Kinktober 2023 #3 - Dungeon/Crawl 

Content Warnings: BDSM Fantasy, consensual, dubiously consensual, non-consensual, F/m, Femdom, bondage slavery, sci-fi

“I’m sorry, Lady Ashton. But did I just see a man crawling down the hallway?”

“Hmm? Ah, yes. That was one of the Queen’s men. He must have done something wrong.”

“I’d… I’d heard the rumors, but I assumed they were exaggerated.”

“Ha! I can’t imagine what information makes its way outside the System, but I can tell you the Queen makes no secret of her habits and methods. When one of her concubines is punished, she ensures everyone at court knows about it.”

“That’s… I’m not sure what to say. Where’s he going?”

“To the dungeon, of course.”

“I don’t know what I was expecting.”

“Oh yes. Anyone her Majesty sends to the dungeon goes on their hands and knees. It’s usually her concubines, but she won’t hesitate to send servants there too. I once saw her demand a disgraced military officer drop to the floor after discharging him. Then she followed him there!”

“The servants?”

“It’s fairly rare, the palace staff is well trained and often has accessories to help them, but it does happen from time to time.”

“I’m afraid to ask what you mean by ‘accessories.’”

“Let me show you.”

“That’s really not—“

“You there! Yes you! Come over here. Our new guest needs an example of something.”

“Hush, you’re here to learn, aren’t you?”

“This isn’t what I had in mind.”

“Well, it’s what you’re getting. Now, unless you’re blind, you have no doubt noticed the full face masks the staff wears.”

“I am looking at one right now.”

“A word of warning, don’t use sarcasm when you’re allowed with the Queen. She does not appreciate it. Now for you, servant. Take your mask off. Show our esteemed guest what’s underneath.”

“Is that…? They’re all gagged?”

“Not always, but all of them are punished when one of them speaks out of turn. The gags go in more often than not. And as for you, servant, you may leave.”

“What does the queen do to people when they reach the dungeon?”

“That part she keeps quiet. Whatever happens behind those doors is between the Queen and the people she punishes. You hear stories and rumors about what goes on in there, of course. Some say she enjoys corporeal punishment. Whippings and floggings and the like. Others claim she favors electricity. My brother is of the opinion that she enjoys watching them debase themselves. But between you and me I think he hopes for that more than he truly believes it. He’s always been a bit enamored with the idea of literal bootlicking.”

“Is it… dangerous to say such things so openly?”

“Oh, look at you! Darting your eyes around like a naughty student! It’s a terrible faux pas to say anything when she might be in earshot—no, the security cameras don’t count—but if she wanted it kept quiet I imagine she wouldn’t have her misbehaving toys crawl in plain view!”

“So it’s another expression of her royal authority. The opulence of the palatial station, the fleet stationed near the system’s gate, and her ability to parade her predilections in front of everyone. Did her predecessors do this as well?”

“Her father and grandmother kept their concubines out in the open, laden with jewels and better clothes than most of the courtiers, but neither went out of their way to humiliate them.”

“So her habits are her own.”

“Among the royals? Yes. But there were always those among the aristocracy who did not hesitate to act as they pleased when it suited them. Oh, you should see the look on your face!”

“You’ll have forgiven me, Lady Ashton. Most settled systems don’t bother with an official, institutionalized aristocracy at all. Much less one that acts so… freely with its privileges.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet. I’ll have to show you—just a minute. Lower your voice and your head, she’s coming.”

“The Queen…?”

“Yes, she’ll pass through on her way to the dungeon. Just wait a moment, I’ll tell you more when she’s passed us.”