Is Indeed Best Served Cold

Christine was released from her hellish torment in the pillory stocks by Madam Scarlet, who carried Christine with Bertrand like a lifeless corpse. They threw her back in her cell then washed her down like a bloodied animal.

The next morning Christine was allowed back into the brothel. But her nightmare wasn’t over. It would go on for years, sleeping with countless noblemen and even their beasts, all for their carnal enjoyment.

During her darkest days, Christine kept herself going not just because of her promise to Erik, but also the promise she made to herself when she was being abused and tortured by Bertrand in the dungeon. Her promise was made through gritted teeth while her pride, as well as her anus, was defiled, abused and destroyed. Christine has promised that she would one day get **** on Bertrand, his apprentices… and even Madam Scarlett.

~

The market was bustling and Christine was enjoying a rare day off. Not even prostitutes and harlots work Assumption, apparently. There was the smell of spices and fish, red meats and ales… all fighting for your attention. She was now in her mid-twenties, still, just about had her looks although her body constantly felt tired used and abused. She had been pregnant three times since her new career but all failed to make it to full-term. Poor Christine didn’t’ know if she was cursed or blessed by the miscarriages. Her once plump girlish face now had a gauntness of a life lived badly and her eyes filled with eternal sadness and cruel indifference.

Christine’s only comfort was that Erik was now a full-time squire with realistic dreams of becoming a man-at-arms. Of course, Christine had literally put her body on the line for his education and training under a local knight. But Erik would be her eventual escape and saviour, just as she had tried her best to be his.

Erik was going to **** Bertrand. She hadn’t told Erik this yet, that knowledge was just too dangerous for a young apprentice squire. He would only be aware the day he gets his ownlong sword and charger.

Fortunately, Christine had never crossed paths with Bertrand again, in the brothel or the Oldchester. He had simply disappeared for 5 years.

But all those nightmares came flooding back, roaring into her consciousness. Even her poor arsehole, which had never been quite right since, puckered. Today was the day she crossed Bertrand path once more.

Bertrand the breaker had a stall in the market. He was selling tools, crude weapons and other metal trinkets and oddities. She turned on her heels and was about to make a quick escape through the crowd when she heard his voice… which she instantly recognised as if it was her father’s.

“Wait woman... It’s you.”

Christine turned and faced her nightmare. He was just and big and thuggish as she remembered. “I think you’re mistaken. For, I’m afraid I don’t know you.”

“I recognised that arse anywhere. Of course, it’s you. The rich girl gone wrong.”

“What vile words.” Christine wanted to cry on the inside but kept her counsel. He had taken her pride once before. He wasn’t going to take it a second time. “. Good day to you, Sir Gutter Rat.”

“Wait. I want to talk to you. Whore!”

Christine riled with indignation. She hated that word because it was true. Still, she tried to sound strong even though her knees buckled underneath her dress. “I have no time for the likes of you, good day.” It was definitely time for Christine to let Erik know her secret.

“If you don’t come and talk to me here, I’ll come looking for you.”