Looking at the closed bathroom door she sat on the bed and opened the envelope, smiling to herself. What new surprise had Thomas arranged? Inside was a small card with a picture of a black rose on the front. The words in the card were simple and sent a chill through Sophie. " You will fail tonight, little bitch, and shame Thomas for ever ." It was unsigned and the script was neat and feminine looking. Folding the cards back into the envelope she wondered what she should do now. Who had sent this poisonous note to upset her? Should she tell Thomas and risk setting him up for failure? She slipped the envelope back into her purse and pushed it away.

When Thomas emerged from his shower she still was not dressed. He saw, from her face, something had shaken her. "What is it, Sophie?" He asked, towelling his hair.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about tonight." She said, thinking quickly. "What shall I wear? I don't have a clue if it is a "dressy" do or casual."

"You don't have to concern yourself with that. It will all be arranged for us. Now -. Breakfast?"

Sophie hurried to ready herself to go out with her lover. She wore a cream silk shirt with a pair of bootleg jeans over ankle boots and shrugged on her winter jacket. Her hair was loosely tied back in a ponytail and her face clean of make-up. To Thomas she looked like perfection and his heart swelled with pride when he saw her turning heads on the street as they walked to the coffee shop.

All that day Sophie worried about the night ahead. She was still not sure quite how to behave with Thomas. They had been acquaintances, friends first, meeting through a mutual friend. Then, in a matter of weeks, they became lovers. Their intimacy was complete, she thought, until Thomas told her about D/s. He had said it would increase her pleasure to give away her control in their lovemaking.

Sometimes, when the mood took him, he was quite violent in their lovemaking, but always acutely aware of her. So far she had not had to stop Thomas because he watched her reactions carefully. Sophie found the times when Thomas seemed almost out of control and violent both exciting and arousing.

The day seemed to crawl by. They both tried to keep busy, never mentioning the evening to come but, always, the subject hung in the air. If Thomas was nervous he hid it well making Sophie more acutely aware of her own jitters. As the time came to get ready they showered but, at Thomas' insistence, Sophie remained undressed. She stood, wrapped in her terry robe wondering what clothing he would produce for her but when he went to the cupboard all he produced was the black velvet cloak. He also had a heavy cloak reaching to the floor. On their feet they wore flat mule-style sandals.

Sophie accepted the peculiar choice dress and was strangely aroused, naked under her cloak. Thomas took Sophie by the shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"You look stunning as usual, my love." He smiled. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." She whispered, then "Thomas, I am so nervous!"

"Don't be, you surpassed my greatest hopes last night. Just trust yourself, trust me. We will both be fine." He gave a small smile. "I hope." He added.

A limousine waited downstairs for them, it's engine purring seductively. They settled back into the luxurious seats and tried to relax. The journey to Jeremy and Amber's home was through open country, along narrow, dark tree lined lanes. The moon was rising, almost full, adding drama to an already tense evening.

"As soon as we enter the house you and I are Master and sub, Sophie. Remember that." Said Thomas squeezing her hand and Sophie felt a thrill of anticipation.

The limo pulled through the gate onto the curving driveway of a large rambling mansion and stopped at the steps to an ornately carved door. It swung open as the two stepped from the motor and a couple stood there, a tall man in a black fitted costume and a beautiful brunette in a similar cloak to Sophie's. The two striking looking people graciously welcomed them in.

Once inside they were separated and Sophie looked back over her shoulder as Thomas was ushered away up a flight of broad stairs by the woman, her hand lightly on his shoulder. The man took Sophie's elbow and guided her to a doorway. Not a. word was spoken and Sophie's started to feel really worried, she wondered why they had been separated, she hadn't expected that. Without Thomas she felt vulnerable and afraid.

The room she entered was a dressing room; several other women of varied ages and sizes were repairing make-up and brushing out their hair. When she turned back, Sophie saw her escort had vanished.

In the distance a loud gong sounded and the women looked at one another, smiling. Almost as one, they dropped their cloaks and stood naked. Sophie hesitating for a second and the women stared at her so she followed suit. They filed out and walked to the foot of the broad stairs that Thomas had disappeared up. At the top stood Jeremy with Thomas by his side, both in loose robes that hung open at the front revealing tantalizing glimpses of the two fit and trim bodies, one young and buff the other older but still muscled and attractive.

"Welcome, ladies!" called Jeremy. "Amber awaits you in the great hall. Thomas and I will meet you all there in a few minutes. Please show Sophie the way."

The group of women turned away from Jeremy and Sophie felt many hands hustle her forward. They entered a great hall with an enormous fireplace containing a roaring fire. The lighting was dim so the flames of the fire made flickering shadows on the high ceiling and the people standing around could be seen as giant shadow-versions of them selves on the walls around the room. There was a low murmur of voices as people greeted each other and Sophie could feel an undercurrent of excitement.

At one end, on a small raised dais, sat Amber. She looked very different from the way she had looked at the dance when she had made Sophie feel so uncomfortable. Her hair was pulled back severely and she was dressed totally in black leather. She stood and slapped a crop against her leather-clad thigh, making a loud crack. The room was instantly silent and all heads turned her way.

"Gentlemen. Ladies. Doms and subs. W/we are gathered here to witness the raising of Thomas Hillington to the status of Master. He has been exemplary so far, meeting all criteria. Tonight is his final trial and we are here to bear witness to his success." Here she paused looking around. Her eyes fell on Sophie and she continues. ".Or failure."