Morning in the estate was a world of its own—bustling servants, silk-draped nobles, and the constant murmur of politics and wealth. Yet, for Aarav, the day felt different. He had spent the night tossing and turning, haunted by the memory of Khai's music, of the way moonlight had softened his sharp, kohl-free features. That was not a vision meant for him. And yet, he had seen it.
He couldn't let it distract him.
With careful hands, Aarav carried a tray of morning refreshments into Khai's chamber. As always, he moved silently, blending into the background, just as a good servant should. And yet, the moment he stepped inside, he felt Khai's eyes on him.
It was suffocating.
The young master sat by the window, reclining on silk cushions, his dark robes open at the front, revealing smooth, golden skin adorned with a delicate pectoral necklace. His hair had been freshly oiled and braided, and the heavy kohl around his eyes was drawn with absolute precision. He looked every bit the noble son of a high-ranking official. Untouchable. Distant. A world apart from Aarav.
But Aarav had seen him differently last night. And now, he couldn't unsee it.
"You're quiet today," Khai murmured, watching as Aarav set the tray down. His voice was slow, lazy, but there was an unmistakable sharpness behind it. He was testing him.
Aarav kept his head lowered. "I speak only when necessary, master."
Khai hummed, tapping his fingers against the rim of his goblet. "A well-trained servant. How fortunate for me." His tone was unreadable, teasing yet cool. Then, with deliberate slowness, he leaned forward, his golden cuffs clinking together. "Tell me, Aarav… did you sleep well?"
Aarav's hands tensed around the tray. His breath caught for only a fraction of a second, but Khai noticed. Of course he did.
There was amusement in his eyes now. "You look tired."
Aarav swallowed. He should lie—should say he had slept soundly. But something in the way Khai was looking at him made it impossible. Instead, he murmured, "I was… restless."
Khai smirked. "Is that so?" He picked up a piece of fig from the tray, bringing it to his lips. "Strange. I would have thought my music was soothing."
Aarav almost dropped the tray.
His head snapped up before he could stop himself, eyes locking onto Khai's. For a brief moment, shock flickered across Aarav's face—because Khai wasn't just teasing anymore. He knew.
The silence between them was thick, charged. Then, Khai tilted his head, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "Oh? You thought I didn't notice?"
Aarav felt his body go rigid. How had he been so foolish? He had been so careful, so silent, yet somehow Khai had sensed his presence.
Khai's smirk deepened. "What a bold little servant I have." He leaned back, stretching luxuriously, his jewelry glinting in the sunlight. "Tell me, did you like what you saw?"
Aarav's heart pounded so violently he thought it might betray him. He quickly bowed his head, pressing his forehead to the floor. "Forgive me, master."
For a long moment, Khai said nothing. The only sound was the faint rustling of the curtains as the morning breeze drifted in. Then—soft, amused—he chuckled.
"Hmm. I should punish you, shouldn't I?"
Aarav's blood ran cold.
Would he be whipped? Cast out? Worse? He had been foolish—too weak to resist curiosity. And now he would pay the price.
But then, Khai leaned forward again, resting his chin against his hand. "Then again… I suppose it's not entirely your fault." His voice was smooth as honey, his words drawn out as if he were savoring the moment. "I did leave the door open."
Aarav didn't dare move.
Khai sighed dramatically. "Very well. I'll be merciful this time." He lifted his goblet, swirling the wine lazily. "But—" his gaze flicked downward, voice dropping just slightly—"you will not look at me like that again. Do you understand?"
Aarav clenched his fists. "…Yes, master."
Khai took a slow sip of his wine, eyes never leaving him. "Good."
Aarav quickly moved to leave, heart still hammering. But as he reached the door, Khai's voice stopped him one last time.
"Oh, and Aarav?"
Aarav turned, eyes downcast. "Yes, master?"
Khai smirked. "Rest well tonight."
Aarav left, knowing full well he wouldn't.
-to be continued