Chapter 79:

Warranted Submissiveness

Things were still very shaky between the students of Malfoy Manor and with the bond still punishing her, making her want punishment, things hadn't been going well. Perhaps it was time she summoned up the courage to just seek him out, to ask for a punishment; she didn't know how much more she could take of the bond's own brand.

Hesitantly, Ariella knocked on Draco's bedroom door, one arm holding a basket of the laundry against her hip.

Not hearing a response, she opened the door. When she didn't see her master, she entered, a bit grateful that she had a bit more time before she faced him.

She began opening draws, putting away the now clean clothing. She was just closing the last draw when the door slammed open. Draco stopped short when he saw Ariella. "What are you doing here?"

"I – I'm just putting your clean clothing away and tiding up."

He simply gave her curt nod in response, before sitting down at his desk. From the corner of her eye, he kept a watchful gaze on her, his body tense.

He noticed that she was moving awkwardly. She was paler than usual; circles were prominent under her eyes, and seemed to be trying her best not to draw his attention. She was nervous, he could tell as much.

Yet Draco knew he should address it. Especially considering he could feel the bond's continued anger.

"Ariella, are you all right? You don't look very well."

Ariella's turned around sharply from the bookcase she was organizing.

"I – thank you for your concern, but I – "

" – don't lie or cover up the truth."

" – I can't lie to you unless ordered to. But as to your question, I – I haven't slept much recently either. And the bond isn't happy, hasn't been in weeks. I – "

"Let me see your arm," he demanded.

She nodded, laying her work down and rolling up her sleeve. Draco looked inside the bond and found that it was indeed a combination of things. The bond didn't like how she had been behaving, especially towards him. Though truth be told that was to be expected. Things had been uncertain and distant between them since his father's arrest. Speaking of which, the bond was still furious with her for how she had treated Lucius at the Ministry, for how she had acted, towards both of her Masters. As a result, the bond was punishing her, while still forcing her to seek out a formal punishment.

But she was also becoming ill…and she needed to be closer to him, more submissive. He wondered why, whether because of her disobedience or because of Lucius not currently being present, he didn't know, but as much as he didn't want to, he would oblige.

Pulling out of the bond, Draco moved back as Ariella stumbled and ended up falling to the ground.

"Ariella, why didn't you tell me I needed to give you more work? That you need to be submissive to me?"

"The bond hasn't been happy with me for betraying you and your father. I know you haven't forgiven me for it and I can't blame you for that, but please, Dra – Sir, I don't know how much more of the bond's anger I can take. But I – I didn't tell you because I didn't want to anger you further."

Draco stayed silent for a moment, jaw clenched, before nodding. "Okay."

"Thank you, sir," she repeated quietly.

He gave her a curt nod, coming to stand directly behind her.

"I'm going to use the Cruciatus Curse; it won't be long. You won't be going to dinner tonight."

"Yes, sir. I understand."

He gave her a moment to brace herself before casting the torture curse. And, despite his prolonged anger at her, he took pity on the girl writhing before him and ended it quickly.

"Your arm, Ariella."

Struggling, the serving girl held her left arm out for her master to check. She flinched as Draco pressed his cool fingers into her arm.

He had to steady himself as she jerked away from him, or tried to at any rate. For now, the bond seemed satisfied enough. He dropped her arm, as if touching her disgusted him.

"Sir? What else do you require from me?"

"Nothing tonight. Tomorrow you'll finish your chores here and I'll probably have you serve me personally. Meals brought here and such."

"Yes, sir."

Draco gave a curt nod before realizing she wanted to say more. "Yes?"

Her head jerked up to meet his cool gaze. "No – nothing sir. Just – thank you. For handling the bond."

Draco responded with another simple, curt nod. "Go back to your room; get some rest. Tomorrow, report to me once you've woken."

"Yes, sir; thank you," she replied, grateful though apprehensive as she left, knowing the following day would prove both tedious and welcome. She was unsure how Draco would treat her, but she was glad that she couldn't be with the others. Quite frankly, she wasn't sure which she was more nervous for.

I know it's short, but I hope to have the next chapter up soon.

I'd likevto hear your thoughts: why do you think Ariella was enslaved?

Thank you so much for your time and opinions.

Until next time,

~Leanora