Hidden Worlds .. Karuna for Melakka

[Melakka]

Belle didn't like the sound of the word 'trouble' in this context; to her it meant being locked inside a dark cupboard or being tied up for hours at a time! She didn't think the queen meant the same thing when she used the word but she was genuinely worried what might happen to her.
She sat back at her plate and began wolfing down her food in a desperate attempt to please.
“Mmm .. this is really good, Cyra! It must have been too hot before .. I really like it now!”
She averted her gaze from the queen's scrutiny as she continued stuffing her face.

[Karuna]

"Slow down little one....before you choke or make yourself sick." Cyra ordered softly "after you eat we'll talk okay? But eat slower...I don't want you to hurt yourself." she said, putting a hand gingerly on the girl's back before adding "and if you truly don't like something, just tell me. I don't appreciate being lied to but if you are telling the truth then that is that."

She wondered why the girl was suddenly acting so afraid. Surely the child didn't think she would be harsh over such a minor offense?

[Melakka]

Belle had over filled her mouth so was laid down her cutlery and slowly chewed her way through her fish and vegetables before she was able to respond. She was hopeful that the gentle hand on her back indicated genuine care was uppermost in the queen's mind and her racing heartbeat subsided as the dark horror of confinement retreated from her mind.
“I'm sorry, Cyra .. I was lying when I said I didn't like it because I didn't want to wait to learn some magic! The truth is I really do like trout .. thank you for letting me find that out!”

[Karuna]

" you're welcomed but before we do magic....I want to ask why you were so afraid when I mentioned that you were in a bit of trouble?" She asked softly, almost afraid to know the answer

[Melakka]

Belle didn't want to say out loud what is she feared but knew she no longer had a choice. Lowering her head she spoke barely above a whisper. "I'm afraid to be tied up in small places .. that's what happened at the institute in the old days! I'm really scared to be punished like that .. I'll do anything to avoid that, Cyra!"
A silent tear ran partway down her cheek ..

[Karuna]

"That isn't a punishment Belle, its abuse and those who did it to you were very wrong." Cyra began, gingerly turning the chair so that they were facing each other as she knelt down to her level "the worst you will get from me is a spanking. Do you know what that is?" she questioned in a soothing tone as sh reached out to brush the tear from the girl's face.

She hated the thought that the girl had been treated so badly.

[Melakka]

Belle felt numb after confessing her deepest fear to the Faerie Queen so it took a while for her to register that Cyra was now kneeling next to her, cradling her face .. she really liked that! She turned her head and smiled shyly “Do you mean it? You won't lock me up in a dark dungeon if I misbehave?”
Belle's breathing eased markedly before she looked deep into her recent saviour's eyes. “Is that when you get your bottom smacked? I've never had a spanking Cyra .. but I don't think I'd mind if you thought I deserved one .. “

[Karuna]

"No, I will never do something like that. send you to your room for a few hours? perhaps but never locking you anywhere." Cyra answered gently "and yes, it is and I will always warn you to shape up before....Unless you do something very dangerous but even then....I will never cause bruising or any permanent damage....even if you do hate me a bit afterward."



She said, deciding to just let the white lie go this once.
"Now if you're done with lunch...Why don't I show you to your room then I'll take you to the gardens and show you some simple spells?"

[Melakka]

Belle felt happier than she could ever remember! As wonderful and odd as the whole extra-ordinary discovery of this world had been, as overwhelming as it had been to meet the beautiful, kind and totally winged queen of the faeries, her endemic fear of being trapped in the dark had stayed with her. That nagging doubt that all the good things could evaporate in a moment was lifted at Cyra's gentle re-assurance.
“Thank you so much, Cyra! I'd love to do just that .. and I don't think you'll need to slap my butt any time soon because I really want to please you!”

[Karuna]

Cyra chuckled a bit and ruffled her hair.



"I'll keep you to that promise because I don't want to have to punish you." She said before adding "Now, come on...I think I know the room for you." she said gently as she lead her toward the stairs