Work Text:
A special thanks for my Beta Reader. I appreciate the help.
---
The screams of men filled the arena as nobles and politicians from all walks of life watched. Amber could only turn her head in disgust, lifting Baron Bunny in front of her mouth. Eventually, she decided to walk away from the railing, no longer able to stand the sight.
The one who ran Haeresys, the Third Harbinger known as Il Dottore, complained about the failure of the test subjects to the scientists next to him. He warned them that he expected better results next time or else, he will personally throw them in the arena. The timid underlings apologized and left quickly.
Unfortunately, that meant Amber was left alone with him. She tried to avoid getting his attention as long as possible by keeping quiet and keeping her distance from him.
"Why am I surrounded by such incompetence?" He asked, still looking out from the balcony. Amber just kept quiet, leaning against the wall. However, he grumbled, "Amber, I asked you a question!"
"Wha- what?" She panicked. How can she answer that? She wasn’t with the Fatui or even part of his science team.
He didn't lift a hand, "Forget it. Why do I even waste my time here?"
"B-because...y-you w-want to c-create something c-close…" she gulped, "...to a god?"
He turned around, grinning madly. "Ah. I see you have paid attention after all?"
She shuddered, not wanting to look him straight in the eye. However, he walked up to her, placing a hand on her head. He was a madman and a malicious psychopath, but of all the times Amber had been around him, he’d never hit her.
"We've been through this before: you have no need to fear me. After all, I made you...even better."
She froze.
Flashbacks of her first few months of being in Snezhnaya begin to resurface in her mind at rapid speeds: the experiments and tests, the intense training his subordinates put her through-- it was all so that she could spare everyone in Mondstadt.
It had been almost two years. Sometimes, she thought of home and how the others were doing.
She shook her head, trying to remain calm when she said, "Y-yeah. I am very g-grateful."
Please, you're standing too close! She thought to herself.
She took a step back, waving her hands rapidly. Amber needed to find an excuse to leave this hellhole and return to that house that acted like a prison. Considering that she was still a prisoner, she was only allowed out when Dottore permitted it. (Pedrolino and the Tsaritsa were the only others that had authority over him. If they wanted her, he had no choice but to obey.)
"I am very sorry, Mr. Dottore. I am really tired. Maybe I should leave and let you continue on your bad guy stuff in peace,” she said with a nervous laugh.
Dottore seemed unimpressed, however, placing a hand on his hip. He grinned, "Hm. You know, you’re on to something. Maybe it's best if we go home now." And then he stepped closer, continuing, "Besides, when was the last time we had any alone time together?"
Her eyes widened. He's not suggesting…
"It's been so long. I say, two months? Perhaps it's time for me to give you the proper 'attention' you deserve."
She would rather not!
Amber backed away several meters, panicking. "No! No! You don't have to! I enjoy our time together, but you have more important things to do."
Of course, that was a bold-face lie. She hated being around him. She hated having sex with him, but in retrospect, it was her fault for starting it in the first place. She had done it to survive and to keep on his good side. It made her feel dirty and disgusted, but it kept her alive so far. However, all their sessions ended up disappointing him most of the time. There were times he flat out refused to sleep with her.
The last time they slept together, she pretended to like it. Although he didn't notice her act, he stopped abruptly. He left about something work related. That was two months ago, now that she realized it.
He looked really offended, even with that mask on. He walked up, grabbed her by the waist, pulling her closer. However, it was not a romantic gesture. It was a display of power.
"Let me remind you, Amber. What will happen to your friends in Mondstadt if I get tired and bored of you?" He growled.
She gulped. "Y-yes, I remember."
He let her go, "Good. Let's leave now."
----
They left Haeresys by car. The driver kept to himself as the two sat in the back. Amber looked outside even though it was pitch black. All she could see was snow and the road they were on. However, she noticed something different about the area. She turned to Dottore, who was reading some files. He had a small flashlight in his hand, scanning the documents with it.
"May I have permission to speak?" She whispered.
"What is it?" He replied, not looking at her.
"I think we're going the wrong way." She pointed out. "This road doesn't lead to my house."
"We're not going there," he revealed.
Amber was shocked. "Where are we going?"
"To my estate. Where else?"
His estate? She knew he lived in a different area, but she wasn't allowed to go there. There was no reason to and it wasn’t like he was there most of the time anyways.
He was usually out on missions or in one of his laboratories. He only went there to get away from people or host the parties that Pantalone forced him throw. (Dottore told her these things because who else was going to listen as he vented out his frustrations.)
Amber wanted to ask why, but he seemed too focused on his paperwork. It was best to leave him alone. She'd find out soon enough. She leaned against the window, slowly drifting off to sleep.
----
She was woken up by Dottore shaking her by the shoulder. She sat forward, realizing they stopped. How long was she out?
She heard a buzzing sound and metal gates opening. The driver went back to the car and they slowly approached a very large building up ahead. Was that where Dottore actually lives?! It was bigger than the Knights of Favonius Headquarters!
The driver finally stopped the car as they finally arrived at the front entrance. He got out, opening the door for Amber first.
"Have a pleasant evening, My Lady," the driver said as he helped her out.
Once she was out, she noticed that Dottore was already out of the car and walking to the front entrance. Amber guessed that he didn’t wait to be escorted out.
She thanked the driver and quickly caught up with the Harbinger who was looking through his keys. She rubbed her arms and looked around. It was eerily quiet.
"Permission to-"
"You don't need to ask me for permission to speak every time," he interrupted her. "Just tell me what you want."
"Oh, sorry." She gulped. "Do you keep guards around here? I don't see anyone."
"I do have security. However," Suddenly, coming from the corner at the left side, a Ruin Guard came out. It made a noise as it patrolled the area.
Amber grabbed his arm, "Is it safe?"
He turned around, sighing, "Relax, Amber. It's completely safe."
She watched cautiously as the Ruin Guard stopped nearby. It noticed her and made a noise. Dottore stepped next to her, waving at it.
"I didn't give you orders to stop, you piece of shit!" He shouted at the Ruin Guard. "Go back to your duties or I will recycle you for spare parts!"
The Ruin Guard’s gears spun and it resumed its patrol. As it finally turned to the other side of the estate, the door opened behind Amber. She was so fixated on that mechanical beast that she didn't notice when Dottore went to unlock the door.
"I am going to have to check up on that useless heap of junk later." he grumbled. "Come in."
She reluctantly stepped inside, finding herself surrounded by a spacious building mostly built out of ceramic and bricks. The walls are mostly barren with few paintings that seem to be from Fontaine. Now that she thought about it more, this place looked more Fontaine-themed than Snezhnaya or Sumeru. Wasn’t he from Sumeru?
"You must really like Fontaine," she remarked softly.
"I'm from there," he replied. Crap, he heard her.
Surprised by that revelation, she looked at him as he took off his coat. "Wait! Fontaine? I was assuming you were from Sumeru."
He laughed, taking off his mask. She admitted: he was very decent looking. It was a shame that such a handsome face was wasted on a heartless monster. "I only went to that god awful Academia. I could care less about that shitty, backwards desert."
Wasn't he the one who set the Academia ablaze (which luckily most still intact and no lives lost) and stole the Dendro Archon's Gnosis? He was chased out of his hometown for similar reasons: the villagers discovered his secret lab full of ruin guard parts and animals being turned into chimeras or turned half robotic. Amber shivered, remembering all these things. She feared him more than any Hilichurl or creature of the Abyss-- more than the gods themselves.
Great job reminding myself he's an unhinged nutjob . She shuddered.
Amber finally snapped out of it. "Oh? I guess I was wrong about you."
"Whatever." he frowned, not amused. "Remove your coat and scarf."
She obeyed, hanging them on the coat rack. Finally, she noticed something. "Hey. It's really quiet here. You don't have any staff like other rich people, right?"
"Only part time. I rather not have nosy, useless fools around me," he replied, walking ahead. "I can take care of myself. I don't need some low-class wench to butter my crumpets."
Amber narrowed her eyes as he was not looking. However, she had to stop herself from saying anything sarcastic. Talking to him with snarkiness was a complete no-go. He had little patience for rude behavior. Amber recalled what he did to subordinates who tried to get smart with him.
He stopped, looking at her and asking, "Are you just going to stand there?"
"Coming." She quickly caught up with him. He shook his head as he led her way down a hallway. They passed several spare rooms and a kitchen. Amber was getting uncomfortable. Dottore hadn't said a word yet, but finally spoke when he came to a stop.
"Here we are." He grinned, placing a key in the door. He opened it, holding out his hand. "After you, my dear."
Amber peered inside, finding a bunch of stairs leading down a dark room. She couldn’t see anything down there. She glanced at him nervously.
"It's too dark," she whimpered.
He twitched his mouth. "I won't repeat myself again."
Taking a deep breath, she descended downstairs.
----
She felt the bottom of the stairs with her feet, but could barely make anything out. It was too dark and the air was a little dusty. Why was she being taken down to where she assumed was a basement? Was there something that he wanted to show off before bed?
Showing me off experiments is not what I had in mind for a romantic date, she scoffed sarcastically.
Just as she was halfway in the room at the end of the stairs, the lights turned on. Finally, it was revealed to be a small lab with a few trinkets here and there. There was a broken Ruin Guard leaning against the wall, a metal table in the middle, and countless instruments.
Amber felt very uneasy. What was so important about this place? She backed away, only to bump into another person. Dottore wrapped his arms around her shoulders, having his face near her ear.
Voice low, he asked, "What do you think?”
"I've seen enough. I'm done here,” she stammered, but he wasn't allowing her to leave. He tightened his grip around her. She tried to pry away, but he was much stronger than expected.
Polite though she was full of fear, Amber quivered as she asked, "Hey- hey? Could you let me go?"
"Hm? I don't think I will."
"Excuse me?"
What in the world was wrong with him? Amber could try to struggle away or fight him off. However, she realized it's futile. He had more fighting experience and was bigger than her. She touched the Vision hanging from her belt, debating if she could at least use it as a means of defense. However, it would just end up pissing him off instead, so she decided against it.
He chuckled darkly. "Refresh my memory, dear Amber. Do you remember what happened two months ago?"
She was confused, "Two months ago? When you checked up on me?"
Besides checking up on her vitals and power that flows through her, what else was there to remember? Well, there was their tryst, but that was uneventful and unimportant. Right?
"You stopped by and went over my status,” she replied, shivering. "The serum was still working and I had gotten better at controlling my Vision you k-kindly upgraded?"
He hummed. "Yes, I remember that. But, I am referring to something else."
Oh no ! Amber felt her cheeks flushing. "W-when w-we...did...that…t-thing?"
He grinned and said, "Are you too prudish to say it out loud?"
"W-what a-about it?" She shuttered. "I-It is the s-same as u-usual. N-n-nothing special."
His tone shifted from amusement to something more negative. "Oh? Nothing special you say?"
She didn't reply. He ran a hand down her hair. It made her queasy.
"Pray tell. Then what was with that horrible acting you pulled on that night?"
She froze. Oh no, oh no.
"Acting?" She gulped, trying to feign ignorance. Of course, she should know that it won't work on him.
"Cut the bullshit. I can tell you were faking it,” he snapped. "Did you really think that was going to fool me?"
All she could do was gawk. He could tell that time? That explained why he left early and hadn't been seeing her for awhile. Tonight was the first time since she had been around him. He was offended and angry with her. She screwed up real bad.
"I'm so sorry,” she apologized. There was no need to make excuses to him. She knew it would only annoy him further.
"Sorry is not going to cut it." He glowered and then scoffed. "I've been through so much shit that I can handle whatever is thrown at me."
"I've been through assassination attempts, beat up by gangs, mugged, and treated like a pariah all my life. You know what, that doesn't bother me at all." His eyes flamed. "However, there is one thing I don't take kindly of: being used and insulted by an insolent little girl for her own selfish gain."
"I know you hate me and I don't care. I won't make you like me, either." Without warning, he ripped open her blouse. "However, I will make you respect me."
She was finally released and she scrambled to cover herself. It was pointless though as he removed his vest and unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt. He looked deadly serious.
"What are you going to do to me?" She choked back.
"It depends," he replied as he stood before her, "on how much I want you to suffer." Amber shut her eyes as he finally tipped her chin and clicked his tongue. "Oh no, I want you to look at me. I want you to remember who has absolute control over you."
He finally let her go. "Now, remove your skirt and undergarments,” then he licked his lips, "but leave those stockings on."
He admitted that they shaped her legs nicely. She cringed, but obeyed his command. Feeling more exposed, she felt even hotter in the face.
"Now, how should we start? Hm." He thought for a second. "Let's see... how about you decide?"
He then turned her around, pointed to the ruin guard. He told her to take a closer look, when she realized something was protruding from it. Her eyes widened, as it was phallic shaped.
"You have two choices: you can endure riding that or…" he rubbed her from behind, causing her to flinch, "I can insert some tubes and see how much substance you can handle."
Amber gritted her teeth. Both ideas seemed really painful, but the idea of having a strange, unknown substance inside her makes her sick. "The Ruin Guard."
"Good choice." Dottore laughed. He shoved her ahead, leading her to the robot. Grabbing her shoulders, he commanded her to insert the object inside her. She complained that it was too big, but he was getting impatient.
Sniffing, she slowly inserted the thing inside her. It was painful and agonizing. She stopped halfway, realizing that it was filling her too much.
"Why did you stop,” he asked.
"It's too big,” she cried, trying to adjust the object inside her. "How long do I have to sit like this?"
However, Dottore groaned. "Either you finished inserting that metal dick all the way or I will jam it inside you."
Amber whimpered as she finally let it all the way in. She hoped nothing was damaged. However, she was taken by surprise when Dottore placed something around her mouth. The ball in the middle prevented her from speaking.
After fasting the mouth gag, he patted the Ruin Guard. Suddenly, with a tap, it whirred to life.
Her eyes bulged in terror.
"Think of this as your personal vibrator for the next several minutes." He laughed, as he finally made the thing start moving. The slow thrusting caused her to gasp in pain.
Dottore watched and checked on the Ruin Guard to see if it was still capable of staying on for a long duration of time. Amber's eyes were leaking, but he felt nothing. Instead, he bent down to her eye level.
"I know it hurts. But, you know what, this is only the beginning." He tapped the Ruin Guard, making it go faster. "My, my. Look at your face."
She was in so much pain, but couldn't yell out loud. Amber wanted it to stop. She arched her back, as the metal object continued its assault against her insides. It was hitting spots that were making her feel euphoric.
Dottore was noticing her expression changing, but he could tell she was fighting it. Not that it mattered because sooner or later, she would break.
The intense feeling was so overwhelming, Amber could no longer fight against it. She finally allowed herself to climax, with her insides pulsating from the friction. Dottore saw some fluids leaking from her, surrounding the Ruin Guard's region.
He stopped the machine, causing his prisoner to limp over. He removed the mouth gag, causing her to pant.
"How did it feel? Was it good? Was it painful? Or a little of both?" He inquired, while chuckling.
Amber didn't have the energy to reply. She gasped for air, but Dottore lifted her up. Dottore looked down at the mess around the Ruin Guard's metallic insert.
"What a mess you made. I would never have expected you to cum so much,” he pointed out.
Amber just looked at him with tired eyes. However, he was far from finished. He made her stand on her knees, as he sat on a chair. There, he pointed to his crotch. Confusion filled her eyes.
"What do you want me to do?" She asked.
Dottore grimaced. "Fellatio. Oral Sex." Grumbling, he continued, "Unzip these pants and put my dick in your mouth."
"I’ve never done such a thing before,” she admitted tearfully.
"Never? Then, you better start learning,” he said in a tormenting manner.
She didn't want to at all. What if it was a choking hazard? What was she supposed to do? Unfortunately, he was getting impatient and she was only stalling the inevitable.
Zipping down his pants, his half-erect manhood jut out. This was the first time she had seen it up close. She only felt it inside her, but never touched it.
She whispered that it was still a little limp, but he took her hand. "Then use your hand to get the blood flowing."
She held it, which felt weird. Amber wanted to close her eyes, but Dottore was already not in the best mood and she did not want him to come up with more ideas to embarrass her. Finally, she started rubbing it gently, causing him to sigh. She continued the motion until it was full and hard. Her astonished expression was noticeable-- how big it looked up close.
Were all men built like this? How could this fit in her mouth? It was longer than her entire hand.
"Well? What are you waiting for?" He said, "Just go up and down as you put it in your mouth."
"The whole thing?" She gulped.
However, he frowned. "Unless you want to choke yourself, no. Now! Stop wasting time."
Taking a deep breath, she slowly let the erect length in her mouth. It tasted weird, but she never had a penis in her mouth before so there was nothing to compare it to. She could feel it pulsating and twitching. It was half way in until she stopped. The head was uncomfortably close to her throat.
Once she started bobbing, Dottore smirked after sighing. He watched in glee as Amber tried her best not to choke and gag. He was very much enjoying this sight as he could tell she was trying to hold back tears from sheer humiliation. However, he kept ordering her to continue, which she reluctantly obliged. One had to admit, he was really enjoying getting a blow job.
He finally ordered her to stop, to which she pulled away quickly. She coughed, gasping for air. Holding her throat, trying to ignore that salty aftertaste. That was both humiliating and gross. Dottore’s rough chuckle made her heart flip, as he rubbed the top of her head.
“Not bad, not bad.” He praised her.
Amber just gave him a defiant look, unaware that would just make the current predicament worse. He narrowed his eyes, gripping her chin.
"You're lucky I enjoy that feisty look on your face,” he sneered. He then proceeded to lift her up, shoving her on the metal table.
She steadied herself, as Dottore grabbed her shirt. He pulled it off, tossing it aside. She yelped as he unhooked her bra.
"Wait! Wai-"
He snarled, "You don't give the orders here."
Amber immediately shut up as he rubbed lotion on his hands. She wanted to ask what he planned on doing next, but was taken back when he shoved two fingers inside her entrance. She gasped, gripping the table. She could still feel pain from the Ruin Guard.
After rubbing her insides, he pulled his fingers out, covered with her wetness. He grinned, saying that she was ready.
Amber protested, holding out her hand.
"I'm sorry! I got the message! I promise I won't ever use you again!" She cried.
However, she was only met with a neutral expression. The time for apologies and pleas were over. He bent her over the table, ordering her not to move. Suddenly, she heard rummaging and Dottore pulled out something.
He walked back, putting her wrist together. He then wrapped a rope around them, preventing Amber from using her arms. She was shocked and tried to struggle. It was useless.
Dottore whispered in her ear, "You have no idea how lovely you look now."
"Go to hell,” she croaked.
He frowned, "If I’m going there, you're coming with me."
Amber held back the urge to spit at his face. His teeth grit in irritation from her unkind words. He reminded her, once again, that he was in charge here. Any resistance she tried to pull off, the rougher he would be. Therefore, she’d better start working on improving her behavior.
Rubbing his cock with the remaining lotion on his hands, he lifted her behind higher. Her hole was exposed for him to bury himself in. Amber, of course, started to breathe heavily from fear and anticipation. He was, however, not going to give her the satisfaction of knowing when he would enter.
Amber shut her eyes, waiting for Dottore to penetrate her. However, she didn't feel anything. In fact, he sounded like he stopped. She wondered if he was getting bored. She had tried stalling him from going further, but...
Unfortunately, as she lifted her head, she felt him jammed inside. And he went in hard! She gasped in shock and her eyes were wide. It was really painful, too.
"Seems to be a tight fit." He chuckled, "I was hoping that ruin guard made you a little loose."
He ground his manhood, getting a feel of her walls. She yelped, trying to get used to the pain. However, it hurted way too much.
She struggled, "It hurts! Please, pull out! It's unbearable!"
He snickered, "We haven't even got to the best part." He sighed in content, watching as Amber pleaded for him to go easy on her. He just snorted, "Easy, you say? I think not. I'm going to enjoy making you a woman."
"You damned psycho!" She cried out, no longer to contain her emotions. "I hate you! I hate you!"
A hard, powerful thrust was all that was needed to silence her. Her mouth was wide open from the shock and pain. He leaned over closer to her.
"What were you saying?"
She couldn't speak coherently. The pain was too much for her to handle. He just chuckled.
"Just as I thought."
He then started to thrust again this time at a steady pace. She was held down by one hand, as his other hand cupped her cheek. Only involuntary moans left her mouth.
As he continued on, he pulled her closer to him, placing his chin on her shoulder. He could tell she was resisting, but everyone had their limits. He was going to break her one way or another. Even if it took all night.
Amber didn't want to give him the satisfaction he expected from this. She tried her hardest to endure his assault on her entrance. But, it was so difficult, as his manhood was hitting spots that sent out intense pleasure
If only she had the strength to fight back. However, her body decided to betray her now, giving her rapturous signals. Finally, he hit a spot that caused her to arch her back in sheer euphoria. This almost caused her to stumble, only for him to keep her still.
"It would be a lot easier for you to just give in and enjoy yourself," Dottore remarked.
Her vision began to feel glazed over. Amber could feel herself losing this battle. Her willpower was fading fast and she could feel herself crying in both despair and ecstasy. It was at this moment, she truly lost her mind.
The Harbinger stopped when he heard her crying and laughing. Undoing her ropes, she limped over flat on the table. She finally moaned, realizing he stopped.
"Why did you stop?" She sighed, "Please, don't stop…"
Confused, the doctor flipped her around, realizing she was completely out of it. She had a small smile and tears streaming down her face. It took him a second to figure out her mind had shattered.
The younger woman shot up and wrapped her arms around his neck. She began to nuzzle him, cooing. She was now begging him to keep going. He grinned wickedly, pleased with his victory.
She pulled away, "Dottore? Please…?"
"Not here. We'll go somewhere more comfortable," he said, leading her away from the table.
----
His bed was bigger than she could imagine, but that didn't matter. She gripped the blanket, as the Harbinger rammed his dick from behind. With a more comfortable atmosphere, he had more control with his movements.
The heat rising on her face caused her to pant hard. Her tongue stuck out as she restrained her moans. The pain from before was mostly replaced by a great feeling of joy.
"Seems like you're now enjoying my dick more and more. Such a naughty girl,” he taunted her. "How would the Knights react seeing you like this?"
The others? Her smile faded after that statement. How would they feel about it if they found out she was sleeping with the enemy? Would they disown her? Distance themselves from her?
It's too late now to think such things. She made her choice. She would have to take responsibility.
Another hit in another spot caused her tongue to shoot back out. She should feel ashamed of herself for acting like a needy harlot. However, her mind was all over the place. The bliss she was feeling superseded common sense.
He turned Amber on her back, causing her to wrap her arms around his neck. She couldn't seem to stay focused on anything, due to her broken state. All she would think of was wanting to get railed until she could no longer take it.
“Look how pitiful you are,” Dottore remarked. “I would feel bad for you, if you weren't such a manipulative child.”
“It won’t happen again…” She drawled.
“Of course it won’t,” he snickered.
She no longer had any leverage over him. She was now powerless. He admitted that he knew about the game she was playing. He wasn’t born yesterday. He only played along, waiting to see if she cracked or he got bored.
This affair went on longer than he hoped for. However, the day she decided to disparage his performance, that was where he drew the line. He didn’t care if he got slandered as a Harbinger or a scientist. However, this was about his pride and now it was time that she had better start respecting him as a man.
A kiss interrupted his trail of thought, as she gripped harder. It seemed that she could no longer hold back from the temptation in front of her. He pulled away slowly from the unexpected surprise. He admitted that it felt nice.
She gripped harder, burying her face in his neck once again. It appeared she was at her limit and was panting faster. Until, no longer she can no longer hold back. Once she reached her climax, she felt heavy, passing out a few seconds later.
---
He finally reached his climax a few moments after she blacked out. Such a disappointment, wanting her to feel herself filled up with his seed. Mostly, he wanted her to remember her defeat. However, perhaps after this night, she would start to give him the much needed consideration he deserved.
After cleaning her up, he put back on his clothes. Smirking from his victory, he sat up, yawning. He wasn’t that tired and besides, that stupid useless robot needed to be checked on anyways. Better get that started before the Ruin Guard decides to shoot missiles on some unsuspecting squirrels.
---
She dreamt that she was back in Mondstadt with her family and friends-- even her grandfather returned after disappearing for so long. But, she knew it wasn't real. She couldn't feel the breeze or the heat from the sun.
She woke up, realizing she was in a large room decorated with fancy furniture. She sat up and noticed that she was still nude.
Her clothes were still in the basement, but she couldn’t go downstairs like this. Maybe Dottore had something she can borrow?
Wrapping herself with a blanket, she flew her legs over, standing up. The sun was barely out, meaning it was still only early morning. Amber walked over a wardrobe, opening it. Inside were suits, shirts, pants - basic men's clothes.
Amber opted to borrow one of his shirts. She put it on, even if it was way too big for her. It was better than nothing. She would borrow this until she found her way to her own clothes.
However, the door opened, startling her. Amber yelped as a young maid entered. The maid seemed surprised to find Amber was awake.
"I'm sorry, my Lady. I thought you're still asleep,” the maid apologized. She held out folded laundry. It was Amber's outfit from last night. "The Master wants me to inform you that once you're awake, you're to join him in the Dining Room."
The maid left and Amber frowned. Of course he would make such a demand. She wondered if he would bring up last night.
She held her head, as it started pounding. Come to think of it, Amber couldn’t seem to remember much from their encounter. Her last memory was when Dottote had his way with her on the table. After that, it was only a blurry dream.
----
This house was way too big for one person, she decided, as Amber tried looking for the Dining Room. The maid was the only other person in the building, so asking for directions was impossible. Finally, she saw Dottore sitting alone at a round table, reading today's paper.
"Sit down,” he ordered, not looking away from the paper.
She obeyed, sitting across from him. There was breakfast already made, but he seemed to only have coffee in front of him. She debated on picking up the fork, but felt anxious eating with Dottore around.
He sighed, "You're welcome to eat, Amber. Seriously, I won't let a valuable asset starve herself."
Amber grimaced, deciding to cut the awkward silence. "Dottore, about last night…"
"What about it?" He replied nonchalantly.
She was taken back by his tone, but continued on. "...I want to apologize for everything."
"Apology accepted." He waved a hand, not looking at her.
Amber couldn’t understand him at all. Last night, he was making it quite clear about his displeasure on how she treated him. Now, he was acting like it was any other day. Should she press him further?
Maybe it's better to drop the subject. I don't want to irritate him , Amber thought, resuming her breakfast.
After finishing half her breakfast, the maid arrived and whispered in his ear. He slammed his paper down.
"You're shitting me?" He growled as he got up. Amber remained silent. He was terrifying when angry.
She listened to the door open and was startled by Dottore's booming voice. Apparently, it was an unwanted guest. Amber could only assume it's another Harbinger. Who else knew where he lived besides them and the Tsaritsa?
"...what is this I heard about bringing the prisoner here?" A familiar voice asked, letting himself in.
"Who said you're allowed in? Get out!"
The other voice ignored him, walking towards the Dining Room. It was none other than Pantalone. She quickly lowered her head to avoid eye contact.
"So, the rumors are true." Pantalone took out a fan, covering his mouth. "This makes sense why you kept dragging her to Haeresys."
Dottore retorted, telling him to mind his own business. Then he asked why he was here in the first place. Pantalone just held out an envelope.
"Direct orders from Her Majesty." Pantalone replied. Dottore stared in confusion, only for Pantalone to chuckle. "Relax. I am sure it doesn't involve harming your little toy."
Why are they talking like I'm not here? Amber complained, wanting to leave the room.
"Is this why you're here? To act as a messenger boy?" Dottore glared.
"Not exactly. I also want to appease my curiosity, too." Pantalone answered, taking another brief glance at Amber. "Adding that, I went over our budget."
"My bills are all up-to-date if you're wondering." The doctor narrowed his eyes.
"I am not talking about you, dimwit." Pantalone grimaced. "It's about some of our more prestigious members of society. Something I would have taken care of myself, but I am just too busy trying to organize the treasury."
"Bullshit. You're just damned lazy."
There was brief silence and then Pantalone put his fan away. "It's all in the letter. I shall be going now."
The other Harbinger stopped at the doorway, looking back. "Oh, just let you know, I will be hosting a par-"
"Good-bye!" Dottore shooed the other Harbinger away. After the door shut, the doctor sat back down at the chair.
Amber kept to herself as he opened the letter to read it. Whatever the letter said, it was really none of her business. She had no reason to know what the Tsaritsa wanted from him.
As she finished her meal, she heard him beginning to giggle. Not looking up, her eyes widened as he finally had his laughing fit. This was the type of fit that Amber tried to avoid at all costs. That meant he'd gotten mad over something that caught his interest.
Unfortunately, he slammed the letter, covering his face with one hand. "Looks like your time has come, Amber."
She dropped her fork, petrified.
He tapped the paper. "According to Pantalone, it seems some of our fine citizens of the upper crust don't want to pay their fair share." He leaned over, "It's a well known fact that tax evasion is a very serious crime."
"What does this have to do with me?" Amber gulped. She couldn’t look him in the eyes.
He placed his chin on his propped up hand. "Her Majesty wants you to show off your newly improved capabilities."
"I-I don't understand."
"Amber, do you remember this couple who would visit me whenever we're in Haeresys?" He asked. "That same rich couple who kept pestering me about wanting me to have dinner with them?"
Wait, that rich couple who wanted to win his favor? He hated them, considering them an annoying nuisance. Why bring them up now?
Then it dawned on her. "A-are they not paying their taxes?"
"That is correct." He grinned, snapping a finger. "It's been going on for, my goodness, three years."
"I still don't know why it has to do with me?" She inquired.
His mouth stretched into a more heinous smile. Amber shivered and it was finally revealed to her that she was to assassinate the couple, under Dottore's command. Her heart dropped after he laughed from her reaction.
“But, I never killed a person before.” She admitted. The thought frightened her.
“Don’t worry. The first time is always the hardest, but you’ll do just fine. Besides, I will be right next to you the whole time,” he said, trying to encourage her.
Sicko . Amber angrily thought, wanting to throw up.
He got up, grabbing the letter. "I better go make some arrangements."
"Oh yes, I almost forgot." He dug through his pocket, tossing her Vision towards her. "You'll need this."
She could only stare at her Vision in horror as his laughter faded away.
END