Mine Beloved (Lunari Series book 1)

002

The cold air of the night bit at the child's skin as he stood before Lucian, his frail body exposed and shivering with a thin chain hung loosely around his neck. He flickered his gaze between the ground and the towering man who had purchased him.

"Does he speak?" Lucian asked, examining the child.

"Yes, m'lord, but he is lacking in our tongue." The keeper yanked the leash sharply. "Speak."

"Master." The child's voice was soft and timid as he prostrated.

"Stand." Lucian commanded.

The keeper tugged the chain again and the child stood. This infuriated Lucian. It was a slave, not a beast.

"Cast the chain and clothe him." Lucian ordered.

"But m'lord-" The keeper dared to argue.

"Do as the lord say!" A voice cut through, belonging to a stubby man clad in expensive, fine fabrics and adorned in gold jewelleries. This haughty beta was the master of the auction.

"Yes sir." The keeper responded quickly and led the boy away.

"Follow them." Lucian instructed and Trevor followed the keeper leaving him alone with the slave master.

"Is there anything else of interest I may offer you, my lord? Wine? Women? Men? Children?" The master asked, his voice sickly sweet, lingering suggestively on his final word.

Lucian frowned. "I have what I need."

"Of course. My lord was very generous in purchasing from my tent; I fear you may feel dishonoured if I allow you leave without expressing my gratitude."

With a clap of his hands, three slaves entered the room. They knelt in unison, back straight and head bowed dressed provocatively in thin linens and jewelleries. The youngest was barely a year older than Lucian's own son, Nathaniel, and the sight made Lucian scowl and stomach churn.

"Please, accept them as my gift." The master pleaded.

Lucian sighed. Four was a crowd when he only needed one. The slave master wouldn't yield until Lucian accepted these slaves to avoid conflict or dissatisfaction in the future. Trevor would help them.

"I accept your gift," Lucian said, his voice laced with resignation. "Dress them warmly. We leave now."

The auction master laughed lightly, relieved. "As you wish, my lord. You heard your master, dress warm!" The slaves scrambled to their feet to fulfil their first command.

***
W

hen the child entered the grand manor, his breath caught in his throat. He twirled slowly, eyes wide with wonder as he took in the magnificent interior. A massive chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft glow over the detailed woodwork and stone carvings that adorned the walls. The portraits, elegantly framed, gazed down upon him with serene expressions, and each piece of furniture was perfectly placed, a testament to Lucian's refined taste.

Lucian watched the child's innocent awe with a hint of amusement. He was like a blank canvas, untouched by the luxuries of this world. It was a stark contrast to the life he had known until now.