I, the slave boy, awaken with the most potent seed!!

Chapter 20: All in a day

Mara's intense gaze softened slightly, and she let out a small sigh. "Madame Matilda sent me to check on you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She wanted to make sure you're doing alright and to ask if you needed anything."

Zafron felt a mix of relief and disappointment wash over him. He had hoped for more information, some explanation for his current situation, but it seemed that even Mara was keeping things close to the vest.

"I'm... managing," Zafron replied, trying to keep his tone neutral. "It's different here, but I'm adjusting. How are things back at the mansion?"

Mara's eyes darted around the room before settling back on Zafron. "It's not the same without you," she admitted, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice. "I went to your old room yesterday. All those plans we made to redesign the place... it feels like such a waste now."

Zafron's heart clenched at the mention of his old room. He had so many memories there, so many dreams and aspirations even if it was just for a couple of weeks he had been staying there. He has hoped that this would be a new turn around in his life but as always, fate always played him the worst possible tune.

"I'm sorry," he said, not knowing what else to say.

Mara shook her head. "Don't apologize. None of this is your fault." She paused, seemingly wrestling with what to say next. "Lord Blackthorn has been... different since his return. The whole mansion feels on edge."

Zafron's ears perked up at the mention of Lord Blackthorn. "Different how?" he asked, trying not to sound too eager for information.

Mara bit her lip, clearly choosing her words carefully. "He's more withdrawn, spends most of his time locked away in his study. And when he does come out, he's... intense. Always watching, always listening. It's unsettling."

Zafron nodded, processing this information. He wanted to ask more, to probe deeper, but he could see the hesitation in Mara's eyes. She was already saying more than she probably should.

"Is there anything you need?" Mara asked, changing the subject. "Any supplies running low? Books you'd like me to bring next time?"

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Zafron thought for a moment. "Some new books would be nice," he said. "And maybe... if it's not too much trouble, could you bring me something from my old room? Just a small memento to remind me of home."

"Sure thing," she said in reply.

Mara's demeanor shifted subtly as she moved further into the house. Her earlier tension seemed to melt away, replaced by a growing enthusiasm. She began to walk around the place, her eyes darting from one corner to another.

"I hope you like how I've arranged everything," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. "I did it myself, you know, the afternoon the master returned."

Zafron followed her, watching as she navigated the space with familiarity. "You did all this?" he asked, impressed.

Mara nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Every bit of it. Well, except for moving the heavy furniture. I had some help with that."

She led him to a particular spot in the living room, where a painting hung on the wall. It depicted a lush forest scene, with hidden animals peeking out from behind trees and foliage. "This was the trickiest part," Mara said, gesturing to the tapestry. "You wouldn't believe how hard it was to get this up here. I must have climbed up and down that ladder a dozen times before I got it just right."

Zafron couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. This was the Mara he knew - lighthearted, spirited, always finding joy in the smallest things. It was a stark contrast to the tense, whispering Mara of just moments ago.

"It's beautiful," he said, admiring the tapestry. "You have a good eye for these things."

Mara beamed at the compliment. "Well, I did have some practice back at the mansion. Remember when we rearranged your room last week?"

Zafron nodded, feeling a pang of nostalgia. It seemed like a lifetime ago now.

As they continued to chat, Zafron noticed that Mara showed no signs of leaving. Shouldn't she be heading back to the mansion now that she had delivered her message? Then again, he realized he didn't want her to go. Her presence was a welcome break from the isolation he'd been experiencing.

Deciding to embrace the moment, Zafron asked, "So, what would you like to eat? I was just about to make breakfast when you arrived."

Mara's eyes lit up. "Oh, are you offering to cook for me? I'd love that! What's on the menu, Chef Zafron?"

Zafron chuckled. "Well, let's see what we've got to work with." He led her to the kitchen, opening cupboards and a small cooling compactment. He had only ever seen one of these in the mansion. It turned out it kept things cold.

"How about some pancakes? I make a mean blueberry pancake."

"Pancakes sound divine," Mara agreed. "But only if I get to help. I may not be much of a cook, but I can flip a pancake with the best of them!"

What followed was a whirlwind of activity in the kitchen. Flour flew, batter splattered, and laughter echoed off the walls as Zafron and Mara attempted to outdo each other with their pancake-flipping skills.

"Watch and learn," Zafron said, expertly flipping a pancake high into the air.

Mara scoffed playfully. "Oh please, that's child's play. Watch this!" She attempted an even higher flip, only for the pancake to land with a splat on the floor.

They both burst into laughter, Mara's face turning red with embarrassment and mirth.

"Well," Zafron said between chuckles, "I suppose that one's for the floor gods now."

As they sat down to eat their slightly misshapen but delicious pancakes, Zafron felt a warmth he hadn't experienced since coming to this place. It was remarkable how quickly he and Mara had bonded in the short time they'd known each other. It felt like they'd been friends for years, not mere weeks.

After breakfast, they found themselves drawn into a heated game of chess. Mara had spotted the ornate chess set on a side table and insisted they play.

"I'll have you know," she said with mock seriousness, "I'm undefeated in the servant's quarters."

Zafron raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well, prepare to meet your match, O Undefeated One."

The game was a back-and-forth affair, filled with dramatic gasps, playful trash talk, and more than a few questionable moves.

"Ha!" Mara exclaimed, moving her knight. "Your king is trapped now!"

Zafron smirked. "Oh really? You might want to look again."

Mara's triumphant expression turned to confusion, then dismay as she realized her mistake. "Oh, bother," she muttered.

Three moves later, Zafron declared checkmate, much to Mara's chagrin.

"I demand a rematch," she said, trying to look stern but failing to hide her smile.

As the day wore on, they found themselves engaged in one activity after another. They explored the bookshelves, each reading dramatic passages from random books in exaggerated voices. They attempted to learn a complicated clapping game Mara remembered from her childhood, their uncoordinated efforts leading to fits of giggles.

At one point, inspired by the painting, they even tried their hand at sketching. Their artistic talents left much to be desired, but it didn't dampen their spirits.

"What in the world is that supposed to be?" Mara asked, squinting at Zafron's drawing.

"It's clearly a majestic eagle," Zafron replied with mock indignation.

Mara tilted her head. "Are you sure? Because it looks more like a disgruntled chicken to me."

As the afternoon sun began to cast long shadows across the room, Zafron found himself marveling at how quickly the time had passed. Despite the lingering questions about his situation, despite the uncertainty that still hung over everything, this day with Mara had been... fun. Normal.

Looking at Mara, who was currently attempting to balance a book on her head while walking in a straight line (a skill she claimed was essential for any proper maid), Zafron felt a surge of gratitude. In just two short weeks, this spirited, joyful young woman had become such an important part of his life.

Yet, as the day began to wind down, the reality of their situation began to creep back in. Mara's visit, as welcome as it was, was an anomaly. Soon, she would have to return to the mansion, and Zafron would be left alone once more with his questions and uncertainties.

But for now, as Mara challenged him to see who could stand on one foot the longest, Zafron pushed those thoughts aside. There would be time for worry later. For now, he would enjoy this moment of normalcy, this unexpected day of friendship in the midst of all the mystery.

"You're going down, Zafron," Mara declared, wobbling slightly as she lifted one foot off the ground.

Zafron grinned, mirroring her stance. "In your dreams, Mara. In your dreams."

Um, Zafron," she said, biting her lip as she stopped . "I don't mean to be a bother, but I've been meaning to ask you something since I came,"