The sound of someone knocking on the door jolts me awake. Alden stirs beside me, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Come in," he calls out, and the door opens a moment later. A servant girl enters, carrying a tray laden with food and a pitcher of water. "I thought you might be hungry," Alden explains, taking the tray from her." Thank you," he says, setting the tray down on the bedside table. He glances over at me, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I trust you slept well?" "Yes, master, very well." I reply, stretching and yawning. "Thank you for letting me stay here." Alden nods, looking thoughtful. "I'm glad you did. It made me feel better knowing you were close by." He pauses, then asks, "Do you want to talk about what happened today? With your family, I mean." I turn, staring at the food. "Can I talk while I eat?" Alden chuckles. "Of course." He pours me a cup of water and hands it to me. "Take your time." I eat in silence for a few moments, gathering my thoughts. The food is delicious, warm and filling. When I finish, I take a deep breath and begin to tell Alden about my family, my village, and the life I left behind. He listens intently, his expression somber at times, but also filled with understanding and compassion. I can't help but feel a sense of relief in having someone to talk to, someone who cares about what happened to me.

As the sun begins to rise, casting its golden light through the open window, Alden pulls the covers back and climbs out of bed. He dresses quickly, throwing on a robe before kneeling beside the bed. "Duna," he says softly, taking my hand in his, "I want you to know that you are safe here. No matter what happens, I will always look out for you. You are my friend, and my servant, but more than anything else, you are a part of my family now." Tears prick at my eyes as I look into his kind face. "Really?" I whimper holding back my tears.

"Really," he says with a small smile. "Now, why don't you get some more rest while I take care of some things? I'll be back later to see how you're doing." He kisses my forehead gently before slipping quietly out of the room, leaving me alone once more. But this time, I don't feel quite so alone.

I lay back down, thinking about what he just said it's like a dream come true. Alden returns a few hours later, bearing a package wrapped in brightly colored paper. "I brought you a gift," he says, handing it to me. "I thought you might like something to remind you of home." I take the package, feeling the soft weight of the paper beneath my fingers. "Thank you, master." He sits down on the bed beside me, watching me curiously as I carefully unwrap the gift. Inside is a small, intricately carved wooden box, inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The lid is decorated with a scene of a village much like the one I remember, complete with a river and a small forest in the distance. "It's beautiful," I whisper, running my fingers over the delicate carvings. "Thank you so much." Alden smiles, looking pleased. "I'm glad you like it. You can keep it on your nightstand if you'd like, as a reminder of home." I nod, tears welling up in my eyes again. "Thank you, master. It means a lot to me."

He reaches out, taking my hand in his once more. "I want you to know that you can always talk to me about anything, Duna. No matter how small or insignificant you think it might be." I look up at him, feeling a sense of gratitude and peace wash over me. "I will," I promise. "I'll tell you anything you want to know." 

I look at him, "Master, what caused you to have change of heart with me?" He chuckles softly, brushing a lock of hair away from my face. "I'm not sure if I ever had a change of heart, exactly. Perhaps I just needed someone to show me the truth." He pauses, considering his words. "You see, Duna, the world is not always as it seems. Sometimes, people can be fooled by appearances or by what they want to believe. It takes someone like you, someone with an open heart and an honest spirit, to see things as they truly are." He smiles down at me, his eyes twinkling with affection. "And I'm grateful for that." I presses further "but you were so mean to me when I first got here.." He sighs, looking thoughtful. "I'm sorry for that. Sometimes, I forget how difficult it must be for you, being here. I try to protect you, but I also want to make sure that you understand the rules and the expectations. It's not easy being a servant, especially in a place like this." He reaches out, cupping my cheek in his hand. "But I promise, I will always try to be fair to you. And I will always be here for you, if you ever need me." I blush, and lower my head. "thank you, master, I'm a slave with no say so in the matter, so I'm happy you chose to be kind to me." He smiles, gently rubbing my back. "You are my servant, yes, but you are also my friend. And as such, I will always treat you with the respect and kindness that you deserve."

I place the gift on the nightstand, then look at up Alden, unsure of what to do next."Would you like to take a walk in the garden with me?" he asks, offering his hand. I take it, feeling a spark of excitement in my chest. It's been so long since I've been able to spend time outdoors. "I'd like that, master."We spend the next few hours wandering through the beautifully manicured gardens, admiring the flowers and talking about our lives. Alden tells me about his childhood, growing up in a small village near the mountains, and how he always knew he would someday inherit the title of lord. I share stories of my village, the people I knew, and the customs we had. It's the most time we've spent together, just the two of us, and I can't help but feel a sense of contentment and belonging that I haven't felt since before I was taken from my home.

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the gardens, Alden takes my hand in his. "Do you remember the first time we met?" he asks, his voice soft and gentle. "You were so scared, and I was so angry with you." I nod, looking down at our joined hands. "I'm sorry for the way I treated you then, Duna. I was wrong to do that."Suddenly, Vergo creeps up behind us "Master Alden your mother has requested you to attend lunch.""Of course, Vergo. Duna, please return to your duties while I attend to my mother." Alden says with a warm smile. Vergo bows and turns to leave walking ahead of us into Alden's mothers room then to the hallway leading to the kitchen. As Alden and I walk down the hallway, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, I'm grateful for the time we've spent together and the understanding he's shown me. On the other hand, I know that our time together will be limited now that his duties call him away. I try to hide my disappointment as best I can, focusing on my duties as a servant. When we reach the kitchen, Lady Thorn is already seated at the head of the table, her servants preparing a feast before her. She looks up at Alden with a fond smile and motions for him to sit down beside her. I take my place at the side of the table, ready to serve them.As we eat, Lady Thorn engages Alden in conversation about the recent changes in the kingdom's politics and his plans for the future. It's clear that she is proud of her son and trusts his judgment. During a lull in their discussion, I manage to steal a glance in Alden's direction. He catches my eye and gives me a small, reassuring smile. It's a small gesture, but it means the world to me.When lunch comes to an end, Lady Thorn thanks both Alden and me for our service before dismissing her son back to his duties. As he stands, he turns to me and says, "Duna, I want you to know that I appreciate everything you do for me. You are a true asset to my household, and I will always be grateful for your loyalty and dedication." His words take me by surprise, and I feel tears welling up in my eyes."Thank you, master," I manage to choke out, unable to meet his gaze. "It is my honor and privilege to serve you." With one final bow, I turn and leave the room, my heart filled with a strange mix of emotions: happiness, sadness, and a deep, abiding sense of belonging.As I walk back to my chambers, Stephanie gives me the side eye."I wasn't aware you were that noble's slave" She says as she follows me down the hallway. I sigh, knowing what she's going to say next. "Well, you could always run away with me!" She says with a sly grin. I keep walking to to the door, and I feel her grab my should pressing me on to the wall. "Don't ignore me slave."I look at her, annoyed. "Stephanie, I appreciate your offer, I really do. But I'm not interested." I say, trying to sound as gentle as I can. Her face falls and she lets go of my shoulder.She holds me on the wall smirking. "How about this, serve me and ditch Alden and I'll set you free once I'm done with you." I glare at her, feeling anger bubbling up in my chest. "You treated me like dirt." I pause for a moment, "And I don't trust you."She laughs, shaking her head. "Oh, don't you see? I could get you everything you've ever wanted. A real life, outside these walls." She leans in closer, her breath hot on my ear. "You could be free, Duna. All you have to do is let me help you. "I shake my head, pulling away from her grasp. "I'm not interested. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my duties." With that, I open the door to Alden's room and step inside, shutting the door firmly behind me. As I hear her angry footsteps retreat down the hallway, I collapse onto my bed, tears of frustration streaming down my face. Stephanie's words keep echoing in my mind, but I force myself to focus on something else. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. I know that my place is with Alden, even if it means giving up on some of my own dreams. He has shown me kindness when no one else would, and for that I am grateful. As I lie there, staring up at the ceiling, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for both of us.

As the day passes and the servants begin to prepare for dinner, I busy myself with my own chores, trying to push Stephanie's words from my mind. The sound of laughter drifts in from the great hall, and I can't help but feel a pang of longing in my chest. I want to be out there, enjoying the company of Alden and the other nobles, but my place is here. I know that my presence might not be as grand or glamorous as some of the other servants, but it's where I belong.Just as I'm about to begin cleaning Alden's study, there's a soft knock at the door. I hurry to open it, expecting it to be Lady Thorn or one of the other servants. Instead, it's Alden himself. He looks tired, but there's something else in his eyes that I can't quite place. "Duna," he says softly, "might I have a word with you?"My heart leaps into my throat. Alden hardly ever seeks me out like this. I nod, stepping aside to allow him entry. He crosses the room and sits down at his desk, gesturing for me to take a seat on the stool opposite him. "I wanted to thank you for your service today," he begins, "and to let you know that I am truly grateful for all that you do. You are an invaluable member of my staff, Duna, and I hope you know that." His words are warm and genuine, and they take me by surprise. "I wanted to give you this," he continues, holding out a small, beautifully crafted pendant. "It is a symbol of my gratitude and appreciation. Please, accept it."I eye the pendent with surprised eyes, before taking it." Thank you, my Lord," I whisper, tears welling in my eyes. "I don't know how to thank you enough." He reaches out, taking my hand in his, and squeezes it gently. "You already have, Duna. Just by being you." His gaze holds mine for a moment longer, before he releases my hand and leans back in his chair. "Now, back to work, eh?" he says with a small smile. "What do you need me to do, master?" I feel a new sense of purpose and determination coursing through me. Alden's words and the gift he's given me have reaffirmed my place here. I may not be the most glamorous or important servant, but I am essential to him and to this household. As I help him with his duties for the rest of the day, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging that I haven't experienced in a long time. Perhaps, I think to myself with a small smile, this is what it means to truly serve someone. Not just because they are your master, but because you truly want to. 

As the day comes to an end and I retire to my room, I place the pendant on my nightstand, where it glows softly in the flickering candlelight. It's not an extravagant gift, but it's perfect. It reminds me that even in this place, I am valued and appreciated. And for that, I am truly grateful. As I crawl into bed, I close my eyes and allow myself a small, contented sigh. Tomorrow, I will rise and continue serving Alden with all my heart, knowing that I am exactly where I belong.