I hear and obey

“So new. Did you come in off my latest ship run?” she wondered, Chanel never bothered to register the faces of the slaves that she brought into the city. “I’m a Noble yes, Chanel Easton of the Easton Family” She stated, proud of her heritage even if her family were just rich pirates. “You’re more excitable than most, that’s how I can tell you’re new” she said as she took the card looking it over “Got a name?”

“So you look forward to the day you will get claimed?” This was normal for her, most slaves in the city wanted to get claimed after all it could be a better life. “i’m sure a lot of people will want to claim you in no time.” Kate said, vampires did liked eager slaves after all. “What skill would you like to learn? I’m sure I can bring you a book about it.” They did had a library but the books in there weren’t exactly in the best condition. 

“Absolutely. I can’t think of anything better. My parents taught me to be proud since it’s the best thing that can happen to a slave.” He smiled with a blush. “Thank you for your kind words. I only hope that you are right.” There were so many things he wanted to learn, and it was hard to narrow it down to one. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook. I think it could be very useful, but that’s really not necessary. I’m sure I can find books in the library. I wouldn’t want you to trouble yourself for a stranger and a slave at that.”

Celeste’s smile stayed on her face, but it was definitely tinged with some confusion at how…happy the boy was. “You…hoped to be here?” Celeste tried her best to be a positive person, having no qualms against vampires, but she always knew just how most of them treated humans. Even wolves were second class citizens. Humans were just barely scraping by as thirds. “I um..well, I’m happy you’re happy?”

Kate could see how much doing a good job meant for him, being the first he was putting a lot of pressure on himself to do well and she truly hoped he wouldn’t get himself into any trouble. “I will keep that in mind.” Kate said, if she wanted something from him he would had no choice but to do what she wanted but she always preferred a willing slave.  “But tell me more about you, do you have any hobbies?”

It was probably obvious how eager he was since he did little to hide it. “I have found that reading is a good way to pass time and to make myself a better slave if there’s no work for me to do. I found it’s very important I learn as many skills as I can in case I ever get claimed and need to help my master or mistress.” He wasn’t afforded a lot, but he always saw books as a good way of self improvement. “I’m always trying to find new ways to be useful.”

“Not needed buddy, I’m a regular to the city. I just leave for long periods of time- so I’m pretty familiar with this place. It was under different management the past few times though. Kinda sucks you don’t recognize my face, you must be a new slave batch” she said “But if it’ll make you feel busy, feel free to show me around the new parts?” she offered, almost pitying him- he seemed so eager to please after-all. 

“You never know who you’re gonna bump into.” Kate said, she was always walking around the city and she knew a few others that liked to do the same. “Is better to be safe than sorry.” She joked. 

“That’s true. I guess chance has a way of making the unexpected happen.” Their meeting had been proof of that. “That’s good advice, considering what the consequences could be.” He could not think of anything worse than disappointing his parents if he were returned or sold again due to his failure to perform. “I wish I could return the kindness you’ve shown me. If there’s ever anything I might be able to help you with, I’d be eager to serve.”

kate smiled at him, she was glad to keep having small talk with him like she waited for the owner. “Is okay, you don’t have to apologize when is just us, i notice you didn’t knew who I was, but be careful, that can get you in a lot of trouble with the wrong person or in public.” if her fiance or a blood knight was around or he used the wrong title with the Queen he could easy get himself killed. 

Riley breathed a sigh of relief, knowing it could have turned out much worse for him. “Thank you for your mercy. I think it’s clear I still have a lot to learn despite all the training I received.” Meeting a noble and not recognizing them would certainly put a stain on the reputation of the Farm that would have been humiliating. “I’m not sure how likely I am to run into another noble. Before I ran into you, I thought none would have time for a simple slave like me.”

Kate nodded glad that he was happy at the hive, sure he could only be being nice giving who she was but she had the impression he didn’t got that yet. “Maybe in the future we could try to make sure the families get’s transfer to the same place.” That wouldn’t be exactly hard to do but she wasn’t sure she would be able to do it while Kanopia was in charge. “Now a very difficult question.” She said teasing him. “What makes you special?” She said sweetly before the gym door opened with another client. “Your highness.” Kate offered them a smile as they enter to do their work out. “Sorry, I didn’t meant to bother you at your work, if you have to go I don’t mind waiting.” she said understanding if he had to talk with the client

“I think that’s a great idea. The Farm is already set up for it, and I’m sure they’d appreciate more business.” He chuckled with a grin, not entirely sure how to answer that. “I think it may be how eager I am to serve. I think my peers may listen, but they lack the enthusiasm behind their actions.” He gasped as he realized he was speaking to royalty, not realizing that’s who she was. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you were noble. It’s no bother at all. Most people just sign in and move on. I have plenty of time for you.”

“It’s fairly simple, I’m sure” The blonde shrugged as the boy began to finally do his job. The vampire folded her arms and she gave a shrug “I think it should probably be put down as an indefinite since I have no idea how long I’ll be here. Sucks really” she admitted, almost feeling a sadness in her chest for not having an idea of just when she’d get back to sea. “But you can talk me through some discounts, sure” she agreed.

The vampire smiled slightly, “It’s good to meet you riley, I’m Darius.”

At the question he shook his head with a low sigh, “Life just gets in the way sometimes, but now I’m trying to get back on track- definitely don’t want to develop a gut.” He slapped his firm midsection with bemusement, “Plus, it’s just a good time. Nothing like letting loose all your stress from the week in a brawl or two.” He shakes his head, “New huh? WhereD you come from if I may ask?” His eyebrows shot up. “Out of city?”

Celeste looked him over with an easy smile, catching the scent of human at the same time she saw the shoddy collar around his neck. “I was gone for about a year. I was with some cousins out west. But oh! You’re new? ..Welcome?” She offered with a little grin. “I know this city isn’t exactly the…easiest place to live in.”

Kate listened to him, “What are you thinking about your new home?” She asked really interested in his opinion since he was the first of many, any mistake it was time to fix it now. “Anything you miss from your farm?”

“I’m liking it a lot. There’s so much to do at the Hive, it’s better than what my parents said it would be like. I’m very fortunate to be a slave here.” Some of his brothers and sisters hadn’t been so lucky to make it to the capital. “I think I miss my family the most. They’re the ones who taught me how important it is to know my place, and I can never thank them enough for the lessons they taught me.” He hadn’t expected to meet someone so interested in his past so quickly. He assumed it would be a while before it got brought up, but meeting Kate had been very fortuante.

‘is a pleasure to met you Riley.” She said, Kate could see that the owner still wasn’t around so she would had to or try to come back later to kill some time and wait hoping he wouldn’t take much longer, but as far as she could see everything seemed okay. “Actually, if you don’t mind i would love to hear more about you.” She said, wondering about his family, education, if he was sleeping at the Hive and instead of having to go there she could just ask him if everything was okay there as well.

Riley blinked once a little surprised at her request. The last thing he expected was for someone to take such an interest in him. “I don’t mind at all.” He knew this would be the perfect time to tout the Farm and hopefully impress someone important. “I was just sold here a few days ago from the Farm. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it, but they’re trying some new experimental rearing methods. I’m one of their first generations they’ve deemed appropriate to sell, so I’m hoping I make a good impression.”

“Are you excited for you first day?” Kate asked with a smile, she didn’t knew him and she liked to know everyone in the kingdom. “Thank you.” She said when he held the door for her and she walked in. “In a matter of fact I do.” She answered with a small chuckle. “I’m Kate by the way.” she said offering him her hand for him to shake, not sure if he could tell if she was the princess or not, but she also didn’t cared

“Yes. I couldn’t be more excited.” He said with a grin. “It’s my pleasure.” He responded automatically. Years of training were ingrained in his reactions, and it was second nature to him by now. He wasn’t sure who she was exactly, but it was clear she was important, especially if she was taking the time to visit the businesses one by one. “I’m Riley.” He said as he took her hand, a little surprised. “It’s so good to meet you. Can I get you something to drink? We have a large selection of beverages for you to use.” He was always looking for ways to serve, since it was the only way he could feel useful.

Chanel raised an eyebrow at the chipper human and set down her gym bag “You can relax, pipsqueak. I’m just here to renew a membership whilst I’m in town” The vampire said setting down her old gym card. The other clearly had enthusiasm and it made the pirate wrinkle her nose simply because she wasn’t a morning person “Once that’s sorted I’m just gonna go and work out”

Riley grinned, trying to catch his breath without making it look obvious. “I can certainly help you with that. I’ll try to make this as painless as possible.” He grinned with a nod, glad he could be useful. It was nice to do something so easy, knowing he couldn’t get it wrong. “Are you planning on staying long? We have discount rates if you don’t mind a commitment.”

Kate was making sure to check every business is the city to see how they were doing, if they had any lost that didn’t show on the paper or even if they were so busy that didn’t had time to file the papers for the Queen and King help, there was also a small part that were always afraid to ask for help and she wanted to avoid that. After a few stops she made her way to the gym, as she waited for someone she gave a fast look and was glad to see that the building seemed just like before, when someone finally appeared Kate smiled. “Actually, I’m here to know if there’s anything I can do for you?” For him meaning his place of work, but if he had any complains she would gladly hear it as well.

"Oh, I’m not sure. I’m just the slave who works the front desk. I just started. If you want, I can let you in and you can talk to the owner. I’m sure he’d have much better information for you.” He quickly walked to the door unlocking it to hold it open for her. “From what I’ve seen, things seem to be running quite smoothly. Do you normally take an interest in every business?”

Darius blinked and cocked an eyebrow at the human male. “Oh-My bad man.” The brunette chuckled Abit and took a swig of his drink. Glancing him over Darius shook his head, “It’s cool. Just let the people come as they want. God knows there’s plenty of temperamental muscle heads here to count.”

He tilted his head, “What’s your name? It’s been a while since I’ve come to this place, I don’t reconize you.”