The Princess and The Servant

Chapter 36

"And when you're done with that", Tamako added, "you have to go do the laundry and then Varrick wants to speak with you".

Speak with her?? Why?? Korra didn't voice her questions and nodded.

"Yes, sir".

Korra picked up the pace. She swept and swept, her overseer's eyes on her at all times. It made her slightly jumpy and nervous. If she slipped up in front of him, she'd be beaten right then and there. The bruises from her last beating two days ago were still prominent on her ribs and arms.

'If Asami was here, she wouldn't have let him hurt me the first time I came here'

It was hopeless to still think of the woman who, for all Korra knew, married someone else by then. It had been three years since they last saw eachother so Korra wouldn't be shocked if Asami had forgotten about her and married a prince or princess instead. The thought hurt Korra but it was very possible.

The raven haired princess was always on Korra's mind, along with her friends and parents.

Korra sighed as she stopped. She was finally done. She'd no idea how much time had passed but she was glad it was done.

"Finished??".

Korra looked at Tamako.

"Yes, sir", she said with a nod.

The man walked around, looking at the floor, inspecting her work. Korra watched him.

After a few moments he turned to Korra.

"Good enough", he said. "Now scrub the floor".

Korra frowned deeply.

"But don't I have to go to Master Varrick??".

Tamako raised an eyebrow. Korra knew she messed up.

Tamako slowly approached the servant woman. Korra knew what was coming.

"Did you just question me??", Tamako asked.

Korra knew she was in trouble.

"No, sir", she replied quickly, shaking her head. "I-I'm sorry. I won't talk back again".

Tamako walked up to her and grabbed her left wrist. He gripped it tightly in his hand. The man pulled her close.

"No you won't", he growled. "And I'll be sure to teach you another lesson, stupid bitch".

Korra was suddenly tossed onto the floor, making her let go of the broom. Korra fell into the floor, falling on her knees. She looked up at the older man. Korra cowered in fear.

"I'm sorry. I'll never talk back again, I promise", she pleaded.

Tamako gave a swift kick to her stomach. Korra hissed in pain. Then another kick and another. Then a fist came down and connected with her face. Korra shielded herself as best she could. The man went full force on her.

The poor woman was thrown around, hitting walls, getting kicks and punched and slapped. The man was relentless as he beat her.

Finally he let up. He backed up, huffing and puffing. He looked down at Korra who was curled up in a ball on the floor.

"Get up, stupid", he ordered.

Korra slowly uncurled. She looked up and him, pushing herself up to a sitting. The new bruises were already forming, causing her to wince.

"Get. Up".

Tamako crossed his arms.

Korra nodded. "Yes, sir".

Korra switched so she was on her knees. The servant gripped the wall with her right hand. Korra slowly got to her feet. It hurt so badly. Korra held her left hand to her ribs. Pain was written across her face. Tamako had no remorse or guilt on his face.

"Now", he said. "You may go see what Varrick wants but when you get back, you will finish your chores. If you don't, you get another beating. Understand??".

Korra nodded. "I understand".

"Go", the man ordered, shoving Korra.

Korra caught herself. She walked down the hall, heading straight for Varrick's room. She walked down a few hallways. As she was passing by a door that led to balcony, something caught her eye. The woman stopped in her tracks and turned to face the open double doors. She recognized Varrick standing out on the She quietly walked up to the door. She lightly rested her left hand, gently holding on to the door as she looked out.

Varrick was facing the view of the large mass of property he owned.

Korra decided to knock on the door. She raped her knuckles gently on the wood. The man spun around quickly, obviously startled.

He saw Korra standing there.

"Geez, woman", he said. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!".

"I'm sorry if I scared you, Master", Korra said, bowing. "I didn't mean to. I was told you wanted to talk to me right away and I found you here".

Varrick relaxed and grinned.

"Oh, right. C'mere".

Korra approached her master and stopped a good five feet away. The spring breeze washed over her exposed arms. She clasped her hands behind her back, waiting for him to say something.

"You know, slave", Varrick said, leaning on the stone banister of the rail. "These past three years have been interesting with you around".

His grin turned to a smile.

"I like you", he said. "You're a tough cookie to crack. There's something in you that doesn't seem able to break by anyone. I know you don't like me, correct??".

"No one cares if I do or not, Master", Korra replied. "You know that my opinion of you doesn't matter a bit".

"Well", Varrick continued, turning his back to Korra. "I know you don't and you'd rather strangle me to death at times".

Korra said nothing. He was right, though.

"I know you're miserable here. I just wanted to let you know that you're being sold off somewhere else".

Korra did not expect that. She was genuine taken off guard.

"Really??".

"Yup", Varrick replied. "You'll be leaving tomorrow. So I want this place spotless before then. New servants will be coming in today. One will be accompanying you to go where you go so you won't be lonely".

Korra was extremely confused.

"Forgive me if I'm being rude", she said. "But why do you care if I'm miserable??".

Varrick looked over her shoulder. He smirked.

"I just want you where you belong".

So he did have a heart. Hm. Shocking.

Where she belonged?? What was that suppose to mean??

"Go", he said. "Get this place as shiny as a new coin".

"Yes, Master", Korra said with a bow.

She turned around. She paused and looked over her shoulder.

"Zhu li likes you", she said before walking away.

Korra walked back inside. She turned left and walked down the hall, tying up her hair. She had a ton of work to be done and such little time.

Piece of cake.

Her mind was filled with questions. Where was she going?? What would her new master or mistress be like?? Why was Varrick so nice all of the sudden?? Did he really care about how she felt??

Korra had to wait to find out.

So comment what you think :)