked to the back of the crowd and I heard a rustling.
"Zack, I'm glad to see you could make it, would you please come up and stand beside me?"
My heart had been beating fast, now it was pounding almost unbearably. I hadn't seen Zack, other then on the monitor, for over a year and a half. He looked great, only a slight limp, when he walked. I wouldn't have known he'd had several operations if Mistress Bergenia hadn't kept me informed. He patted me on my head as he passed and offered his hand to Master. They shook hands, half hugged and whispered to each other for a moment before he moved to take Mistress Bergenia into his embrace.
She once again cleared her throat and moved out of Zack’s arms but they continued to hold hands. "My friends, this is Zack. He is here to give Baby away today. Zack, I was just giving a bit of back- ground before we commenced with the ceremony. Would you do us the honor of telling us about Baby, please." She raised a tissue to her eyes as Zack began to talk.
"I would love to tell you all about Baby. I've known her for many years in the business world. She's a go-getter and tops in her field. In fact, I believe she's an over achiever at times, but as she grew older I could see that something was missing in her life. She lacked direction and focus. She was happy, but not content.