Luren woke up with Craige still by his side, a rare and precious sight. For once, he
hadn't left before dawn. A soft smile curved on Luren's lips as he quietly shifted in bed, careful not to wake him. He knew Craige had been working himself to the bone, and though Luren had a full day ahead, just this quiet moment made everything feel lighter.
Luren tiptoed across the room, glancing back once more at the man still asleep under
the soft folds of their blanket. Craige's brows were relaxed for once, his breathing slow and even, so different from the constant worry etched into his face these past weeks.
The new hires all started today. Those who chose to stay were given rooms in the
servants' quarters, located on the eastern side of the manor grounds. It was a fair distance from the main house, where the Duke's family and officials resided, offering the staff both space and a sense of their own community.
For those who wished to bring their families, housing was also provided
a testament to the Duke's care for loyal service. Small, tidy cottages lined a gentle path beyond the servants' quarters, forming what looked like a modest village nestled near the manor. The houses were simple but well-kept, with small gardens in front, and smoke curling softly from stone chimneys.
"This is where you'll all be staying," Butler Serio announced as he stood at the
entrance of the servant quarters. His voice was firm but not unkind. "I am the one in charge of managing the household staff. For those of you who wish to bring your families, we can discuss it later."
I'll need to investigate and confirm their loyalty before anyone else is allowed into the
Duke's manor. The butler thought
"The Duke is the most generous among the nobles. I'm truly grateful they opened up
positions," said Hobi, a young boy hired as a gardener. His eyes were wide with wonder as he took in the place. "I've worked for different families here in the North, but this is the first time I've seen such a beautiful place meant for servants."
"I hope I can bring my grandmother someday," Anna, the chambermaid, whispered beside him. There was a soft tremble in her voice. "She can't handle the cold in our tiny home. She deserves better."
Axel stood a little apart from the others, his gaze roaming over the grounds with silent
hope. Maybe someday… I can bring him here. He'd be safe here, he thought,
keeping that fragile wish close to his heart.
Once everyone had quieted, Butler Serio cleared his throat. "Once you're all settled, I will assign your duties. Remember to keep your curiosity in check, show proper respect to His Grace and Master Luren at all times."
His tone dropped, heavy with warning. "His Grace rewards those who are loyal. But for
those who betray or fail him…" He paused. "I'm sure you've all heard the rumors."
The servants straightened up. Everyone had heard the stories, the Duke was called a
monster by some. He had returned only recently, and already the traitors were being punished without mercy. Even the nobility hadn't been spared. It was the talk of every town and village.
But instead of fear, there was admiration.
The people praised the Duke, not for his cruelty, but for his justice. At last, the greedy
nobles were facing the consequences of their corruption.
Luren met Axel in the courtyard, and the two of them sat quietly on the patio as the warm
afternoon breeze rustled the leaves around them.
"As you can see, there's a lot of renovation and improvement needed in this manor," Luren began, glancing around at the aging walls and scattered tools. "I need your help to connect me to a merchant, someone trustworthy who can offer a fair deal, but with good-quality materials."
Axel nodded. "Yeah, no problem. I still have a lot of connections." He hesitated, his tone suddenly serious. "Also... I need to tell you something. I can't keep it from you, not after everything, but it might cause a problem for the Duke later on."
Luren turned to him, his eyes narrowing slightly. There was concern in his gaze, but
also understanding. "Tell me," he said calmly. "It's better to know now so we can make a plan to avoid any future conflict."
Axel took a deep breath, looking down at his hands. "Well…" He looked hesitant, almost
vulnerable. "While I was in Velgarith, I met someone. He asked me to helped him.
Luren also asked Axel before for help he know how kind of man he is.
"I helped him escape from Velgarith… we've been hiding ever since, always looking
over our shoulders, trying not to get caught," his voice trembled, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Somewhere in all that fear and running… we fell in love."
Luren's eyebrows lifted in surprise, but he said nothing, just nodded, encouraging Axel
to continue.
"We're having a baby soon," Axel added shyly, almost whispering.
A genuine smile broke across Luren's face. "That's… that's wonderful news.
Congratulations!" he said, truly happy for him.
But Axel's expression didn't mirror the joy. Instead, his jaw tightened as he looked
around, making sure no one was listening. "He's… one of the King's favorite slaves," he said bitterly. "But I managed to get him out of Velgarith. That's why I came back to the North. I know how dangerous it is, especially sneaking someone out of Seravelle, let alone from the royal palace."
He clenched his fists, his voice trembling with the weight of fear and guilt.
Luren reached out and placed a steady hand on Axel's shoulder. The tension in Axel's
body seemed to ease a little under the quiet gesture.
"My partner is a man," Axel said, his voice low. "He's… an omega."
Shock flickered across Luren's face, but it quickly melted into understanding.
"He was a sex slave to the King," Axel continued, eyes lowered in shame. "We've been hiding for half a year, but I know this might bring trouble to you and the Duke." His shoulders sagged as if finally saying it out loud took the weight off his chest. "I just… I needed to tell someone."
Luren didn't hesitate. "Don't worry. I'll speak to the Duke. We'll figure this out together."
----
Craige woke to the sunlight streaming through the curtains. The bed beside him was already cold, Luren had left early. A flicker of disappointment passed through him as he reached out to the empty space, wishing for just a few more quiet moments
together.
He sighed and made his way to the bathroom for a quick shower, deciding he would stay here today, he wanted to spend time with Luren, even if just a little.
After changing into fresh clothes, a sudden commotion outside caught his attention.
He walked over to the window, pushing the curtains aside. Below, a group of unfamiliar faces bustled through the courtyard, the new servants has touring together with the butler.
But what made his breath hitch was the sight of Luren. He was sitting close to a man,
holding his hand while talking to him with a smile that Craige knew too well… warm,
kind, gentle.
Craige's brows drew together, his jaw tightening. A knot formed in his chest. Without thinking, he clenched his fist and turned from the window, storming down the
stairs with hurried, heavy steps.
"Your Grace…" Keith called out softly, but Craige didn't spare him a glance. His eyes
were locked elsewhere, sharp and unreadable.
"I'll speak to the Duke about him," Luren said gently, trying to reassure Axel.
But before Axel could respond, someone suddenly pulled Luren into a tight embrace and placed a firm kiss on his cheek.
Axel stood up in shock, his breath catching in his throat. He had never seen the man
before, but he didn't need to ask who he was.
The moment the man entered, the atmosphere shifted. His presence was overwhelming, like a silent storm pressing against everyone's skin. He exuded power, not loud or boastful, but calm and absolute, like the steady weight of a crown or the
silence before snowfall. His eyes, cold and commanding, scanned the room with quiet intensity. This man didn't need to speak for anyone to understand:
He is the Duke of the North.
Luren's face turned a deep shade of red at Craige's sudden gesture. Embarrassment
flooded him, especially when he caught sight of Axel's shocked expression. His heart pounded as he avoided Craige's eyes.
"Uhm… I didn't know you were awake," Luren said, his voice soft and unsure as he gently caressed Craige's arm, trying to ease the tension.
Craige's gaze shifted sharply to Axel, his eyes narrowing with a quiet intensity.
"And who is he?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with possessiveness.
Axel immediately bowed with respect. "Greetings, Your Grace."
Luren quickly stepped in, his voice steadier now, though his hand remained on
Craige's arm.
"He's my friend… and I hired him as our finance steward," he explained, trying to convey both professionalism and reassurance. "I trust him."
"Your Grace, I need to talk to you," Keith said as he followed Craige, urgency laced
in his voice. "We have a problem."
Craige sighed, the weight of duty settling once again on his shoulders. So much for
rest today…
Still composed, Craige turned to Axel with a calm, firm gaze. "I look forward to seeing your work," he said, nodding in approval of the man's new role.
"Thank you, Your Grace. I'll do my best," Axel replied, bowing deeply with gratitude.
Craige gave a short nod, then turned his eyes to Luren, his expression softening in an
instant.
"Let's eat together later," he said gently, leaning down to press a tender kiss to Luren's forehead.
Luren's cheeks flushed with warmth, a shy smile forming on his lips as he nodded. "I'd
like that."