Mine Beloved

“I need a slave.” Lord Lucian Blackwell declared, gazing at the eloquent garden through the window of his manor.“A slave?” Trevor asked as he dropped his feet from the table in disbelief.It was no secret the number of the things Lucian Blackwell detested–slavery being chief among them. Slaves were nothing but property: deprived of name, status, wealth, respect, and dignity. To Lucian, slaves were depreciating liabilities–they aged and got boring quickly. He believed in the principle, ‘Every man has a price’ which extended to labour. Until now.Lucian turned away from the window and took a seat, facing his old friend. “I need a slave. Young, healthy, and smart. I don’t care the cost if it meets my requirements.”Trevor leaned forward, “Why? You have never weened such notion… What changed?”Lucian’s eyes flickered toward the painted portrait of his deceased wife cradling an infant swaddled in a red blanket. “For Nathaniel’s education. A slave his age to learn, rival, befriend, and ser

Ten days later, Lucian returned to his home at the countryside. Although it was modest compared to the grand manor in Linfield, it was still the largest property in town. Green plants lined the paths, creating intricate patterns that guided carriages and visitors to the white villa. Dull vines, bare of flowers, clung to portions of the villa’s walls. The sight of the neglected plants stirred a bittersweet feeling in Sarang, who stared at them until he was called inside.The servants greeted Lucian warmly, relieved with his safe return, but their eyes soon drifted to the unfamiliar child clinging to their master's side..Lucian Blackwell was an intimidating alpha in his thirties. He was very attractive with wavy chestnut hair, onyx eyes, and a thick beard that framed his rugged, olive, skin. A faded scar ran across his left cheek, enhancing his imposing presence. Yet, the beautiful child grasping his hand without fear amused the servants.“Father!” A bubbly voice called.Sarang gawked

Nathaniel stared at the doors of Lucian’s study and heaved. He knocked then entered.His father sat at his desk, eyes closed, coloured papers and books strewn around him, and a half-full bottle of whiskey rested by his side. A glass chessboard and books sat on a desk by a window with two chairs facing each other. The shelves contained more fictional literature than the boring textbooks, children’s books, poems, and literature his father enjoyed. Portraits of Nathaniel, Sarang, and Lucian hung on the emerald walls, and newly additions of non-alcoholic drinks.Every nook and cranny held an essence of Sarang. Nathaniel’s expression turned grim.“Father.” Nathaniel called from the door.Lucian opened his eyes.“Is now a bad time?” Nathan asked, his tone solemn.“It’s fine.” Lucian replied, readjusting in his chair. “Come, sit down.”Nathaniel couldn't help but notice the endless paperwork before his father. As the Grand Duke, Lucian’s responsibilities seemed unending, tethering him to his