Perseus always kept a strict schedule, except during his heats.
He still had work to do. But his body gave in to exhaustion first. Even the coffee didn't help. He forced himself to go through the documents he had brought back, reading each page carefully, before finally lying down.
Sleep didn't come easy. His instincts, eager to accept an Alpha's pheromones and prepare for conception, kept him restless. By early morning, he had already woken several times, drenched in sweat.
The sheets were soaked. He got up, cracked the window open, and eventually lay back on the bed, shivering between heat and cold. As dawn broke, the tormenting desire finally eased enough for him to grab a few moments of sleep.
No one at home knew he had returned. The house was too big, the staff too few. His room sat at the quietest end of the corridor. No one would come unless he personally tidied or organized the wardrobe. The Audric family had lived here for over twenty years. As a child, Perseus had occasionally wished he could sleep in without worry. But now, despite his fatigue, sleep eluded him entirely.
The clock ticked mechanically. Half-asleep, he traced the faint whir of the gears, forcing himself to close his eyes again. After a while, the clock chimed gently, signaling lunch time. Perseus got up, changed into fresh clothes, sprayed his usual perfume on his neck, and slowly descended to the dining hall.
He had done this before, returning secretly during his heat and appearing only at mealtime. The Matriarch never liked it and scolded him every time. Perseus felt the grievance, but he had nowhere else to go. No one watched over him, no one ensured he wouldn't open the door to a stranger and end his heat in confusion. Without suppressants, home was always the safest place, both by instinct and by the Matriarch's design.
His footsteps echoed through the living room and corridor as he made his way to the dining hall. The servants bowed respectfully. None dared greet the young master, only silently opening doors for him. The Matriarch sat at the head of the wide dining table. Several distant relatives flanked her, visitors he didn't recognize. The Matriarch always had guests. Seeing him, she set down her fork and knife. The visitors turned to look as well.
Perseus nodded to them from where he stood. He knew what was coming. To his surprise, the Matriarch offered a rare smile and gestured to a seat beside her.
"Percy, come sit," she said kindly. "Why never give notice when you come home? Another heat this time?"
"No, Mother."
He sat. A servant immediately brought him a full set of dishes. Today's food looked different, not the usual butter-rich meat soups and overly sweet cakes. The meals seemed carefully arranged, vegetables paired with meat, and the dessert came with cheese drizzled with honey. He hesitated, then took a small spoonful.
"You wouldn't come back if it weren't your heat," the Matriarch said meaningfully, her eyes on him. The guests followed her gaze. "But your timing is perfect, Percy. I have good news for you."
The honeyed cheese tasted special. Perseus detected hints of orange and nuts. He couldn't help taking another bite.
"I'm listening," he said, digging another small spoonful into his mouth. She looked at him like one might watch a fluffy sheep.
"Looks like you enjoy today's food? Wonderful." She waved for the guests to continue eating, then picked up a small bell with three fingers and lightly shook it.
The door opened again. A servant stepped forward, carrying a small tray, and placed it respectfully in front of Perseus. On it lay a delicate key. Two others then held a tall screen in place, blocking the doorway.
Soon, a shadow appeared behind the screen and bowed. Perseus frowned. This was protocol. Lower-class personnel must report this way. The sheer curtain allowed the Matriarch to check posture, but the lower-class could not enter or interrupt the meal.
He didn't want to bother. The dessert had been delicious enough. He decided to leave some appetite for the main dish, but then the figure behind the screen spoke, a familiar voice.
"Greetings, Madam," he said, still bowing. The Matriarch gave a satisfied "Hmm" and turned back to Perseus.
"The engagement is finalized, Percy. From today, this is your Alpha." She nodded to the key on the tray. "I spent a lot to choose him. Very obedient. Use him well."
Einoh was hardly eloquent, but he sensed the Matriarch's words would likely irritate the young master.
He was too nervous to remember what came next. The Matriarch spoke privately with the young master. Einoh could only wait at the door. After lunch, the young master left the dining hall, still carrying the bitter scent of absinthe under his perfume. Einoh stood in the corner, lowering his head as the young master's eyes swept over him.
Once the guests had finished, the servants collected the dishes and returned to the kitchen. Einoh spent the entire afternoon washing them, baking cookies, and preparing tea. Dishwashing was monotonous and physical, perfect for losing oneself in thought. He muttered quietly to himself.
"What are you doing?"
A sudden voice made him jump, nearly dropping a plate. Einoh looked up to see the young master standing in the kitchen, arms crossed, watching him. His tailored shirt, sleeves rolled up, looked ill-suited for kitchen work. Einoh panicked, unsure how to ask him to leave.
"Sir, I'm washing the dishes," he said, trying to appear competent.
The young master said nothing, only pointed to the tea tray. Einoh realized he had prepared cinnamon sticks instead of the red tea bags. Flustered, he hurried to correct it. The young master watched silently, like an inspecting steward.
"Do you normally do all this?" the young master asked.
Einoh's nerves flared. "I-I'm sorry, sir. I was distracted. It won't happen again."
"You didn't answer my question," the young master said. "Do you usually do all this? Kitchen work and dishwashing?"
Einoh opened his mouth. "I also handle laundry, floor cleaning, gardening…"
The young master snorted. Einoh froze, afraid to move.
"You were bought by my mother, weren't you?"
"…Yes."
"How much did she pay?" asked Perseus. "I'll ask her to get back the money, and send you back. Judging by today, this place isn't suitable for you."