“Understandable, high councilor. Perhaps a public beating. You must show your strength and let your mate know who is in control.” I ignored the councilor to my left and his eager suggestion. No one would see Evelyn’s pain but me, and even then it would be tied to her pleasure.
I eyed the man carefully. He meant no disrespect and was not threatening Evelyn Day directly; on some parts of the planet, a public beating was a way for a man to show his domination over his woman. The idea was barbaric and something I was trying to have outlawed.
“When will the public claiming occur?” Another voice, this time from the opposite side of the circle.
The comments and opinions continued… and escalated. It reached a volume and intensity where I’d had enough. I raised my hand and silence fell. As ruler
