Bell awoke from his slumber; today was the big day. The day he finally married the girl of his dreams. At least that was what he was telling himself. The truth was he was being forced into this marriage. It was that or certain death. A shotgun, or perhaps sword forced matrimony. For him it was a long story starting as a young boy wanting to become an adventurer but one thing led to another and he found himself as part of a merchant caravan in the far east. It was as mysterious and wondrous as the books had described, only he found it had two major flaws.
The first was slavery. Renards fetched a high price in Orario the current rulers allowed and even supported slave trade in the region. The whole thing made Bell sick to his core, he wanted nothing to do with it. But that led onto his second problem.
The rulers of the region. The Sanjouno family. To say they disliked foreigners would be an understatement. Upon entering the region they were searched and forced to pay a traders tax. One of many to discourage those looking to do trade. Their boss tried on many occasions to try and see the lord and negotiate but he ended up thrown in jail for his troubles. The rest of them settled into a small tavern reserved for travellers and waited for his release. For Bell this was the beginning of a dangerous situation.
One night the caravan decided to get a little drunk. Bell didn't usually drink but on this occasion he needed a distraction and the familiar company was better than none. He drank and drank to his surprise they started a daring game when it came time for Bell's they dared him to ask out the girl that had been looking at him all night from the bar. Of course he hadn't noticed. Why would he? Everyone in this city gave him glares or just ignored him.
"Go on little rabbit…There's no backing out." The older man slapped his shoulder while the younger lads clanged their cups.
Bell sighed knowing the worst would be a slap in the face. "Fine fine just shut up already…"
He couldn't help but finally notice the beautiful golden haired fox sitting at the bar. He could tell she was special, it seemed as if a glow emanated from her body. He did as was asked and to his surprise they were right. A few drinks later and there he was thrusting deep inside her as her tail wrapped tightly around his leg. A one off he thought. One of the best he would ever have…
Yet, it happened to turn out it was Haruhime Sanjouno. The daughter of the ruler. Bell found out he was suddenly being dragged out of the inn by the royal guard. His feet and hands bound in chains as he was thrown before the lord. Swords to his throat the lord was moments from having his men slit it but his daughter intervened. Expressing it was her fault and that he shouldn't be punished for her.
The Lord was not someone to be persuaded but he seemed to have a soft spot for his daughter even if it was a very small one. He let Bell live but on the condition he marry his daughter. Not that he wanted too, a fact he was clear to make. By tradition the female chooses a mate for life. For the ruling princess that mate would be her lord. Though it was old and outdated it would be bad for him to reject it. Their traditions were the pillars of their society, he couldn't deny them.
"Make no mistake boy. You may be marrying my daughter but you will have no power. I'll find a proxy husband for her, one that won't embarrass me or my family!" He gripped his throne and looked at his advisor whispering in his ear. "One more thing. Should you break my daughters heart or overstep your boundaries even a little. I'll have you publicly shamed. Beaten and executed before feeding you to the local hounds!"
Bell gulped and nodded. Despite the warnings he and Haruhime quickly got to know one another. For Bell it was nice to see someone so friendly towards him. Not only did she share many of his hobbies but she even helped him learn the language to help him adapt into their society. To say the both fell in love by choice was wrong but it was more natural then forced and he truly did come to love her.
The wedding ceremony was… Dull to say the least. Nobody was really present besides a few of the servants and her father. He was serious about them not being a public couple. Despite that though the two were quickly wed and the few guests that weren't there as servants showered the princess with gifts and blessings. For Bell he only received one gift. One he'd rather deny than accept but considering who it was from he couldn't.
Haruhime's father walked up to the two kissing his daughter's cheek before presenting her mothers necklace. "Thank You father, I'll cherish it forever."
Bell assumed he would just scowl and walk away. He did scowl; but he remained looking towards Bell. "Unlike everyone else here today the father of the bride must present gifts to both. While you're not deserving of this gift I find it's only fair given your situation."
He clicked his fingers as the doors opened. In came the head maid followed closely by another girl. Though Bell couldn't see her face he quickly focused on her bright blue hair. The head maid bowed before stepping aside and allowing the other girl forward.
"My gift to you, Bell. Your own personal maid. I was going to sell her off to the highest bidder but… Considering Orario's ban on slaves I decided to give her to you." Bell gulped as he looked towards her.
"Greetings my lord, my lady." She bowed to Lord Sanjouno and Haruhime before lifting her head. Bell blushed a little as her beautiful emerald green eyes looked deep into his, her light complexion made her skin glow. Her long blue hair was done with two long bangs, two strands on the sides, and a partly braided tail in the back. It suited her to a T. She bowed slowly. "It's a pleasure to meet you master. My name is Artemis. I look forward to serving you."
This is where our story begins. A tale of one boy and his maid as they learn to adapt to the new reality that faces them both. How will they fair?
It had been a week and Bell had already come to realise just how boring his life had become. He and Haruhime were given a sizable estate to live in. One where Haruhime would conduct state business and parties as per her royal duties. Bell meanwhile was forced to sit out on everything sometimes for days at a time. Haruhime made sure he was given a nice room with everything he needed but his only source of company was the rare time she snuck off to see him. Normally he'd go hours before seeing her smiling face. There was only so much time he could spend reading books and exercising in the garden. He quickly grew bored and frustrated, stuck in a cage he desperately wanted to escape. He was free to leave the walls of the city and explore the countryside around him, but he would always be escorted by the royal guard. He couldn't help but feel trapped and claustrophobic.
"Ughh I can't take this anymore!" He cried, throwing his book to the side of his bed as he laid back in frustration. He wanted to storm out and reveal his presence. Knowing full well that members of the guild were being hosted right below him. Alas, he knew it would only result in a beating and a long week in jail.
"Uggh.. Fuck!" He beat his pillow in frustration.
A sudden knock at his door made him jump, but it could only mean one thing. He smiled. "Come in!" He called out.
The door opened and much to his surprise the girl that had been presented to him at the wedding was standing in the doorway, her green eyes shined at him as she smiled gently.
"Ahhh good evening Master. Forgive me for not coming sooner. I had many duties to perform before changing hands."
The maid that had entered caught his eye, before he looked back at her again and took her in. He held in his gasp, but couldn't help bring his hand up to his chest as her beauty overwhelmed him.
"W-What's your name?" He asked quietly as he took in her beautiful face and perfect figure, her blue hair shimmering down her lithe back.
She giggled and took a bow. "My name Is Artemis Master. At your beck and call."
Bell remained silent as he watched her from afar. His eyes slowly taking in her outfit which was unlike anything he had seen up till now on any of the other maids.
Artemis noticed his wandering eye and blushed brightly as she stood up allowing him to take in her. 'Nghhh why did the lord have to make me wear such an eye-catching outfit…'
Artemis tried to hold in her blush, but she couldn't help it as she presented herself to him. She felt his eyes travel over her body. 'Master… Please don't stare so much..'
Bell had seen the usual maids around the mansion, beautiful everyone one of them, but they had been dressed modestly.
The maid standing before him wasn't. He stuttered for a moment trying to find a response as he took her in.
Her maid outfit had been reduced to the point he couldn't help but blush when he looked at her. The white frilly bonnet was the same, but her top was more like a brassiere than a dress. Her breasts gently showing her cleavage through a heart shaped window, small frilled loops holding it all together over her shoulders. The dress was a deep shimmering purple, unlike the dark black of the rest of the maids and instead of loose and frilly like them, hers tightly covered her figure and revealed every curve. The skirt hardly covered her behind, even as she walked her cheeks almost threatened to slip out. It was only the frilly lace that trimmed the bottom of the skirt that gave her some comfort if she felt like bending over. Dark purple stocking's and a white apron finished the outfit. Once again she blushed as she felt Bell's eyes take her in, she couldn't help but bite her lip, hoping she wouldn't bend over in front of him and show the panties she had been forced to wear. Although they covered her, the embroidery was so open, they might have well as be see through. She blushed a little harder.
Artemis shuddered a little, her eyes unable to avoid looking at his bright white hair and dark red eyes. She had once seen an Albino rabbit belonging to a young Haruhime though its death greatly upset her. Perhaps he reminded her of that rabbit.
Despite him staring at her for a good few minutes. He only now realised that she was staring at him. His head shot up and his eyes drifted off to the side. "S-Sorry…"
She rubbed her cheek in confusion. "M-Master w-why are you apologising?" She noticed his eyes drifting away from her. The tint of red on his cheeks and his nervous demeanor all seemed so strange for a high born.
"W-Well I was staring at your outfit a-and most girls get annoyed at me for it…" He blushed a little more realising it happened far more often in the far east then it did back in Orario.
The blue haired maid couldn't help but let out a little giggle. "I-I see fufu." She closed the door and moved closer to him. "M-Master, you do realise I'm now your maid? If you wish to look at me I can do nothing to stop you."
Bell rubbed his cheek, his eyes seeming to return to her hypnotic curves. "A-Aren't you embarrassed?"
Artemis couldn't hide her blush; she wasn't used to this kind of attention or questions. "W-Well yes b-but if my appearance pleases you then I…"
It was then a strange silence washed over them both. Bell looked away again. "Y-You don't have to do that for me…I-I'd rather you be comfortable in your appearance."
'H-Hes so different from the other lords and ladies… W-Why would he care about such a little thing such as my feelings?" She had been so used to the dismissive and passive aggressive arrogance of the royal family and other maids. That hearing such a response seemed strange.
Still knowing he at least cared made her smile as she placed a hand on her chest. "Master, do you like this outfit?"
Bell blushed a deep red as he nervously nodded. "Y-Yes it perfectly compliments your figure…"
Artemis blushed at his honest and slightly nervous response. But she found herself more confident and happy with the choice now. "Thank you master. Then I shall continue to wear it to brighten your mood."
Bell was about to object but noticing her bright smile made him question if she was just doing it for him or whether his words had a little effect on her preference. He took a deep breath to relax, now focusing on trying to get to know his new maid a little better.
"You've all been working hard this last week to get the mansion ready? Why don't you come sit I'm sure you could use it?" He said tapping the side of the bed next to him.
She took a step back looking a mighty bit confused as she followed his hand and repeated his words in her mind. "S-Sit?" She shook her head. "N-No I'm quite alright master."
He could tell something was off. Not in her voice that was trained to be polite. No it was her eyes the tint of fear as if accepting something horrible would happen. He had seen it in the eyes of many adventures being told to go deep into the dungeon by the guild.
"Is something the matter? Artemis?" He asked though her eyes didn't leave the spot where his hand was and she nervously moved as if something was irritating her back.
She didn't speak but she knew he would only dig deeper if she didn't. "M-Master, it's…" She shivered and looked down at her feet.
"S-Surely you can sit and relax?" He wasn't sure what the problem was but the more he noticed her awkward movements the more it became obvious it was far deeper and painful for her.
"Artemis…" He stood up slowly moving towards her. He could see the painful look in her eye followed by a small tear. "What's wrong?"
She didn't know why but at that moment she felt she could trust him. He wasn't like the nobles and was friendlier than all of the other maids. "I-It's not that I wouldn't like to; master it's just." She nervously rubbed her arm. "If the lady Haruhime were to see me so close to you; it would be seen as disrespectful."
"Disrespectful? But I'm allowing you to sit surely that's not a problem?"
She shook her head. "Not to you master but to her and his lordship. She may assume I'm taking advantage of your kindness or worse…" She looked to the door and then slowly back to his face.
Bell wouldn't think Haruhime would be so petty but her father was a different story. Still what worried him wasn't the reason it was the punishment. "You don't have to answer but…What's the punishment?"
She seemed to recoil at the question. It was clearly a sore subject for her but she nervously rubbed her hand. "It depends, the normal punishment is a lash for misconduct. Two for repeat offences…" She bit her lip. "However, in rare cases we receive a beating…"
Bell felt horrible inside hearing her say that and judging by her nervous and worried face from before she had experienced it more then once. "I'm sorry that must be horrible for you."
He leaned forward cupping her hand as he pulled her into a small hug hoping it would at least comfort her just a little.
She tried to move back but to her surprise the warm embrace felt nice. She had never been hugged in her life, always kept at a distance by others. The other maids would scold her and belittle her for being new and taking time to learn things. She was often punished, nobody helping or defending her when she made a simple mistake. She couldn't help but remember every single punishment, every beating. Her tears slowly escaped after years and years of training to hide them.
Bell could only hold her tighter as her tears soaked into his shirt. Her low cries muffled into his shoulder as he gently tried to comfort her. "It's okay, I promise. Nothing like that will ever happen again."
She wanted to believe him. But he wasn't the lord. Sure he was her master but that didn't stop the rules emplaced on her. Still she'd be lying to herself if she said the hug didn't make her feel better.
"T-Thank You master?" She said after a few minutes finally calming down. Bell smiled gently, easing his hug and wiping a tear from her cheek. "Go on, sit down." He said softly as he moved over to the door locking it.
"M-Master?" She heard the click but noticed his reassuring smile.
"Now nobody can walk in now. Don't worry I'll make up an excuse for why it's locked." He moved back over to the bed.
Artemis couldn't help but rub her cheek before letting out a small giggle. "If you insist Master…"
She moved over to his side gently lifting her skirt to not crease it as she sat next to him. Bell meanwhile caught a glimpse of her panties and couldn't help but sear the sight into memory.
They were the same purple as her dress, but the embroidery hardly covered her, it was loose and open giving a thinly veiled sight of her tight pussy, her blue pubic hair slipping through the gaps here and there.
Bell smiled seeing her instantly relax as she placed her hands on her skirt and closed her eyes. Seeing this made him smile. Her smile could only be described as a priceless treasure in need of protecting at all cost.
Artemis turned her head to look towards Bell. Her smile, ever present as she indulged his curiosity. "So master what now?"
Bell chuckled. "Well I would like to get to know you a little better and it will be nice to finally have someone to talk to after these last few weeks…"
She nodded and leaned back her head. "There's not really a lot to say master… I became an orphan as a young girl. My family was killed in a monster attack. Unfortunately a group of bandits came to loot the village shortly after and I was sold off as a slave to the Sanjouno family. As you can imagine it wasn't a normal life. I grew up learning how to be a maid, though more often than not I was punished for my failures."
Bell felt bad for her but didn't want to interrupt her story. Instead quietly taking in every word.
"I happened to be the same age as the young princess at the time. So her father made me her maid to be… She would often have me play with her, brushing her hair, singing strange songs…" She smiled remembering the few joyful moments but shivered soon after. "The lord punished me often for that. A slave should know her place he used to say before handing me off to the guards."
She took a deep breath. "After a short while the princess changed to…No doubt her fathers influence. She became colder and always at a distance. I don't blame her, it saved me many a lash. I served under her till the lord had me transferred to you master."
Bell had a question he wanted to ask but he wasn't sure if she knew the answer. "I-I was meaning to ask. When you say transferred…As in ownership or just respectfully?"
The blue haired girl took a moment to think over the question. "When you got married did he make you sign something other than the marriage certificate?"
It took Bell a moment to think back but he did remember being handed something by Haruhime's father. He got up and walked over to his wardrobe searching his pockets as he pulled out a piece of paper.
"Ahhh here it is." He slowly began to read it. "I Lord Sanjouno hereby transfer ownership of one slave. Artemis. To my son in law Bell Cranel." He sighed realising the predicament he was in. Slipping the piece of paper into his draw he took a deep breath. 'Great now I'm officially a slave owner…FUCK!' He gripped his fist and turned to see the confused looking girl sitting on his bed.
'Still at least I can help her without getting in trouble for it.' He smiled.
"Well that answers that question. Ugh I've never owed a person before…" He felt rotten to his core knowing he was suckered into betraying his core principles.
"Master, is everything alright?" She asked seeing him clench his fist.
He gave her a small smile and tried to relax. "Yeah…Just…" He laughed. "I've been travelling so long. Ever since my grandfather passed away. I wanted to be a hero that everyone could rely on. To save the princess… Ughhh it seems reality has a cruel sense of humor." He sat down on a nearby chair tapping the side.
"When I arrived in Orario. I had trouble finding anyone to take me in. The gods laughed at me and threw me to the sidewalk. I ended up getting some work from the guild, running with one of their caravans all across the continent. Ahhh it was hard work. But I made some good friends along the way."
He rested his hand on the table. "They all probably think I'm dead now…" He remembered the morning he was dragged from his bed. The faces of his friends as they tried to stop the guards only to be swatted away. "I'm all alone now… Stuck in this god forsaken continent."
Artemis could see he was going through a hard time. She hadn't realised he wasn't a noble and suddenly she came to the realisation. 'He's just like me…A nobody thrust into a difficult situation…'
"Ughh I hoped I could make it work with Hime… I imagined a quiet peaceful marriage maybe a couple of kids…" He rubbed his forehead. "Instead I'm stuck in this god forsaken cage of a mansion unable to leave without being followed by a guard or Haruhime."
"My wife is attending dinners with another man who everyone assumes is her husband. Meanwhile I have to sit here and…" He trailed off; it was a kick in the nuts he had been forced to marry her. But not actually being able to spend time with his wife was just cruelty. He loved her to the bottom of his heart, but there was no purpose in this life if he couldn't spend time with her.
Artemis moved over to her master. She felt sorry for him. He clearly didn't like his situation even though many would beg for it. She knelt before him and placed a hand on his. "You needn't worry master. As a maid of this household I'm sure I can fulfil the requirement to escort you around and should you find yourself stuck in this room I can bring you anything you need or desire."
Bell smiled, he could tell she cared even if she was being made to. "Thank you Artemis…But right now I could just use an ear to rant to…"
And rant he did. Though it wasn't all complaining. The two of them talked long into the night, firstly about their hobbies and interest despite being forced to serve under Haruhime her entire life. Artemis had this obsession with Archery but was never allowed near a bow. She longed to see the world and experience new things. Bell admired that about her. Even as a slave she had dreams of better things and he hoped one day he could help her achieve them. At one point she left Bell thinking she was getting tired of talking and needed a walk, but to his surprise she returned with tea and biscuits setting them to one side as she settled in to listen to her master's story.
When the clock struck midnight Bell let out a low yawn. He and Artemis had been relaxing on the sofa near the fire. The tea and biscuits; drunk and eaten. He felt himself drifting off as the warm heat of the fire warmed his soul. Artemis could see her master was falling asleep about to offer him a hand to get to bed. But before she could he slumped onto her shoulder his eyes shut and a peaceful smile on his face. Artemis couldn't help but blush at how cute he looked in that moment.
"Mmm thankyou Artemis…" He said sheepishly she didn't know if he was dreaming or on the verge of drifting off but she couldn't help but smile. "Sweet dreams master Bell." She said gently kissing his forehead before carefully laying him down onto the sofa. She moved to the cupboard and found a warm fluffy blanket laying it over him.
She took a moment to admire his handsome sleeping face before putting out the fire and leaving the room.
The next morning couldn't have come sooner for Bell. Artemis came in early to wake him up. She threw open the curtains before turning to her still sleeping master. She giggled seeing him drooling into the pillow. "Mmm master…Master it's time to get up?"
She gently stroked his hair enjoying the softness of it between her fingers she noticed Bell slowly coming to.
For Bell he heard the voice of an angel calling out to him whisking him out of his dream and back to reality. His eyes slowly opened. The first sight was the bluish purple cloth strained by two heavy objects gently bouncing in his face. Next was the emerald green eyes staring down at him, a beautiful smile on her face and her silky blue hair gently hanging down.
"Mmm have I died and gone to heaven?" He whispered softly.
She giggled stroking his hair. "No master I'm afraid you're still quite alive and well."
Bell sighed though she couldn't tell if it was relief or disappointment. He slowly lifted himself from the sofa and let out a long loud yawn. As he rubbed his eyes awake.
"Lady Haruhime has requested your presence in the dining room. I'd normally run you a bath but she seemed quite insistent you come right away." She leaned forward, wiping his face with a wet cloth and gently combing his bed head. "There, that should suffice." She took a step back and waited outside for him. The two headed down to the kitchen where a tired looking Haruhime sat having her hair brushed by one of her many maids who worked tirelessly to get her ready.
"Good morning honey." She said with an elegant smile waving the maids in the room to leave as Bell sat. Artemis nervously was about to join them but Haruhime looked towards her. "Please stay Artemis, this concerns you as well."
The maid bowed "O-Of course princess…I'll will make you some tea while you talk." She slowly walked over to one side. Bell noticed she was tense when entering the room and more so now she had been asked to stay.
Haruhime gave Bell a somber look as she flicked back her hair and began stroking her tail. "I-I'm sorry we haven't had time to spend together these last few weeks Bell. My father has insisted we host these lavish parties and dinners." She smiled as a cup of her favourite tea was placed in front of her. "Thank you Artemis. Please sit…"
"Y-Yes Princess." She made sure to sit closer to Bell but far enough away that it didn't seem awkward. Her eyes focused on the cup in front of her.
"As I was saying. Father has decided to host his summer feast here this year while his own mansion is being redecorated…"
'Ohhh fucking great just what I needed. The biggest asshole known to man walking around no doubt he's doing this to limit my freedom further!' He tried to hide his inner thoughts but his outward expression seemed to dull.
Artemis wanted to cheer him up but didn't know enough about him yet to help. She merely sat quietly until Haruhime was finished with her conversation.
"T-That's not all… You see my father…He doesn't want to be around you during his stay and asked me to move you out of the mansion until he has left."
"Wait what!?" Bell tried not to raise his voice but Haruhime seemed fairly sure he would, given her understanding tone she let go of her tail and looked down.
"I'm sorry but my father still hasn't gotten over our marriage yet. I'm sure he will come around with time but…" She took a deep breath taking a sip of her tea. "Unfortunately this is going to be a common occurrence in the next few months. As such I have taken it upon myself to make alternative living arrangements for the both of you."
Bell lifted an eye. "Both of us?" He knew she wasn't referring to herself and the only other person in the room was.
Artemis looked up realising she was being involved as well.
Bell blushed faintly as he realised she was referring to Artemis. He should have expected it since she was now his maid but given the blue haired girl's expression she wasn't expecting it either.
Haruhime let out a little giggle. "Come Bell do you honestly believe I'd send you away for a couple weeks and not give you a little company."
Bell smiled faintly "N-No not at all honey…"
Haruhime's face slowly lifted itself from the gloom as she polished off a biscuit. "Mmm, I decided it would be much easier to buy you your own little space. It's a little cottage on the edge of town, just past the old mill. It has a perfect view of the surroundings, River not too far for fishing and the nearby forest has a lovely nature walk. I always wanted to buy it when I was younger but could never justify the expense to my father."
She smiled blissfully as her tail wagged behind her. "It's not entirely well furnished and the building itself needs a little work. But I've informed all the local craftsmen, carpenters and shopkeepers to be at your beckon call. They will help you furnish it to your needs and standards."
Bell was a little taken aback by his wife's sudden generosity. "T-Thank you honey b-but don't you think this is a bit much?" He was used to a more humble life having to work for a living; he wasn't used to seeing people spend money like it was nothing.
Haruhime shook her head. "Not at all my love. I know it's been difficult for you these last few weeks and I thought this was a good way to take your mind off things. You'll have more freedom then you would cooped up in your room and it keeps you as far away from father."
'That is a good point. Ahhh and it would be nice to get out of this mansion for a little while.' He slowly began to open up to the idea, not that he was opposed to it, he just didn't like being moved about like a pawn on a chess board. "Thank You sweetie I really appreciate it." He got up and walked over giving her a kiss on the cheek.
She giggled, pulling him into a deep kiss, her tail wrapping around his arm before pulling back.
"Your welcome, I know this is all short notice. Artemis, are his bags all packed?"
Artemis stood up and bowed. "Yes my lady, It's all waiting to be loaded onto the carriage."
The blond fox smiled. "Mmm father will be arriving in a few hours so I had to make some arrangements while you were asleep. I know it's sudden but if I get a chance I'll come and see you during the week." She kissed his cheek.
The next hour was a rushed one. Bell sat down to eat breakfast with Haruhime one last time before he had to leave. After that Haruhime made sure he had everything he needed before he left. This included the key to the cottage. A list of shops he should visit in town and a necklace which would allow him to draw out funds should he need them from the local bank.
With everything in hand Bell headed back downstairs where Artemis patiently awaited his arrival. In her hand was a small suitcase no doubt filled with what little belongings she had. She gave him a big smile as they exited the mansion. A couple of the maids and butlers were packing the carriage but turned to bow to him as one opened the door for him.
"Apologise for the princess not being able to send you off. She had an urgent call from her his lordship. Please have a safe and comfortable journey my lord." The head butler bowed to him before helping him into the carriage. Once inside he turned to face Artemis harboring a resentful look.
"Our lord has taken pity on you and seen it fit to give you a second chance. I trust you will not forget your duties!" He said with a scowling face and harsh tone as he stepped out of her way.
She simply lowered her head refraining from saying anything as she placed her case in the storage compartment before climbing into the carriage. As the door shut she took a deep breath seeing a concerned looking Bell staring at her. "What was that about?"
"Ahhh I-it's nothing master…" She said her eyes avoiding his as she clutched at her skirt.
Bell felt something was off and decided to dig deeper. She said the staff didn't like her very much but from the way they spoke she was less than dirt to them. "Artemis, you can tell me. If something is wrong I'd like to help."
Shaking her head she looked out of the window. "It's nothing you can do to help master. You see, most of the staff are hired Renards who have all come from respectable jobs and families. Normally the household does not use slaves for its service staff but I was an exception. It was the princess who insisted I become her maid. Her father allowed it since she was his only child but that didn't stop them from treating me differently. As a human slave I was little more than a stain they couldn't easily remove. They made sure to give me all the hard and disgusting tasks that would surely get me in trouble if I failed them and I often did."
Bell lowered his head. 'It seems she was dealt a shit hand from the start.'
"They often took enjoyment watching me nurse my wounds after I was punished. Swapping my ointment with salt…Having me work in the kitchens in the blistering heat." Tears slowly flowed down her cheeks. "I wanted to run away so badly…I even tried once, the forgiveness he was referring to was the lord not having me pawned off to the local whore house…"
Bell felt his heart drop and his fist clenched as he heard her recall her harrowing life. "I'm sorry.. You shouldn't have to suffer like that. Nobody should!" He tried to remain calm but a part of him wanted to get out of the carriage and punch the head butler in his face. But it would only cause them both more problems down the road. He took a breath to calm himself.
Instead he came next to her and brought her into a light hug. Her eyes widening as she blushed.
"M-Master?"
"Shush…" He said gently stroking her hair. "It's okay. I won't let them hurt you anymore. As long as you're my maid they will take responsibility for their actions."
She began to blush even brighter as he spoke. "M-Master you needn't worry about me, I'm but a simple maid, A slave no less. You shouldn't worry yourself with my problems."
Bell narrowed his eyes and flicked her nose. Making her look away. "M-Master I.."
"I will hear nothing of the sort. I don't care what a piece of paper says you are. You're a living person. As such while you're my maid I forbid you from lowering your self esteem or thinking anything less of yourself because others tell you." He said firmly.
Artemis tried to say something but Bell crossed his arms. His tone may be kind and considerate but Artemis didn't want to see what would happen if she disobeyed him.
"Y-Yes master you have my word."
"Good." He smiled letting go of her as he looked out of the window, the mansion slowly coming out of view. With a sigh he was finally free of his cage like room and he finally had something to look forward to. He couldn't help but let out a gentle yawn. He didn't really get a lot of sleep due to being woken up so early and he debated putting his head down for a couple hours.
"M-Master… If you're still tired I'd be happy to assist you." She gently patted her lap as she smiled at him. "It might not be as nice as the princess's but I hope it will suffice?"
Bell looked down at her lap. The shiny cloth of her outfit made it look appealing to rest on. He pondered it for a moment before nodding and moving over to her side and slowly lowering his head down into her soft thighs. And boy were they soft. His head felt like it was resting on a soft pillow; the gentle bumps of the road seemed to fade away. "Mmm I don't know, this is pretty nice." He said closing his eyes not seeing the proud smile on Artemis's face as she gently stroked his hair.
"Mmm sweet dreams master, I will wake you when we arrive at our destination."
Bell's smile only grew as her gentle voice and hand whisked him off back to sleep, turning gently as he nuzzled into her lap and drifting into darkness.
Authors notes.
Hello everyone its been a long time hasn't it. I'm sure you were all thinking well that's it hes dead. Given up never to be seen or heard from again. Well you are not wrong I have been neglecting my stories recently in favor of advancing my career. My new role in my work place leaves me with very little free time and as such I've not had chance to write anything.
I'm sure your all wondering why I wrote a new story? The truth is this is to be a replacement for Miss Artemis. Cutting a long story short I fucked up and wrote myself it a corner which would require me to delete multiple chapters and rewrite large parts of the story to get it back to where I wanted to go with it. Given the mountain of work needed to fix it and the little time i have I decided to write a shorter story one more focused on the two rather then the plot which is what Ktp and Miss Artemis were intended to do. (Note this dosen't mean Miss Artemis is dead and done. I'm just revising it more slowly then id like and I'd rather give you all something else in the mean time.)
As always please comment your thoughts and favorite if you enjoyed it. It helps motivate me and get the story noticed more.
Thanks stay safe and see you all next chapter!