11 - Oh No...
With dinner gone I stared at my empty plate, lost deep inside as Mara and Galli chatted.
"So Galli, I hope our dear Amareth hasn't given you much trouble with teaching her the ways of our household?"
My interest was piqued by becoming their target once more.
"Oh, not at all Ma'am. She honestly gave herself over to her duties within the first few hours of shadowing me," Said Galli, giving me an appraising glance. "Though, I would like to think that it's my service oriented thoughts that wore her down so quickly."
I tried to shrink into my seat as I stared out the window at the grounds, framed under an arch of slowly roiling Jovian clouds.
"She did? That's good to hear, I won't deny I wasn't certain if the little fae could handle a spitfire like her."
"Well I found her to be very willing - even eager? - to help with a certain lady's feet," said Galli, prodding my foot under the table.
I blushed trying to not make eye contact with her.
"My, to think such a strong mercenary would turn out to be a little degenerate." Mara contemplated my flushed cheeks, relishing in my silent dismay.
"I... that's not true! The link must have made me... Enjoy doing that. I-it had to be because of Galli's influence."
"Ha. I doubt it. Galli has never shown much initiative in that area," said Mara, smirking at Galli and I. "You were only linked to her, Amareth."
I stuttered. "I... I thats. I."
Galli giggled. "You're really struggling to come up with something, huh?"
I felt a stockinged foot rub against my smooth latex leg under the table. I blushed harder and squirmed as an unwanted heat blossomed.
"Hey, Galli that's, that's not fair, stop t-touching me I can't-"
"You can't deny you're enjoying this?"
"I, uh n-- no."
I felt trapped between Galli's prodding and Mara's gaze. This continued with the two circling me and tying my tongue up in knots in my attempts to deny Galli's observations.
I felt betrayed. My cheeks roasted with embarrassment. My thoughts swirled, caught inside the onslaught of teasing and domination. I felt dizzy with endorphins.
I wanted to blame Sylphi, but the feelings were nuanced. My shame was my own, after all.
Mara spoke, finally putting an end to the dance. "I must say that while I am enjoying watching you make her squirm, I want to have my prize all to myself tonight."
"Of course, Mistress. I understand and I truly appreciate you giving me the opportunity to prepare her for you." Galli stood up and gave a neat curtsey before turning to leave.
My stomach flipped and I let out a pathetic gasp.
"W-wait, Galli. Please don't leave!"
Galli continued walking away, and robotically said, "I must obey Mistress's wishes, Amareth."
"Indeed. As do you, little maverick maid. Now, I understand you have reservations about following my orders, but you will follow them all the same, Amareth," Mara said, stepping swiftly to stand behind me. "Apologize for trying to undermine my authority."
I wanted to bolt from the room but instead I remained frozen with her hands now on my shoulders.
"I-- I'm sorry Mistress. I uhm."
She pulled my head back into her body, lifting my face to stare up into her golden eyes.
"There, see?" her voice was mulled honey; sweet, a touch of bite. "It doesn't have to be like pulling teeth, my little doll."
I mewled softly, melting into her grip.
"I think we should retire to my bedroom for the evening."
"Uhm, I--" Her hand tightened around my throat, cutting off my objections.
More bite. "I wasn't asking for a response, maid."
She released her hold on me. "Come!"
I shakily rose to my feet, to find her already walking away down the corridor with the long train of her yukata trailing behind her. I hesitated just long enough for Sylphi to goad me onward with the puppet-like pull of her seizing control from me.
Together, we departed for her room.
β’πβ’
The door swung closed behind me with the finality of a judge's gavel slamming.
Her room wasn't as large as I had expected. The ceilings were high - the palette consisting mostly of light pastels - and her bed frame made from a light wood. The room overlooked an enclosed arboretum of a kind I hadn't seen before. Through the trees I could see a crystal clear pond near the center of the space.
Along one wall, a collection of implements, toys, and various intimidating devices greeted me in a multicolored array,instantly drawing my attention. They were displayed like pieces in an art gallery. Certain articles stood apart on translucent stands; impact toys hung in magnetic fields; drawers were filled with bondage gear; and collapsible equipment stood ready for use.
I felt the pit of my stomach clench tightly at the knowledge that I would almost certainly be getting to know something from this pile of perversion all too intimately.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. "You like what you see, Amareth?"
I pulled back from Mara's touch. For whatever reason, pity or curiosity, she allowed it. "What? No, you can k-keep on dreaming!"
Her free hand swept around, drawing my eyes once more across the myriad array. "The view is not to your liking then?"
"No, I... That's not what I meant! I tho--"
Her voice cut across mine like a scythe through grain. "Oh, of course you meant the toys. I do suppose I could see how an overly eager little nymph might think that."
My face burned.
"No! That's not it at all!" I shouted, clenching my fists and turning to face Mara for the first time. She lifted an eyebrow, intrigued, but her heavy, commanding gaze kept me on my knees.
"Amareth dear. I know you are struggling to accept your situation, but just because I chose to treat you with respect generally," she suddenly lunged forward, knocking me off balance, her palm pressing against my throat.
She pinned me against the wall and leaned down to hiss into my ear, "Doesn't mean I have too."
Her hand closed for a moment as I strained against her, trying anything I could do to escape her grip.
The edges of her lips curled upwards while I uselessly struggled, cruelty mixing with amusement at my fruitless efforts.
My hands struck at her wrist. Nothing.
My grasp could not wrench her hands free, even trying with all my might to twist them up and off. Nothing.
I kicked at her kneecaps. Nothing.
Helpless tears gathered at the corners of my eyes. It was hopeless. I couldn't budge her at all.
My head spun as she leaned down and my world was filled up with her face, golden eyes staring into mine. She released her grip but continued looming over me, considering her prey coldly while I massaged the ache of my trachea.
I tried to look up, but found I couldn't meet her eyes, a nameless shame eating at my fight. I looked at her lips instead.