Chapter 3

I was sitting in my carriage, listening to the wild loud trot of my horses as I was led through the town. I looked outside, watching the people we strode by before I looked at Lydia, "these people, Lydia, why do they keep looking and waving at the carriage?" I asked her.

"Because they know it is you," she answered me as she sat her hands delicately in her lap, sitting in the far corner of the carriage and I frowned at that.

She was not just a servant, and she was not just my lady in waiting, she was my only friend.

"Lydia, what have I told you?" I warned her, and she scooted out of the corner, immediately relaxing against the plush soft seats.

"Are you not nervous, Aphrodite?" she asked me and I looked back outside, watching the children run along the side of the carriage until they could not keep up.

"Being nervous is a positive thing," I responded, "I shall do my best to-night, as I always do. I shall sing from the deepest depths of my soul and make Master Abigor proud."

Lydia smiled at me, pushing her wild hair behind her ear, "you have the most wonderful voice I have ever heard in my life," she complimented me and I smiled.

She tells me this whenever I am about to sing.

"Thank you, Lydia," I said delicately as I looked down at my lap and thought of what I would perform.

It was hours later when we arrived at the theatre and I looked out of the window, in awe of the big beautiful building. My nerves had kicked in, no matter how many times I sang, I still got nervous to stand under all of those lights and be looked at by hundreds of wealthy people. 

I nervously played with my fingers as Lydia rushed to make sure I looked perfect and not a single strand of hair was out of the neat hairstyle that she had made for me. 

I waited patiently for the door of my carriage to be opened for me. It was always like this. I sat and waited for master to come open the door, then he will guide me backstage and help me up the stairs as I am introduced and the crowd cheers. 

I shot Lydia one final smile before the door opened and there stood, Master Abigor, but I couldn't see his face. I just saw his silhouette under the moonlight. 

He extended his hand for me to accept and courteously, I accepted his hand and let him help me out of the carriage before I stood on the ground and I finally met his eyes but only for a quick second. I was much too afraid to look at him for long. 

His features were striking, and his eyes were captivating but I had to remember that I was his slave. No matter how well he treated me, he was still my master. 

"Master Abigor," I greeted him, as we both started to walk towards the theatre. 

"You look ethereal, Aphrodite," he complimented like he always does as he leads me backstage. 

"I thank you, Master Abigor," I said in my most ladylike voice, "I am ready to perform to-night," I paused, "I shall make you very proud, Master." 

He did not say anything else but I did not expect him to. We were standing behind the curtains, waiting for them to roll open so I could see the crowds. 

I only had an hour. 

I could hear the chatter on the other side and I knew it was full. It always was. 

I straightened up even more, throwing my hair over my shoulder and standing at such a stance that when those curtains opened, I would look phenomenal with my exposed leg. 

The familiar rush of excitement coursed through my veins as I held onto Master Abigor's steady and muscled arm. I was not allowed to smile, neither was I allowed to make eye contact. I had to look above the heads of the people. 

There were a lot of rules, but I obeyed each and every single one of them. 

I was ready to perform. I was always ready to perform. 

When the curtains opened and the bright lines shined brightly upon me, Master Abigor was long gone and it was just myself. I heard the hush over the crowd as they watched me, I stood in that particular position, holding my head high before I walked towards the mic placed right in the centre, in front of the orchestra that would perform behind me. 

I took my time, swaying my hips and walking as confidently as I always do before I reached the mic. 

I was Aphrodite, and I would make sure the audience got the performance they paid plenty for. 

~~~

It was like every other performance of mine. I could feel Master Abigor's eyes on me as I sang and by the time I hit the final note of my final song, the entire audience was at their feet, clapping loudly and praising me.

I simply smiled before I turned around and walked off the stage. That is what I do, I perform and when I am done, I get off the stage and straight into my carriage that is usually always waiting at the exit. I climb into my carriage and go home where I rest and drink medicine for my throat.

The curtains closed behind me as I walked down the dark staircase, taking my time and being careful with my high shoes.

"Oh, my," I gasped in surprise as I reached the final step and a man appeared.

Instead of saying anything he just stood there and looked at me, and I stared up at him as well. Unsure about what I was supposed to say or do. I have never interacted with any other persons besides my teachers, servants, Lydia and my Master.

My eyes wandered over his youthful features, he was most definitely younger than my teachers and younger than Master. There was something in his green eyes that was mischievous and rebellious, his hair seemed like it had started out neatly at the beginning of the night but now, he had run his hand through it plentiful times.

His jawline was one that was very defined, I believe they call it a square jaw. Everything about him seemed...unfamiliar to me.

"I have never seen such beauty," he breathed out in awe as he looked down at me. I tried to step around him when I snapped out of my surprise.

"I mus-" I tried to excuse myself but he stepped in front of me, stopping me.

He took off his little hat that was hanging on the back of his head, before he placed it to his chest, bowing in front of me as he took my hand in his and placed his lips on the back of my palm, "my name is Sebastian Harrington," he introduced himself before he straightened up.

"I know I should not be here," he paused, seeming all over the place as his eyes scanned every inch of my face and my body, "but, on the name of all that is dear to me, Madam Aphrodite you are even more beautiful and unreal up close," he let out in a rushed dazed talk.

"I must leave," I said more certainly, taking my hand back from him, ignoring the nervous butterflies in my stomach.

"I know, I know, I apologize, I'm just- I'm such a fan," he said with a wide grin and I started to walk but he walked besides me.

"What is a fan?" I asked him, stopping in my steps and looked to him.

"A supporter," he reached into his pockets, "before you leave, Madam Aphrodite," he pulled out a single daffodil.

"A daffodil?" I asked him as he gave it to me, a red tint to his cheeks.

"If I had known you would actually spare me some attention, I would have been better prepared."

I looked at the flower, before I looked up at him, "I thank you, Sebastian," I said, still in surprise before I turned back to the exit, "I must leave."

"Good night!" he yelled after me as I walked away.

~~~