Gilbert turned to the yang man and asked < What's your name? > 

he didn’t answer. 

Gilbert frowned. He wanted this man as his model but he didn't think of the possibility of him refusing. < I will provide you with housing, food, and a simple job and I will pay you a good wage … what do you say? > The man didn’t answer. Gilbert sighed < did you like working for that cruel man? > he asked feeling desperate. The yang man looked at him finally and frowned and shook his head.  <you … > Gilbert finally understood why the yang lad never apologized to his master earlier < you’re mute? > he asked and the man blushed but nodded. < but you understand me! > he nodded again < I see .. > the yang man kept his eyes down  < must be hard for you  huh  .. > his head snapped up, he was expecting a disappointed remark but Gilbert smiled at him< life has been quite cruel to you … >

--

The yang man stared at his new master who looked at him with compassion and empathy that he never received from his old master. He felt a warmth and hope that his new life may not be so hard. He opened his mouth and Gilbert waited patiently as he looked around and picked a  stick and started writing in the dirt < Maxime.. that’s your name? > he stared at the yang lord as he casually crouched next to him and then stood up, he stood up and nodded eagerly. 

His new master smiled < you know how to write .. that is amazing not many in your position would try to learn ..  I am Gibert .. I am a painter and I want you to model for me .. > Maxim stared at him confused and it must have been clear because the beautiful man with golden hair and shining eyes laughed and  Maxime blushed.  < I want to paint you .. > Maxime’s eyes went so wide and he blushed even more. 

Gilbert couldn’t help the smile he saw nothing but innocence in this man. It may be his lack of communication with people. They must have ignored him because they thought he didn’t understand them and didn’t bully him because of his big size. < you must have lived in solitude huh .. > Gilbert said to himself but the man nodded in answer. 

The yang lord stared at his sister checking on her and then turned his attention to Maxim again. His uncle may have a preference for young boys but this man was way too beautiful, and he feared for him . he wanted this innocence to remain untouched.

He took a deep breath and asked  < will you work for me, Maxim? > he asked straightly. And the tall man nodded as he smiled. 

< then listen to me carefully…> Gilbert dragged his new model to a corner away from preying eyes and stood facing him . he was a bit shorter than him but he didn't feel intimidated, it may be the innocence this man gave off.

He grabbed Maxim’s shoulder and tried to convince all the feelings he had. < some very bad people live in my house… they, HE may try to hurt you .. >  the tanned man’s eyes rounded as he listened and Gilbert continued < you are to obey only me! do you understand? if you feel scared you come to me! if you want to run you run away! > Gilbert was not going to put this man in danger for his selfish wish but he wanted to paint him so badly < I will keep you safe Maxim, that I promise..> 

--

Maxim stared at the yang lord in front of him and he felt amazed that a man of his standard would care about a nobody like him. He looked at his light green eyes and saw sincerity. whatever happened in that house this man, his new master was scared of it but was willing to suffer alone. Without thinking he took the hand that was on his shoulder and brought it to his chest and squeezed as he looked into his new master’s eyes . he wanted to deliver his feeling “ I will protect you to master This was one of these times he wished he could talk. The noble man as if hearing him just smiled and walked keeping a hold on his hand. < come Maxim .. let's go home. . > 

--

Gilbert couldn't lift his eyes off the new employee. The man was stunning and these eyes that glanced at him from time to time were breathtaking. He heard a sigh and turned his attention to the source and saw his little sister Josephine eyeing the new member of the household dreamily. He snickered and her eyes snapped to his. He grinned at her and the poor girl blushed to her ears and dropped her eyes. He didn’t comment, he knew this admiration was allowed as long as it didn't turn into love. His sister was a yang 15 years old and was already receiving countless marriage proposals. She was to be married to a respectful lord when she felt she was ready but no matter how much of a good man Maxim was he was not the one for his precious sister. He looked at him again and was relieved that the yang man’s eyes were on him and not on his sister. He smiled satisfied that Maxim was smart enough not to encourage Josey's admiration of him.

As the carriage arrived at the household, Toby helped Josephine off and the yang girl ran to her maid who was standing waiting for her smiling lovingly, Anna had come with Josey that day set on protecting the little girl and she decided to remain as a nanny despite her old age. Gilbert was glancing at the elderly woman patting Josey’s head lovingly and nodded at her when she greeted him.

< master, welcome home .. >  Gilbert glared at Richard, who bowed respectfully. He hated this weasel his uncle putt as his prison Gard. < this is Maxim> he said as he kept walking and Maxim followed after him, eyes staring at the butler.

He felt his new master change of mood and knew that this man was not an allay. 

<he is my new attendant, clean him up and settle him in the room closest to mine. >  < a new attendant? But the lord .. >  Gilbert stopped walking and turned to glare at the butler. Maxim stood behind him towering and glaring at the older man like a dog snarling at his master’s enemy.  Gilbert didn’t move, didn’t speak but arched one eyebrow and Richard bowed again < my apologies master … it will be done right away.> Finally the yang lord turned his eyes to Maxim < remember what I said, you only obey me, > he made sure to glare at the still-bowing Richard as he said that and walked away.

He walked away with anger and unhappiness like an aura surrounding him.

< Anna … why does brother hate Richard so much? He is a hardworking and good man ..>. Josephine looked at her nanny with round ignorant eyes and the elderly woman patted her head < remember what I said sweet girl.. > she whispered as she led the yang lady inside < don’t trust anyone expect your brother .. >  repeated Josey with a lost tone, she knew everyone was hiding something from her. Ever since she was yang every time her uncle came to the mansion Gilbert would disappear for days loocking himself in his bedroom but then he started shutting himself in his art studio. Gilbert lived in this house ever since he was 8 years old, she met him for the first time when he was only 16 and he still refuses to talk to her about their father. The yang girl sighed and followed her nanny to try on her new dresses.

...