I leaned into it again and...nothing.
I finished the circle, and started another go round. My head snapped back to the women, Cassandra intently studying me, the other with a knowing smirk.
“See? Always keep them guessing. Never let them know if they’re getting more punishment, or a reward.”
I trudged along in my previous footsteps, grunting, straining against the weight I dragged. Cassandra’s eyes narrowed, trying to soak up every detail of my suffering. Her mistress whispered something in her ear and Cassandra nodded, then Cassandra’s tutor turned her back on me and strode out, without even a second glance.
So round I went, one after another after another. Sweat ran down my face, soaked the leather pressed against my forehead, my cheeks, and stung my eyes. All the while Cassandra wat
