Anore wanted to scoff. He wanted to reject those words, to throw them back in Eiden's face. Because they were dangerous. They were dangerous because, deep down, a part of him wanted to believe them.
But all he could see in that mirror was the brokenness. The cracks, cracks so big it was impossible to pretend he didn't see them.
He clenched his teeth, breaking his gaze away.
"Don't say things you don't mean.." he whispered, voice hoarse.
Eiden didn't correct him. He didn't try to insist. He simply let go of Anore's chin, stepping back with a soft smile.
"I'll keep saying it until you're ready to hear it."
At that moment, a polite knock echoed against the door.
Evan's voice, calm and warm. "Master, dinner is ready."
Eiden straightened, brushing off his cuffs with a casual air. "Perfect timing. Anore, you're about to discover that Castemire's kitchens are second only to their tailoring." He offered a hand, expectant.
Anore stared at it, silent.
Then, with a quiet, almost reluctant breath, he placed his fingers against Eiden's palm.
He didn't know why.
But his hand didn't pull away.
Eiden's hands were warm and smooth, a big contrast to his cold and rough hands.
"Your hands are cold. The physician will be here soon. So why don't we get some food in your belly. Is there anything you don't like to eat.."
-_-
Was he giving him a choice?
Why?
He was just a slave he bought.....
"I don't understand why you're doing this, I'm just a—"
Eiden stopped walking turning to Anore, he was even more handsome, now that he had cleaned up.
"A slave? Anore I'm giving you a choice here, do you really want to be treated like a slave? Do you want to be roughed up? I'd have no regard for your well-being.."
Anore nodded, at least he could understand Eiden's intentions that way. If they continued this way, he wouldn't know how to act.
"I can't understand— I don't understand why you're doing all of this. For a worthless slave like me? Didn't you buy me because you want to have my body? That's what the rest wanted...."
Eiden lips twitched, he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Mhm. It's true, you're so beautiful I admit I can't take my eyes off you but wanting your body? What's there to want? You're all skins and bones not only that you're just a little kid. I am a man that upholds to his personal morals.."
Eh..
-_-
Ehhhhhhhhhhhh
Anore couldn't believe his ears, if he didn't want his body why did he buy him?
And did he call him a little kid?!
"I am not a little kid. I'm 19 years of age and about to turn 20."
Eiden smiled thoughtfully, so he really is still a child.
"Your speech is quite broad, did your previous masters give you education?"
Anore gritted his teeth, those bastards? They tried to take the little he had with him.
"I was learning on my own. But they didn't even want me to have education to my name."
Eiden smiled slightly, you poor thing.
"Well, if you'd like. I or mister Evan can offer you tutoring lessons. Until you're comfortable to register for the academy. I can tell you're quite the bright mind Anore."
Anore's steps faltered.
The academy?
Was this man insane?
Registering a slave at an academy?
Teaching him like some noble heir?
His first instinct was to scoff, to reject it outright, to claim it was a foolish joke. But when he looked up, Eiden's face wasn't mocking him.
It wasn't even smiling anymore. His expression was level, calm, like he'd merely stated a fact that needed no argument.
Anore's throat tightened.
He didn't know how to respond to kindness that wasn't laced with strings.
They reached the grand dining hall though it was nothing like the gilded banquet rooms Anore had scrubbed floors in.
The long table was set elegantly, but the space didn't feel oppressive. The walls were lined with tall windows, evening light streaming through, soft and golden.
Evan was already there, directing a servant to set down the last platter.
"Ah, young one, come here." Evan's gentle tone made Anore freeze. No one had ever called him that before. "Come, sit beside me. The Master has been awaiting your verdict on tonight's meal."
Anore's eyes darted to Eiden, half-expecting a reprimand for Evan's casual tone, but Eiden only gestured to the chair with a relaxed nod.
Reluctantly, Anore sat. He flinched slightly when a servant came to pour him a drink, but no one batted an eye. No one looked down at him.
The food smelled… good.
No, it smelled amazing.
There was roast pheasant glazed with honeyed herbs, fresh bread still steaming, vegetables bathed in butter, and a clear broth that smelled rich and savory.
Anore had never been offered food. He had always been thrown scraps.
He picked up the spoon with hesitation, his hand trembling slightly. Eiden didn't comment, but Anore felt his gaze.
Watching his every move.
Anore took a sip.
It was warm. Warm in a way that stung his chest, like something had cracked and was leaking into him.
"…It's good." The words escaped him before he could catch them.
Evan beamed. "Ah, then our cooks will be pleased. You must eat well, young one. I will not have you wasting away under my watch."
Anore wanted to protest again. That he wasn't anyone's "young one." That they shouldn't care.
But the food silenced him.
The conversation drifted, light and casual, as Eiden and Evan discussed estate affairs. They didn't ignore him, but they didn't press him to join either. For the first time in years, Anore didn't have to brace for attention.
He just… existed.
When dinner was over, and Evan excused himself to tend to some records, Eiden stood and gestured for Anore to follow.
"Let's take a walk. Helps with digestion."
Anore found himself trailing after him, back out into the estate gardens where the night air was cool and smelled faintly of lilacs.
"You're still suspicious of me.." Eiden said, hands folded behind his back.
Anore stiffened. "Shouldn't I be?"
Eiden chuckled, tilting his head. "Perhaps. But suspicion is exhausting, Anore. I've no interest in tiring you out." He glanced down at him. "You asked earlier why I bought you."
Anore's chest tightened.
Eiden's steps slowed. "Truthfully, even I don't fully know. I saw you and something told me—you were not meant to be there."
"Because you think I'm interesting?" Anore bit out, more bitter than he meant.