The Unthought Fate [MxM]

Chapter 11

Vlad

I grabbed something to eat and sat at the table, facing Sara. I wanted to see her, to watch her every move. I hadn't seen Sara in almost four years, since she left the training facility and never returned.

If she had been here all along, I could see why she stayed. The people here were hardworking, serious, but also kind and polite. A good work balance, I would say.

"You've grown so much, Sara! I always knew you would be a beauty growing up, but you've exceeded my humble expectations," I say, looking at her with hearts in my eyes.

She always held a special place in my heart, for she was the light in the darkness of slavery. On my first day, her gentle voice grounded me, but that day didn't end well, unfortunately.

But now, looking at her—her hair so long, shiny, and healthy, those curls begging for someone to play with—her tan skin glowing and her eyes full of happiness. She was more than okay. I could see she was truly happy, and I couldn't be more relieved.

I would always pray to the power above for my brothers and sisters, asking to take care of them, to make sure they had good masters, fresh food and water, and a warm bed at night. Seeing her like this felt like an answer to my prayers, as if the one above had listened.

"You are too sweet, Vlad! But I could say the same about you," she replied, her eyes shining with glee. I knew she might believe what she said, but I had only been here for a day, and I was very aware of my state. I was clean thanks to the bath, but looking good was still far away.

"For how long have you been here? What do you do?" I ask, wanting to change the subject, because I had no cheerful answer for her compliment.

"I've been here since I left the training facility, four years ago. I've moved through different jobs in the castle, but I was recently assigned as the Lady's personal assistant," she tells me. "She is out of town at the moment and couldn't take me with her, but I still have a lot to do in her absence."

She continues speaking, but I can sense her smile is somehow forced. It is hard to explain why—I don't think she changed at all. Maybe I'm just too tired and my mind is playing tricks on me.

"How about you?" she then asks.

"Oh, I just got here yesterday evening, straight from the training grounds," I tell her. I see her becoming sad, so I quickly add, "But now I'm here and assigned to Prince Kayro, so no worries. He has been great so far."

And there was something in her gaze that disappeared so quickly I almost missed it, but I couldn't understand what it was.

"You'll be in great hands with him, don't worry," she reassures me, then looks down at her plate and starts playing with her food. I don't pay much attention to it—I'm too tired.

"Phew, glad to hear that. I was getting worried he might be a little crazy—one day the good guy, the next day the bad guy," I say, chuckling, because for me it was a joke.

But apparently not for her.

"He is not crazy! He is a good guy every day," she says, her voice serious and the happiness gone. Her eyes are on me, her face stern, forehead slightly creased.

I am taken aback by her reaction, but I assume we all change over time. It's not reasonable for me to expect her to still be the same gentle little girl I knew at the training facility.

"Okay! I didn't mean to offend him, I'm sorry. I'll be more careful from now on," I apologize and silently return to my meal.

I finish in a couple of bites, get up, wash my dishes, and head toward my room. She doesn't say anything else.