Born to be a slave.

24

  I felt so bad, that I have made Edmund upset for my lack of attendance in these last days. All of it happened only because of my decision, which I made - taking a bite of chocolate candy, a gift meant for my Master. It was poisoned. If Edmund would have ate it, I would not see him again, he would not be my Master and most likely I would be in someone else's home, in much worse conditions. 

Edmund would be dead.

The thought of it made me cry even more. I didn't care what happens to me. I was no one, a person with no significance in this world. Edmund in other hand was more precious than anything..... or at least in Hadria, in these lands, for people living here. 

I couldn't look up at him, I felt as if it was too much to handle. Edmund was silent for last few minutes and I started to question myself, is he even here?  He was. 

"Thea!? What are you crying about? ....."

"I....I am so sorry, Edmund. So sorry....."

"Will you stop? It is so annoying."

I wiped my tears and took a courage to look at him. He was standing near my bed, but not as close as before. The look of his face was something I have never seen in him. It was hard to pinpoint, what kind of emotion played there..... Sadness? Guilt? Annoyance? I have never seen Edmund wear such look. My Master seemed so vulnerable and exposed, compared to his usual calm and collective appearance.

It looked like he wants to say something, i was keeping myself quiet, awaiting his words. 

"You better rest. There will be lots of work for you. You have missed many tasks, which I had in plan." It was all he said and then Edmund left.

Edmund was right. I was very weak, no strength seeped through my limbs, my eyelids felt heavy as stone. In some way I could be compared to a dead person. 

'Lots of work' he said. Edmund always has something in mind, something new, I just wonder what he has planned for me in future?

*****************

I watched my long, black hair cascading down my naked body. They have grown so long, reaching down to my hips, if not tied.  The strong color contrasted against my pale skin. As the warm water soothed my body, I tried to relax and prepare my mind for today's work.

I glanced around and tried to spot, where I have placed my towel, but could not see it. Maybe I didn't take it out from drawers.... I turn my head around, the water makes a subtle splashing sound, which echoes in Edmund's bathroom. 

In a doorway I see him, my Master. The sudden presence spooks me, but it seems he have been there for a while. For how long? I hope just mere minutes. My cheeks go red in seconds and I avert my gaze back on me and my body in a bathtub. I am naked and he is standing there..... watching me silently. Please go away, go away..... I chant in my head completely embarrassed. I have curled my arms around me in attempt to cover my naked form as much possible.

I hear his presence nearing me and I shut my eyes. 

"Thea! Thea....." Edmund's calm voice brushed over my head.

Unwillingly and full with embarrassment I looked up at him. He have grown much taller in  five years. 

"Hurry up and come outside." my Master says and puts a towel on the edge of the tub. 

He seems not affected by situation at all, his face is calm as ever, only me..... I am like a trembling leaf....if not from outside, then from inside definitely, my heart is going crazy.