The next day dawned clear and bright, the sun casting golden rays across the Mong estate, but for Bhato, its beauty felt muted. The encounter with Sonrgi from the previous evening lingered like an unsettling shadow, igniting a mixture of nerves and determination within her. She had resolutely decided that her place was among the servants, far from the lofty expectations of the clan's heir.
As Bhato busied herself with her morning chores in the kitchen, her thoughts kept wandering to Raok, whose laughter and easy demeanor lightened her heart. He entered the bustling kitchen, arms laden with fresh vegetables and herbs, the scent of his presence comforting against the morning's hustle.
"Good morning, Bhato," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ready for another day of servitude?"
"More like a day of survival," she replied with a teasing smile. Their connection felt effortless; a bond forged in shared labor and silent understanding. They laughed and shared the tasks together, their camaraderie drawing them closer.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, Sonrgi watched from the doorway, his expression darkening as he took in the scene. A surge of jealousy gripped him, igniting a fury that simmered just beneath the surface. How dare she laugh so freely with another servant? Did she not understand the implications of such intimacy?
Deciding that it was time to remind Bhato of her place, Sonrgi stepped into the kitchen, his presence immediately silencing the room. The air thickened with tension, and Bhato's heart raced as she turned to face him.
"Bhato," Sonrgi began, his voice smooth but laced with an underlying edge. "I've been looking for you."
"Oh? Is there something you require, my lord?" she replied, her voice steady despite her heart pounding.
"I'd like a word with you—alone," he insisted, ignoring the other servants' glances.
With a silent nod, she followed him out to the courtyard, where the morning sun bathed them in light. The moment they stepped outside, Bhato felt the weight of the clan's gaze as several servants went about their tasks, acutely aware of the heir's presence.
Sonrgi fixed his gaze on her, his demeanor shifting. "You seem to enjoy your time in the company of Raok," he said, a hint of bitterness seeping into his tone.
"I'm polite to those I work with, my lord. We all have our roles," she responded carefully, aware that her words teetered on the edge of caution.
"That's not what I observed. You were positively flirty. I would think you know better," he challenged, his voice rising in disapproval.
Bhato bristled against the accusation. "Flirty? I was simply being friendly. There's nothing inappropriate in that."
"Perhaps you need a lesson in decorum," Sonrgi retorted, stepping closer, his eyes ablaze with a mixture of indignation and something darker. "Flirting with a mere servant is unbecoming of you—and it gives the wrong impression."
The tension in the air crackled as his words sunk in. It wasn't merely a reprimand; it was a statement about her worth. Bhato recoiled slightly, anger flaring within her. "And who are you to dictate my behavior? I am simply trying to get through my duties like everyone else."
"Perhaps I should make an example of you then, to prevent others from assuming such liberties," he declared, turning to address the watching servants. "Gather everyone. We will set the record straight."
Bhato's heart dropped. "Sonrgi, please don't. There's no need for this."
But he ignored her plea, and soon a handful of servants gathered, curiosity swirling among them. Bhato felt exposed, the blood rushing to her cheeks as she faced the crowd, anxiety clawing at her insides.
"Let it be known," Sonrgi began, his voice commanding. "That any servant who behaves in a flirtatious manner with those below their station will face consequences. Bhato has set a poor example with her behavior. From today onward, I expect full loyalty to our clan—not distractions."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, and Bhato's cheeks flushed with shame. She could feel the judgment in their eyes, the truth behind his words scalding her insides. Sonrgi's intention was clear; he wanted to humiliate her, to assert his dominance while burying her beneath the weight of ignorance and embarrassment.
"Sonrgi, this isn't fair!" Bhato argued, her voice trembling with frustration. "I am not here to deceive anyone. I have done nothing wrong!"
"Yet here you are, standing before me," he countered, crossing his arms. "From now on, you will be more aware of your actions. I will not tolerate this behavior."
With that, he dismissed the crowd, leaving Bhato standing alone in the courtyard, anger and humiliation swirling within her. The whispers of the other servants stayed with her, their eyes reflecting pity and judgement.
After the group dispersed, Bhato forced herself to hold her head high, sparking an inner resolve she hadn't known she possessed. As she returned to her duties, Raok approached her, concern etched across his face.
"I saw what happened, Bhato. I'm so sorry," he said softly.
"It's just another reminder of my place," she replied, though her voice was strained. "But I won't let it define me, Raok. I will rise above this."
Raok nodded, his brow furrowing. "You deserve to be treated with respect."
"I know," she said, her heart stirring with determination. "And I refuse to let Sonrgi's jealousy dictate my life or my heart."
As Bhato returned to her chores, the embers of her spirit reignited, fueling a resolve that would not be easily extinguished. The battle between the heart and duty had only just begun, and she was ready to fight for her happiness, no matter the consequences.