Zafron lay sprawled on his bed, basking in the cool evening breeze, a reward after a hard day's work. His eyes were closed, and he savored the sensation of relaxation spreading through his body. His arms stretched out wide, embracing the tranquility of the moment.
He spoke softly to himself, his voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and guilt.
"I can't believe how well I'm being taken care of here," he murmured, running his hand over the soft bed. "Three square meals a day, and good ones too. Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats..."
As he uttered those words, his eyes snapped open, he raised his hand and chuckled, aware of how he had become a bit heavier, no longer the lean figure he once was. "Damn, I'm getting fat!"
He rested his hand on his belly, gently feeling what lay within.
"But what about them? Are they getting enough to eat back home?"
Zafron gazed out the window of his room, his thoughts drifting to the family he left behind. Despite the difficulties he had faced, a part of him still worried about their wellbeing.
"I wonder how they're managing," he mused quietly. "The harvest season will be starting soon. Will they have enough hands to bring in the crops?"
He remembered the long days in the fields, the backbreaking work under the hot sun. Though it had been hard, there had been moments of camaraderie too - shared meals, jokes to lighten the mood, the satisfaction of seeing their labor bear fruit.
Zafron's brow furrowed as he thought of his younger siblings. "Are they getting enough to eat? Is anyone making sure they're studying?"
Despite his new circumstances, the sense of responsibility he felt for his family lingered. He had always tried to protect the little ones, to take on extra work so they could focus on their schooling.
"Perhaps I could send something back," he pondered. "Some of my wages if the mistress is kind enough to pay me although it's quite early,"
The idea brought him a measure of comfort. Even from a distance, he could still try to help in some way. Zafron resolved to speak with Lady Matilda about the possibility of sending aid to his family.
His brow furrowed as he thought about his stepmom and 3 stepsisters. He could almost hear the growl of empty stomachs, see the worry lines deepening on his stepmom's face as she tried to stretch their meager resources.
"I hope they're not skipping meals like before. I hope there's still enough for them to eat," he murmured, shifting from his lying position to sit on the edge of the bed. Despite his own modest circumstances, his thoughts were with their well-being.
Memories of how he had been treated back home flashed through his mind, shaking him from his thoughts before he spoke.
"It's not like I want to return to that place given how I was treated. Not like they are angels to start with. So I'll do whatever it takes to impress the mistress, even if it means wearing this loin cloth everywhere," he remarked, eyeing the translucent garment he wore.
Eyeing it, examined it thoughtfully. "I wonder why she insists on this. It's practically see through if one looks hard enough. Funny, I don't see any other maid wearing a revealing outfit. Come to think of it, are there any male servants besides myself?" Zafron muttered.
He had been in this mansion for a week now and hadn't seen any other male asides himself. There were lots of maids going about their duties both night and day times. His guess was that acquiring male servants were much more expensive because of how much the male specie had dropped over the centuries due to the spermovirus.
"If the mistress wants me to keep wearing this, then it doesn't matter. I'll keep wearing it."
Zafron stood up from his bed and walked over to the window. "I mean, who would want to leave all this? The meals, peace of mind, this spectacular mansion, and the amazing view from the window. Each house almost better than the next."
He sighed wistfully before adding, "And let's not forget the beautiful girls down here. Just a glance at them can melt the soul!" He smiled fondly at the thought.
As he spoke, a knock interrupted his thoughts, echoing through the door. The knock at the door startled him.
Upon swinging the door open, there stood Mara, a petite maid with a characteristic buxom figure, stood by the door.
"Well, well, if it isn't our resident daydreamer!" Mara said with a playful wink. "Did I interrupt your deep philosophical musings about the meaning of life... or were you just deciding how to burst out of this place sooner or later?"
Zafron chuckled. "Very funny, Mara. What's going on?"
"Oh, nothing much," Mara replied, her tone light. "Just the mistress summoning you to her chambers."
"I see," Zafron nodded. "Thank you for letting me know. How has your day been?"
"Busy as always," she chuckled, "but that's the way I like it. And yours?"
"Can't complain," Zafron shrugged with a small smile. "Though it seems it's about to get busier."
Mara nodded sympathetically. "Well, best not keep the mistress waiting. Off you go!"
Her silver hair was neatly pinned back, and her piercing blue eyes fixed on him, framed by a smile that stretched her crimson lips.
"Sure, thanks," Zafron replied, starting to walk out briskly, only to find Mara blocking his path. She paused for a moment, staring at him before stepping aside.
"Any problem?" Zafron asked, curiosity tinged with discomfort in his voice.
Mara hesitated briefly, then spoke softly, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard you talking to yourself earlier. If you ever need an extra pair of ears, I wouldn't mind lending mine whenever I'm free. The mansion has a way of... making people feel isolated with its quietness."
Zafron blinked in surprise, touched by Mara's offer. "Thank you, Mara," he said sincerely, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "I appreciate that."
She nodded, a reassuring smile gracing her features. "Anytime, Zafron. Now, off you go before the mistress gets impatient."
Zafron managed a smile in return, unsure of what to say next.
Mara winked and smiled shamelessly before she turned and walked away in flash, giving him space him space to go meet with the mistress.
Zafron nodded, noticing the kind tone in Mara's voice. In his short time at the mansion, he had come to appreciate her friendly demeanor. She had been one of the first to make him feel welcome, often offering guidance on household routines.
She was the only maid in the house he knew and ever spoke to. The mistress often sent her to convey messages to him, and despite her role, Mara always seemed cool and had a witty sense of humor.
Zafron shook his head slightly as he made his way through the corridors to his mistress's room, his steps echoing softly on the polished marble floor. The mansion, usually so familiar and comforting, felt strangely intimidating tonight. He couldn't shake the nervous flutter in his stomach at being summoned by Lady Matilda, despite her outward kindness.
'Why does being summoned by her always give me chills?' Zafron wondered silently, his thoughts racing. Lady Matilda exuded an aura of authority and elegance that was hard to ignore. Her piercing blue eyes could discern the slightest hesitation or uncertainty, yet her interactions with him had always been surprisingly warm.
As he approached her chamber door, Zafron couldn't help but wonder if he had done something wrong to warrant this summons. Lady Matilda had never shown displeasure towards him, but the fear of disappointing her lingered in his mind.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Zafron raised a hand to knock on the ornate door, his heart thudding in his chest.
As Zafron hesitated before Lady Matilda's chamber door, a soft voice from within called out, "Enter."
He pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside, feeling the warmth of the room envelop him. The chamber was softly lit by the glow of candles, casting flickering shadows on the rich art works that adorned the walls. In the center of the room, Lady Matilda sat in an elegant armchair, a book resting on her lap. She wore a silk nightgown that shimmered faintly in the candlelight, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders.
At the sound of the door opening, Lady Matilda's eyes, slightly raised from her book, met Zafron's with a curious yet welcoming gaze. There was a hint of something unreadable in her expression, a mixture of contemplation and expectation.
"My lady, you summoned me," Zafron said with his head bowed.
"Zafron," she said, looking up. "What have you been up to?"
"Uhmmm, not much, done with some work. I was in my room, just resting."
Lady Matilda's brow furrowed slightly as she regarded Zafron, concern knitting her features. "Have you eaten anything today? Always remember not to stay hungry," she said gently, her voice carrying a note of something akin to maternal care.
Zafron shifted his feet, meeting her gaze with a faint smile. "Yeah, I grabbed something a few minutes ago," he replied vaguely, his voice tinged with gratitude for her thoughtfulness.
She studied him intently for a moment, her piercing blue eyes searching his face. "Are you finding peace here, dear?" Lady Matilda's tone softened, a touch of empathy underlying her question. "I know it's been an adjustment."
Zafron nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "It's... it's very okay," he affirmed, his voice steadying as he spoke. "I'm doing very alright."
She nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Good," she said warmly. "I'm glad to hear that. Feel free, alright? This will be your new home so if you need anything or anyone at all bothers you, do well to tell me immediately and I'll have it fixed, okay?" Matilda assured looking straight at Zafron.
Zafron's eyes softened with gratitude as he met Lady Matilda's reassuring gaze. Her warmth and genuine concern eased his earlier nerves, and he nodded appreciatively.
"Thank you, Lady Matilda," he said earnestly, a hint of relief in his voice. "I appreciate your kindness. I'll remember that."
A sense of reassurance settled over him as he realized he wasn't just a slave boy in her eyes, but someone cared for and valued in her household. The weight of his worries seemed to lift, replaced by a growing sense of belonging in this welcoming mansion.
His mistress stretched slightly in her chair, wincing a little. "I'm feeling rather tired today. My body is so tense. I could really do with a massage. Would you mind, dear?"
Zafron didn't hesitate for a moment. "Sure, I can do that for you."
"Could you get the massage oil? It's outside on the shelves in the hallway."
He nodded. "Sure, I'll grab it."
He quickly left the room, heading to the hallway. After a moment of searching, he found the bottle of massage oil on one of the shelves. When he returned to his mistress's room, he was surprised to see that she had already prepared herself.
His mistress had moved from the armchair to her bed. She was lying face down, her back exposed, with a towel draped across her lower body.
"I'm ready whenever you are." She said, raising her head to look at him.
Zafron paused for a moment, taking in the scene. "Uh, okay," he said, his voice slightly uncertain. "Where should I start?"