002

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 him alone with the slave master.

“Is there anything else of interest I may offer you, my lord? Wine? Women? Men? Children?” The master asked, his voice sickly sweet, lingering suggestively on his final word.  

Lucian frowned. “I have what I need.”

“Of course. My lord was very generous in purchasing from my tent;  I fear you may feel dishonoured if I allow you leave without expressing my gratitude.”

With a clap of his hands, three slaves entered the room. They knelt in unison, back straight and head bowed dressed provocatively in thin linens and jewelleries. The youngest was barely a year older than Lucian’s own son, Nathaniel, and the sight made Lucian scowl and stomach churn.

“Please, accept them as my gift.” The master pleaded.

Lucian sighed. Four was a crowd when he only needed one. The slave master wouldn’t yield until Lucian accepted these slaves to avoid conflict or dissatisfaction in the future. Trevor would help them.

"I accept your gift," Lucian said, his voice laced with resignation. "Dress them warmly. We leave now."

The auction master laughed lightly, relieved. "As you wish, my lord. You heard your master, dress warm!" The slaves scrambled to their feet to fulfil their first command.

When the child entered the grand manor, his breath caught in his throat. He twirled slowly, eyes wide with wonder as he took in the magnificent interior. A massive chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft glow over the detailed woodwork and stone carvings that adorned the walls. The portraits, elegantly framed, gazed down upon him with serene expressions, and each piece of furniture was perfectly placed, a testament to Lucian’s refined taste.

Lucian watched the child’s innocent awe with a hint of amusement. He was like a blank canvas, untouched by the luxuries of this world. It was a stark contrast to the life he had known until now.

“Welcome home, Master Lucian.” A voice interrupted. It was the butler, who bowed as the other servants followed suit.

“Glad to be back.” Lucian replied.

Lucian handed his coat to a maid and knelt on one knee, lowering himself as tall as the child. The child casted his head down, but Lucian lifted his chin, bringing the boy’s curious blue eyes to meet his own.

“Do you have a name?” Lucian asked softly.

“Master.” The child replied.

“Lucian. Lucian.” Lucian pointed at himself then the child’s chest. “You?”

The child stared at Lucian’s hand. Lucian exhaled, realizing that the boy didn’t fully grasp the language yet.

“Sarang.” The child blurted. “Sarang.”

Lucian was surprised. The child’s voice, Sarang’s voice was soft and clear with an unfamiliar accent. It was soothing to listen.

“Master pick new name.”

“Sarang is perfect.” Lucian replied and ruffled his hair. “From today, I am your master. Welcome to my home, Sarang.”

Lucian rose to his full height, turning to the butler. “Sebastian, prepare a bath, feed him, and ready a room for him. Take care of him, he’s expensive.”

“Yes, Master Lucian.”

“I’ll be in my study.” Lucian casted one last glance at the child before making his way toward the stairs.

Everyone relaxed after Lucian left and gazed at the child. They all shared the same thought, but no comments were made until Sebastian clapped his hands.

As soon as Lucian left, the servants relaxed. Their eyes lingering on Sarang while exchanging curious glances, though no one dared to speak openly. Sebastian clapped his hands, snatching their attention.

“You heard the master. Take care of the child and put him in bed.” Sebastian instructed and the servants scattered.

“You?” Sebastian pointed at Sarang who stiffened. “Follow me.”

He followed the butler to a well-prepared room where the maids had already drawn a warm bath. They gently undressed and bathed him with scented soaps, scrubbing his skin until it glowed pink. Once he was clean, they wrapped him in a large, soft towel.

One of the maids held up a small blue nightdress. "These belonged to the young master," Sebastian said. "They should fit you."

The maids dressed Sarang carefully. The nightdress fit well enough, though the sleeves swallowed his hands, making the maids giggle. The youngest of them, picked up a brush and gasped when she touched his hair. Her fingers moved gently through the soft strands.

"It’s so soft and," the maid murmured, her touch reverent. "Velvety."

A simple meal was served to Sarang in his room. He ate slowly, nibbling at the food with small, hesitant bites. Though he finished the plate, Sebastian noted to correct his restrained eating habits. In the Blackwell household, no one—slave or free—rationed their portions. Food was abundant here.

“Goodnight.” Sebastian said and put out the lights.

After Sebastian’s echoing footsteps stopped, Sarang sat up in the darkness, staring at his feet on the vast, empty bed. He pulled the blanket up to his chin, but the silence pressed in on him, unfamiliar and unsettling. Back in the caravan, he had never been alone. There was always the hum of voices, and the warmth of bodies when he slept.

Here was different, he couldn’t sleep.

Sarang slipped out of bed and wondered off. His small feet barely made a sound as he padded through the dark corridors, searching for Lucian. He pushed every open door quietly until he found Lucian’s bedroom.

“You should be sleeping.” Lucian’s deep voice greeted him from across the room. He laid on the bed, a thin novel in his hand.

Sarang fidgeted in his oversized nightdress, face meek, and lips slightly pouted. He glanced at the bed longingly but didn’t know how to ask. Lucian understood. Nathaniel displayed such habits when he couldn’t sleep alone.

“Come.” Lucian said and patted the bedspace on his left.

Sarang beamed and rushed Lucian’s side. He quickly climbed onto the bed, pulling the blanket over his frame. He gazed at Lucian with gratitude.

“You have to learn to sleep on your own.” Lucian cautioned, though his tone was gentle.

Sarang hugged him which startled Lucian. Lucian stroked his soft silver hair, slipping his finger from the top of his hair to his nape.

Without warning, Sarang hugged him tightly, startling Lucian. For a moment, Lucian was stiff, unaccustomed to such spontaneous affection. Then, slowly, he placed a hand on the boy’s head, stroking his soft, silver hair.

“Thank you, kind master.” Sarang yawned and dozed off with his head on Lucian’s thigh.

Lucian lips twitched; he rested the small child’s head on a pillow then switched off the lights.

“Goodnight.”

The room fell into silence once more, but this time, Sarang slept soundly, his small figure curled up in the warmth of Lucian’s body.