Chapter 1: A good boy

The grand estate of the Blackthorn family loomed on the horizon, its spires reaching toward the sky like grasping fingers. Within its walls, two women of the city's elite found solace in each other's company and shared secrets.

Matilda Blackthorn, wife of Lord Aldrich Blackthorn, was known for her golden locks and sharp wit. Her husband's shipping empire had made them one of the wealthiest families in the coastal city of Astoria. Though born to lesser nobility, Matilda had climbed the social ladder with grace and determination, now finding herself at the pinnacle of high society.

Across from her sat Cordelia Fairfax, duchess by marriage to Duke William Fairfax. Her family's old money had secured her position from birth, but it was her cunning and charm that kept her there. The Fairfax name was synonymous with political power in Astoria, their influence reaching far beyond the city's walls.

Astoria itself was a jewel set upon the edge of a vast empire. Its bustling port saw ships from distant lands, bringing exotic wares and whispers of faraway conflicts. The city itself was a contrast as the view ranged from glittering mansions to squalid slums, powerful nobles and struggling commoners, all existing within the same stone walls.

Merchants hawked their wares in the sprawling markets, fishermen hauled in their daily catch, and the ever-present Thalen – the empire's currency – changed hands countless times. The disparity between the lives of these two women and the average Astorian was as vast as the sea their husbands' ships sailed upon.

As the corridor stretched before them, its walls were adorned with expensive paintings and gilded mirrors that reflected the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. Plush carpets muffled their footsteps as two women settled into ornate armchairs, their postures relaxed yet regal.

Matilda, the blonde, smoothed her satin dress as she leaned forward, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. Across from her, Cordelia, a brunette adjusted her lace gown, green eyes twinkling with mischief as a smirk played at the corners of her lips.

"Darling," Matilda began, her voice a conspiratorial whisper, "have you seen the new necklace Lord Blackthorn gifted me?" She tilted her chin, allowing the light to catch the diamonds adorning her throat.

Cordelia's eyes widened appreciatively. "It's exquisite! Though I must say, the emerald bracelet Duke Fairfax presented me last week is equally stunning." She extended her wrist, the gems glinting.

Matilda's lips pursed slightly. "How generous of them. Speaking of generosity, or lack thereof, did you hear about Lady Rosewood's latest faux pas?"

"Oh, do tell," leaned in, eager for fresh gossip.

"Well," Matilda lowered her voice, "apparently, she tried to pass off a fake ruby as a family heirloom at the Midsummer Ball. Can you imagine the embarrassment?"

Cordelia Tisked. "That woman never learns. Remember when she spread those vicious rumors about your husband's business dealings?"

Matilda's eyes flashed with anger. "How could I forget? She's always been jealous of our success. I heard her own husband's shipping company is on the verge of bankruptcy."

"Serves her right," nodded. "Though speaking of husbands, mine's off to the eastern provinces again. These business trips are becoming more frequent."

Matilda sighed dramatically. "I know the feeling. Edward's been gone for nearly a month now. The nights get so... lonely." She cast a meaningful glance at her companion.

Both women laughed, a tinkling sound that echoed in the corridor. "Oh, Matilda! You should be grateful. If our husbands didn't take their businesses so seriously, we'd be just like those commoners, living on one Thalen per meal!"

Matilda's momentary melancholy vanished, replaced by a haughty chuckle. "You're absolutely right, darling. Can you imagine? Us, worrying about the price of bread?"

Both women erupted into peals of laughter, their voices bouncing off the ornate walls. As their mirth subsided, they exchanged knowing looks, silently acknowledging the vast gulf between their gilded lives and the struggles of the city's less fortunate inhabitants.

As their laughter from their previous topic subsided, Cordelia suddenly sat up straighter, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "Matilda, darling, is it true?" she asked, her voice laced with excitement.

Matilda's brow furrowed in confusion. "Is what true, dear?"

A sly smile crept across Cordelia's face. "Your newest... acquisition."

Both women burst into a fit of giggles, their laughter echoing through the corridor.

"My, my," Matilda mused, "how fast information moves in Astoria. Well, I suppose it was to be expected. After all, my recent acquisition isn't something just anyone can get these days. Of course it would be the talk of the town."

Cordelia could sense the pride in the other woman's voice but she knew if the rumours were true, if was something to be proud about.

Matilda leaned in close to Cordelia, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But you know, darling, seeing is believing."

With that, Matilda suddenly turned her head and called out, her voice ringing clear and commanding, "Zafron!"

She waited, a mischievous smile painting her face. Cordelia, caught up in the moment, was equally giddy, her eyes darting between Matilda and the corridor's entrance.

The anticipation grew as they waited for a response to Matilda's call, both women barely able to contain their excitement at the prospect of revealing this mysterious "acquisition."

As the women waited, a figure emerged from the shadows of the corridor. A young man, no older than his early twenties, approached with a graceful gait. He wore a light, nearly translucent robe that did little to conceal his well-defined physique. His dark hair framed a face that seemed sculpted by a master artist, with high cheekbones and piercing eyes.

As he neared the two women, he stopped and bowed his head respectfully. "My lady," he addressed Matilda, his voice rich and melodious.

Matilda turned to Cordelia, a triumphant gleam in her eye. Cordelia, for her part, was transfixed. Her gaze roamed over the young man's impressively muscled form, lingering on the contours visible through the sheer fabric of his robe. She bit her lower lip, a flush creeping up her neck.

Catching Cordelia's reaction, Matilda's expression grew even more self-satisfied. She turned back to the young man, her voice honey-sweet. "Zafron, darling, would you kindly fetch me a glass of freshly squeezed juice?"

Zafron bowed his head once more. "At once, my lady," he replied, before turning and exiting the corridor, his movements fluid and graceful.

As he departed, Cordelia let out a small, appreciative sigh. She turned to Matilda, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and admiration.

Cordelia leaned in, her voice hushed with excitement. "Matilda, where on earth did you find him? He's absolutely exquisite!"

Matilda preened, clearly pleased with Cordelia's reaction. "Isn't he just? I acquired him during my recent trip. You know how I love to peruse the docks for... unique treasures."

"Oh, do tell more," Cordelia urged, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Well," Matilda began, her tone conspiratorial, "I struck an agreement with his stepmother. A rather advantageous arrangement, I must say. It will come to full fruition once young Zafron has been deemed... 'qualified'." She emphasized the last word with a suggestive arch of her eyebrow.

Both women dissolved into giggles once more, their laughter tinged with a hint of something darker.

"Oh, Matilda," Cordelia exclaimed, playfully swatting her friend's arm. "You are absolutely wicked! I don't know whether to be scandalized or impressed."

Matilda's smile was catlike, full of self-satisfaction. "Why choose, darling? Being both is so much more fun."

They shared another laugh, their earlier gossip forgotten in the wake of this new, tantalizing topic. The corridor seemed to grow warmer as they continued to discuss Zafron in hushed, eager tones, waiting for his return.

As Zafron walked through the corridors of the Blackthorn mansion, he marveled at the grandeur that surrounded him. The walls were adorned with paintings depicting scenes of mythical creatures and noble battles, illuminated by the warm flicker of torches held in ornate sconces.

The sound of his footsteps echoed softly on the polished marble floor, a stark contrast to the silence that enveloped the majority of the mansion.

As he continued to walk, he couldn't shake the memories that the surroundings evoked. The very walls reminded him of his childhood home, far humbler yet filled with love.

His mother had passed away when he was just a boy. His father, a sturdy fisherman whose weathered hands had taught Zafron the value of hard work, followed as a sudden illness claimed him soon after, leaving Zafron orphaned and vulnerable.

The transition from a warm, modest home to the cold indifference of his stepmother's estate was stark and unforgiving. Her stern demeanor and constant reminders of his place as a burden in her household had weighed heavily on Zafron's young shoulders. Meals became scarce, and he often found solace in the quiet solitude of the docks, where his father's old fishing boat remained a silent reminder of happier times.

Numerous maids fluttered past him, their whispers and giggles trailing in his wake. Their eyes lingered on him, some with curiosity, others with a hint of admiration that made Zafron shift uncomfortably.

'Haven't they ever seen a man before?' he wondered inwardly, puzzled by their reactions yet acutely aware of the scrutiny that came with his new station.

In this era, men like him were considered prized commodities, valued for their appearance and potential to elevate the status of their benefactors if they met "certain" conditions which he was well aware of. He just hoped he would meet those expectations though.

He continued down the corridor, passing by towering suits of armor and priceless artifacts that spoke of centuries-old wealth and power. Each step carried him deeper into a world he had only glimpsed in fleeting dreams – a world of wealth and privilege, where even the air seemed expensive.

'I suppose being in this position has its perks,' Zafron reflected silently, his gaze flickering to the gilded chandeliers that bathed the hallway in a soft, golden glow. He tried to reconcile the novelty of his situation with the discomfort of being objectified, his thoughts were a jumble of awe and unease.

Yet, his current situation offered more than just superficial admiration. 'At least here I have a room to myself,' he thought gratefully, remembering the cramped quarters and meager meals he endured under his stepmother's roof. The memory of her harsh words and cold indifference still lingered, vastly different to the gentle care and consideration he now received from Lady Matilda Blackthorn.

When his stepmother had handed him over to Lady Matilda at the docks that day, he had resigned himself to a bleak fate. 'I thought my life was over then,' he admitted to himself, 'but perhaps there's more to this than I first thought.'

The agreement struck between Lady Matilda and his stepmother had seemed too good to be true – a chance at a better life in exchange for fulfilling certain expectations.

Now, as he walked the hallowed halls of the Blackthorn mansion, Zafron couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that perhaps life could be kinder to him after all. The lavish surroundings and the genuine kindness of Lady Matilda gave him a newfound sense of purpose and belonging, a complete turn around from the loneliness and despair he had known for so long.

Zafron entered the kitchen, his eyes scanning the fruit baskets for the ripest oranges. As he selected a few, he reflected on his new life at the Blackthorn mansion.

'Lady Matilda has been so kind,' he thought, carefully placing the oranges on the cutting board. 'I'm fortunate to have such a gracious mistress.'

This was true. With the stories of slaveboys ending up in bad homes, when the news of him being sold came to him, he thought for sure that he was screwed.

But as it turned out, things were looking bright!

He began slicing the oranges, the citrus scent filling the air. His mind wandered to Lady Matilda's radiant smile and elegant demeanor.

"I wonder what Lord Blackthorn is like," Zafron mused as he pressed the orange halves onto the juicer. "I haven't met him yet, but I hope he's as welcoming as Lady Matilda."

The juice flowed into a crystal glass, its color rich and vibrant. Zafron added a sprig of mint for garnish, taking pride in his handiwork.

As he arranged the glass on a silver tray, he felt a surge of gratitude for his improved circumstances. "This new life is full of possibilities," he thought, lifting the tray. "I'm eager to prove my worth here."

With a deep breath, Zafron straightened his posture and headed back towards the corridor where Lady Matilda awaited, determined to serve to the best of his abilities.