A/N: I got the urge to write back. Warnings go out on this one. Thanks again to Elder Master for the beta.
(Winter Palace: Royal study)
The dinner had been otherwise uneventful for Nagisa. The food had been 'different'; the conversation was one of the only saving graces from complete boredom. Though boring as it was, the meal was rather settling and had also, at the very least, blunted off the ends of Nagisa's frayed nerves. If this was to be the normal fare she could find evening meals rather relaxing.
"Having me ushered into her study and then making me wait. Her Highness thinks very highly of herself." Nagisa snipped at the open cold air.
To be honest, the cold of this new land did little to make her shiver, and it did nothing to remind her of home. But what was her home was now undoubtedly the residence of one of those nobles she refused to marry. She wondered though, if being betrothed to such a strong willed she-devil was any better.
The room itself wasn't all that special to Nagisa. Perhaps it was her cattiness starting to rear its head. Or perhaps she was jealous of the beautiful jasper columns that held the ceiling firm. This palace was beautiful. Such a beautiful home wasn't all that bad. Perhaps she could learn to adhere to the tastes of her new Tsarina. It seemed as if the entire palace revolved on lesbian debauchery. Nagisa was certain this was not the case all the time.
But, as she was lead here by Her Highness's head servant, she could smell the fragrance of a blossomed flower. It was clear that the delay had been just as Lady Chikaru had mentioned. By Nagisa's own admission, Lady Miyuki was perhaps the most beautiful woman she had seen since arriving. Her Highness had the distinct quality of a ripened fruit hanging from a branch. Miyuki, however, was right in front of Nagisa. The comparisons of her own body to Miyuki's led Nagisa down a path that she was not yet equipped to follow.
"Perhaps it is in the food, or maybe in the water." Nagisa mused just above a whisper.
"There is nothing wrong with either of those things." A voice said with a hint of command. Nagisa spun around to find Shizuma sitting in a high backed chair. The dubious smile across the Royal's face made Nagisa respond with a cold glower.
"I do not know why you have brought me here." Nagisa said as she crossed the threshold. Being sure not to break gaze, Nagisa stopped about ten feet from Her Highness.
"I do not have time for your unfounded fears. If I wished to have my way with you, you would already be screaming my name loud enough that the Lord could hear you. Sit down. This is a courtesy, not an entitlement." Shizuma stated as Nagisa remained standing in defiance.
"Oh? You would defy your Tsarina? You are very brave, but also stupid." Shizuma said flatly as she made no effort to move.
"I would rather be called stupid then become your whore!" Nagisa spat back.
"Is that what you think this is about? My previous statement about making you scream out in ecstasy was sarcastic. However, I did order you to sit. Sit." Shizuma ordered only to see defiance come back at her. Shizuma's patience was waning as she returned the stare.
"I am not your servant to be at your beck and call. I am Nagisa Aoi of the house of Hapsburg. You will respect me. You will treat me like a Lady and not some toy for your perverse amusement. I may be here for the rest of my days. But that does not mean I will be in your bed." Nagisa finished as her verbal volley shattered what was left of Shizuma's patience. The sneer across Shizuma's face then disappeared as she rose from her chair and looked dead at Nagisa.
"I never thought I would meet my match in such a headstrong woman. But then there have only been two instances where anyone has ever admonished me. This is one of those instances. It would seem as if Fate has chosen a fitting angel to guide me. But know this..." Shizuma said as she came within inches of Nagisa's face.
"If you…ever… defy me before my court again. I will have you stripped naked, collared, leashed and treat you as if you were a bitch. I will not stand for such disrespect ever again." Shizuma said as she stepped off, turned her back to Nagisa, only to hear a chortle, and then a rather loud laugh.
"What was it you wanted…Your Highness?" Nagisa said with a mocking tone as she finally sat down in a chair.
"I have expressed my position. I have no desire to start something that will not be finished. I will send Kaori to take you back to your apartment. You are very tenacious. It is an endearing quality, but unexpected. We will have tea after meal tomorrow. Goodnight." Shizuma said as she disappeared behind a set of doors.
Nagisa allowed her shoulders to relax. This was turning out to be an awful night as well. Just as the thought vanished from Nagisa's mind, the earlier servant entered with a somewhat worried expression on her face.
"Is there something wrong?" Nagisa asked as the girl bowed before her.
"No…there is nothing at all, Lady Nagisa." Kaori said as she gestured towards the door.
(Winter Palace: Noble apartments)
"How dare that crow address me in such a manner? That harlot of a ruler also disrespecting me. The two of them always seem to be seeking to bring me down." Kaname said as sound of a slap and the yelp of a girl could be heard.
The servant girl stood holding her bleeding lip not entirely sure what to do. She had just arrived to bring some tea, when she dropped a napkin on the floor. It was never usually that big of a deal. But as she had gotten up, Lady Kaname had struck her when she rose.
"What are you standing there for? Take off those rags and get up on the table! Do not make me tell you again." Kaname demanded as the girl slowly took off her uniform.
"I know you are upset Kaname dear, but must you take it out on the waifs? I do not wish to receive another talking to." Momomi stated as she continued to file her nails.
"Love, I do not wish to mark you. You are the one thing in my life that I wish to keep pristine. These are meant to be marked." Kaname said as she struck the girl again causing her to spin.
"Do not hit her face anymore. If you want to hit her do it where it will not be seen." Momomi offered.
"What would I do without you? You are rightfully my goddess." Kaname said as the girl had completed the tasks before her and mounted the table. Kaname then disrobed and mounted both table and the servant girl with the ease of practice.
"Be quick with her or she will be missed on the next check." Momomi said as she disappeared into the other room.
"You hear that? We have to make sure you make it back soon." Kaname said with a smile as the girl screamed out.