The House of Control

Restoration and Obedience

The meeting concluded, and Harry made his way to the corridor outside, summoning Mia and Connor to return to the study. Within moments, they arrived, both of them bowing deeply, their faces calm and focused.

"Apprentice Master Harry," Mia said softly, rising from her bow, "we are ready to serve."

Harry scanned the room, his gaze lingering on the shattered vase and scattered petals on the floor. Father had departed, but the remnants of his anger were still apparent in the fragments of Mother's favorite vase. He turned his gaze back to the two servants, his expression stern.

"I want this room cleaned from top to bottom," he instructed, his tone calm but firm. "Be meticulous. Make sure there are no shards of glass left behind—none. And the flowers, move them to a different vase. Handle them carefully."

"Yes, Apprentice Master," Connor replied, dipping his head respectfully.

Mia nodded in silent agreement, her eyes flickering briefly to the mess before she bowed again and set to work. Together, she and Connor moved efficiently, each step careful and precise. Mia knelt by the broken vase, collecting the larger shards, her movements delicate as she avoided touching the sharp edges. Connor worked nearby, carefully lifting pieces of the shattered porcelain and placing them onto a cloth, gathering each fragment without leaving a trace behind.

Harry watched them in silence, his eyes sharp as he observed every action. The servants' hands moved quickly but precisely, and he felt a faint satisfaction at their obedience and attention to detail. This was the standard he expected, and he would accept nothing less.

As Mia carefully transferred the delicate flowers to a new vase she'd found on a side table, her hands moved with a gentleness that showed her respect for Mother's prized blooms. She arranged each stem just so, angling them to match the original display, ensuring that they looked as close to perfect as possible. She glanced up occasionally, catching Harry's eye as if silently asking for approval. Harry gave a small nod, acknowledging her care.

Meanwhile, Connor swept the floor thoroughly, moving with a quiet focus. He knelt down to inspect the area under the furniture, running his hands along the edges to make sure that no shard had escaped him.

Once they had gathered all the fragments, Mia approached Harry, holding out a cloth-wrapped bundle containing the remains of the vase.

"Apprentice Master," she said softly, keeping her head bowed. "The shards are all accounted for."

"Good," Harry replied, nodding in approval. "Dispose of them properly. And thank you for handling the flowers with care."

Mia's eyes flickered with pride, and she dipped her head in gratitude. "It's an honor to serve, Apprentice Master."

Once Connor had double-checked the floor for any remaining pieces and Mia finished with the vase of flowers, they both stepped back, bowing again, signaling that their task was complete.

Harry took a moment to inspect the room himself, noting the flawless cleanliness of the floor, the carefully arranged flowers, and the absence of any trace of glass. He felt a sense of satisfaction. They had done precisely as he'd asked, and with the level of perfection The House demanded.

He looked at them, his gaze steady. "You both performed well. This is the standard expected of every servant here. Continue with this level of attention, and you'll find yourselves rewarded."

Mia and Connor exchanged a quick glance, their pride evident as they lowered their heads once more in gratitude.

"Thank you, Apprentice Master," Connor said quietly, his tone respectful.

"Anything you need from us, we will do with our best," Mia added, her voice filled with sincerity.

Harry gave a final nod, dismissing them. "You may go."

As they left, Harry felt a renewed sense of control and confidence. He had guided them, shaped them through his expectations, and they had delivered precisely what he wanted. Here, within the walls of The House, his influence was expanding, each act of obedience reinforcing the order and perfection he was determined to uphold.