Chapter 4: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
"So were you able to get Riley to comply with you?" Madeleine asked, sat behind her desk as her daughter entered the large office.
The room was filled with the scent of aged oak and leather, and the wall was adorned with paintings of various horses and ponies. A large, ornate mirror hung above the fireplace, reflecting the grandeur of the room.
Madeleine looked up from her paperwork, her eyes scanning her daughter's appearance. "Indeed I did, Mom. Riley is a quick learner. She has a natural talent for it." Alexis sat down in one of the chairs opposite her mother's desk, her posture straight and confident.
Madeleine raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp and discerning.
"Natural talent, you say? Or is it that she's just easy to manipulate? You know how I feel about your... methods."
Alexis bristled at her mother's tone, her back stiffening in the chair. "My methods are different, yes, but they are effective. Riley is eager to please, and she's smart. She understands the dynamics at play here, and she's willing to learn. I think with a little time and patience, she could be a real asset to the Country Club."
Madeleine leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled in front of her. "And what about you, Alexis?
Are you still enjoying your role as a trainer? You seem...tense," Madeleine observed, her eyes narrowing as she studied her daughter's expression.
Alexis sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I am, Mom. I really am. But it's...complicated. I've always known that this world is different, that the dynamics between trainer and pony are unique. But now that I'm on the inside, I'm seeing things from a new perspective. It's challenging, but also...exciting," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and uncertainty.
Madeleine nodded, her expression softening. "Yes, it is, I just hope you haven't bitten off more than you can chew. When you asked about recruiting your friend. I was taken aback. Not many girls would want to see their friends go through pony girl training." Madeleine said, her voice gentle yet firm. "But I trust your judgment, Alexis. You've always had a unique perspective on things. Just remember, this is a world of power and control, and not everyone is as understanding as you are. I hope you can apply the required discipline on someone you know so well."
Alexis nodded, her eyes meeting her mother's. "I know, Mom. I won't let you down. I promise."
Madeleine smiled, a soft expression that belied the stern woman she usually was. "I'm glad to hear you say that, but it's Riley you don't want to let down. Now, tell me more about your training methods." Madeleine's voice was stern. This was a subject she took very seriously, and she expected Alexis to be able to explain her methods clearly and confidently.
Alexis straightened in her chair, her eyes meeting her mother's. "Well, I believe in a more... nurturing approach. While Victoria focuses on rigidity and discipline, I want to create a bond of trust and mutual respect between the pony and the trainer. I want the ponies to understand that while they may be in a submissive role, they are still valued and respected as individuals."
Madeleine raised an eyebrow. "That sounds... idealistic. But what about the punishments?
How do you ensure that your ponies follow the rules while also building that bond of trust and mutual respect?" Madeleine asked, her voice sharp.
Alexis took a deep breath, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words to explain her approach. "Punishments are necessary, yes. But I believe in using them as a means of correction and growth, rather than as a way to assert dominance or inflict pain. I want my ponies to understand why they're being punished, and I want them to learn from the experience. I might humiliate them a little but i certainly won't inflict excessive pain.
Instead, I focus on deprivation and denial. If a pony disobeys, I might withhold their favorite treat or deny them their favorite activity for a day. The key is to make them understand that their actions have consequences, and that those consequences are a result of their own behavior. By doing so, we can help them to grow and learn, rather than breaking their spirits."
Madeleine leaned forward in her chair, her eyes narrowing as she studied her daughter's expression. "And that works? You truly believe that a pony will learn and change its behavior through deprivation alone?"
Alexis nodded firmly, her eyes meeting her mother's gaze.
"I do. And it's not just about deprivation. It's also about rewarding good behavior. If a pony follows the rules, if they show improvement and growth, then they should be rewarded. It could be something small, like an extra treat or a little extra time out of the stall. The key is to make them feel valued, to make them understand that their efforts are appreciated. That way, they'll want to continue to please you, to continue to behave in a way that earns them that reward."
Madeleine sighed, her expression softening. "You truly believe in this, don't you?" she asked, her voice gentle. "You want someone who is performing for you not because they fear the whip but because they can't bear to disappoint you." Madeleine said, her voice filled with a hint of pride.
Alexis nodded, "Exactly, Mom. I want them to feel safe and secure, to trust me completely. Because when they do, that's when they can truly let go and submit. And that's when the real magic happens." Alexis's voice was filled with passion, her eyes shining with a fiery intensity.
Madeleine studied her daughter, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You remind me of myself when I was younger, Alexis. You have the same fire, the same passion. But remember, this is a delicate balance we're trying to maintain here.
You must be strict when you need to be, but also show compassion and understanding. You can't just go easy on them all the time, or they won't take you seriously. And if you're too harsh, you'll break their spirits. You need to find that middle ground, Alexis," Madeleine advised, her voice filled with a mix of concern and encouragement.
Alexis nodded, taking her mother's words to heart. I'll do my best. I just want to make you proud," she said, her voice filled with determination.
Madeleine sat back in her chair taking off her glasses and placing them on the desk. "I'm glad. Now I want you to do things your way. But. There is something I need to tell about Victoria." Madeleine was always serious but Alexis knew from the tone of voice this was one of those incredibly serious times.
"What is it?" Alexis asked her mother.
Madeleine leaned forward again, her hands on the desk, her gaze piercing. "Victoria is causing problems again. She's been pushing the limits, both with the ponies and with her fellow trainers. I've had several complaints about her methods, and I've even had to intervene a few times to prevent...incidents."
Alexis's eyebrows furrowed, her mind racing with thoughts of the stern, tall woman who had been training at the club for years. "What kind of incidents?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Incidents like what?"
Madeleine sighed, her expression growing grave. "Incidents like... overstepping boundaries, both physical and emotional. She's been accused of pushing a pony too far, of causing real harm instead of just the usual disciplinary actions. Some of the other trainers have also complained about her attitude, her willingness to flaunt the rules and regulations set forth by the club."
Alexis's brow furrowed, her mind racing with images of Victoria's strict and sometimes harsh training methods. "Can't you just fire her?"
"If it were only that simple. She has the wealthier clients around her thumb, she has said that the best ponies were trained by her. That it is her work that they enjoy on a daily basis.
By firing her, I risk losing a significant portion of our clientele. Not only that she has managed to create a, unique contract stipulation that, i'm afraid, Riley is now bound to." Madeleine looked up from her desk, her eyes meeting her daughter's. "She has put a stipulation in her contract that new trainers must compete against her with their first pony and if they lose Victoria gets to claim that trainers Pony Girl. I'm sorry to say you are that trainer Alexis."
Alexis was furious. "Mom! Why didn't you tell me..." her mother cut her off with the raise of a finger. "What? And you would have picked someone else to train and possibly lose to Victoria. This is what you wanted and was always going to be the case. I didn't know you'd choose to train someone so close to you."
Alexis huffed and stood up. "And what happens if I lose? What happens to Riley?!" Alexis exclaimed, her voice filled with both concern and anger.
Madeleine's expression was serious as she stood up and walked over to her daughter, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I understand your frustration, Alexis. But you must understand, Victoria is a formidable opponent. She has years of experience and a unique ability to push a pony to its limits. But I believe in you, Alexis. I have seen your methods, and I have no doubt that you can compete with the best of them. And remember, this is not just about winning. It's also about proving to Victoria, and to the entire club, that there is another way to train ponies."
Alexis looked up at her mom with tears forming in her eyes. "You didn't say what would happen to Riley." Alexis snapped, her voice shaking with emotion.
Madeleine sighed, "If you lose the competition, Victoria gets to claim Riley as her own. She will take over her training and turn her into a work pony. Riley would be made to endure humiliation after humiliation. Being made to pull Victoria around in her carriage. It would be the ultimate display of yours, and ultimately our defeat." Madeleine's voice was steady, but Alexis could see the worry in her mother's eyes.
Alexis's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with the implications of her mother's words. The thought of losing Riley, of watching her friend be claimed by Victoria and turned into a work pony, was almost too much to bear.
"No," Alexis whispered, shaking her head. "I won't let that happen. I can't."
Madeleine squeezed her daughter's shoulder, her voice firm and determined. "Then you must win, Alexis. I thought it best you know now. Failing and having to watch Riley be reduced to a beast of burden, I couldn't have you feeling like you could have done more. Now I know, I'm certain you will put everything into this project." Madeleine's voice was filled with steel and resolution. She had never seen Alexis so determined, so fiery in her resolve. It was a side of her daughter she had always known existed, but rarely saw.
Alexis nodded, her jaw set with determination. "I won't let you down, Mom. I won't let Riley down. I will train her to be the most perfect pony girl this club has ever seen. I will beat Victoria and show everyone that there is more than one way to train and care for these girls."
Madeleine smiled, a small, proud smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I believe you, Alexis." AS Madeleine sat back there was a knock on the door. "Enter."
Alexis turned around and glared. Victoria strode in confidently. "Good afternoon Madame Miller." Madeleine smiled and gestured her hand towards the seat next to Alexis. "Alexis. Lovely to see you, I just came from the stables. I must say, your new filly is a beautiful little specimen and my, she has some spirit in her." Victoria's voice was smooth, like velvet, but there was an edge to it, a hint of danger lurking beneath the surface.
Alexis bristled at Victoria's words, her hands balling into fists at her sides. "I'm glad you think so Miss Bryla. Through gritted teeth Alexis knew well the etiquette that was expected, as a veteran trainer Victoria still commanded respect.
Alexis stood, the chair scraping harshly against the floor. "Please, sit. And call me Victoria. We're all friends here." Victoria's eyes locked onto Alexis's, her gaze predatory.
Alexis hesitated, her mind racing. She knew that Victoria was baiting her, trying to provoke a reaction. Victoria was always trying to one-up everyone, especially where it came to training. But Alexis wouldn't let her get to her. She wouldn't let her prey on her emotions. She forced a smile, her eyes never leaving Victoria's. "Thank you, Victoria." She sat down, her hands resting primly in her lap.
"I must say, I'm looking forward to seeing how your new pony girl fares under your... unique methods." The edge in Victoria's voice was unmistakable, and Alexis's grip on the arms of her chair tightened in response.
"And I'm sure she'll do just fine, under my guidance," Alexis replied, her voice even and calm, despite the turmoil churning inside her. She knew that Victoria was trying to get under her skin, and she refused to give her the satisfaction.
Victoria chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent shivers down Alexis's spine.
"I have no doubt that she will. After all, I've had years of experience in training the finest ponies this club has to offer." Victoria's eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and malice, and Alexis couldn't help but feel a wave of resentment wash over her.
Madeleine intervened sensing things could get out of hand quickly, her voice stern and authoritative. "I asked you both here so you both understand the rules. Yes, there is a lot at stake. Alexis is desperate to prove herself to myself, to the clientele and although she may not admit it now, I know she looks to you with respect and admiration."
Madeleine noticed the smirk on Victoria's face fade but continued. "And Victoria, you are threatened by new trainers. I understand, but you should know that although you have crossed the line here and there, you are a valued employee and I couldn't see the Country Club running without you." Madeleine's voice was like ice, and Alexis could see the same unspoken threat in her mother's eyes that she had seen in Victoria's just moments before.
"Thank you, Madame Miller," Victoria said, her voice suddenly sweet and conciliatory. "I understand the stakes, and I assure you, I had no intention of crossing lines with your daughter. As a matter of fact, I was only here to express my support for her new... endeavor."
Alexis rolled her eyes, but kept her mouth shut, not wanting to disrupt her mother's flow.
She knew that Madeleine was just trying to keep the peace, and she appreciated the effort. Besides, she didn't want to give Victoria the satisfaction of seeing her get riled up.
Victoria, for her part, seemed to be taking the conversation in stride. She sat back in her chair, her eyes never leaving Alexis, and a small, knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Madeleine continued, her voice stern and authoritative. "The competition will take place at the end of the summer season. The ponies will be judged on a variety of factors, including obedience, athleticism, and overall presentation.
The winner will be determined by a panel of judges, including myself," Madeleine added, her gaze flicking between Alexis and Victoria.
Alexis felt a cold knot form in her stomach at the mention of the competition. She knew that she was in for a challenge, but the thought of losing to Victoria and seeing Riley taken away from her was more than she could bear. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She couldn't let Victoria see her fear. She had to remain strong, confident.
"I'm looking forward to it, Mother," Alexis said, her voice steady and sure. She met Victoria's gaze, holding it for a moment before looking away.
Victoria smiled and reached out towards Alexis to shake her hand. "As you well know I enjoy the summer competitions, how many have you watched me win Alexis?" Victoria's voice was smooth and confident as she extended her hand towards Alexis.
Alexis hesitated for a moment before taking Victoria's hand in a firm grip. She could feel the strength in the other woman's grasp, the subtle way Victoria tried to assert her dominance. But Alexis refused to be intimidated. She met Victoria's gaze head-on, her own eyes sparkling with a mix of defiance and determination.
"I've seen you win more times than I can count, Victoria. But I also remember seeing you lose a few times as well." Alexis's voice was even and calm, but there was an underlying challenge in her tone.
She knew that Victoria was baiting her, trying to get a rise out of her. But Alexis was not about to fall for it. She had her own methods, her own way of doing things, and she was not about to back down now.
Victoria chuckled, a low, throaty sound that seemed to fill the room. "Oh, darling, you are a feisty one, aren't you? I like that. I like a little competition. It makes the victory all the sweeter. I think i'll have my initials tattooed onto Riley's buttocks when she's mine,." Victoria said, her eyes locked onto Alexis. She was clearly enjoying the discomfort her words was causing.
Alexis felt a surge of anger and disgust. "You're disgusting, you know that?"
Victoria laughed. "I've been called worse. And you'll see, once Riley is mine, she'll be begging for more. I'll break her, and then I'll put her back together again, just the way I like her."
Alexis felt nauseous.
She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, her grip tightening on Victoria's hand. She knew better than to lose her cool, but Victoria's words had struck a nerve. The thought of Riley being mistreated and humiliated was too much to bear.
Madeleine stepped in, her voice firm and authoritative. "That's enough, Victoria. This is not the time nor the place for such talk. You will show respect to my daughter and her trainee, or you will find yourself answering to me." Madeleine's voice was like ice, her eyes boring into Victoria.
Victoria released the handshake and laughed. "Oh come on Madame, you know me well enough to know the competition isn't decided by the pony girls themselves The competition has already started."
Madeleine stood up and nodded, r. "I know full well, I also know Alexis just passed your first little test. I've seen more than a few trainers you've competed lose their cool right here in this room. I knew the months of training was futile, you'd already defeated them." Madeleine seemed to always find a new tone of authority when she spoke that made Victoria defer to her.
"Thank you Mother but I don't need you to speak for me here." Alexis stood tall. "I wanted this life and am more than up for the challenge. Victoria, I respect you, admire you but I also know you better than any other trainer has. I've studied your ways as soon as I was introduced to the Country Club. I look forward to the challenge. I look forward to victory." Alexis's voice was steady and sure, but her heart was pounding in her chest. She knew that she had to maintain control, to remain calm and collected in the face of Victoria's provocations. She could not let her get to her. She had to show her mother, herself, and Victoria that she was up to the challenge.
Victoria raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Is that so? Well then, I must say, I'm looking forward to our little competition. It's been far too long since I've had a worthy adversary. Good luck, I must be getting back to work, Unless of course there was anything else Madame." Victoria said, standing up from her chair and smoothing out her skirt.
"No, that will be all. Thank you." Madeleine responded, her tone dismissive.
Victoria sauntered towards the door, pausing briefly to look back at Alexis. "Until next time, dear. I look forward to seeing how your little pony girl fares." With that, she gave a slight bow and exited the room, leaving Alexis and Madeleine alone.
Alexis let out a long breath as she watched the door close behind Victoria. "I can't stand her," she muttered under her breath.
Madeleine chuckled softly.
"I know you can't. She has always had that effect on people. But remember, Alexis, this is all part of the game. She is trying to rattle you, to make you lose your composure. Don't let her."
Alexis nodded, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. "I know, Mother. I just... I can't stand the thought of her getting her hands on Riley. I won't let that happen."
Madeleine stood up and walked over to her daughter, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know you won't, dear. And I have every confidence that you will beat her. I am very proud of how you handled yourself in this meeting. I wasn't lying when I said i've watched trainers lose their composure here, I could have just called Victoria the winner right there." Madeleine gave her daughter a reassuring smile. "I had every confidence in your ability to control yourself, to be a professional."
Madeleine squeezed Alexis's shoulder before returning to her desk. "Although I am on the judging panel, I won't help you, If i don't think Riley has performed to the standard of a Country Club winner I will not hesitate to vote in favour of Victoria." Alexis frowned and about to interject until her mother added. "Would you want to win that way?"
"No, No I wouldn't want to win with your help, Mom." Alexis said, her voice soft with understanding. She knew her mother was only trying to push her to be her best, to ensure that she was up to the challenge ahead of her.
Madeleine nodded, her gaze serious and intent. "Good. Because this isn't about winning for the sake of winning. It's about proving that your method is just as valid and effective as Victoria's. It's about showing the world that there's more than one way to train a pony girl."
Alexis took a deep breath, steeling herself for the task ahead. "I understand, Mom. I think I should get back to Riley." Alexis said as she stood up, her eyes meeting her mother's gaze.
Madeleine nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Very well. And remember, Alexis, this is your challenge now. You have chosen this path, and you must see it through to the end. I believe in you."