“Master?” Kit wasn’t supposed to stand, and he couldn’t go anywhere either since Trig had changed his mind about him sweeping and chained his ankle to a ring in the wall. He had slack, but not enough to go very far.
Trig wouldn’t truly hurt Riju, right? Why had Riju shouted at him to get off? Kit’s heart pounded as he tried to think of what to do. His options were quite limited. He heard a slam, and Trig’s voice pleading. Kit forgot the command and stood. Why did his leg have to be chained? He wanted to run upstairs and make sure Riju was okay.
“Master?”
It wasn’t long before boots came pounding down the steps.
“What’s going on, Master? Why was-”
“Did I say you could stand?” Trig’s eyes blazed as he reached the bottom.
“Master, I heard Riju. He-”
“He’s fine and overreacting as usual. Stop worrying about him.”
Kit hesitated as he eyed Trig. He’d never looked so pissed. “But-”
“What the fuck did I just say?”
Kit flinched and hurried to obey. “But Master, I heard him scream. He’s upset, and-”
“Shut up. It’s your fault he’s upset, and you probably filled his head with stupid shit.”
Kit’s mouth dropped. If they fought, how was it his fault? “He said to get off me. What did you do to him to make him scream?”
Trig came closer and folded his arms. “What did I do to him? Really? I guess you think you can do whatever you want too?”
“No, Master.”
“You were standing. I told you to stay on the floor.”
“I heard you fighting, and I was scared! It sounded like you hurt Riju!” Part of Kit wanted to believe that while Trig might say things to upset Riju, he’d never actually hit him. But why else would Riju shout to get off? He’d heard a faint thump beforehand and dismissed it, figuring one of them had dropped something on the floor. Now, he was picturing worse, and his stomach twisted with nerves.
Trig brushed his hair back. “I’m not punishing you right now because I’m pissed, but I expect answers. What did you do the evening I went out?”
“We had dinner and read a bit, Master,” fibbed Kit. It was true, just not the whole truth.
“Who cooked dinner?”
Kit paused because he shouldn’t lie, but the truth would get him in trouble.
“Don’t you dare fucking lie to me.”
“Riju cooked, Master,” whispered Kit. Trig looked like he’d already guessed the truth, and if Kit fibbed, he might regret it along with Riju. It wouldn’t make him angrier.
“After I said you were supposed to cook?”
“Yes, Master, but-”
“Who’s the one who makes all final decisions?”
Kit hugged his knees, and a tremble started in his belly. “You, Master.”
“Did you sleep in his room too?”
“Yes, Master.”
Trig stepped back and rubbed his forehead. “What have you been telling him? He’s awfully obsessed with living elsewhere and his damn toy shop idea, and he likes you, so I’m sure he’s said something. I bet you told him it was a great idea and didn’t even think.”
