The lord settles every failure with his stableboy across the desk. Owen takes the wages and the punishment because both are better than being sent away without warning.

The lord commands the estate and the lean stableboy who records its ledgers. Disputes over feed or succession documents pull them into the study at harvest time. Owen lowers his trousers for the strap. The strokes continue until Owen has counted each one aloud and the oath papers can be signed. Each time the discipline binds them closer.

Discovery would ruin the title they both protect. Yet Owen stays when he could walk away.

The study door clicks shut.