"You?" Gabe asked in horror, the informality slipping through his tone. He found it hard to school his shock at the knowledge.
The King tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yes, me," he replied, his tone teasing. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Gabe with an intensity that was almost too much for him. "Why? Do you have a problem with that, my sweet?"
Gabe's breath hitched, and he quickly dropped into a low bow, his face burning with embarrassment. "Your Majesty," he stammered, "Why would you spend your precious time tutoring a lowly palace slave?"
He heard the King chuckle. "I see great potential in you. That's why I have granted you the privilege of learning directly from me. The all knowing. There is no teacher, no scholar greater than me. Aren't you happy you get to learn directly from the source?"
Gabe's legs threatened to give out as he struggled to process the surreal moment. His heart thundered in his chest at the thought of spending endless hours under the King's scrutinizing gaze.
The King seemed to read his thoughts. "Relax," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. "You don't have to be so formal with me, dear. Take me as your guide. As your friend if you will." The chair creaked as he rose up and took steps towards him. His form stopped mere inches away from him.
"I can teach you everything there is to know about the mortal world, its pains and pleasures, its wars, its triumphs. Every discovery, every secret that lies in the folds of history… and everything in between," He said in a low velvety whisper.
Gabe kept his head bowed, his eyes fixed on the intricate embroidery along the hem of the King's Hanfu robe. His pulse raced as the weight of those words settled into his bones. "Yes, Your Majesty," he finally managed, his voice barely audible. "I would be honored to learn from you. I will do my utmost to absorb all that you teach."
"Good boy," the King murmured, his approval as intoxicating as it was intimidating. With a subtle smile, he stepped back, his presence retreating just enough to let Gabe breathe again.
"Come on, let's begin," he said walking towards the table.
Gabe looked up to find Deroki pick up a heavy book.
"Economics," the King announced. "Today we will learn about economics. Have a seat," he said, gesturing for Gabe to take the seat across from him.
The King opened a page, its surface marked with illustrations of farms, workshops, and marketplaces. He tapped a finger on a cluster of fields drawn at the bottom.
"Let's begin with the foundation of wealth: labor," he said, his voice smooth and deliberate. "These farmers, artisans, and miners, their hands cultivate the earth, forge tools, and extract treasures from its depths. Without them, a kingdom would crumble."
Gabe leaned in, studying the drawings intently. "So they create wealth?"
"Yes, of course, without them a Kingdom would crumble down like a house of cards."
"But they do not create wealth alone," The King continued. "Merchants move goods, nobles organize resources, and rulers, like me, ensure order and expansion."
Gabe's brow furrowed. "But, Your Majesty, if the farmers and artisans play such a crucial role in creating wealth, why don't they get to enjoy its benefits but the merchants, nobels and…" Gabe hesitated, lowered his gaze before adding, "the rulers do?"
The King's tone was thick with amusement as he said. "Ah, such a thoughtful question. You would make a great philosopher, my sweet." He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "The simple answer is that power determines who enjoys what. Those who own the land or control trade set the terms. And as long as the workers accept their place, the system remains intact."
"That doesn't seem fair," Gabe muttered to himself.
The King chuckled, the sound rich and vibrating in the quiet of the library. "Fairness, my dear, exists only in stories, not in kingdoms. The balance of wealth is not about fairness but efficiency and control."
"Although I have to say, your idealism is refreshing," The King added, his gaze lingered on Gabe a moment too long, causing Gabe to shift uncomfortably. It wasn't everyday that you had the King's sole focus on you. "But tell me if you were to distribute wealth equally, what would stop the greedy from hoarding? Or the lazy from reclining under a tree, doing nothing but basking in the sun?"
Gabe blinked at the King's question. Now, he felt stupid. Of course, people needed a reason to work hard to become better in their social standing.
"Economics is the art of control," the King said, his voice smooth, almost languid. "To rule effectively, one must not only govern hearts but also coin purses."
"So, you're saying the economy is a tool for power?"
"Precisely." The King's said, leaning back and observing Gabe as if judging his reaction on his words. "You're quite astute. Perhaps too much for your own good."
As the lesson wore on, Gabe asked the King more about trade routes, taxation systems, and the ethics of monopolies. The King didn't need to look at the book to answer any of Gabe's question. He answered all the question with confidence like he knew the book of economics by heart.
"Oh, look at the time. Evening already," the King remarked, his tone tinged with amusement. "How swiftly it passes when one is teaching a virgin."
Gabe flushed crimson, his eyes darting to the floor. "I am not a virgin anymore, Your Majesty. I've been… initiated."
The King's lips curved into a playful smirk. "Ah, my sweet pupil, I meant virgin of the mind, of knowledge, not the body. I am enjoying filling you up… with knowledge, of course. In a way, taking your virginity all over again."
Gabe's throat went dry, and he licked his lips nervously. A shaky laugh escaped him as he forced himself to believe the King was joking, even though the words had sent a strange warmth through his body.
"Hmm," the King mused, stretching slightly as he rose from his chair. "Our next lesson will be held in the sunroom. This place reeks of old parchment."
"As you wish, Your Majesty. When do we meet again?" Gabe asked, bowing respectfully.
"Two mornings from now. My guard will fetch you."
Gabe nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I look forward to it."
The King stepped closer, his presence overwhelming yet strangely comforting. His nearness making Gabe's heart jump.
"I bid you farewell then, my sweet pupil," he said, his voice dropping into a silky tone.
"Goodbye, Your Majesty," Gabe replied, a genuine smile breaking through his initial nerves.
The giddy feeling of learning something new stayed with him as he made his way back to his chamber. The world felt a little brighter, more complex than he'd imagined. Yet, as he entered his room, the familiar weight of his duties settled back onto his shoulders. Soon, he would have to prepare for his next service.
Straightening his robe, Gabe forced himself to smile before heading to Orwen's office. "When is my Alpha arriving?" he asked.
Orwen glanced up from his desk, unease flickering in his eyes.
"Has my Alpha already come?" Gabe pressed, frowning at Orwen's hesitance.
"No," Orwen said, gesturing for Gabe to come closer. "Step inside. There's something I need to tell you."
Gabe frowned, unease prickling at him. "Yes? What is it?"
Orwen took a deep breath, as if preparing himself. "The Alpha you served last night… he's dead."
Shock rippled through Gabe, and his eyes widened. "Dead? How?"
"It's... unsettling," Orwen admitted, his expression grim. "He bled from every orifice, his eyes, ears, nose, mouth, his…" Orwin cleared his throat. "It was horrific, Gabe. Truly horrific."
Gabe shook his head, disbelief making his chest feel tight. "That's... terrible. What could have caused something like that?"
Orwen hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "There's more."
"What more could there possibly be?" Gabe snapped, his anxiety rising.
"All the Alphas who were scheduled for your services… they've withdrawn their names."
Gabe's frown deepened, his confusion turning to frustration. "Why would they do that?"
Orwen looked away, his unease palpable. "They think you're cursed, Gabe. They believe that… that beast who initiated you somehow marked you, and now anyone who beds you will die a painful death."
Gabe's jaw dropped. "That's absurd! Who came up with such a ridiculous idea?"
"I don't know," Orwen admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But rumors spread fast, and no one's willing to take the risk. I tried reasoning with them, but their minds are made up."
Gabe's fists clenched, anger boiling in his chest. "Cowards. I didn't realize Alphas could be such spineless fools."
Orwen winced at his tone, but before he could say anything, Gabe stormed to the door, his movements stiff with indignation.
"Gabe, wait," Orwen started, but Gabe didn't stop, slamming the door behind him as he left.
His mind was racing as he walked away, frustration and confusion tangling with each other.