"He was punished for his defiance. He argued and talked back. He challenged his betters and insulted them. He has been nothing but absolutely defiant since I showed him to you, Carrick." Was Camilla's addition. "He even bit his tongue declaring he would make no noise for anyone but you. That he wouldn't give them the satisfaction."
Mike looked up as bade, and begged Carrick's forgiveness with his sad blue eyes. He wanted to talk, to tell Carrick why he was defiant, but it hurt... but for Carrick, he'd try.
"They wanted to... touch me.... take me before... before you did... wouldn't let them. Yours... only..." and with every word he winced in pain, because it hurt so badly.