Chapter 4

"You need to rest," Lydia told me kindly as she tucked me into my bed and I sighed, enjoying the feel of the thick sheets around me that gave me warmth, "sleep well," she wished and I watched as she walked out of my chambers and closed the door behind her. 

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. 

~~~