Prohibited Bond

The day dawned with a clear sky and a gentle breeze that caressed the leaves of the trees. The first rays of the sun tinged the horizon with shades of gold and pink, announcing the arrival of a new day. Sarabi got up early, as usual, with the firm purpose of fulfilling her duties before her awaited meeting with William.

The sound of birds singing filled the air as Sarabi made her way to the well to fetch fresh water. The light of dawn filtered through the foliage, creating a play of shadows and light on the ground. With agile and precise movements, she filled the buckets and carried them to the main house, where she began her daily routine of cleaning and preparation.

He attended to Doña Marta, making sure that breakfast was ready and that everything in the house was in order. Marta, as always, demanding and perfectionist, was quick to make her usual comments about the need to keep the house spotless.

-Sarabi, make sure the rooms are well ventilated and don't forget to water the plants in the greenhouse," Marta ordered, barely looking at her.

-Yes, ma'am, I will do it right away," Sarabi replied, bowing her head slightly in obedience.

As the morning progressed, Sarabi hurried to complete all her tasks. Finally, when everything was in order, she approached her friend Nina for help.

—Nina, I need your help to be absent for a while —said Sarabi, looking at her with a mixture of urgency and hope.

Nina, always willing to help, noticed the seriousness on Sarabi's face.

—Where are you going? —asked Nina, with curiosity and concern.

Sarabi took a breath and replied calmly, trying to sound convincing.

—I'm going to see my father and look for medicinal herbs. He needs my care —said Sarabi, lowering her gaze.

Nina nodded, even though she knew there was more behind Sarabi's words.

—Alright, cover your tasks and I'll take care of the rest. But be careful —said Nina, squeezing Sarabi's hand slightly in a supportive gesture.

Sarabi thanked Nina with a smile, feeling a wave of gratitude for her friend. She headed to the barrack where her father was resting. Upon entering, the smell of medicinal herbs and damp earth filled her senses.

Kwame was lying on a mat, and although his wounds were beginning to heal, the pain was still evident on his face. Sarabi knelt beside him and began to check the bandages, carefully cleaning the wounds with a damp cloth.

—Father, I brought more medicinal herbs. This will help you heal faster —said Sarabi, her voice soft and soothing.

Kwame nodded, grateful for his daughter's care. Sarabi applied a new mixture of herbs and ointments, preparing them with precision and knowledge. The skin around the wounds began to ease under her attentive hands.

—I'll be back soon, father. Take good care of yourself —said Sarabi, gently kissing Kwame's forehead.

Kwame nodded, his gaze full of love and concern for his daughter.

With her heart pounding and a sense of anticipation, Sarabi headed to the waterfall. The path was lined with lush vegetation, and the sound of the water grew louder as she approached. Upon arriving, she saw William waiting anxiously, his eyes filled with emotion at the sight of her.

William saw her from afar, her figure standing out among the other slaves like a gem in the darkness. His eyes filled with admiration as he beheld Sarabi's unique and different beauty. With his heart beating fast, he began throwing small pebbles to avoid being noticed by the other slaves.

Sarabi saw him and, cautiously, walked towards him. Each step she took seemed like a whisper in the wind, her elegance and grace undeniable. William couldn't take his eyes off her, captivated by her presence. The sun shone intensely, creating a golden halo around Sarabi, enhancing her beauty even more.

When they finally met, William felt time stand still. Their eyes met, and for a moment, all the suffering and oppression seemed to vanish.

—Sarabi, you're here —said William, with a smile of relief—. You grow more beautiful each time I see you.

Sarabi, grateful but shy, lowered her gaze.

—Thank you, Master William. But... I'm afraid —said Sarabi softly, her hands trembling slightly and a knot forming in her stomach.

—Don't be afraid, Sarabi. I would never hurt you —replied William, taking her hands tenderly.

William invited her to a secret hideaway behind the waterfall that he had discovered as a child. He led her through the curtain of water into a small cave. The floor was covered in soft moss, and a small stream of underground water flowed within, draining into the river. Sunlight filtered through the cracks, creating a magical and cozy atmosphere.

Very shyly, they both sat down facing each other, looking at one another without saying a word. The sound of the water and the tranquility of the place enveloped them. Finally, Sarabi broke the silence.

—Master William, this isn't right. You're going to get engaged, and I... I'm a slave. I can't be with you —said Sarabi, her voice trembling.

William looked at her intently, his eyes reflecting the determination in his heart.

—I'm not going to get engaged, Sarabi. That's my father's wish, but not my heart's desire. My heart belongs to you —said William, firmly—. If you love me, I'm willing to fight and do the impossible for our love.

Sarabi, extremely shy, felt her heart race. Her words came out subtly and confusedly but were full of sincerity.

—Master William, I... I don't know what to say. I'm scared. Scared of what might happen —said Sarabi, with tears in her eyes.

William approached and hugged her tenderly, feeling the warmth of her body and the strength of his feelings.

—Don't be afraid, Sarabi. Together we'll find a way. I promise —said William, stroking her hair.

In that moment, the outside world ceased to exist for them. Only their hearts beating in unison and the promise of a love that would defy all barriers mattered.

William looked at Sarabi with a mixture of tenderness and desire.

—Sarabi, you have beautiful and tempting lips. May I kiss you? —he asked in a husky and serious voice, gently caressing her cheek.

Sarabi, with her heart pounding, nodded shyly. William pulled her close, holding her by the waist, and they kissed passionately. For a moment, they forgot everything around them, embracing tightly and ending up on the ground. The outside world ceased to exist as they gave in to their feelings.

However, when Sarabi felt they were at the limit of what was allowed, she abruptly pulled away and stood up.

—I'm sorry, Master William. I shouldn't have allowed this —said Sarabi, her voice trembling.

William, feeling remorseful, immediately apologized.

—Forgive me, Sarabi. I got carried away by my feelings. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable —said William, sincerely.

Sarabi, still with her heart racing, decided to tell William about James's harassment.

—Master William, there's something I must tell you. James hasn't stopped bothering me. He keeps harassing and threatening me. I'd rather give myself to you than to that dirty, drunk foreman, but I'm not ready yet —said Sarabi, with tears in her eyes.

William felt a wave of anger upon hearing that James continued to bother Sarabi. His mind began to work quickly, searching for a way to resolve things and protect her.

—I won't allow James to keep harassing you, Sarabi. I'll find a way to stop him. I promise you —said William, with determination.

Sarabi nodded, feeling a mix of relief and concern. She knew that William would do everything possible to protect her, but she was also aware of the dangers they faced.

They embraced passionately, feeling the deep connection that united them, and agreed to meet at the same time the next day. William left first, making sure no one saw him, and headed to the estate with determination. He was ready to talk to his father about James's behavior without revealing his feelings for Sarabi.

Upon arrival, he found Thomas in his study.

—Father, I need to talk to you about James —said William, trying to remain calm.

Thomas looked up from his papers and gazed at him with curiosity.

—What's wrong, William? —asked Thomas.

—James has been behaving inappropriately with the house slaves. We can't allow that kind of behavior —said William, firmly.

Thomas frowned, clearly upset by the news.

—I'll talk to James. Such behavior with the house slaves is forbidden. I won't tolerate abuse on our estate —said Thomas, with authority.

William, calmer now, nodded and headed to the study, feeling a momentary relief.

Meanwhile, Sarabi was on her way to the estate when James crossed her path. Without warning, he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her to a secluded corner, intending to abuse her.

—Let go of me! —screamed Sarabi, struggling to break free, but no one heard her.

James, with a sinister smile, tore part of her dress. Desperate, Sarabi managed to grab a stone from the ground and hit James on the head, giving her the chance to escape.

She ran to the kitchen, crying and with her dress torn. Upon arrival, Nina was shocked to see her in that state.

—Sarabi! What happened to you? —asked Nina, her voice trembling.

—James... tried... —said Sarabi, sobbing, unable to finish the sentence.

At that moment, Mr. Thomas entered the kitchen and saw the scene. His face hardened upon seeing Sarabi in that state.

—What's going on here? —asked Thomas, in an authoritative voice.

Nina, still in shock, tried to explain the situation, but before she could say anything, Thomas called James to clarify what had happened.

James, with an expression of false innocence, arrived in the kitchen.

—What's the matter, sir? —asked James, feigning concern.

—Sarabi says you tried to abuse her. Is that true? —asked Thomas, sternly.

—That's a lie! —exclaimed James—. She attacked me for no reason. I was only trying to help her, and she reacted violently.

Thomas looked at Sarabi, who was trembling and crying, and then at James. Although he doubted James's version, he decided to make a firm decision.

—James, from now on, you are forbidden to approach Sarabi. I don't want any more problems on this estate —said Thomas, with authority.

James nodded, though inside he was boiling with rage. Sarabi, still trembling, felt a mix of relief and fear for what might come.

At night, Sarabi lay in her small room that she shared with Nina. The moonlight filtered through the window, gently illuminating the space with a silvery glow. The tranquility of the night contrasted with the storm of thoughts flooding her mind. Sarabi, with her eyes open, watched the moon as her thoughts kept her awake.

The soft sound of the wind caressing the leaves of the trees and the distant song of crickets created a nocturnal symphony that accompanied her musings.

—At any moment, James will end up doing as he pleases... and in my heart, there is only Master William —she murmured softly, feeling a mix of fear and determination.

Whispering to the wind, Sarabi expressed her deepest fears and desires. The image of William flooded her mind—his smile, his touch, and the promise of protection he had offered.

She thought all night, her mind filled with memories and emotions. Every memory of William made her heart beat faster. Determination began to form in her heart—a decision that would change her destiny. Finally, she decided that, no matter what, she would give herself to William the next day. She knew her love for him was true, and she was willing to face any challenge to be by his side.

Meanwhile, in his luxurious room, William couldn't stop thinking about the moment they had shared in the cave. In his mind, he replayed what had happened over and over, even imagining more. His feelings for Sarabi were intense and deep, and he was determined to protect her and fight for their love.

William got out of bed and walked to the window, gazing at the same moon Sarabi was watching from her room. The silvery glow illuminated his face, reflecting the determination in his eyes. He could almost feel Sarabi's presence, as if the love they shared connected their souls across the distance.

The night progressed slowly, and although their bodies rested, their minds were awake and active. Sarabi and William, each in their own space, were emotionally preparing for the next day, aware that their meeting would mean a before and after in their lives.