Ancient Greece AU because everything in my mind translates into a Byler AU apparently:
Mike who lives in Athens and is the son of a high-ranking officer, one of the aristoi, a nobleman. His father died when he was just 15 and left him his title, all his land, their huge house and many slaves to look after. He had to tend to all these things from a very young age which he never liked. He hated every symposium and every assembly, anything that had to do with politics or pretentious people that treated those of lower rank poorly. One day, a few weeks after he'd turned 18 and his responsibilities had increased even more, he got on his horse and left the city in an attempt to clear his mind. One of his estates was right outside the city walls and there was a beautiful field there that was always filled with the prettiest of flowers this time of the year. It was also high enough that it had a great view of the sea. When he reached that part of his land, he found someone there. The stranger was on the ground, hunching over something Mike couldn't see. He seemed too focused on what he was doing, so he didn't notice Mike approaching him. Mike's curiosity had gotten the best of him, he ignored his mind that was telling him he should be careful around strangers and especially trespassers, and simply walked all the way up to the boy and stood right behind him, trying to peek over his shoulder.
"That is... beautiful" he let out as soon as he laid eyes on the piece of leather the boy was drawing on. He had made a sketch of the field and the sea stretching in front of them with what looked like coal. Upon hearing him though, the stranger had jumped up and was standing 3 feet away from him within seconds. He had lowered his body as if he was ready for a fight... He looked at Mike with fear all over his face, he then lowered his eyes and examined his clothes and his horse that was standing behind him and it was like something is his brain clicked. He instantly kneeled on the ground, his forehead touching the dirt.
"I am so so sorry, my lord, I shouldn't have been here. I shouldn't have been on your land. I apologize, please forgive me. " he spoke fast and he sounded young. His whole body was tense and his arms were pressed on his sides. He'd seen servants stand like that while taking a beating. The mere reminder of that nauseated him. So he leaped forward and crouched down in front of the boy. "You have nothing to worry about. I am not angry. Please stand up. I want you to show me your art" he replied firmly and touched the boy's shoulder. The stranger slowly looked up at him with trembling lips and shiny eyes and Mike gave him the friendliest, most reassuring smile he could muster.
Part 2
Part 3
