Chapter 2: Day's Work

The blond searched for his glasses on the nightstand. Being nearsighted was a curse among reapers and Ronald was no exception.

"Come now, Knox." William sighed as he handed Ronald's black framed glasses to him.

The blond blushed slightly in embarrassment. He couldn't even find his own glasses by himself. He quickly made his way to William's side as they walked up the stairs and through the corridors. The servants were busy with duties until the old butler, who they found out's name was Charles, walked over and told them their duties. Ronald's blood ran cold as he was ripped from Will's side and thrown into the great hall to tend to the master. He could still feel Trancy's hard gaze etched its way into his back, which made the blond feel even more uncomfortable.

"Mr. Knox."

The sound of his name being called, shook the reaper.

"Yes, sir." He replied, trying not to sound worried.

Trancy motioned a finger to him as if to beckon him to his side. Ronald stood up straight and made his way to the earl's side.

The blond's eyes went widen as the queen's spider yanked down on Ronald's tie and met him face to face.

"You'll be my personal servant from now on."

Ronald held his breath at the smell of the earl's. He simply nodded as his stomach did summersaults. He couldn't deny his master and didn't wish to find out what happened if he did.

William on the other hand, wasn't doing any better. He was forced to watch the other servants as they washed and prepared the young boy that was supposed to entertain the earl this evening. He averted his eyes and looked among the other boys in the cells.

"Hey, Will. You should be watching. You're going to have your turn of doing this." One of the servants must have caught him not watching.

William twitched an eyebrow in annoyance but bit his tongue. As the boy was escorted out a knot formed in the older reaper's stomach. That boy was just about Ronald's age, give or take a few hundred years.

The day dragged on and Ronald was getting even more uncomfortable by the minute. He could still feel the burning gaze of the master on his back as he made his way to his room. A scream startled him, the scream of a boy. It made him make his way down the steps of the basement and right into his room. He slid down to the ground, panting.

"Are you alright, Mr. Knox?"

He didn't know why but the sound of his supervisor's voice made him feel safe, despite how monotone it was. The blond nodded and stood up.

"Did ya hear it? That scream?" He asked, in between pants.

William simply nodded. Ronald tried to pull himself together.

"Knox, you should rest now."

Ronald was still trying to calm down, but did what Will asked him. He flopped on the bed and retired his glasses to the nightstand. He didn't fall asleep however. His mind was filled with questions and thoughts and shuddered as he thought of the earl's eyes.

Night came and Ronald was startled by a loud snoring. He turned and looked to see his supervisor passed out on the twin bed on the other side of the room. The blond smiled. Probably the first smile he made ever since they came to the manor. His eyes fluttered shut and he slowly fell asleep to the sound of Will's snoring.