The house’s routine went on like always and even though there was an uncomfortable silence no one seemed to acknowledge Oliver’s absence. Iyasu couldn’t concentrate though, he couldn’t stop thinking about why Oliver suddenly disappeared. He wondered if the other omega was even alive anymore. Every time he asked about Oliver the other slaves seemed to avoid the subject.

Roland had been acting strange lately too. He was usually holed up in his office for most of the day, only coming out to eat or leave the house for his weekly trips to the city. Lately he’s been wandering around the house and causing all the slaves to be on edge. Everyone was suddenly walking on eggshells even more than when Finn was in one of his foul moods. Iyasu was probably more tense than everyone else, he would watch Roland out of the corner of his eye as he stood at a distance just observing him. It was creepy.

Iyasu pretended he wasn’t there, pretended not to see the other slaves glancing at him with curious gazes when they noticed Roland watching him. He moved onto his daily chores like usual but then he found himself alone in the hallway. He was dusting the ornate picture frames on the second floor to distract himself when he heard the click of Roland’s shoes from behind.

He continued to clean hoping Roland would not speak to him but of course he never did what Iyasu wanted.

“I see you've been acting up again.” Roland’s voice was right behind him. “And here I thought you've become completely docile.” He placed a hand on Iyasu’s shoulder, running it up his neck and smoothing his thumb over his collar. Iyasu wondered what Roland was talking about until he continued.

“I heard you and Jerrod had a moment in the garden.” Roland’s voice was light, inquisitive, but had an edge to it that made Iyasu's body stiffen. 

“I was taking the compost out to him, master.” Iyasu said the words as casually as he could. 

“That’s funny, I don’t remember that ever being on your schedule.”

Iyasu swallowed. “I saw it laying in the kitchen and I thought it would be fine to take it out since no one else had.” 

“And then you decided to have a little chat with Jerrod when you were supposed to be working?” His hand tightened around Iyasu’s neck as he said it.

“What were you two talking about?” His lips were closer to Iyasu's ear now, his voice more aggressive.

“We were just talking about the flowers, I was interested, I’m sorry master. I-I wanted to learn more about gardening...” He stumbled over his words.

Roland backed off a little at that statement.

“Well I suppose it’s a natural curiosity for your kind. Darkies do seem to have a green thumb for these types of things. Nevertheless I expect you to stay on schedule, your punishment will be much more severe if I ever hear of you wandering off again.”

Iyasu almost let out a sigh when Roland’s grip loosened a bit. He was surprised he didn’t get whipped for going outside in the first place. His punishment wasn’t a breeze but he expected Roland to personally crucify him for that.     

“I’ve been thinking about you this whole time, you know.” Roland switched the subject as he moved closer.

“Master I still have duties to attend to,” The words left his mouth in a rush. Roland leaned down further to brush his lips against Iyasu’s scent gland, ignoring his words.

“I couldn’t concentrate on my work because of you. Your scent, and your body, I missed it.” The words made Iyasu want to pull away. “I’m going away on another business trip tomorrow, I want to enjoy your company before then.” His hands slid down Iyasu’s sides, Iyasu glanced around to see if anyone was watching. 

“Master Roland i-if you don’t mind could we go somewhere more private sir?” 

Roland gripped at his thighs pulling him closer. “Of course, I’ve been meaning to show you something anyway.” He pulled away and grabbed Iyasu’s hand to take him to the eastern wing. 

They entered one of the rooms that was always locked from the outside. It was a lounge that had white and gold furniture and sheer curtains that let in the sunlight. The walls were decorated with metallic golden flowers and the floor was covered with a heavy forest green rug, a grand piano sat in the middle of it all.

Iyasu felt an air of serenity around him when he stepped into the room, even in Roland’s presence. The alpha walked over to one of the side tables where a box was sitting. Iyasu didn’t like the sight of it, he didn’t want to know what was in it. Roland pulled out an outfit that was all red, it was silk this time but no less skimpy. 

“I couldn’t stop thinking of your dancing. I decided to have another gown made since you dress up better that I expected.” He held the outfit up to Iyasu’s body before handing it over. 

Iyasu took it reluctantly. He didn’t want to play dress up after spending so long in that cage, it was the last thing he wanted to do, though getting to dance again was better than more punishments. He expected Roland to assault him like usual, he didn’t expect this when Roland said he wanted to enjoy his company.

He undressed quickly and put on the outfit. This one wasn’t as complicated, it had a deep neckline that showed most of his chest and two side slits that went up to his hips but the rest of him was covered at least. 

“You really do clean up nicely.” He said, untying Iyasu’s ribbon to let down his hair. “I want to see if you can dance to the sound of a piano instead.” Roland walked over to the piano and sat down, he tested out a few keys before smiling at Iyasu. Iyasu only looked down awkwardly. 

“Master, if you don’t mind me asking, what brought this on?” Why are you acting so friendly after what I did? 

“You could say music is a passionate hobby of mine. I had no idea a low-breed like yourself could even be interested in the arts until I saw the way you dance. You’re more of a curiosity than I imagined, I admit I’m interested.” he gave Iyasu a playful smirk.

Iyasu fought the urge to roll his eyes. Instead he walked up to the white piano and smoothed his hand over it. Usually Roland wouldn’t be so lenient, perhaps he should be grateful for this moment.

“I’d like to hear you play, master.” He admitted before he could stop himself. 

Music was always Iyasu’s escape from every pain in his life. It delivered him from being a prostitute, helped him survive and eventually thrive despite being an omega. It’s what he used to live for but it also didn’t hurt to feed Roland’s massive ego by indulging in the man’s own passion for music.

Roland looked pleased as he began to play out an intricate melody. He was better than Iyasu expected, though he shouldn’t have been surprised, someone as privileged as Roland could probably afford the best teacher. The song sounded beautiful as it filled the room, Iyasu even found himself swaying to the sound naturally.       

He danced with the more serious tone of the song and briefly wondered why Roland picked a song that sounded so depressing. It made Iyasu’s heart sting, he could almost relate to the notes that seemed to conjure up feelings of longing and loneliness. When it stopped he turned to see Roland staring at him with an unreadable expression. 

“Who made that song master?” Iyasu couldn’t help his curiosity. A grin grew on Roland’s face making Iyasu stare back warily.

“I did, when I was younger.” He let out a quiet laugh but Iyasu was shocked to see a bit of sadness in his eyes. Iyasu didn’t know which was more shocking, the fact that he was such a talented musician or the fact that they were having this conversation.   

“That was....an amazing song. Though it was quite sad.” Iyasu said it before he could stop himself. Roland blinked in surprise but then gave Iyasu a much more genuine look of admiration.

“You have a good ear for music, Gin. I’m impressed.” 

The compliment felt weird, it wasn’t the only time he’s complimented Iyasu but his unwanted comments about Iyasu were usually laced with lust. It felt strange having him compliment Iyasu with no double meaning to his words. 

They continued after that, Iyasu admittedly enjoyed the opportunity to dance until his body was tired. It was the only time he’s been in the same room with Roland without Roland tormenting him in some way, though he was sure that was coming eventually. For the time being he enjoyed himself and let his mind rest. Roland’s expression was serene as he played, his eyes took in Iyasu every now and again with that same admiring look; It differed from the usual leer that he often directed at Iyasu. Iyasu couldn’t help taking in the image of him sitting at the piano with a simple black shirt, his loose blonde hair glowing in the sunlight. One would never guess his true nature from how he appeared in that moment.  

In the middle of their third song he heard the door open and abruptly to see none other than Finn. For a second Iyasu caught a slight smile on his face when he saw Roland playing the piano but that smile quickly faltered when Roland stopped and sent him a cold look. That was when Finn’s eyes landed on Iyasu, his delicate features twisted into fury and disbelief as he took in the sight of Iyasu. 

Iyasu could guess why he looked surprised, Finn wore a beautiful dress shirt made of lace and form fitting pants. His white-blonde hair was braided into an intricate style that looked like there was quite a bit of effort put in. He had a sinking feeling when he realized the situation he was in and he wished he could just disappear into the floor before anything escalated further. 

Unfortunately the universe was not on his side, Finn lunged at him without even saying a word which startled Iyasu. Finn was prone to being a violent and impulsive person to the slaves but he’s never had such a look of bloodlust like he did in that moment.

“What are you doing here?! How dare you, you filthy temptress! You whore!” he yelled as he pulled at Iyasu’s hair and began to rip away the clothes he wore. He tore the fabric into pieces, yanking Iyasu to the ground as he tried to pull away and defend himself from Finn’s frantic blows to his face and body. His green eyes held a violent fury that struck Iyasu when he looked into them, he could see unshed tears that threatened to fall.

“Stop it this instant Finn, are you an animal?” Roland yelled. He grabbed Finn and lifted him off of Iyasu who was still shaken from the assault, he folded his legs closer to himself and tried to pull the torn fabric back onto his partially naked body.

“Why is he here?! Why?!” Finn continued to yell, his voice trembling with unshed tears and anguish as he struggled to be free from Roland’s arms. 

The alpha took him away to the hall where Finn finally broke from his hold. Iyasu thought he would attack him again but Finn directed his fury to Roland instead. 

“I will not take this anymore, why must you cling to that low-breed when you won’t even visit my quarters anymore?” 

“I’ve been busy with the new trade deal coming up and you know that.” Roland’s tone was irritated.

“Not too busy to play mates with that slave when you can’t even spend time with your actual mate before you leave. You’ve been more and more distant!” Finn looked up at him with desperation in his eyes. 

“What have you done to stir up any desire in me since we first bonded, Finn? What purpose do you serve as a frigid high-breed, huh? Omegas like you are only fit to be a status symbol!” Roland raised his voice, making Finn flinch with a hurt expression.

“That darkie has bewitched you with some sort of black magic hasn’t he? He’s going to make you lose all of your sanity if you continue like this, he will be your downfall.” His voice was small as he said it.

Roland’s face was angrier then, he grabbed Finn’s arm and yanked him forwards to look him in the eyes.

“Don’t you dare threaten me like that, know your place omega.” Roland said through grit teeth. Finn only looked more terrified at that expression but he still spoke up.

“You have to sell him,” he shook his head in disbelief as he continued. “I will not take this anymore, you have to sell him!” Finn began to sob as he said it. 

Those words made Iyasu’s heart drop. Sure he hated Roland and his life here but it was a hell he knew, he didn’t think he could survive being sold only to do it all over again. There could be people even worse than Roland out there, ones who wouldn’t think twice about ending his life if they had no other use for him. The thought of going somewhere worse and leaving Sandra, leaving Jerrod, it pained him more than he expected.

Roland wouldn’t sell him right? The silence was suffocating, making Iyasu feel a sense of fear and foreboding until Roland spoke up.

“I will not.” Roland hissed before roughly pushing Finn away.

“Why not?” Finn whispered with tears streaming down his face. “Sell him! If you love me you will sell that darkie!” Finn pleaded as he tried to cling onto Roland who looked down at him with stony eyes.

“No matter what you say I will not sell Gin, you have no power to make me.” He stepped away from Finn, his eyes landing on Iyasu soon after. Finn collapsed as he continued to cry, his body shook with his silent sobs.

“Gin, let’s go.” Roland ordered, his eyes were hard and left no room for argument but Iyasu still glanced at Finn before slowly getting up. Roland didn’t even seem to care about the hurt and desperation on Finn’s face, he simply stood there with his eyes solely on Iyasu.

Iyasu said nothing as he looked down and walked over to the two. He took in Finn’s sunken form as he walked by, the other omega’s face was streaked with tears, his beautiful braids ruined and hanging around his face. His emerald green eyes were red and distant as he seemed to stare into nothing, he didn’t even look at Iyasu when he walked past him. 

Roland silently took him to his office where he ordered him to take off his clothes. Iyasu did so and laid on the bed before Roland could tell him to. Roland took him with more force than necessary, every thrust was rough with frustration. His touches were passionate like he was trying to sear them into Iyasu’s body, he stroked the brand on Iyasu’s thigh as he stared into Iyasu’s eyes. He didn’t look away once like he was trying to commit Iyasu’s face to memory as Iyasu held back moans. 

When they were done Iyasu moved to leave but Roland stopped him. He pulled him back under the sheets and laid there with him, Iyasu was stiff with shock not knowing what to do. 

“Stay here for a while.” Roland whispered against his neck as he wrapped his arms around Iyasu. “I want to enjoy your presence a bit longer.”