“Of course,” Ever replied.
He shifted position and his mood altered subtly. “If you resign yourself to me, you’ll become as much my slave as my mistress. I can already see this,” he said to her lifting face. “You’re ripe for the freedoms of servitude and, if you accept me as your master, I will make you my slave. You will yield to me as a slave, but you will not be my servant. Sometimes you will serve me but, in the main, I will attend to the cooking and household matters.
“After sundown, you do not go into the kitchen at all, unless expressly invited. If you need something, you must ask. In the morning, you’re free to help yourself to juice, coffee, and toast. Occasionally cook breakfast. During the night, since you’ll be confined to the bedroom, if you need something, you’ll have to as
