Under the Armor [NO UPDATE THIS WEEK]

by palepastryprincess

Summary:

You are of nobility in the kingdom of Demacia. A new general has risen to power in Noxus, a nation that shares a similar belief in strengthening the military and upholding its formidable status. You are the key to establishing an alliance attempting to be formed with said general, taking up a role as her new lady’s maid. When it comes to you and the general, your beliefs seem to never really align, like the one in which you choose to be inexperienced in the one thing she seems to desire most…

Notes:

i want to preface this by saying, this may not be lore accurate, to arcane or to league. i just wanted to carry out this young ambessa fic idea i had. i did some research though! i hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Newfound Servitude

Summary:

You and General Medarda meet for the first time, what will come of this encounter?

You take in the mountains before you. You and your father have been riding for months now, most of your time spent out the window observing the mild changes in the environment. Once again, you must be witness to one of his schemes with his power plays, but this time, you’re dragged into it. His eyes were set on fulfilling this agreement for his own selfish gain, and even worse, he was close to succeeding. You think back to the moment this dreadful voyage was set in stone.

❖❖❖❖❖

About a year ago, word was sent to the king of Demacia of a new, fearsome general taking position in Noxus, already under the new leadership, the nation completely wiped out their enemies. The letter was directly from the general, requesting the pledge of loyalty from Demacia, in return the nation would get Noxus as an ally. Though the letter sent was written as a suggestion, if loyalty regarding a mutual alliance was not pledged, the result would not be anything so generous.

You had the unfortunate position of being your father’s (and the court’s) cupbearer. With no sons, a wife he deemed useless, and your sisters married off in other scheming plots of his, he constantly kept you by his side. He felt he could trust nobody else, so you would have to be at the end of his incessant ramblings. He, as opportunistic as ever, never misses an opportunity for promotion and coin, steps to speak. 

“Your majesty, may I propose an alliance of opportunity between Noxus and its new General and Demacia. While I have complete faith in our great military under your leadership, a general so eager to fight and one so prosperous in battle would greatly decrease our military expenses…and danger to civilian life of course. We have the numbers, but with a power like Noxus on our side, we’d never even face the threat of battle again. No nation would dare cross our path.

“And what do we have to offer? What are you proposing, councilor?” the king speaks finally. Your father answers, a bit too eagerly.

“I have unique ties and reasons that may intrigue them beyond just my titles. Unlike my fellow councilmen, I have a strong bargaining chip. My daughter is not only a descendant of our rich Demacia but also of Noxus. Her mother is Noxian, as were her forefathers. She is unwed and well-versed in politics, court, and the culture. She would be the perfect candidate for betrothal to a general. We can utilize her to pledge our loyalty as they ask, with more incentive to appear we are willing. From the other nations’ standpoint, on the outside looking in, it will appear as an equal opportunity and partnership. Nations will tremble in fear before even considering conflict with us.”

You were unaware your father would be offering your hand in marriage at this meeting of the court. You quickly recover the shocked expression that crossed your face. You knew better than to speak at court unaddressed, but you wanted nothing more but to do so.

Another noble speaks after your father’s spiel. “There is only one issue my king, I have trusted information that tells me not only is this general already pulling candidates for betrothal, but SHE is also a woman. It seems your closest confidant was not aware of that fact.” his tone mocks your father’s self-proclaimed title. 

Though the man was insulting your father, you were grateful. You didn’t want to be hauled off to some foreign land, married to a man you’d never met. You hardly ever heard from your sisters, let alone ever saw them. The only thing left in your life that gave you happiness was your mother. You could stand your father just for her.

Your father turns back to the king. “Sire, I ask you to forgive me. I didn’t know this fact, but my daughter could still be of use in terms of strengthening this alliance.”

“Go on, and don’t waste my time,” the king permits him to continue.

“My daughter could still be betrothed, to any nobleman or high-ranked officer of the general’s choosing. Until then and even after, she can be utilized as the general's lady’s maid. She’s taken power not just in the military, but I hear in government. Surely she will need one and one that ties us together. I feel my daughter may be an even stronger candidate for that. They may even find themselves bonding. And surely this general can’t refuse a gift as a sign of our “loyalty”.

The room goes silent, the councilors and court have nothing to say to rebut the offer. You can’t deny it, he made a strong case, you just wish it wasn’t you at the center of it.

“No other man has presented you with a better plan, your grace,” he says arrogantly, after a few moments of silence.

The king takes a moment to think before he speaks. “I’ll grant you your request. If this woman general accepts your proposal, I will let you carry out the alliance plans with Noxus. If she doesn’t, you and your family will be banished and if you so choose to return, I will not be so merciful. Your father, in all his arrogance, accepts the king's terms and begins making travel arrangements then and there at court.

You cried all night in your mother's arms. “Oh Mother, what will I do without you? I’ll have nothing, I’ll know no one.” “Hush my child,” she caresses the top of your head, “not all is lost. I know you will find happiness away from here.” “Never.” You simply state. What your mother provided could never be replaced.

❖❖❖❖❖

The week comes for your travels. Your father instructed you to pack a small bag with a few pieces of clothing and whatever else you feel you may need but to keep it light. The king sent word to the general and she agreed to a meeting, not yet the agreement.

You do as he says, packing a few of your best clothes to take with you. You also take a few sentimental items and place them in the bag. You take one final look at your home before walking outside. 

Before you, your father stands proud. The king granted him an entourage and a personal carriage for the journey ahead. At least the travel wouldn’t be entirely uncomfortable with how spacious the vessel was. You would have to deal with your father droning on and on, but at least you’d have space of your own to escape him periodically.

Your mother stands next to him, waiting for you to approach. You take her in your arms, fighting the tears that threaten to come. “Mother, I will miss you terribly.” She takes your face in her hands, “I know you will, as will I. Take this and remember, I will be with you always.” She removes a golden locket from around her neck. You open it. It holds a picture of you with your sisters and mother. You hug her again, fully allowing tears to come.

Your father separates the two of you. “You’ve said your goodbyes, it’s time for us to begin our journey.” You step onto the carriage, and your mother holds onto your hand as long as possible, placing a kiss on your clasped hands. You step inside the carriage completely, not wanting to get your mother in any trouble. You watch out the window as she disappears into the distance.

❖❖❖❖❖

It’s been almost two months since that awful day. You imagine that your mother at least has some sort of peace with your father being away. He wasn’t always like this, but coin and not having sons truly does change people. Maybe that occurrence was specific to your father.

After the carriage starts to slow, you begin to take towards the door, before your father’s voice stops you. “This is not a riding break, we’ve arrived in Noxus.” You look out the window, now ignoring the passing plains and mountains, taking in the sight directly in front of the entourage. 

A massive gate opens, so tall you can’t see the top. Soldiers are posted at every point, not a single area is left unguarded. You notice as you enter the realm, how vastly different it is from Demacia. There is very little vegetation, only a few signs of flora lie outside the gates. In Demacia, water flows through the kingdom, allowing for flush greenery and lively gardens throughout.

As you make your way to what you assume will be a palace, you take in the infrastructure. Everything is sharp and geometric, contrasting the domed-topped and airy pillared buildings of your homeland. You try your best to stop with the comparisons, but it’s as if the contrasting elements are so strong, they take nothing to think up.

Lost in your thoughts, the carriage coming to a halt alerts you to your arrival. You wait for your father to step out first, then you follow suit. You take in the building before you. It is enormous and made of stone. There are red banners hanging from glassless windows. 

The steps leading to where you’re going are stone. They lie beneath a red runner with gold trim, which slightly softens the hard surface. You and your father walk beside one another, approaching an entryway. As you step inside the tall structure, someone announces your arrival. Your father always had this thing about hearing his proper title, as if he needed any more amplification to his ego.

A man standing down the steps leading to a throne, partially hidden by sheer draperies, speaks first. “You have requested an audience with General Ambessa Medarda, you may present”

With that, your father takes his turn to speak. “General, I speak on behalf of the king of Demacia. We received word of your request that we align ourselves with Noxus. Not only did I come here to graciously accept your request for the alliance, but I have an offering on behalf of myself, Demacia, and the king.”

“As a symbol of complete loyalty to Noxus, I would like to present my daughter as a gift. As customary, a woman of your grandeur should have a lady’s maid. She is already taught the skill and is of Noxii descent herself. She is well versed in both the cultures of Noxus, Demacia and most of Runeterra. She speaks all the modern Noxian languages and knows enough of the historical languages to be conversational. She will have no need to be taught anything unless you have something you would like done particularly. She needs only to be told something once.”

He speaks as if you’re not even there.

Just in front of you lies more stairs that lead to a throne. She sits atop it, staring down at the both of you, mostly looking in your direction during her observation. Your father takes that as a sign to continue. “And when you see fit, I hope you choose her to be betrothed to a man, who is in good standing, rank, and name. Still, she can and will remain in your service for as long as you wish.”

You look up to the woman on a throne as your father speaks. She is young for a general, maybe a little older than you. She sits with her legs spread, a sword in one hand and fruit in the other. Her skin is clad in light armor and a more revealing ensemble. She takes a bite of the fruit, seemingly uninterested in what’s actually being said. She finishes the fruit and lifts herself from the throne to approach you, finally speaking.

“Let’s get a closer look then, shall we?” She doesn’t exactly acknowledge anything your father has just said in his ramble.

She tosses whatever leftover core she’s holding and stalks her way over to you. You couldn’t tell from where she was sitting, but the woman stood at least two heads higher than you. She’s even towering over you before she approaches you completely. You look down, as an excuse to avert your gaze, and you give her a quick bow of your head.

When she meets you where you stand, she takes your chin in her hand and roughly directs your face to her. She presses her thumb against your lip, pulling it down to what you assume is an examination of your teeth. She takes a lock of your hair in her hand, then flips it out of it just as fast as she picked it up. She makes her way behind you, grazing your backside with the side of her hand. You stiffen at the contact, surely it had to have been an accident.

“As you know we are currently traveling across Runeterra, your daughter will be living on ships and in tents for quite some time, there may even be minor battles along the way, will any of this be an issue?” She finishes her circling, coming back to stand in front of the two of you.

“I expected these potential scenarios, General. It is completely fine,” he answers back plainly.

“Well, in all honesty, I expected to be insulted by this offer. That being said she is quite a sight to behold, someone will be very lucky to hold her heart” She looks at you intensely, as she compliments your appearance. “I accept this lady as my maid. I am in no way a traditional lady myself, but such is custom and expected of me as a newfound woman with power. We all need to give a little in this.”

Your father, ever so the people pleaser, speaks up, taking her attention away from you. “She is here to serve you as you wish General. If tradition is not your forte, you may direct her as you see fit.”

“And you,” she’s looking at you once more, “is this what you want?”

You take a moment to consider what she’s asking. Could you even say no? What would become of you? Your life as you know it would fall apart. You’d be banished and your father would probably kill you himself.

You nod slowly, your father had already informed you of the possibility of being asked that question anyway. She looks at you with a raised brow, doubtful of the truth within your answer, then turns back to speak to your father.

“I will remain in Noxus for now, as I’ve also recently finished my own long journey. My army and I require rest. I will begin our tour of Southern and Eastern Runeterra in a month. I can not inform you of any other plans beyond that, nor of any prior agreements with any nations beyond yours. I hope you respect my need for confidentiality. As for you and your entourage, you may take your leave now or spend a few days resting here, but as for your daughter, she will begin her service immediately.”

She outstretches a hand for you to take and hesitantly, you do. You follow her, allowing her to guide you to your next destination, wherever that may be. She stops for a moment, turning her head to speak to your father once more.

“Send word to your king, he has a new ally.”

Notes:

i have a lot of plans for this fic, but i do hope to keep it shorter, MAX 10 chapters. thank you for reading, more soon!

Chapter 2: Unfiltered

Summary:

Ambessa gifts you an entirely new wardrobe, she’s as generous with her money as she is her “compliments”.

She guides you to yet another set of stairs that lead to what you assume to be her chambers. Before she completes the stairs she calls down to one of her servants. “Have her things brought to her chambers, select a room nearest mine. If there isn't one available, make it so.”

She begins moving again. You take one last look behind you, watching as your father disappears from your sight. In your nerves, you find a sense of relief in your separation from him.

You’re met with two tall double doors, leading to what you assume is her bedchamber. She opens one, allowing you to step inside first. “Familiarize yourself with this room, you will frequent it. My expectations for you are as high as they’ve been set.” She speaks, taking strides towards the settee in the corner of the room. 

You take her sitting as a sign that her command was meant to be carried out immediately. You make your way through her massive bedroom, looking at the specific manner in which she keeps her things. There is a balcony and an enormous wardrobe connected to the suite. A general’s quarters were definitely something to marvel at.

Next, you take the time to view the lavatory and the washroom. Taking the handle of the door, you step inside. You behold the sight before you, a tub taking up the majority of the room, it’s comparable to one you’d find in a bathhouse. You move away from the tub, not allowing it to distract you any longer. You make your way to a vanity, looking at its setup and where she keeps her essentials. 

After your familiarization, you make your way back to the bedroom where you left Ambessa. When she sees you approach, she begins speaking.

“Tomorrow we will go see a tailor. As my personal gift of thanks to you, I will see to it that you have the proper wardrobe not only to fulfill your role but of the Noxian people.”

❖❖❖❖❖

You set off the next day early in the afternoon. The night before she informed you that you wouldn’t begin taking on your responsibilities as her lady’s maid until after the trip to the tailor’s. You didn’t mind, it was nice to have the night to yourself after being used as a bargaining chip.

After riding through the city for some time, you stop at a marketplace. The rest of the way must be traveled on foot, the bustling area too narrow for horses and carriages. You move to leave first, as custom to assist your lady out from her vessel, but she moves before you. “You think I need help getting out of here?” She muses. Taking in her towering height, you answer “I guess not my lady”

As you step out, she offers you a hand to make your way down the small steps of the carriage.

You walk through the market with the General’s vast entourage. You make your way through, this new atmosphere not really aligning with the strict silence and angular nature of the part of the city you newly reside in. There are many different kinds of merchandise and sellers, and the haggling and bargaining can be heard throughout the street. Maybe you will be able to return and take the time to see all that is offered.

You stop when Ambessa does, standing before a specific parlor. She goes inside and you follow behind her, entering to be greeted by a cheerful, short man.

“General Ambessa! It is so good to see you back in my shop, how long are you home for?”

“Not too long, I’ll be taking my leave again in a month,” she speaks to the man as she looks around the store.

“Oh no,” he feigns sadness. Then he turns your attention to you. “What a beauty, General! Is this a new whore of yours?” You’re taken aback by his blunt (and disrespectful) words.

She takes her eyes away from the selections, turning to speak to him “Unfortunately no, but hold your tongue, you’re speaking to a lady of the court and my new lady’s maid.”

What does she mean by, unfortunately?

“My sincerest apologies General, forgive my lack of couth. To what do I owe this visit?” He recovers quickly.

“I need her fitted for a new wardrobe. Whatever the cost, this is a gift, so I expect the best. And if you have anything premade in her size I’ll take that too. We will begin our travels in a month, so I need them to be finished by then. I want to say, at least 50 pieces, varying for the climate as well.” You’re astonished by her casual tone and the sheer amount of clothes she’s giving you.

“Thank you for your generosity General, your coin never goes unappreciated. I will put all other work aside and begin immediately. Please, make your way to the exclusive fitting room.” He says with much enthusiasm.

Ambessa makes her way to the private room mentioned, seemingly already knowing where she’s going. You follow behind her, taking in the varieties of fabrics that line the walls and the designs on display, mostly consisting of red hues. 

She pulls back a curtain and holds it open for you. You take the gesture as a cue for you to enter first. You see a platform in the center of the room, as you’ve been fitted before, you know that it’s the place for you to stand. She sits directly in front of the podium, eyes trained on you.

“Strip.” She declares casually.

“Pardon me?” You question.

“Your father didn’t mention you were hard of hearing, is that because he feared I would not take you on?” Her question, not a genuine one, was still mildly offensive.

“I heard you, my lady. I only meant that I didn’t understand why you were asking me to take off my clothes.”

“How else do you expect to be fitted?”

You strip, not wanting to anger her. You didn’t really see a reason as to why you needed to be nude, you’ve never stripped completely during a fitting, but you accept the different way. When you are completely bare, you best attempt to cover your intimate areas with your hands. 

“I can assure you, you have nothing to be ashamed of.”

You blush at her words. How could a woman be so boldly spoken, especially about another woman’s body in such a manner? She walks past you, disappearing behind a secluded area. When she steps back into your view, she holds a robe, handing it out for you to put on.

“My lady, I should be doing this for you,” you say meekly. “You will have plenty of time to wait on me, it is your first day in my great city, and you are still to be treated as a guest would be, especially one of mine. You should take advantage of this, I may not be this pleasant during our tour.” 

You can’t tell if she’s serious or not, but you nod, allowing her to help you into the sheer cover. You notice how you don’t even meet her height while standing on the podium.

She slides the sleeves over both of your arms individually and brings the robe to a close at your center. She follows the lining down your shoulders, over your breasts to where it ties. You noticed that she lingered a little in certain areas as she covered your exposed skin. She ties the robe, taking your hips in her hands as if to get a good look at you. “There.” She says plainly.

She walks back to her seat, takes it, and sits before you with her legs spread wide. The tailor returns to take your measurements. He begins to reach around you and you stiffen at his touch, a bit nervous as you only just met. “You need not worry, I can assure you he has no interest in you, me, nor any other woman.” He laughs softly at her comment as he continues to work.

For the rest of the time, he asks Ambessa all kinds of questions about her travels and whatever else she’s been doing, and catches her up on what’s occurred here, things she may or may not already know. He’s quite the gossip, but you’ve never really heard someone go on and on in such a manner that wasn't serious, so the change is refreshing. And Ambessa didn’t seem to mind, she was seemingly entertained, letting him go on and on. He turns to speak to you.

“Do you have any preferences for what you’d like to wear, darling?” You didn’t exactly expect him to ask for your input.

“Only that I’m able to do my duties efficiently, whatever else is up to my lady.” You answer back quickly.

He nods and walks away, confident that he knows exactly what’ll please her. You hear him shuffling in the process as he pulls a few items from beyond the curtain. He brings them to you and tells you that when you’re done trying on the items, you can come out. He’s gotten everything he needs and will wait outside for the remainder of the time.

“We can leave my lady and I can try on these items in my room, I don’t want to keep you from your day’s plans,” you say, as you were going to make your way to change. You don’t feel your wardrobe is exactly a priority amongst all else she has to worry about.

“This is my day’s plans, try them on for me.” You do as you're told, making your way to the first ensemble laid out, taking it, and putting it on behind a partition screen in the corner of the room. “Utilizing that isn’t a requirement,” she says but you do so anyway, wanting some privacy. When you finish, you step from behind the divider to show yourself. You decide to speak.

“My lady, you didn’t find it even a little improper for me to be that indecent in your presence, only my sisters and mother have seen me as so, even not to that extent.” You couldn’t help but ask, thinking back to being in the robe. Thinking of how the contrast was so striking between how sheepish you were and how forward she was.

“If you found that to be improper, you couldn’t even imagine what I was thinking about when you had nothing but the robe on, even now is...” she trails off, seemingly attempting to control her words.

You look away, scurrying off to where the other clothes lie so as to not reveal how embarrassed you are. She really filtered absolutely nothing as she spoke. You take a new set of clothes to try, stepping behind the partition screen once again for some privacy as you do. You’re surprised she didn’t protest your doing so this time.

After every item, you would step out and show her what you wore and she would never take her eyes off you for even a moment. Most of them were dresses, more revealing than what you were used to. They dipped low either in the front or the back, sometimes sleeveless or the back completely exposed. You hoped there would be plenty of winter options made, you wouldn’t survive otherwise.

When you were finished, she told you to put on one of the new items to wear out of the shop. You weren’t exactly sure which ones she liked or preferred, but maybe she approved of them all. She began making her way to the door, allowing you to dress alone. You ask her a question before she leaves completely.

“Um…may I please keep my old clothes? I won’t wear them anymore, but my mother made them for me. I'd like as many of her keepsakes as I can have.”

“If you must.” She states plainly with a wave of her hand as she makes her way for the exit. After she leaves, you put on one of the pieces from the set of clothes, and you follow suit.

As you return to the main part of the shop, you see Ambessa and the tailor speaking. When they hear you coming, they cease the conversation and turn their attention to you. He begins making his way to you. “Was everything to your liking? I picked for you my absolute best!”

“It was perfect, thank you. Your work is beautiful, I am grateful.” He takes your hands in his as thanks. Then he releases them, making his way to speak to Ambessa. “I will have it all done, I will call in my apprentices to help and to ensure it.” She gives him a nod and calls a few servants from her entourage to collect what you have.

You both begin exiting the parlor. The tailor gives you a wave goodbye and you follow behind Ambessa as you make your way back to the carriage to return to your new home.

Notes:

ty for reading! i’m going as fast as i can with writing two fics! if you’re reading both, i will update the other super soon!

let me know what you think!!

Chapter 3: Enlightenment

Summary:

Ambessa helps guide you in self-discovery.

A few days pass as you grow accustomed to your new life. The schedule is consistent, waking up, taking your morning meal, waking Ambessa with her own, preparing her for the day ahead, and remaining by her side until she dismisses you for the day. 

You don’t have to concern yourself with her midday meal or supper because she usually takes those with her ranking officers and the occasional political figure. A servant will bring her those and you simply are to remain by her side, fulfilling whatever she may ask.

You’ve taken notice of how physical she is, but don’t want to offend her by questioning it. You think it may just be something that she found to be normal. Ambessa said whatever she wanted to anyway, so it would make sense it would be reflected in her actions. You didn’t find yourself uncomfortable with her touch, what bothered you were the strange feelings her touch would invoke that you couldn’t quite define. You think back to earlier in the day.

❖❖❖❖❖

You’re finishing up styling her hair, stepping in front of her to make final touches. When you do, she drags her index finger down your midsection, starting right beneath your breast, and ending at your navel. She begins speaking, still tracing outlines of your body while you adorn her auburn hair with gold clasps and small jewelry. Your nether regions flutter at her touch.

“Tonight we will throw a farewell feast for your father, so he may return to Demacia with a good word. I hear he plans to leave quite soon. It is a good thing, I’m tired of consistent questions about you.” She rolls her eyes as she speaks.

She looks up to you for your reaction, waiting for you to speak. You’re not really concerned with your father’s intrusiveness. He hated being left in the dark and you haven’t had a singular conversation with him while here.

“Forgive me, my lady, he can be persistent.”

“Should I be concerned with his prying?” Her fingers trail at your hips. You feel the sensation in your core beginning to swell.

“I do not see my father as an actual threat. His life is at stake, so he won’t do anything foolish. I think he’s never been left out in such a manner, so it’s beginning to get to him.”

“We will see, your father’s life may be at risk in Demacia, but he can swiftly make himself to be just as dispensable here.”

She speaks so casually about the potential harm that could meet your father. The only thing you can hope is that he doesn’t pester her further to the point of anger.

❖❖❖❖❖

Ambessa left you to tidy her room, telling you to come to the dining hall when you were finished. 

After adorning her in all her finery and watching her take her leave, you observe the result of her indecisiveness about what to wear sprawled out on the floor. You tried to keep her clothes on the bed, but she would just strip and leave them where they would fall on the floor. After you finish the minimal cleaning, you touch up your own hair using her vanity’s mirror and make your way to the feast.

When you enter the dining hall, you make your way to sit next to Ambessa as usual. As you approach her, your father gets up and takes your arm. In a low whisper, he speaks. “You’ve been here so long you can’t recognize your own father?” His usual sarcasm feels a tad pitiful. “Take your place next to me.”

He brings you closer to his ear, lowering his tone even more. “Tell me all that has happened in your time spent with the General.” Before you even begin to think about what you’re going to say, Ambessa speaks.

“Councilor, may I remind you what it means to give a gift? Release your daughter and allow her to come take her rightful place by my side.” She finds amusement in this.

“General, this is my daughter, my last evening here will be spent with her,” your father foolishly protests.

She makes her way over to where he sits, making long strides to come in between you two. She takes his wrist in her hand. “Your daughter no longer belongs to you. I strongly advise you to remember that. I won’t be so kind as to remind you of that again.” Her tone feels a lot more serious.

She tears you from your father's grasp. She’s rough, but your father undeniably got the worst of it. After you’re free, she takes her seat at the head of the table, leaving you standing there. “Come here,” she commands and you listen with no hesitation. It’s almost as if she was testing your father to try his stupid actions again.

You sit next to Ambessa as she eats and drinks, watching as she takes part in the hearty conversation with her comrades. On the other end of the table, your father talks quietly amongst members of his own entourage. He occasionally throws you a glare, angry that he was bested, but you disregard him completely. Ambessa has established her dominance and you plan to honor that. He has scared you on occasion, but she was frightening.

When her cup is empty, you reach across the table to get the pitcher closest to you both. As you lift yourself towards the table to reach for it, you feel a palm graze the back of your leg, right below your posterior. Ambessa looks up towards you. “Thank you,” she says with a smirk before retracting her hand. You nod, continuing to pour into her glass.

When you sit down, you begin eating again. Your father sits still mumbling whatever it is that he has to say, still sulking he didn’t get his way. Ambessa seems to enjoy it, knowing your father has lost you as his cupbearer, now her lady’s maid and hers to do with as she pleases.

After some time, it seems your father can’t take the idea of being defeated any longer. He stands to exit the hall. “I will take my leave for the night, thank you for the meal General,” he says begrudgingly.

❖❖❖❖❖

After dinner, you follow Ambessa back to her bed chamber. She sits on the side of her bed as you begin to make the nightly preparations. She watches your every move. You expect her to come sit down so you can begin, but she doesn’t. “My lady, would you come to the vanity so I may take your hair down?” You ask, hoping to coax her into moving.

“Come do it over here,” she states plainly and you oblige, making your way over to her bed. She ushers you to stand in between her legs. You begin removing the various clasps and ties that adorn her hair. You try to avoid her intense eye contact as you do. You can’t hide the distress on your face. As if she knew exactly what thoughts plague your mind, she speaks.

“You need not worry about your father. Our deal has been made, he may only need to return home and live out his victorious career.” Her tone is facetious.

“It’s not him I’m concerned with. It’s my mother’s well-being. I don’t want him to take his grievances out on her.” You look away for a moment, avoiding her gaze.

“I understand, I will do my best to not provoke him tomorrow during his send-off.” Her tone is slightly more genuine, it dissolves your concern for the most part. 

You finish taking down her hair, gently placing the last braid to frame her face. Her hair is quite long, deep red with various locs, twists, and braids. You meet her gaze, you two staring at one another deeply. You can’t hold your eyes on hers for long, moving to step from between her legs. She halts your movements, taking your hips into her hands.

“What a beautiful gown you wore today, she says, taking the layered sheer silk into her hands. She trails the fabric that lines your breasts. “T-Thank you, my lady, I’m grateful for it and all the ones you gifted me.” She brushes your nipple with a finger. “You must’ve worn this just for me.”

You shudder underneath her touch, ignoring the question. You press your legs together in an attempt to dismiss the returning undefined sensation. She pinches your nipple between two fingers, twisting it slightly.

“Ah, my lady!” You moan out.

“You couldn’t fathom half the things I would do to you. How I could make you feel.” She says suddenly.

“What…do you mean my lady?”

“You don’t know the first thing about pleasure, do you? You are a lady of nobility after all, I assume the expectation is to be completely oblivious of what goes on in the bedroom between two lovers until you are married.”

She moves away from your nipple, slowly beginning to encapsulate your breast in her hand entirely. You exhale deeply as she massages you. Your undergarments become soaked like never before.

“What do you do when you have these thoughts that make you feel good?” Her prying begins to embarrass you just a bit.

“In what way?” You ask genuinely, trying to focus on what she’s saying, her touch almost completely distracting you.

“When you’re aroused, when you feel that sensation in your lower regions, what do you do?” She reaches in between your legs as she references your sensitive areas.

“I um…I ignore it until it passes.” You can’t focus at all at this point.

“There is a way to satisfy that feeling, you don’t have to wait for it to subside. You deserve to feel pleasure just as anyone else does. Do you think a man does the same? Puts aside what he feels, curiosity and arousal go unexplored?” She presses two fingers against the fabrics covering your core. You bite your lip, attempting to hold in the noises that threaten to escape.

“Strip” she commands as she pulls her fingers away, allowing you to remove your clothes. After you’re bare, she gets up from the bed and takes you to stand in front of the vanity. She stands behind you with her hands on your shoulders, taking in your body in front of the mirror. 

“Look at you, how you haven’t been fought over is beyond me. I hold myself back every day out of consideration of your honor, your inexperience. I’d take you as mine and no man would ever amount. I’d fuck you until all you could think of is me.”

You’ve never heard someone speak in such a manner, but it didn’t sway you, it only made the sensations you felt grow stronger. 

She guides you back towards the bed, getting onto it first with ease. She sits up, putting her back completely against the headboard with her legs spread. “Come here, allow me to show you something.” She beckons.

You go to her and sit, kneeling in front of her on the plush covers. She moves your body to have your back against her chest, bringing you close to her heart. “Lean back, get comfortable, and spread your legs.” She commands the anticipation is high as you move according to her instructions. She adjusts herself so she can reach the front of your body.

She takes her right hand and slowly brings it to your center, caressing you down towards your entrance. She inserts a finger, slowly moving it inside you. You gasp loudly at the new sensation, something never before felt. She moves in and out of you, slowly letting you get accustomed to the new sensation. “God’s you’re dripping…and you just ignore this every time?” You nod a little, shying away from her blunt asks. To be honest the amount is never to this extent.

“That was only the beginning”. She takes her finger to her mouth, taking the time to taste you. You’re a little taken aback by her doing so. She goes back to your entrance, only there for a moment to collect the same wetness. She slowly drags her finger out and brings it up to the sensitive soft tissue above your folds.

She begins by pressing into it a little. A whimper leaves your lips. What was this feeling? “This is the heart of it all.” She explains, pressing into the bundle a little more. She begins to do small rotations over the bud. You grip onto her arm, trying your best to keep still. You’re unsure, but something feels as if it’s building up inside you and it feels absolutely transcendent.

She interrupts the building up of whatever it is threatening to leave you, quickly taking her finger back into your entrance before returning to the bulbous tissue. Wet with new slick, she runs her finger side to side, swiftly gliding over you time and time again. You feel your hips come up off the bed and writhe at the contact. With her other hand, she places pressure down on your stomach to still you.

“My lady…I-I feel something.” “Welcome it,” she answers briskly. She makes haste with her actions, the speed increasing on your swollen tissue. You feel as your stomach tightens slightly, and an overpowering sensation pushes through you. You’re closer and closer to coming undone as this new feeling continues to build up. “Oh gods,” is the last thing you utter before your release. You moan out, borderline screaming as you completely disregard the quiet of the palace.

She goes on a little longer during your powerful release, slowing down only when satisfied by the twitching of your legs. She swiftly pumps a finger in you, sending sparks flying through your body. After collecting it to her satisfaction, she takes it out. You hear as she brings her finger to her mouth once again, a small moan leaves her lips as if she’s tasted something decadent.

You rest your head against her, still reeling and trying to make sense of what just happened. She plants a small kiss on your neck before speaking. “You did incredible.” You’re completely unsure of what you actually just did. You sit in her arms for a moment as your body calms completely. You muster up the courage to ask her your slew of questions.

“By the gods, what was that?” You ask sincerely, still confused by what just happened.

“That is only a small sum of what you’re capable of. You truly have never had an orgasm?” She chuckles a bit in disbelief. “I couldn’t imagine going this long without knowing myself in such a way.” 

“I was taught that any impure acts or thoughts would make me incapable of ever being betrothed. I knew nothing else.” You confess.

“A lie told by ignorant men, set in their dated ways.” She answers back.

You continue to ask Ambessa questions.

“You are betrothed yourself?”

“I am, though I see it more as a marriage of convenience.” As she speaks she fiddles with strands of your hair.

“And does he know that you…do these things?”

“That I’ve been with other men and women? Yes. I’ve made it abundantly clear I have no intention to give up my current lifestyle either.”

“And a man…will do things like this to me?” You can’t help your curiosity.

“If you wish it. Rarely have I ever met a man who knows a woman’s body better than a woman herself. Women are where I find myself most satiated.” She seems bored with this talk of men.

“I am supposed to be betrothed by a man of your choosing. Will he know what we’ve done?”

“You need not worry yourself about the future consummating of your marriage. No man will ever know what I’ve done to you. You should also prepare yourself for the possibility of no man being able to do what I have planned for you. When he can’t live up to the standard I’ve set, he may know then.” She laughs.

She was quite arrogant, but you can assume her skill spoke for itself. And you had nothing to compare it to otherwise, so you say nothing in return. After being touched like that, you had to consider if you still cared for your own inevitable betrothal. She takes your chin in her hands, turning your face to hers. Your head rests on her shoulder as you’re looking up at her. She looks back at you, speaking as she has your undivided attention.

“Do not familiarize yourself with my being gentle, I made an exception of it being your first time. You will soon learn how I perform if you find yourself in my bed again. Prepare yourself.” You’re unsure what to make of her warning, but you don’t question her words. You get up to put your clothes back on, bidding her good night as you take your leave.

You’re nervous for what’s to come.

 

Notes:

finally got this out! it’s long so if there are typos pls forgive me, i went over it multiple times tho! i have so much planned for this i’m so excited.

let me know what you think!

Chapter 4: Patience

Summary:

Ambessa doesn’t mind waiting, she knows good things come to those who wait. And a good thing is sure to come soon.

It’s the night before you and Ambessa head east, the first stop in her tour being Ionia. Your father’s send-off was almost a month ago, and thank the gods it was uneventful. Ambessa kept her word, she interacted with him minimally.

She requested you bathe her tonight. Usually, you assist with washing her hair or even taking a cloth to her back, but never this. She lies the back of her head against the marble, her long auburn hair avoiding the water, the long locs hanging off the side of the tub.

She sighs loudly, “I will miss this, a ship’s bath is not my ideal preference, but such is life.” The custom bath she had commissioned spoke for itself. A ship would greatly impact one of the luxuries she made apparent was one of her favorites. You find humor in the fact that a woman so mighty had a weakness like that.

You struggle to reach her entire length, extending yourself with the washcloth as far as you can manage. She notices your exertion and takes you by the upper arm. “If you come in with me, you won’t have much trouble reaching me.” You assume she was only joking, so you smile at her briefly. She looks into your eyes, straight-faced as ever. She’s serious.

“My lady, I am clothed.” You state the obvious.

She ignores you, takes your hand in hers, and directs you where to sit in the tub. As she pulls you in to straddle her, your clothes stick to you as the water soaks them. She takes both hands to your breasts, drenching the fabric that covers them. She moves her hands to observe your nipples, now erect. A noise of satisfaction leaves her, pleased with her actions.

Beyond her fondling you in a similar manner in private and the occasional inappropriate touching publicly, you hadn’t been intimate. “Prepare yourself,” played over and over in your head since she pleasured you last.

You were anxious about her words, suggesting that her gentle nature was a rarity. You weren’t sure what you could take beyond your first time with her. When she would initiate, you would come up with any kind of excuse or task that needed your immediate attention.

Sometimes you felt as if she knew what you were doing. It was like this chase was entertaining. Your denying didn’t make her angry, just all the more intrigued.

You continue with her bath, taking the washcloth to the places you couldn’t reach initially. You walk through the tub, washing her body as you move around for better access to each side. Her eyes have yet to leave you, consuming your body within her sight.

You step in between her legs, bending down to wash both of them. Her sculpted muscles glisten as the moonlight hits the water. It distracts you for a moment, pausing to take in her muscular shape. You feel her eyes on you, so you begin again, in an attempt to not be noticed in your gawking.

You rise back up from your kneel, Ambessa extending her hands towards you for assistance. Once you’re standing again, she holds you in place gazing directly into your eyes. You look down back at her, her staring so intense and entrancing you don’t dare break away.

She looks down at your clothes, soaked even further from your deeper dip in the tub. She reaches for the tie wrapped around your waist that keeps you clothed, slowly pulling it to undo it. Your heart pounds, the thought of your previous encounter, and the promise of more fills you with anticipation.

She looks back up at you as the tie becomes useless. She’s completely pulled it loose, the front of your body becoming partially exposed. She reaches up to your shoulders, guiding the rest of the garment down. It falls down leaving you bare, lost within the deep tub. She takes in the sight of you.

“Have you been avoiding your General?” She places her hands on your hips once again, holding you in place. You can’t say it hasn’t been obvious, but you didn’t expect her to outright ask you as you stand before her naked.

“No my lady,” you sigh as her hands begin to travel up your body. She pinches both of your nipples, twisting them in union. You moan out as she speaks again.

“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?” She applies more pressure to your nipples, pinching them a little harder. You stumble just a bit but quickly recover. The mix of pain and pleasure makes heat rise within your core.

“I…only meant to say your words filled me with a bit of nerves, in turn, I may have eluded your advances.” She releases your nipples, allowing you to regain your composure. “You need not worry about that. I will ensure you enjoy yourself just as much as I. Do not lie again, there will be consequences for doing so.” She smirks, but she means every word.

She stands up, extending a hand for you to take. You do, making your way to step out of the tub. She follows behind, stepping out of the tub and onto the floor. You hand her a drying towel to wrap around her body. You took the liberty of getting one for yourself as well.

As you both dry yourselves, she looks towards you, watching your movements. She drops her large cloth at her feet, approaching where you stand. She takes yours as well, discarding it on the floor. She trails her fingers down your body as she moves in close, causing you to shudder a bit.

“Why don’t I gradually go about introducing my… tastes . That way you don’t have to keep running from me.” She looks down at you and you answer her proposition with only a nod.

She closes the space between you two, abruptly bringing you to her. Her hand remains at the small of your back, your naked flesh connecting as you look up to meet her eyes. She leans down to your ear, her voice a sultry whisper. “It’s a must anyway, I can’t leave you riddled and completely useless. I need you to be able to walk tomorrow, it is a big day after all.”

Before you say anything, effortlessly she lifts you up into her arms, carrying you towards the bed. Your legs instinctively wrap around her as she holds you, ensuring you won’t fall. You watch as she carefully guides you both towards the bedroom.

She places gently on your back to where your legs hang off the side of the bed. She kneels and takes the back of your knees to place your legs in the air in one coordinated motion. Your center is completely exposed for her viewing pleasure. “Exquisite,” she says plainly, looking up at you. You blush at her words, avoiding her eyes.

You muster up the courage to watch what she does next. She moves her face towards you, still looking deeply into your eyes. When she meets your folds with her lips, she plunges her tongue deep into your entrance.

You place your hands on either side of her face, stopping her actions. “My lady, what are you doing?” You question the unfamiliar use of her mouth.

“Are you going to stop me again?” She ignores your question with her own asking. You shake your head and she returns to your entrance. She slowly drags her tongue from the bottom of your folds to the top of your bud. The unfamiliar feeling sends shivers through your body, but you feel you need more.

She does this again a few times, before stopping and focusing entirely on your sensitive bundle of nerves. Her fingers touching you was one thing, but her tongue was something entirely different. Though just as skillful, her tongue worked with more flexibility and molded against your form.

She suctions her lips against you, while simultaneously flicking her tongue against your sensitivity. She continues with this for a while as you squirm underneath her for eight actions. She releases the suction she had on you, focusing only on flicking her tongue against you.

As she further immerses herself into pleasuring you, she allows your legs to fall over her shoulders. She places her arms beside you, holding you down with two large hands at the waist. She continues the assault on your sensitive bud, going faster with each movement. 

You feel the familiar sensation brought in from her fingers previously arise. Heat swells in your nether regions, making it impossible for you to hold out any longer. You don’t know what comes over you as you begin to grind your hips against her tongue. You moan out as your orgasm rips through your body. She slows down as your body begins to relax.

You attempt to catch your breath as she remains beneath you. Still sensitive from your orgasm, she inserts two fingers into your entrance. You attempt to sit up but the sensation is too much. You’re barely able to prop yourself up on your shoulders as you watch her fingers disappear deep inside you.

She presses her two digits upwards, curling them against an unexplored textured mound that rests within you. With every pump, you feel your sensitive bundle throbs in unison with her finger’s motions.

You attempt to sit up further, holding on to Ambessa’s back as you feel your core begin to tighten. You don’t know how much more you can take, your toes curl and your eyes blur as you approach climax once again.

“My lady, please!” You moan out as you come undone.

You fall back onto the bed, panting. She rises, standing above you, satisfied with your trembling form beneath her. She takes her two fingers and brings them to her mouth, tasting your essence on her fingers. You look away from her, unable to fathom that it could be as good as she makes it seem. Before you even attempt to move, Ambessa takes it upon herself to help you first.

She lifts you off the side of the bed and carries you to lie in the proper vertical position. Before laying you down, she pulls back the bedding, granting you access to the top layer to cover yourself.

She steps around to the other side of the bed, getting in to lay beside you. As you prefer to wrap the covers in a manner that grants you coverage, she allows them to lay against her breasts lazily, partially exposing them. She props herself on her elbow, looking down at your wide eyes. She rolls her eyes and relinquishes a small chuckle. “Ask your questions, I’m sure you have them.”

“Well…what was that just now?” You ask your first question.

“Another way to feel pleasure, an orgasm from…internal stimulation,” she informs you of this newfound discovery.

“It was…,” you can’t exactly put it into words, so you move on to the next question.

“You used your tongue instead. Do you really enjoy the…taste?”

“I do. Especially yours.”

You blush at her swift honesty and the thought of her being pleased with you specifically. As experienced as she was, it definitely was a compliment. She speaks again.

“You may find you do as well. And soon,” a small smirk dances on her lips.

The idea of pleasing Ambessa makes you blush even harder. Would you even be able to do it? Achieve such a feat that feels so natural for her it’s like breathing? You guess you wouldn’t mind being taught, but overall you just don’t want to displease her in any manner. 

You begin to get up from the bed, satisfied with her provided answers, but as you do a large wraps around your entire wrist. “Where might you be off to?” Ambessa questions.

“My apologies my lady, I was going to retrieve my clothes and take my leave.” You answer back

“The drenched ones?” She muses.

You think back to your soaked garments that lie in the empty tub. You sit up, still unsure how you’re going to go about making it back to your room.

“You may find something in my wardrobe at daybreak, I’m sure you can find something suitable for the quick journey to your room. But I need my rest so for now just stay here.” She says casually.

You weren’t sure about sleeping with Ambessa. Not only was it highly improper, you’ve never slept next to anyone in such a manner before. It was an intimate experience that you didn’t expect to happen so soon, but then again did that even matter with all that you two have done?

You follow her instructions, sliding back down into the bedding next to her. She releases her grip on you as you make yourself comfortable. The sheets are rich, lingering with her warm aroma. You take one last look at her eyes on you, most likely expecting you to fall asleep before she does. It isn’t an issue as you find sleep falling heavier than ever upon your loose body.

Notes:

so so sorry for the long wait. this isn’t the primary story i’m working on but i still love it just as much! i hope everyone is loving it so far <3

and i want to make it clear that reader will not forever be a pillow princess. (like ambessa would even go for that lmao.) they’re just easing into things. i hope you all enjoyed this one!

are you all ready for the tour?? let me know what you think!

Chapter 5: At Sea

Summary:

Ambessa sets off and begins her military tour. What ever is in store for you?

Your body naturally wakes you before sunrise. You feel Ambessa’s weighted arm pressing against you, preventing you from getting up. You try your best to remove yourself from beneath her without disturbing her rest. She stirs a bit but for the most part, you seem to be successful.

You take to the armoire, hopefully finding something in her wardrobe that will allow you to make it to your room with dignity intact. You find a robe and choose it to accommodate yourself for the time being.

“You rise this early every morning?” Ambessa’s groggy voice startles from behind. You quickly turn to face her, watching as she slowly props herself up on her elbows to watch your actions. You promptly answer her.

“Yes, my lady. I have to ensure everything is prepared for your day’s beginning.”

Through the darkness of the room, you can see her muscular arms lifting herself further to sit up. She begins speaking again, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“I never knew your day began at such an hour.” She pauses for a moment, taking in your naked appearance. She looks as if she’s contemplating something, deciding whether or not to leave her bed but instead she slumps back down.

“Well, you may take your leave and find me again at the usual hour. I plan to sleep as long as I can before we board that dreaded vessel,” her voice trails off.

With that, you hear faint snoring from her direction, and you continue to remove the robe you selected prior. You quickly put on the garment and head for the door, making your way to your own chambers. As you begin to push one, the heavy weight of it leaves almost completely. 

One of Ambessa’s guards on watch assisted you in opening it. You’re unsure if you want to meet his eyes. You’re not necessarily entirely embarrassed, but you’ve been engaging in activities you’re not supposed to be. Neither of the two says anything, remaining stiff in their form.

You say a small thanks for his gesture and leave them where they stand.

❖❖❖❖❖

At the docks, people gather to send off Ambessa and her entourage of soldiers. There, the tailor you met previously awaits you in a collection of many people waiting and wanting to wish her farewell.

“Greetings General. I have here your maid’s wardrobe, I hope you find it to your satisfaction. There are articles for various weather elements, occasions, you name it.” He beams with pride, unable to contain it within his words.

“I know your work, I should have no complaints.” She compliments, placing a heavy hand on his shoulder as she speaks. She steps away from him and orders a few guards to load your wardrobe on the ship. You pace to meet him next and give him your gratitude.

“Thank you for this sir, you were kind to treat me as you did.”

“Wear my work with pride, that is all I ask of my dear.” His answer is kind and short.

You nod, catching up to Ambessa. She stands in front of a group of fawning women. They all go on about how they’ll miss her and shall await their return. She entertains them all, feigning her own disappointment but still lapping up their praises. You do your best to mind your own and keep your face plain.

After she finishes basking in all the praise from citizens, you both begin to board the massive ship. You follow behind Ambessa up the steel ship’s ramp where she meets the captain at the vessel’s entry. As you all step inside, she begins debriefing with the captain.

“The hope is that we will not require the use of the ship’s artillery. We are using the ship as a means of transportation, but if need be, we will not hesitate to defend ourselves…” 

After much conversation, Ambessa concludes her conversation with the captain, and he parts ways with her and continues to make her way through the long halls of the ship. You trail her confident strides, as she journeys her way through the large halls of the familiar vessel. 

She steps in front of a double door adorned with a large Noxian emblem. She takes the handle in her hands, preparing herself for whatever it is she’s about to see. As the doors open, the gold emblem splits down the middle. Before you is a regal quarter with auburn and black furnishings and gold accents throughout.

The bed is quite large for a ship, but not larger than the one in her home chamber. She makes her way directly to the lavatory. When she opens the door, she sighs and slams it back closed. The disappointment is almost tangible. 

“My lady, while you settle in, I’m going to find the servants’ quarters and make a place for myself,” you attempt to excuse yourself to give her space.

“No, that won’t be necessary.” She answers quickly.

“But my lady-” she cuts you off and begins speaking, rubbing the bridge of her nose, still frustrated from the lackluster luster of the lavatory.

“The quarters are entirely too far from this bedroom. While on this vessel, you will sleep here with me. We can arrange for separate sleeping arrangements, but I’m sure we won’t require that.” She says with a smirk. That seems to have swayed her mood.

You blush downwards, not exactly sure it’s entirely appropriate to share a bed. You feel people may talk. Before you express your concerns, she approaches you, speaking again.

“While I would much rather stay here,” she strokes your side a bit while she talks, “I have a meeting to coordinate. You may arrange my things as you wish, whatever is easiest for your access. I will come to retrieve you after the meeting for dinner.”

You nod and she exits the room.

You take the time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the quarters. You arrange all her things, placing them where you would similarly if in her bedroom. 

You set up her bedding. Her bed back in Noxus, being larger than the one in the ship’s quarters, causes the covers to drape down the sides a bit more, but she insisted she bring her own. Her bedding smells of her rich aroma, her preferred scent adorning the covers. You take it in as your hands spread across to smooth them.

After you finish up with Ambessa’s things, as if perfect timing a few servants arrive with your own. They place a large chest (along with a few other items) on the ground in front of the foot of the bed. You thank them and they return the formalities.

You begin to unpack the large chest filled with custom-made clothes of all varieties. You find a section of the wardrobe to place clothes you plan to wear while on the ship and leave the rest folded in the chest. As you go through the clothes, you take note of how some are becoming less and less regarding the material.

The sheerest of white silk night gowns, dresses with such little fabric you wouldn’t even consider them dresses, garments you’ve never even seen before that surely must’ve been packed by mistake, all lie before you. You hold one up to you, questioning how and where exactly it would even need to be worn.

The door opens, startling you for a moment but it brings you from your thoughts. You quickly shove the garment back into the chest and whatever else you took out during your search. Ambessa enters.

“Oh, my lady, I’m sorry I didn’t expect you so soon,” your voice stutters a bit as you scramble to put the remainder of your clothes away in the chest and close it shut.

“What were you doing?” She asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Nothing my lady,” You aren’t very convincing in your words.

“Are you lying to me?”

“No, my lady.” There’s no way she actually believes you, but she shrugs a bit.

You turn to face her completely, still kneeling from your prior position on the ground but looking down. She makes steps to meet you where you are. You see her large boots directly in front of your knees. She reaches down and brings your face to look up at her. She looks deeply into your eyes for a moment, maybe still not completely believing your words. Your face heats up at the gesture.

“Come, it’s time for dinner,” she says, taking her hand away from your face and reaching her palm out for you to take. You do, and you both head to what is presumably the dining hall of the vessel.

❖❖❖❖❖

Dinner on the ship goes as planned. It’s not very eventful. More is discussed about travel plans and even the occasional recreational activity in the various cities is mentioned. As Ambessa’s soldiers get rowdy by this, she rolls her eyes but smirks in amusement.

As she lets the conversation go on, you feel her hand tracing small circles on your thigh under the table. You feel as she inches her fingers upward, snaking under layers of fabric to access your skin.

You stifle a small gasp that threatens to leave you as her hand trails further in towards your center. At a torturously slow pace, she inches just above where you lie covered, stopping only then to rest her hand. She occasionally grazes your folds as the feast comes to an end.

Afterwards, Ambessa takes you onto the dock of the ship to gain access to the open air. You assume she was fed up with being trapped deep within the ship’s parts with little to no windows. She walks behind you as you go up a staircase that reveals the stars littered through the night sky. 

She steps in front of you to guide your path, taking you right before the bow’s edge. You step to the railing, seeing the vast sea, mostly hidden, but some parts illuminated by the moon and the ship's lights. Truly a marvel for you. As you take it all in, Ambessa speaks.

“It’s just the sea,” she downplays the sight before you. You guess she’s taken note of your awe.

“I’ve never really seen it much, let alone like this. Illuminated in such a way.” You answered her statement that wasn’t really a question.

“It isn’t anything too special,” She really isn’t keen on being on this ship.

“Well, I still appreciate you for showing me this view, my lady.”

She hums in response.

You continue to watch as the ship parts the sea, tearing through its body with ease. You turn to speak again, expecting Ambessa is also taking in the sight but she’s staring directly at you. You look up to her as she peers down towards you. Her eyes slowly drift to your lips, and it fills your cheeks with heat. She takes your face into her hands. You think she will kiss you, swiping her thumb over your bottom lip and bringing her own into her mouth. 

She hesitates and ultimately decides against the action it seems. She moves your head slightly to gain access to your neck instead. As she gently sucks on the skin, you feel as warmth begins to build in your core. Her hands begin to travel down your body, making their way to the rear.

She begins massaging you as she increases the pressure of her mouth on your neck. Her hands are gripping your backside but it isn’t enough. She starts to lift up your dress, presumably wanting to be skin to skin. You’re almost completely exposed from the back as she continues to knead you. It feels so good you almost fight rationale.

“ My lady, someone may come up here.” Your plea holds no confidence, no actual concern. While the possibility of being discovered is definitely one lingering in your mind, Ambessa removing her hands from you is one that you absolutely do not want to happen.

“Nobody should come up to the dock at this hour. This area has already been cleared by my patrol at my order. They won’t be back for quite some time….unless maybe they hear something unusual. So we must be quiet.”

“I’m not sure if I can do that,” you answer her truthfully.

“Think of it as your next lesson. Sometimes we may desire one another in a place we shouldn’t, and if we so choose to fulfill those desires, we must be quiet if we don’t want to get caught. Show me how excellent a learner I know you to be.”

You simply nod in response and that gains a satisfied smile from her.

“Kneel,” Ambessa commands and you listen. She takes your hands in hers and slowly helps you down to your knees. When you’re there, you steady yourself by placing your hands on her thighs. You look up at her, awaiting more instructions. She takes your face in one hand as you look up. 

You reach for her belt heavy with artillery. It’s one you’ve never seen before, therefore you’re unsure how exactly it’s to be undone. It would make sense that a belt so purposeful and heavy with weapons isn’t an easy one to remove. She wouldn’t be disarmed so easily.

She chuckles a bit, taking the belt from your hand and unclasping it, disregarding it with ease. You continue, taking the button of the pants and undoing it. Swiftly, you undo the rest of what keeps them up and slide them down her knees to sit low at her ankles.

She spreads her legs further giving you access. Though you’ve seen her naked an uncountable number of times, you’ve never been so close to her. You’re taking in her beauty as if it were the sea. 

“You like?” She says as you must be staring quite a bit. You look up at her and give her a little nod. You wait patiently and she instructs you on how to begin.

“Don’t worry yourself, I am a patient teacher. Open your mouth and flick your tongue against my clit. Move it continuously up and down without removing your mouth and even use your head for assistance if your tongue begins to tire.”  

You sit though on your knees to have good reach. You attempt what you’ve been told, finding a good pace and following her instructions. You take note of where she’s more reactive and act accordingly. She moans as you make more improvements to your technique.

As you gain more confidence, you keep in mind what she’s told you while also attempting to do more. When you do good, she praises you. While your tongue remains against her, you close in your lips and apply soft suction to her bundle of nerves. You practice mimicking some of the stuff she does to you and it seems to be going pretty well. She’s pressing the back of your head closer to her as her moans increase.

She begins to ride your face, pressing her folds further into it. It almost throws off your found rhythm, but you remain steadfast in your goal. Her movements become sloppy as she gets closer. She looks down at you as you’re looking up at her. She grits her teeth and utters a single raspy “fuck” before she loses her rhythm completely.

She orgasms, grinding into your face deeper and slower. After she stills, she lets go of your face and you sit, kneeling yourself onto your calves. Your knees ache a bit but seeing Ambessa in this manner makes you completely disregard the pain.

“Fuck, look at the mess I’ve made of your face. She reaches down to swipe a thumb over your lips and chin to clean you up. She offers her thumb and you take it into your mouth, wanting to please her further.

“So eager, so obedient” she teases, yet also praises and it fills you with a sense of pride you’ve never felt before. She helps you off the floor, holding your waist in her hands when you come to a stand.

“Your turn,” she says smugly, before you can even think about what to say in response, she lifts you up and lays you down onto the floor, right at the tip of the bow.

She trails kisses down your neck to your breasts. She slides down one of your loose straps to expose one of your hard nipples, taking it in her mouth. She plays with the other over the fabric of your garment. Then she takes that same hand and begins trailing it down your center.

Her fingers dip into your wet entrance, collecting your fluids and bringing them to your bud. She rubs it with her thumb while the rest of her fingers remain inside you. In one continuous motion, she rubs circles on your clit and pumps her fingers into you. Her mouth remains on your nipple and the combination is almost too much.

She continues until you’re at the cusp of orgasm. She slows every time you begin to get too loud. You try your absolute best to bite back moans but every time you get closer you can’t focus on controlling your volume. Ambessa ceases her actions completely.

“I want to bring you to orgasm but you can’t seem to keep quiet. Don’t you want to be rewarded for all your hard work?” It sounds like she’s teasing you with her words..

“P-Please,” you gasp.

“Please what?”

“Don’t stop, I…I can be quieter.” You sound more desperate than you’d like to let on. 

“Let’s see,” is the last thing she says before she moves down and delves into you further, you go to put your hand over your mouth but she grabs your wrist before you do, placing it back on her instead. She never falters in her speed or technique. You look down at her, her own eyes filled with satisfaction. She presses on, going faster and faster and you can feel your stomach tighten.

You grip onto her as a powerful orgasm courses through you. You screw your eyes shut and bear down your lip even harder than before, as sound threatens to leave you. You’ve very well finished and still, she has yet to slow. Your hips writhe underneath her as she pleasures you past orgasm.

Your resolve begins to break. You’re on the brink of screaming. You dig your nails into her back as tears begin to form in your eyes. Only then, do you feel as she lets up. Not realizing you’d sat yourself up, you fall back onto the deck, your breathing uncontrollable.

“Fuck, if we weren’t on this damned deck, I’d make you go again.” She stands up, towering above your useless shell of a body. You watch as she takes her fingers into her mouth and cleans them of your fluids. She ensures to wipe her mouth in the process.

She helps you stand on your feet and adjust your clothes. Your knees buckle a bit as you attempt to walk by yourself. She steadies you with a laugh as you walk by your side. You hear the immense amounts of pride and satisfaction as she begins to speak. 

“Come, let’s go to bed.”

 

Notes:

hi again,

i know it’s been an incredibly long time. i want to genuinely apologize for that. i won’t go into depth, but i have had some pretty large life changes including unemployment and changes in health and i just did not have time or inspiration to write and i only want to give you all the absolute best of my writing abilities. i am so so so sorry and i am so thankful for how kind and patient you all have been with me. i am in a much better place now. i will never leave that long again and completely not say anything. my updates will be weekly to bi-weekly and if i can’t meet that standard i will say something. i hope you all enjoy i made this chapter intentionally long.

Chapter 6: One of Many

Summary:

You’ve arrived in yet another new place. What new challenges will come with it?

After months of sailing, you finally make it to Ionia. The voyage was long but spending the duration with Ambessa made the time enlightening and enjoyable. 

She would consistently attempt to distract you from your duties to her, but you would gently remind her that you do have said responsibilities. She would roll her eyes or snap the tip of her tongue against her teeth but you would remain steadfast, someone having to be the voice of reason. She was patient, but everyone has their limits.

On one occasion, she claimed she had gone ‘so long’, per her words, without you, she dismissed a meeting early just to ravish you then and there on the table. She knocked over markers and pushed aside maps to make room for the two of you. You left the room disheveled and she left satisfied with her own performance. Before leaving, she warned you about letting her go unsatiated for too long.

Then there were some days where you’d absolutely exhaust yourselves, her unable to keep her hands off you, you unable to resist as well. At the rate you two went, you were surprised you hadn’t been caught. There were many nights and even days she couldn’t make it back to the bedroom. Her libido, stamina, and strength were nowhere near normal and you weren’t sure how long you’d be able to keep up.

❖❖❖❖❖

The ship arrives on the coast of Navori. You peer through one of the windows in an attempt to see your new surroundings, but not much can be seen. Ambessa begins to put on her artillery gear and heads for the door.

You go to follow her but she tells you to remain in the bedroom and she’ll send someone to retrieve you. “I’m not sure what awaits us, but whatever it may be, I don’t want you to be on the deck until we know for sure. Remain here.” You give her a nod of obedience and she leaves swiftly.

After a small period of time passes, as expected, a guard comes to retrieve you and you walk alongside him until you come into full view of the coast from the deck. You are escorted to where Ambessa stands, taking your place by her side. You look up at her, watching as she looks down at the people below. 

The people seem to fear Ambessa and the ship itself. You watched as the beach began to clear of its citizens, many rushing to get away from your arriving party, not lingering to find out what was to come of this strange arrival. Ambessa doesn’t react much, making her way down the ship’s ramp.

It is a known fact that Noxus and Ionia do not have the best standing with one another, and this very ship was the symbol of previous efforts to conquer Ionia. You’ve read about the ongoing feud between Noxus and Ionia during many of your lessons. Maybe Ambessa’s tour would bring unity amongst the two nations. Maybe.

You’re greeted by a representative of the Navori faction. She’s a short woman, old in appearance. She bears down on a cane and hunches over slightly. Though she is small in size, she is adorned with large bangles and various kinds of face jewelry. 

Ambessa approaches the woman first, taking her right hand in a fist and placing it over her heart. She returns her hand to her side and speaks first.

“Greetings madam, I am Noxian General Medarda. I thank you for opening your ports and granting us safe passage. I am accompanied by my entourage of soldiers and my lady’s maid.” The way she announces herself commands attention and respect.

“Good day. We have received your letters, and though I can only speak for my province, the others seem to want to take the peaceful approach.” She skips formalities completely. Her tone reads as if Ambessa’s arrival is an interruption.

“That is the hope. Noxians and Ionians have been at war for too long. If you pledge your complete loyalty, we can put an end to this.” Ambessa chooses to follow the woman’s directness, abandoning her initial etiquette.

The Ionian woman looks as if she isn’t necessarily receiving what Ambessa is saying. 

“As I said, General, I can’t speak for my nation as a whole, but as you travel through the various provinces I’m sure you will have your answer. Anyhow, we will have meetings scheduled for such topics.”

The older woman turns around, a hint of smugness in her demeanor, and Ambessa notices. She clenches her fist, making her prominent veins show even more through her forearm. She steadies her breathing, slowly following behind the woman. You consider reaching for her arm, but decide it to be entirely inappropriate. The small woman speaks again as she’s faced away from you.

“I am sure you’re tired after your travels. Please indulge yourself in what we have to offer and I will find you on the morrow to further discuss how your maneuver about Ionia will go.”

She calls over to someone and transfers her guiding responsibilities over to a younger woman in a similar fashion to the ones she wears, leaving without a word. “Please follow me,” she says simply, her tone more genuine than her elder's. Ambessa, yourself, and a few of her soldiers follow close behind.

❖❖❖❖❖

After walking for a little while across the shore, you find yourself in between some lush vegetation and a few trees that feel like an entirely separate biome from the beach. As you arrive, you see an oasis before you.

As promised, as an offering of hospitality, in front of you lies a natural spring and pools within the oasis. There, Ambessa is told she can indulge in all sorts of pleasantries. Her soldiers stand guard, facing away from her but still ensure that they’re able to watch the perimeter.

As she steps to the edge of the embankment, you help her undress. She watches you intently, your actions slow and careful. Your fingers occasionally graze her toned figure. She raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything, just continuing to watch you. Once she’s undressed she begins to enter herself into the water. When she was submerged to her liking, she released a deep sigh.

Being that the nature of your relationship is only known amongst the two of you; and likely even a few of her close officers, you perform as a lady would. You stand on the embankment as bathes. You find yourself secretly wishing you could bathe with her.

As you stand behind her, a woman attending the spring steps toward the water and stands close to where Ambessa rests. She offers her nutrients and oils that are produced from the various flora native to the region. Ambessa thanks the woman, giving her thigh a small rub with the back of her index finger. The woman blushes and continues to show her the various remedies.

You’re taken aback by the interaction, not really sure as to why but you feel jealous. Like you should be the one attending to her, and surely that she should be touching you and only you in such a manner.

As the woman begins to apply the oils, you speak. “My lady, I can attend to you if you would like,” You sound more desperate than you would’ve liked to let on. Before she answers, the woman speaks. 

“You are our guests, please enjoy our springs for yourself as well.” She gives you a genuine smile as she speaks.

You know it’s ridiculous because the woman’s intention isn’t to upset you, but you feel it anyway, a deep envy and disdain towards her. Additionally, you feel a little embarrassed at your obvious eagerness but the words have already left you and there is no returning them. You wish Ambessa would say something.

After a few more moments of watching her be attended by someone else, you can’t bear it any longer. Though she isn’t paying you any mind, you bow your head a little and take your leave. You brush past a guard who stands at the entry to the secluded greenery and find your way within the leafy environment.

As you walk across the lush greenery and vegetation, you look for something to keep yourself occupied, more so keep your thoughts elsewhere. You pick at a few flowers and weave a few reeds, but you still feel the need to do more, venturing deeper into the secluded areas.

After walking for some time, you see a slim young man in similar white attire to the other spring attendant and ask him if any additional bathing areas are a bit more private. He nods and suggests you follow him.

You walk for a little before he stops in front of a leafy canopy that completely shields what lies within it. He pulls it back, revealing a sectioned-off spring. Beautiful clear water hued with blues flows into a pool, but it doesn’t overflow. Light pink fauna with what appears to be little pearls as petals surround the area. It’s almost like a dome completely created by nature.

He lets you know that he will send a female attendant over shortly and that you can get in whenever you wish and you thank him. After he takes his leave, you strip and approach the water. It’s warm and relaxes your muscles almost immediately. It somewhat eases your worries and clears your head. You decide to take the time to enjoy yourself and this new experience.

As you fully submerge yourself in the water, you hear soft footsteps approach the lush landscape. The canopy is pulled back. You turn to see who has approached, and it is a young woman, appearing to be close to your age.

“Hello, I wanted to ask if you would like to indulge yourself in any of our oils and other healing elements.” She asks with a polite smile.

“Yes, I would. Thank you,” you return her kindness.

She gets down to meet you, showing you all of the various items and what they’re used for. She shows you that there are also naturally occurring remedies in the spring. She shows you how to retrieve and apply them as well. 

She asks you if you need anything else or would like some assistance. You politely decline and she gives you a knowing smile. As your conversation is about to come to an end, you’re startled by a familiar voice booming through the air. 

“ WHERE IS SHE? ” Ambessa yells as you’re taken away from your relaxed state and the woman who had been attending you jumps at the audible intrusion. Moments later, the thick leaves separating you from public view are thrown aside. You turn to face her, instinctively covering yourself in case she is accompanied.

She looks at the woman who kneels next to you. She utters only a single word. “Leave,” and she does, after giving you one last glance and bows a little as she scurries off. Ambessa watches the woman as she leaves, eyebrows furrowed with anger. Only after she’s completely out of sight, does Ambessa snap her gaze back towards you.

“Where is he?” She asks through gritted teeth.

You’re genuinely confused so you answer her question with an additional one. “Who do you speak of, my lady?”

“A member of my guard informed me you wandered off and met up with some…man.” She spat. Her accent is even thicker in anger.

“I did nothing of the sort, my lady.” You defend yourself calmly.

“So who was this man they spoke of, or do you accuse him of lying?”

“I am not accusing anyone of anything. I'm simply informing you of what happened. He was a guide who escorted me to this area and nothing more.”

“And he saw you undress yourself?”

“Why would you ask me such a thing?”

“Answer me.”

“No, my lady. As I said, I only asked that he show me to a private place where I may partake in bathing as well. After showing me where I could go, he told me he would send in a woman and left me alone.”  At this point, you’re still trying to coax her into believing you, but with every question, you feel as if you become irritated yourself.

“I assume you refer to the one who just left? And what of this woman?” She questions.

“We spoke only some. She showed me the same things you were shown. And then you interrupted hers and my conversation as it was coming to a close. I did nothing wrong, my lady.”

She only bores into you further, presumably searching for untruths or deception. You wouldn’t do such a thing. “So you have nothing to confess?” Her unnecessary prodding continues.

You again tried your best to maintain civility, despite her complete absence of it. Her actions combined with her accusatory questioning…it was becoming impossible.

“I have nothing to confess. My lady, you are the only one with an interest in the people of this nation, not I.” Your words have a double meaning. She catches on quickly.

“Mind yourself. And even so, what does that matter to you? I may do as I please with whomever I please.” She responds.

“I am only trying to make it known that I have done nothing that deserves this interrogation. My actions have been nothing but respectful and aware.”

“You were a gift to me. I have the right to what’s mine. That means if I think my gift is being shared, I may find an issue with that.”

“I was given to you as a lady’s maid. I am not yours to treat as you please.” You start to meet her flippancy. 

“There were no protests on that ship. Not a complaint in Noxus.” She returns your attitude.

“That was before today. I do not want to be an addition to the plethora of women you decide you want to have on this tour. I expected we may…” You trail off.

“You expected what, my loyalty? That I dedicate myself to you singularly” She scoffs. “I’m not even committed to my husband, what makes you think I’d commit myself to a maid,” she laughs a bit and it’s cruel. The words sting, causing a deep pain in your heart. 

“I do not know, what I expected was that you’d be different from men, forgive me for my assumption.” You’d never spoken back to her in such a manner. Never defied her. Never intentionally insulted her. Never wanted to…until now. You just wanted her to hurt as you did. You begin to turn your back to face away from her but she’s already approaching you.

She fumes, bending down and forcing your face to look up at her. Your eyes burn, fighting back tears. She seems to notice but doesn’t care. You return her fierce glare, waiting for the next awful thing she has to say.

“Never compare me to any fucking man.” She lets go as roughly as she did to take hold of your face and leaves. You feel a deep hurt. You knew what you were getting yourself into, yet you still found yourself in a predicament. Maybe you were just as naive as your father claimed you to be. 

Shortly after your altercation, the same woman who helped you earlier returns with cloths and hands them to dry yourself. She gives you a smile, filled with pity. A few tears prickle at your eyes. Her actions are a much-needed kindness. You decide it’s finally time to lift yourself from the water.

After you’re dry, she offers you a new set of clothes, plain and white. You take them with a weak smile. You dress in the provided clothing and give the woman one last thank you. She bows a tad and turns to leave. You return to the edge of the water, bringing yourself to the ground before you. You dip your legs into the pool and let them lazily flow within the water. As you sit there, you finally allow the tears to fall from your eyes.

❖❖❖❖❖

After some time, you’re retrieved to have a meal. In the dining hall, there is a seat next to Ambessa that is unclaimed. You choose to take one further away, seeing that she is already being waited on. You eat dinner in silence, as the room around you is filled with liveliness. You see as women continue to fill Ambessa’s chalice with decadent wines. She accepts every pour, becoming more and more generous with her thank yous.

You roll your eyes discreetly, knowing at this point she’s doing it on purpose. You continue to eat, deciding not to pay her any more attention than you already have. Someone comes around with a pitcher offering you the same wine. You go to retrieve your glass as you see Ambessa’s eyes bore into you. Completely disregarding her stare, you take a drink from the glass.

Her gaze is taken away from your actions as a man who appears to have physical characteristics of a fox speaks to her directly. 

“General, have you had a chance to visit our fighting pits? I imagine that’s more your thing than loungin’ around with some spring maidens.” 

One of the elders across the table rolls their eyes at the man.

“I didn’t mind the experience. I enjoyed bathing and I enjoyed the company. That being said, I won't decline your invitation. I’d be more than willing to accompany you there sir”

“General, you flatter me. I am far from a gentleman. Please just call me Sett.”

You decide you’ve had enough of this feast, standing from your chair to leave. You don’t want to hear any more of what she possibly might have to say about her day’s events. As you prepare to make your way to the door, Ambessa’s voice interrupts your steps.

“Where are you going?”

“If it’s okay with my lady, I would like to retire for the evening.” You answer her in an emotionless tone, keeping your gaze downward. You wait for her to speak. The room is completely silent and her answer almost takes entirely too long before it finally arrives.

“Go” is all she says and you quickly make your way to the exit.

❖❖❖❖❖

You are guided to your provided sleeping area. It’s pleasant, especially after being on a ship for all that time. You’re happy that you get to sleep somewhere that won’t inconsistently sway all night long. It’s a plain space with a few indoor plants and lit candles throughout. The bed takes up most of the room, which makes sense it is a space for a guest.

You find that your things have been transferred from the ship to this room. You quickly strip and slip into a random piece of sleepwear. When you make your way over to where the bed lies in the room, you blow out a candle before getting in. Once you’ve lain down, you finally realize just how exhausted you are. Not necessarily physically, but emotionally you feel as if you exhaust yourself any longer.

And even though she hurt you, you find yourself a little disappointed that you can’t sleep with Ambessa. You’ve become accustomed to sleeping with her. You wonder if that other woman from the springs will be the one sharing her bed tonight. The thought makes your heart hurt a little. Another part of you hates how dependent you’ve become. You drift to bed, pushing back any thoughts of Ambessa.

Notes:

mean ambessa is here, i’m sorry it was coming 😭 i did warn you all!

hi also i am so so sooo sorry for the little delay, i swear i have the fanfic writer’s curse. i literally got sick :((. but here’s the new chapter and i hope you all enjoy. leave kudos and comments if you like!! i love and appreciate all of you!

Chapter 7: Undecided

Summary:

Is the current state of your relationship with Ambessa beyond repair?

You arise a little behind your usual time, a little after dawn has greeted the skies. You feel the effects of the poor sleep and what little you had of it last night. You begrudgingly drag yourself out of bed and approach the chest that lies in front of the bed.

You quickly prepare yourself for the day, taking out a red silk dress with two golden emblems on the shoulder. The two pieces of the top cover your breasts with a thin section down the center exposing some of your sternum and the rest of the dress flows down to your ankle loose pleats at the skirt.

Once you’ve finished, you step outside of your sleeping quarters. You’re startled to see one of Ambessa’s guards posted at the exit. You were unsure as to why he was there, maybe sent to watch you, but you don’t care to investigate further. You simply ask him where to find Ambessa and he provides you with directions.

You approach Ambessa’s quarters using the instructions you were given. They’re not far from yours but they’re a bit more private, more secluded. A guard pulls back the curtain for you and before you enter a woman scurries out. She passes you without so much as a glance. You try your best not to make assumptions, but you can’t quite figure out why else she would be in there.

You enter anyway, despite how you’re feeling, seeing Ambessa’s nude back in bed fast asleep. You can’t help but wonder if the woman was leaving from a night spent with your mistress or maybe her presence was requested this morning instead. The questions press at you but you try your best to ignore them.

You approach the bed, drawing back the curtains in an attempt to wake her with little interaction. In the earlier stages of knowing her, she was on high alert every time you entered to wake her. Despite having guards posted at every entry point and sleeping close to weapons, she would quickly awaken at your entry. Later in your service to her, she had somehow recognized your footfall, allowing herself to relax in your presence.

She stirs with a groan, pulling her pillows and linens to her face to create a barrier from the light. It was quite childlike of her. You’d maybe even find humor in it if you weren’t so upset with her. Realizing she wouldn’t rise from the sun’s rays shining into her space, you decide to speak to her.

“It’s time to awaken my lady,” you attempt to keep your tone flat. It doesn’t work very well in two regards. Your tone has a gentle beckoning to it, sounding a little more affectionate than you would have liked. And still, she refuses to get up from the bed.

She sits up a little only to readjust herself away from the lights. She's completely bare, only adding to your previous suspicions. You keep silent once again, attempting little reaction and only bringing her a robe to cover herself. She only remains under the darkness that the pillow provides. You know she’s aware you’re there, but despite it, you gently push at her shoulder with a hand.

“My lady, you have quite a bit to do today. Please wake up.” She never really particularly liked being awoken, but this was never before seen. She groans, pinching the bridge of her nose as she finally sits up. Once she’s actually opened her eyes, you approach her with the robe. She takes it from you and lazily throws it around her shoulders before slipping her arms into the garment.

She reaches down to tie the robe’s bind, giving her body a bit more coverage. You watch her, awaiting her next actions. She only looks up at you, staring at you intently. Her eyes linger on your body. Her gaze alone makes you uneasy and you think she’s about to speak before someone enters.

A woman brings in a tray filled with various foods for her morning meal. Ambessa looks at the tray, mildly displeased with its contents but proceeds to find something amongst the medley to pick at. 

You consider saying something, maybe offering to make her something she’d enjoy, but you decide otherwise. You make the decision not to go out of your way for her for the time being. She speaks as she eats, to the woman who brought her the food.

“Please familiarize my lady’s maid with the kitchen, she knows my preferences and can accommodate my requests for the remainder of our stay. I would like some ginger tea.” She turns to you before the woman so much as nods and begins again. “Do this while I meet with the provincial leaders. I’ll be back to retrieve you after.” You give her a nod.

“I cannot hear you.” She beckons for a verbal response.

She was looking at you directly when you nodded. She’s intentionally making you speak to her. The woman, still present, stands awkwardly between the two of you, but decides to leave before the two of you say anything further, presumably to retrieve the tea.

“Yes…my lady.” You hesitate.

You make your way to leave when she stops you.

“Where are you going?”

“To do what was asked of me.”

“Do it when I requested it to be done. I require bathing.”

You have half a mind to tell her that she’s more than capable of doing so alone. Or even to let her know that she has other options to assist her with her request. After yesterday, you find it hard to even tolerate her. Your thoughts must’ve been written throughout your face’s expression.

“I’ve had a long night, and I could use the help.” Her tone is unreadable and your heart sinks. 

What does she mean by that?

You go to the washroom and draw her a bath, watching as the fresh spring waters flow into the basin. Its size is a bit smaller than what Ambessa’s used to, but it will have to suffice for the time being. Going without one is not an option for her, she wouldn’t allow it. 

She sighs as she approaches the entrance of the washroom. She slips off the robe you gave her previously and disregards it somewhere on the floor. You go to pick it up but she stops you, a quick “leave it” leaves her lips so you do. She lowers herself into the bath, her knees almost connecting to her chest. She sighs again, this one filled with disappointment.

You bathe her in silence, ensuring that you reach her without needing to worry about unnecessarily getting close to or touching her. Occasionally, it’s unavoidable and it doesn’t help that she has to sit in the bathtub with her knees unusually closer to her chest.

“How are your sleeping arrangements?” You wish she’d just let you clean her without the need to converse, but that hope was a false one.

“They’re fine, my lady.” You plan to keep your answers short. It’s petty but you think you’re well within your rights.

“If you’d like, I could arrange for you to sleep here with me for the remainder of our time being here.” Her offer is a hard one to refuse. You’ve become accustomed to sleeping with her for the past few months and it was undeniably a little challenging to sleep alone last night. You choose to remain steadfast in your decision to minimize contact between the two of you and maintain your self-respect.

“As we’ve previously considered my lady, I don’t think that would be wise. I can perform my responsibilities just fine where I am currently.” It was important to keep the secrecy of the nature of your relationship, but this time you only utilized the reason as an excuse.

She rolls her eyes at your response, clearly upset that she was unable to get her way. You don’t react to her being annoyed, only continuing to bathe her. You make haste with your actions, not wanting to answer any more of her questions. As you finish up, you walk away to find something to dry herself with. When you return, she stands completely nude before you. You feel your throat dry up a bit, but you tear your eyes away from the sight before you and hand her the drying towel.

You walk to the vanity and ask her to follow you with a small wave of your hand. She sits in front of the mirror, watching your every move as you bring her locs into an updo. You hold her hair in place for a moment awaiting her approval on the style before you finalize the placement.

“Is this how you would like to style them today?” She waits for your answer in reference to her locs. She stares at your face in the mirror. Her gaze is almost too much for you to bear.

“The choice is yours, my lady,” you quietly muster out, unsure of how much she will continue to tolerate your continuous and intentional curt answers.

You catch her rolling her eyes once again but you say nothing. She gets up from the vanity with a huff and without warning, but you quickly let go of her locs to not pull them. She really did seem to be losing her patience with you, but you weren’t going to let go of what happened just because she didn’t like how you were keeping to yourself. Not so easily.

Ambessa doesn’t bother requesting you dress her for the day, taking to the armoire herself. She finds something quick to slip into and makes her way to the door. She whispers something to one of her guards and heads for the exit.

❖❖❖❖❖

The servant shows you the kitchen, a large food pantry, and a small garden reserved for herbs used only in meals. They inform you that all of the items are available for your use as you wish and whatever may help you cook what it is that Ambeasa wishes to eat. 

The entire time you’re being shown something or you change directions, a man from Ambessa’s entourage is close, keeping watch of the menial task you’ve been given. It wasn’t common for her to do so back in Noxus, but you’ve noticed that you’re seldom alone here in Ionia. Maybe she didn’t trust you. Maybe it was the people here she didn’t.

Shortly after the tour, you return to your quarters. You select a few more garments for the following days to come just to have at the ready and explore the space you were given some more. You find various toiletries and small gifts for your personal use. You consider giving some of them a use, but decide against it. Ambessa could come retrieve you the moment you get into something.

As if she could feel you thinking about her, she enters your quarters unannounced. “Come, we’re going to view the fighting pits with the fox-man”. She references the man Sett you both met at last night’s feast. She had a hint of annoyance in her tone. You deduce the meeting didn’t exactly go in her favor.

“My lady, if it’s alright I would prefer to stay here. I don’t wish to see anyone…” You hesitate, unsure of what her answer would be, if she would disregard your feelings and drag you along despite your concern.

“It is only sparring. I would not intentionally make you witness death.” Her eyes are a little softer as she reassures you. She turns to leave and you follow closely behind her.

❖❖❖❖❖

You and Ambessa approach the seating portion of the arena. It took quite a bit of navigating to get to your destination and you could swear you were below sea level, but you made it. Sett greets the two of you and you both go to where he sits as a soldier follows closely behind. Ambessa takes a seat next to the eager man and you take your place next to her.

He explains that the underground fighting pits are on the verge of prohibition and that he doesn’t see why that needs to happen. He’s honest, telling Ambessa it’s how he makes his money and even maintains and reduces criminal violence, encouraging it to happen here instead.

“If pit fightin’ is taken away, I’m not sure what kind of hell will break loose in Ionia.” He watches the match intently as he speaks. Below, the larger opponent of the two barrels towards the smaller. You think they might be unable to avoid the blow, but you watch as they easily maneuver around it.

Ambessa turns to a servant who holds an uncorked spherical bottle filled with wine. “Where is the wine from last night’s feast, I’d like more if you have it,” she asks, awaiting an answer from the woman.

She seems not to understand what she’s being asked, knitting her eyebrows together in confusion. You take it upon yourself to speak with the woman, translating Ambessa’s request in Ionian and she follows through. Your actions take Seff’s attention away from the match, now completely on you.

“You speak Ionian?” One of his ears was pointed towards the air as his interest piqued.

“Enough to be conversational, yes sir.” You answer in return.

“And what else?”

“Most, if not all of the modern languages of Runeterra. And a few historical languages as well.” You’re not one to brag but he did ask.

“Show me,” he says simply.

You speak briefly, showing your understanding of the language. You ask him simple, formal questions and allow for his answers. As you prove yourself further, you watch as he can’t hide how impressed he is.

“Absolutely fuckin’ amazing! Have you traveled far?” He prods.

“No sir. My father encouraged his children to be well-versed in all things. I took to languages and histories and became something of a translator. My mother is of Noxus and I really wanted to know all about the aspects of her culture and from there I continued to expand my knowledge.” He was watching you intently as you spoke.

“My apologies sir, I am rambling a bit.”

“No sorries needed. I’m not much for books, my old man wanted me to fight more than anythin’. But like you, my mama is also from Noxus. I don’t know much of ‘er, but I bet she’s got brains, just like you.” He finishes his sentiment with a wink.

“I appreciate it, sir, thank you.” You flush a bit at his compliment. Ambessa remains silent, stone-faced towards the arena. You watch as her grip tightens around her chalice. Sett turns his attention back to the arena, the fight coming to a close.

The smaller opponent is named the winner of the match, causing the loser to leave with a huff. Sett traverses the broken stairs of the colosseum leading to the center of the arena, presumably to congratulate the victor.

“Come General. I want you to meet my champion.” Sett calls towards Ambessa’s presence, his tone filled with pride.

“I need a brief moment, I will meet you down there momentarily,” she returns. He shrugs a little and proceeds without her. When Sett leaves your presence, Ambessa turns to face you. She takes you by the arm and brings you to a secluded area of the amphitheater. Your feet barely manage to keep up with her strides. 

“My lady please, slow down! I cannot keep up.” You beg.

She halted completely, lifting you from the ground and quickly making her way to whatever destination she had planned for the two of you. When she finally stops again, she places you back on your feet. You quickly let go of her and find your own footing. You wait for whatever it is the reason she’s brought you to stand before her.

“You have not smiled once while here and now that you’ve found…companionship in this random man, and you’re just filled with such glee?” Ambessa interrogates you as if you’re the one who’s done something to her:

You don’t really know what to say. Did she seriously think you’d be in any way joyous in her presence after the day’s events prior? In what part of the brief duration of your arrival in Ionia did she believe it to be so enjoyable? You deem her question rhetorical but her eyes demand an answer. You sigh, speaking freely but remaining formal.

“What reason have I had to smile of late, my lady? What have you done to give me even a remote sense of happiness?” You answer her question with your own.

“Mind yourself.” She steps closer to you. You step back, connecting with a wall. She speaks again. “You know that we are nothing more than lovers. I thought I established that.” She finishes. Her words still hold the same sting.

“I know that. But I also know that you didn’t have to be so hurtful. You didn’t have to humiliate me in such a manner.” Your eyes brim with tears, tears you’ve been holding in for much too long. You don’t even know why you’re crying. She was your lady, your general. Not someone to fall for. Not your betrothed. But at this moment it all hurts. What she’s done, the idea of her even seeking out someone else outside of you. 

As if your tears softened her, she immediately confessed her intentions.

“I…I did it to drive you away. I am continuing to do so. I am selfish. I know I can not have you in any long-term manner. I know none of this makes sense, even to me.” You look up at her with teary eyes and wait for her to speak further. She sighs, but continues.

“When we docked on this island, it became very apparent that I have to keep true to my word and begin finding you a husband. And truth be told, I don’t want to do that. I have found that I want you to myself completely. I know at this point I am physically unable to resist you, so I did the one thing I knew would hurt you. The one thing I knew would drive a wedge between us, but I can’t bear to do that to you a moment longer. Many deserve my torment, you are not one.” She finishes and looks to you.

“And that woman who left your quarters this morning, was that also a part of your plan to drive me away?” You accuse her with your question, ignoring the tender parts of her confession.

“No, because in truth I didn't know who that woman was. She came into my space and attempted to wake me. I drew my blade and scared her off. I wasn’t expecting anyone other than you.” You want to believe what she says.

“And what of your long night?” You quote her from earlier in the day.

“I partook entirely too much after you left. That is all. You are more than welcome to ask your new friend when we return.” You still look at her with eyes filled with suspicion.

She sees this and sighs. “If it’s really what you want, we don’t have to ever speak again. I can make it so.”

“I still have my responsibilities to you, I’m not going to ask you to do that…I don’t want to do that.” You confess quietly.

“Then is that all we will have between us? Responsibilities?” She steps closer to you. You try to turn away but she already holds your face in her hands. A residual tear from your previous feelings glides down your face and onto her thumb. You feel your resolve begin to crumble within her touch. All of your anger is swept away. She speaks without waiting for your answer.

“I shouldn’t have done what I did. Forgive me. I won’t ever force my habits in your face like that again…for any reason.” She sounds honest.

“I do not know if I can.” She didn’t exactly say she wouldn’t pursue anyone else, just that she wouldn’t do it in your presence. You’re unsure if you can trust her or even if what she did was the right way to go about doing so. She comes even closer, bringing her head to your neck. “Be mine again.” She speaks against your skin close to your ear. She says things like this with no shame or hesitation. 

“My lady, I will have to take it into consideration.” Your answer leaves room for interpretation. You wish you weren’t so weak for her.

“Come sleep with me tonight.” She’s not asking.

“My lady-”

“Do not refuse me any longer. I wish to share a bed with you again. You can do this considering of yours as you lie next to me.” You sigh in defeat, and that’s enough of an answer for her. She gently takes you by the hand and leads you away from your seclusion. You hope you’re making the right decision.

Notes:

loooooong chapter everyone :o i am sorry i just had so much i wanted to include! if there are parts that don’t make sense i promise to look back over it, my week was just a tad busy. i feel 50/50 about this chapter but i slick am really ready to get back to the smut and she’s coming i swear! love you all soooo so much, if you enjoy so far please leave kudos!!

Chapter 8: author’s note

hi everyone,

i want to start by saying i am so thankful for all the love i have received on both of my fics. i came to ao3 to share my thoughts and ideas about some of my favorite characters with fellow enthusiasts. i never expected so much support and it really warms my heart. 

that being said, while i am a kind person through and through, and welcome constructive criticism, i don’t tolerate disrespect to my readers, my work, or myself. 

i do not, have not and will never use ai to write. a guest commenter accused me of doing so recently and it truly was upsetting. i know how hard i work for all of my readers. i try to ensure that you all have the best reading experience. in my personal opinion, i am a pretty good writer. i have always been in regards to grammar. though i read fics with any type of grammar and i don’t really mind, i hold myself to a strict standard only because it’s my preference. the only computer that i will allow to assist me in my writing is whatever one grammarly may use.

i will always show the utmost gratitude to everyone who chooses to partake in my writing. this isn’t going to stop me from writing, and though this may seem a little dramatic, it made me feel weird that a complete stranger accused me of something that i myself don’t stand for. if my reading isn’t for you personally, i respect that completely. 

with that out of the way, i have a very busy month ahead of me and i want all of my readers to know that i have no plans to abandon either of my works. i have plans for additional works and to continue to be an active member of ao3. and i really plan to bring it during october!! i want to also post more drawings and maybe even finally debut my own arcane oc.

i am taking a small break from writing but i will return. this won’t be anything like last time i vanished. i am going to leave this note up for a little while to give everyone who wants to a chance to read it, but i would like to eventually take it down so as to not disrupt the flow of the chapters.

i will continue to post announcements on here using a work titled “pastry announcements”  on my profile and please feel free to ask any questions you may have and i will be sure to answer them! i also have twitter and tumblr and i try to answer pms and dms on there! again, thank you all so so SO much. i couldn’t do this without my readers.

with much love,

pastry 🥄🩷