When I was sure that she would not come back, I took my hands out from under the blanket, revealing the daffodil I still held in my hand.
I felt a smile slowly grow as I looked at the slowly wilting flower, thinking of the messy brown haired green eyed mischievous boy.
Sebastian, he said his name was.
I put the daffodil to my nose, taking in the smell. It is the first gift I have ever received from any man or person besides Master Abigor.
I did not have any friends nor any admirers so my heart skipped a beat as I thought of the good looking youthful gentleman who had gifted me this flower. I could not help the butterflies in my stomach as I recalled our conversation.
I sure hope I can see him once again, but I know that the tickets to my shows are expensive, and it is unlikely that I will see him in the morrow for my final singing show, until my next dancing concert. But I could not stop hoping and praying that he would be able to sneak in again and meet me. Perhaps this time I shall converse with him and I will not be so surprised.
I placed the daffodil on my pillow, and then closed my eyes, thoughts of the handsome stranger were what finally brought me peace and sleep.
~~~
I opened my eyes, feeling the rays of the sun hit across my face and I smiled, "a brand new day," I sang softly under my breath before I turned around and looked at daffodil still laying untouched on my pillow.
I reached for it and held it to my nose, it was wilted now but I wanted to hang onto it for as long as possible.
Pretty soon, Lydia would walk into my chambers and give me my first meal of the day before she will tell me to begin preparations for my show to-night.
"Good morning, Aphrodite," Lydia greeted, right on time as she entered the room, holding a tray of food for me and I sat up in my bed.
"Good morning, Lydia," I responded, accepting the tray from her and started enjoying my nutritious break-fast.
"How did you sleep?" she asked me as she immediately opened the curtains and windows, letting in some much needed fresh air before she walked towards my bed.
"I slept most wonderfully," I informed her, bringing the cop of tea to my lips.
"Well, Aphrod-" she stopped abruptly and I looked up, wondering why until I saw her eyes fixated on the daffodil, "what is that?" she asked me as she took it from my pillow.
"It is a daffodil, Lydia."
She frowned, shaking her head, "I know what it is. Where did you get it? Our gardens do not have daffodils."
I nodded, "a young gentleman gave it to me," I told her honestly, and a smile grew on my face as I thought of the lad, "his name is Sebastien Harrington," I further informed.
"Aphrodite, how did you meet this lad?"
"I was leaving the theatre and he snuck in backstage, he is quite mischievous."
Lydia shook her head, "he snuck in backstage?" I nodded, "you know you are not allowed to talk to anyone," she told me and I sighed.
"I know..."
"I am sorry, Aphrodite, but it is a pretty daffodil."
"I suppose it is."
"It is past saving now, I will throw it in the rubbish."
Sadly, I watched her stand and leave my chambers as I sat there numbly and continued my break-fast.
~~~
I was standing in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection, running my hands delicately over the material of the gown that I was wearing to-night for my performance.
Another hour of singing in front of the crowds.
The jewellery on my neck contrasted against my skin. I tilted my head, looking at myself even more. At times I would look in the mirror and search for something, search for my mother. I hate to say this, but I do not remember what she looks like. At times I hope something will trigger my memory, but her image is unclear in my mind.
I wonder if she is doing well in her life and I pray she is not being abused by her master. I wonder if she ever had a child after me, Master Abigor once told me I was my mother's only child.
I ripped myself away from the thoughts of my mother and father, looking at myself instead.
I had not a single blemish on my face and my skin glowed because I was treated with the finest treatment. I had the best body washes and bodily treatments. I exercised every day, so that my legs would be what they call firm and shaped.
I truly was a beauty and I have been fed to believe that I am. I looked at my dark eyes, searching for whatever it is they all claim to see in them but there was nothing.
I looked away and played with the dangling earrings before I turned and let the dress trail behind me as I walked to the door. Ready for my performance to-night with the silliest of hope that I would see Sebastien yet again.
~~~
"God has truly favoured me," Sebastien said as I emerged from behind the curtain, but this time I did not jump from surprise. This time, I looked up at him, fighting a smile."Do you make it a habit to sneak from behind curtains in theatres, Sebastian?" I asked him, watching as he took off his hat once again. His hat covered his face for a second before he slid it down to his chest, but between his teeth was a single red rose.I smiled, unable to contain it as he removed the rose from his teeth and then looked at me, handing it to me with an over dramatic bow, "for the Goddess," he told me as I took the rose from him."I thank you, Sebastian," I said kindly as I held the rose, smiling down at it, "but I must get going," I said to him, afraid of getting into trouble with Lydia since she had seemed displeased when she found the daffodil.
I was frozen and still in shock about what happened the previous night. I could feel Master's terrifyingly cold hand wrapped around my neck. It was almost as though he had not stopped choking me and with each breath, I flinched in fear.I sat in the tub, letting Lydia wash me. She was silent, not bothering to ask what the matter could be. She most probably has an inkling about what happened, either that or she suspects that something went terribly wrong with Master the previous night. Whatever the case may be, I am relieved that she has not asked me what had occurred.I wanted to keep what happened to myself.I was also fearful; had I angered Master that much? Will he sell me off? Whip me like so many masters do to their slaves? I know what the world is like outside these mansion walls that Master Abigor has kept me protected in. The realization
After the performance, at the sound of the outrageous applause I made my way backstage. I walked down the stairs and as I turned the corner, Master Abigor was awaiting me. I walked up to him and accepted his arm, resting my hand casually and as ladylike as I could. My heart pounded against my chest and I feared that he could hear it and it might anger him."Master Abigor," I paused as I looked up at him but he did not stop walking, he gently pulled me along and I glided on the ground, almost as though my feet were not touching it, "I must apologize for what happened. I seek your forgiveness, Master."He slowly turned his neck, his face looking down at me and I sucked in a breath, forgetting how enchanting his eyes really were. They sucked me into a deep and dark world, "you are to ride with me to-night," he simply responded, And when I looked to the carriage, I noticed that it was not my carriage. My carriage was a gold, led by white S
I have seen the garden plentiful times, I just have not ever cared to delve deeper into the flowers. I found them beautiful, yes, I enjoyed looking at them and then getting lost in thought. I felt as though I were walking around in heaven.Master Abigor's manor spans out as wide as the eye can see and around the Victorian styled mansion covered in green vines growing on the stone walls, was the gardens and beautifully green grass.There were flowers of every colour and every kind. It was breath taking. It was late at night and I was supposed to be in bed at this time, getting what Lydia called, beauty sleep. Yet I was outside, walking around the gardens looking at each flower. I did not see flowers that I was used to. There was not a single daffodil, there were only flowers that I could not name.These flowers had to be rare, I was certain of it.They were almost daunting to look at, looking at
I was shaken up following my conversation with my Master. I could still feel his hands on my thigh. The tight grip of his cold hand on my warm and dark thigh was driving me insane. My stomach tightened into knots as I remembered what he had growled so savagely into my ear. There was a strange feeling in between my legs, one that I did not understand, but it came as a result of his words.Master Abigor was sinful. That, I stand by. The man was made of sin, he was covered in sin- he was sin, that is all that I can say."Are you relieved that you have no more singing concerts for the rest of this month?" Lydia asked me, snapping me out of my thoughts.She along with my ladies in waiting were dressing me and getting me ready for the day. To-day was only supposed to be a day of relaxation but Master Abigor wished me to attend some special occasion, so
When I arrived, the first face that my eyes laid upon was Master Abigor's. He held out his hand for me to accept and I gladly accepted it, as I always do. I stepped down and he stepped back, creating distance between us because of the big dress.His eyes looked me over, "you look glamorous, Aphrodite," he told me and I smiled at the compliment."Only the best for you, Master Abigor," I responded as I looked around. A red carpet was stretched out from my carriage leading to the inside of the castle like mansion that I was sure belonged to a royal. There were several carriages lined up, "what are we attending, Master?" I asked him.I do not usually ask him such, but because I feel much more acquainted with him, I hope he does not mind the question."Duke Barclay is having a birthday celebration," Master answered me, as we neared the huge doors that were heavily guarded, "you know the rules, Aphro
"Master, he was the one who touched me," I stammered out nervously as Master Abigor was walking me back to my carriage. I had spent the remainder of the ngiht sitting anxiously with clammy hands and a heart beating 100 beats a minute because I was so fearful of what would happen when I was alone again with Master Abigor, "there was no way I could have stopped it," I rushed out as we approached my carriage and the door was held open by my coachman.Master Abigor had my hand placed in the crook of his arm as he casually guided me to the carriage. Even though his face gave nothing away, I could not help but feel that something was unsettling.I was certain he was upset with me, "hush," he huskily whispered into my ear, causing goosebumps to appear on my arms. He placed his index finger on my lips, silencing me, "if you say one more word, I will not hesitate to punish you even more."A lump formed in my throat and I wa
My body was set alight, I was on fire- consumed by its flames. His words registered in my brain and took effect on my body, driving me mad with unfamiliar reactions. I felt so suffocated by my Master's sudden attention on me. I always believed our relationship was strictly platonic.I thought he held no feelings towards me whatsoever. I believed he only treated me as a business, a business that he rewarded very well for the money and success it brought him.I have never thought of being with a gentleman. It has never crossed my mind because I was so engrossed in my work and making my Master proud. I was only exposed to whatever Master Abigor allowed and I was perfectly content with it.I was still much young and had the beauty of youth to my favour.I was still lying in bed while Lydia attended to me. I worried this woman too much, "Lydia, you work too much," I voiced and she stilled in place a