Gabe grinned as he stared down at his notebook, its pages filled with meticulous notes and quick sketches from the day's lessons. The sun had long set, but the excitement in his chest hadn't faded. Learning about Gross Domestic Product had opened a new world to him, one where kingdoms weren't just ruled but managed, their prosperity carefully measured.
Hestros, as the King had explained, was a land of abundance,it''s land blessed by the gods who resided in it and the hard work of its people. Gabe marveled at how such a concept could quantify the kingdom's success, yet he couldn't shake off the notion of the disparity between those who created the wealth and those who enjoyed it.
As he pored over his notes, the door slid open, breaking his focus. Kamika, her face lined with age and concern, peeked in hesitantly.
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked, her voice quiet.
Gabe frowned in confusion, unsure of the reason behind her visit, but nodded. "Yes, of course." He stood, gesturing for her to enter, and closed the door behind her.
"Orwen has been removed from his position," Kamika said, her tone heavy with implications.
Gabe's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why?"
"Someone reported his misconduct," Kamika explained, her voice steady but devoid of sympathy. "Apparently, he was having an affair with a high-ranking soldier. He's now being prosecuted."
Gabe felt a pang of guilt deep in his chest, even though he knew he wasn't responsible for exposing Orwen. Still, the question gnawed at him, who had? He hoped Orwen wouldn't blame him for it.
"What will happen to him?" Gabe asked, his voice quieter. "Will he be okay?"
Kamika gave a nonchalant shrug. "The punishment for an enclave member engaging in sexual relations outside the approved list is life imprisonment."
Gabe's stomach churned. He had been furious with Orwen after their last encounter, but the thought of him facing such a severe sentence felt unbearable. Orwen didn't deserve this, not even for his mistakes.
"What about the soldier?" Gabe asked, his tone laced with irritation.
"He's been transferred out of the palace," Kamika replied matter-of-factly.
"That's not a punishment!" Gabe protested, anger flaring in his chest. "How is that fair?"
Kamika sighed, brushing off his outburst. "I don't make the rules, Gabe. These things are decided by the administration. I just follow orders."
Gabe clenched his fists, struggling to suppress his frustration.
"Anyway," Kamika continued, her voice softening slightly, "I've been appointed the new head of the enclave."
The news didn't surprise Gabe. Kamika was one of the most senior members of the enclave, known for her dedication and impeccable service. Her reputation extended even to the high vaisas who served the gods.
"It makes sense," Gabe said with a small nod. "Congratulations."
Kamika gave him a fleeting smile, though her expression remained grim. "Thank you. It was long due."
"And I have decided that vaisas who are out of service will assist the maids in the palace to make themselves useful," Kamika stated firmly. "You'll be on cleaning duty and share meals with the civilians at the common dining hall." She hesitated slightly before adding, "I have known Orwen had forbidden you from eating in the vaisa dining hall during meal hours. He has been known for his cruelty. That's why I have never liked him. I think you deserve more respect."
Gabe's chest tightened. Kamika's sympathy felt hollow, as though she was offering charity when she was merely reinforcing his demotion. The mention of meal hours felt especially patronizing, considering the abysmal state of the common dining hall. Gabe had heard stories about how the Alphas hoarded the best food, leaving scraps for omegas and females, a situation scarcely better than eating leftovers from servicing vaisas. At least those leftovers were more plentiful, considering vaisas needed to maintain their figure.
"Thanks," Gabe said curtly, turning away to hide the bitterness in his expression. He didn't want Kamika to see how ungrateful he truly felt. "What now? Should I go join the maids?"
"You don't have to start right away, but…" Kamika paused, her tone growing hesitant. "You'll have to vacate your vaisa quarters. You'll be moved to the maid quarters on the other end of the palace. It'll be easier for the head palace maid to assign you tasks from there."
The words struck Gabe like a blow. His quarters weren't just a room; they were his sanctuary. Over the past five years, he had poured his heart into personalizing the space, the walls adorned with calming colors, the bed modified for comfort, and the windows glass colored with swirling paints making his room glow in rainbow shades during daylight. Losing it felt like losing a part of himself.
Gabe swallowed hard, his throat tight and his chest heavy. He didn't trust himself to speak without breaking. "Fine," he managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll pack my things."
As Kamika turned to leave, Gabe stood motionless, staring at the familiar walls that had sheltered him for so long. The weight of his new reality pressed down on him, suffocating and relentless.