“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
The cold air of the night bit at the child's skin as he stood before Lucian, his frail body exposed and shivering with a thin chain hung loosely around his neck. He flickered his gaze between the ground and the towering man who had purchased him.“Does he speak?” Lucian asked, examining the child.“Yes, m’lord, but he is lacking in our tongue.” The keeper yanked the leash sharply. “Speak.”“Master.” The child’s voice was soft and timid as he prostrated.“Stand.” Lucian commanded.The keeper tugged the chain again and the child stood. This infuriated Lucian. It was a slave, not a beast.“Cast the chain and clothe him.” Lucian ordered.“But m’lord–” The keeper dared to argue.“Do as the lord say!” A voice cut through, belonging to a stubby man clad in expensive, fine fabrics and adorned in gold jewelleries. This haughty beta was the master of the auction.“Yes sir.” The keeper responded quickly and led the boy away.“Follow them.” Lucian instructed and Trevor followed the keeper leaving
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
Season’s flourished, days progressed to weeks, weeks to months, a year, two, three until eighteen years had passed. All the children raised in the Blackwell villa aged with beauty and grace and young passion blossomed as well.In the beauty of spring at the Blackwell’s home, servants scurried the halls, quick on their feet to complete their morning tasks on time. The sight was satirical to witness, their faces alight with joy and anticipation for a very important visitor.The sounds of two horses galloping grew louder as their riders waved to the gardeners watering and trimming the plant paths until they stopped at the doors of the grand villa.Nathaniel dismounted his white horse and grinned at his childhood home. Asides age, the house retained its charm. The once dull and dry vines were now vibrant green with purple flowers and small sprouts of mushrooms on it. It had become this way under the tender care of a cute lunari.He was home.A young maid knocked on Lucian’s study and ente
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
Ten days later, Lucian and Sarang set off for New Borough at dawn. The journey was long and exhausting, but Sarang admired the view away from their hometown. The first he had ever gone without Nathan tagging along.Sarang’s eyes softened. He wondered what Nathan was doing. Were the negotiations going smoothly? Was Nathan facing challenges he couldn’t?Sarang heaved and glanced at his notes. He blushed and snapped the book close, attaining Lucian’s attention.“What has you flustered?” Lucian asked and Sarang shook his head.“It’s nothing.” Sarang said.But it was something. Nathan was the only man on his mind, but his note was mostly full of the man sitting in front of him, it was muscle memory. Sarang finally understood Nathan’s anxiety.He was too friendly with Master.“We have arrived.” Lucian said and Sarang pushed the curtain aside.New Borough was a quaint, picturesque village nestled among lush greenery. The homes were a mix of old stone buildings with thatched roofs, and newer
As night crept, the streets bustled with people and lanterns casting warm light over the cold evening. Sarang picked up a green half mask from the wagon and turned to Lucian.“What do you think, Master?” Sarang asked.Lucian shook his head. “It doesn’t compliment your crown.”“How about this?”“It’s unflattering.”“And this?”“You lack the charm of a fox.”Sarang frowned, folding his arms. “We will never obtain a mask if you are picky, Master. It is a festival–to celebrate and live carefree, not brood and critique.” He picked a red mask.“The colour is–”“This is for you,” Sarang interrupted. “You always wear dull colours. Red is considered a lucky and rich colour.”Sarang slipped the mask onto Lucian’s face. It was shaped like an owl, adorned with rhinestones and feathers, cool against Lucian’s skin. Lucian studied his reflection, hands clasped behind him, giving a nod of approval. “Thank you.” Lucian said.Sarang grinned in victory.Lucian chose a blue mask and gently fastened it o
Sarang stepped back, clutching the gemstone in his hand and returned to Lucian’s side.“I helped them.” Sarang said.Lucian’s lips curved into a small smile. “I never doubted.”Sarang hugged him tightly.Moments later, the mayor approached, his demeanor formal but kind. “Thank you for celebrating with us, Grand Duke. It is our honour to host you.” He extended his hand, which Lucian shook him with a serious counter.“Your village has excellent hospitality.” Lucian stated. The mayor’s gaze shifted to Sarang, softening into a warm smile.“You’ve done a great service for our village; I don’t know how to repay you.” The mayor said.“You don’t have to. I enjoyed my time here, and…” Sarang held out the gemstone. “This belongs to the people of New Borough.”The mayor shook his head. “It is yours. It is a gift from the fairy queen herself. Nineteen years ago, the flower delayed blooming too.”“Really?” Sarang asked.“Yes. I had forgotten until today. My wife sang to the flower when morning cam
As night crept, the streets bustled with people and lanterns casting warm light over the cold evening. Sarang picked up a green half mask from the wagon and turned to Lucian.“What do you think, Master?” Sarang asked.Lucian shook his head. “It doesn’t compliment your crown.”“How about this?”“It’s unflattering.”“And this?”“You lack the charm of a fox.”Sarang frowned, folding his arms. “We will never obtain a mask if you are picky, Master. It is a festival–to celebrate and live carefree, not brood and critique.” He picked a red mask.“The colour is–”“This is for you,” Sarang interrupted. “You always wear dull colours. Red is considered a lucky and rich colour.”Sarang slipped the mask onto Lucian’s face. It was shaped like an owl, adorned with rhinestones and feathers, cool against Lucian’s skin. Lucian studied his reflection, hands clasped behind him, giving a nod of approval. “Thank you.” Lucian said.Sarang grinned in victory.Lucian chose a blue mask and gently fastened it o
Ten days later, Lucian and Sarang set off for New Borough at dawn. The journey was long and exhausting, but Sarang admired the view away from their hometown. The first he had ever gone without Nathan tagging along.Sarang’s eyes softened. He wondered what Nathan was doing. Were the negotiations going smoothly? Was Nathan facing challenges he couldn’t?Sarang heaved and glanced at his notes. He blushed and snapped the book close, attaining Lucian’s attention.“What has you flustered?” Lucian asked and Sarang shook his head.“It’s nothing.” Sarang said.But it was something. Nathan was the only man on his mind, but his note was mostly full of the man sitting in front of him, it was muscle memory. Sarang finally understood Nathan’s anxiety.He was too friendly with Master.“We have arrived.” Lucian said and Sarang pushed the curtain aside.New Borough was a quaint, picturesque village nestled among lush greenery. The homes were a mix of old stone buildings with thatched roofs, and newer
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
Season’s flourished, days progressed to weeks, weeks to months, a year, two, three until eighteen years had passed. All the children raised in the Blackwell villa aged with beauty and grace and young passion blossomed as well.In the beauty of spring at the Blackwell’s home, servants scurried the halls, quick on their feet to complete their morning tasks on time. The sight was satirical to witness, their faces alight with joy and anticipation for a very important visitor.The sounds of two horses galloping grew louder as their riders waved to the gardeners watering and trimming the plant paths until they stopped at the doors of the grand villa.Nathaniel dismounted his white horse and grinned at his childhood home. Asides age, the house retained its charm. The once dull and dry vines were now vibrant green with purple flowers and small sprouts of mushrooms on it. It had become this way under the tender care of a cute lunari.He was home.A young maid knocked on Lucian’s study and ente
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
The cold air of the night bit at the child's skin as he stood before Lucian, his frail body exposed and shivering with a thin chain hung loosely around his neck. He flickered his gaze between the ground and the towering man who had purchased him.“Does he speak?” Lucian asked, examining the child.“Yes, m’lord, but he is lacking in our tongue.” The keeper yanked the leash sharply. “Speak.”“Master.” The child’s voice was soft and timid as he prostrated.“Stand.” Lucian commanded.The keeper tugged the chain again and the child stood. This infuriated Lucian. It was a slave, not a beast.“Cast the chain and clothe him.” Lucian ordered.“But m’lord–” The keeper dared to argue.“Do as the lord say!” A voice cut through, belonging to a stubby man clad in expensive, fine fabrics and adorned in gold jewelleries. This haughty beta was the master of the auction.“Yes sir.” The keeper responded quickly and led the boy away.“Follow them.” Lucian instructed and Trevor followed the keeper leaving
“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