ONCE UPON A WINTER

The floor was cold tonight. Not that it had always been different but this night is freezing cold.This is how I know whenever winter is on the way. Cindy wouldn't stop snoring and Lyla has taken the cover all to herself. I looked around and I found the girls, both old and young ones sleeping in different directions. We are the slaves of the most successful woman in Thores, Sumaya. She owns the largest population of slaves in the town

Not even the king could compete with her wealth. We were dressed. We were not to be shackled during the night but when we were on the farm, except during festivals that we have visitors in the compound. And When I think about those girls that tried to flee, a cold shiver ran through me. Loud snores from different angles, but that was not what kept me awake tonight. It was not even the cold weather.

It has been a month since I've started sneaking out of the slave chamber. Sneaking out was common among the slaves, especially during cold nights like now. Female slaves were fond of sneaking down to the males for pleasure. But that was not where I am headed now, but to Master Angus, the second of the three sons of my owner.I could remember, it all started that day.

As a slave, we were never meant to go any closer to the young masters. Not even as much as to breath in the same air as them. Their food, clothes, and other belongings were only to be touched by the "senior slaves". But never call them that-those vengeful creatures, they hate to be categorised with us but that wouldn't change the fact that they are also slaves but only favoured. Lyla has just became one of these "favoured ones"and she wouldn't stop riding over it. She has found a necklace which Madame has misplaced and she was compensated with the promotion.

  That day, We had just come from the farm and I was among the girls peeling the tubers when Lyla sent for me. I was wondering why she would call for me when we no longer have any business together. However, I could only heed her call, unless I'm planning to have my body whipped. Yes, senior slaves do oppress and maltreat the lower ones like that.

  I was shocked when the viper told me to go into Angus' room to pack his clothes and wash. Of course he could not be home since the young masters hated seeing us. They believe we are dirty and stinky and couldn't stand our presence. I couldn't ask her why she had sent me such but I never asked her. I knew it would make her feel good to send a fellow on an errands. When I got into Angus' room, I realised why Lyla had sent me into Angus' room when it would be a pleasure for her to be there herself.

  Angus' room was looking so tattered and unkept. It was stinky and at that moment it was only a bit different from a slaves' room. I spent my time looking around the room before I got to work. God knows it might be that once in my lifetime that I would enter his room. My eyes sought a big frame hung high from the wall. In it is a family picture of the three brothers. Another one was of their farmland and then of different animals. I was intrigued. Angus is wicked and devious. I have never intended him to be a lover of animals. I was so lost in the scenery that I didn't know when someone joined me in the room.

  "Enjoying yourself?"

  I jumped almost out of my skin when the words were spoken into directly my ears. Striken with fear, I twirled around only to bump right into Angus. I squealed loudly, moving away from him immediately.

"Why? You must be enjoying yourself", although his tone was light, his eyes was anything but cool. The moment I made the mistake of meeting his cold eyes, a deep shiver ran through me. Never have I seen a soul as empty before. It was as if he has no spirit and nothing to loose. His eyes was cold with the usual defiant in it. I actually knew, that I could get lost in those magnetic blues. Shaking my head, I took a step back and he followed suite. By this time , I had become a trembling mess. My legs were shaking profusely and I could barely control my lips from uttering nonsense.

"I b_beg you, m_my lord, please don't kill me."

"I didn't mean to. Please forgive me", I cried but he suddenly burst into laughter, shocking me.

  

  "Who told you I want to kill you?", he asked, the earlier mirth back in his eyes as he began to move closer to me.

"You're no use to me dead", murmur but I couldn't understand. It happened so quick that I couldn't stop it, and my 'chest_wrap' was tugged loose, exposing my breasts to him.