Page 16 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Friday evening was to be her first Gathering. She had a hard time concentrating on her book during the day, her thoughts constantly straying back to the upcoming evening. What would it be like? Devin hadn’t told her much about it, only that there would be lots of men and that she would enjoy herself.

After dinner, Maggie and another girl named Sarah arrived to help Anna get ready. Like Maggie, Sarah was a few years older than Anna, with bright blue eyes and light brown hair tied back with a purple ribbon at the nape of her neck.

“Did you enjoy your dinner, Mistress?” Maggie asked, walking toward the table. She picked up the tray, walked to the door, and knocked.

“Yes, it was delicious. Thank you.”

The door opened and Maggie handed the tray to unseen hands in the hallway, then turned back to Anna. “Shall we begin?”

“Begin what?”

“Pampering you.” Sarah walked into the bathroom and a moment later, the sound of running water echoed out into the bedroom.

It took a moment for the words to register. Pamper me? Anna remembered Devin saying something about it the previous morning, but it hadn’t really sunk in.

Maggie led Anna into the bathroom and she paused in the doorway. “Why is the floor never cold?”

“The floor is heated,” Maggie said. “Nothing worse than stepping onto a cold floor in the middle of the night when you have to relieve yourself.” She giggled, and so did Anna.

A wave of unrecognized tension flew from her body as the laughter escaped her mouth. How long had it been since she had laughed—or even talked with—another girl? Years. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d seen her best friend, Jenna. For a few years after she’d moved in with Master Jack, she’d sneaked short conversations with Jenna in the bathroom at the ballet studio, but once Anna had moved to the adult classes in the evening, they weren’t in the studio at the same time anymore.

She sighed, wondering if that was something she could ask Devin about. He’d hinted about being able to leave the Manor occasionally. Anna’s heart lightened at the thought and she smiled again.

“Are you alright, Mistress?”

“Yes. I...” How could she explain the emotions skimming her mind and heart? Would a girl constantly surrounded by other girls understand something so trivial? “It’s been a long time since I’ve been around other girls and just... laughed.” Anna shrugged and chewed her lip.

Maggie reached for her hands. “It can be a difficult transition, moving from training back into everyday life in the Manor. I can imagine it’s even more difficult for you because you weren’t raised here.” She squeezed Anna’s hands and gave her a tender look. “It will be okay, Mistress.”

Anna sniffed and blinked back tears. “Thank you, Maggie. I... have to remember that there are nice people around. It’s been...” She wiped away a tear. “I’d forgotten.”

Maggie hugged her. “It’s my pleasure, Mistress.”

“Can you call me Anna? Being called Mistress is so formal.”

Maggie’s eyes widened, and she looked as if Anna had asked her to strangle a kitten. “Oh, no, Mistress! Your status in the Manor is so much higher than my own. That would be highly inappropriate! And Master would be furious.”

Anna shrank away. She certainly didn’t want Maggie or Sarah to get in trouble. “Okay. I understand... I think.”

“The conventions of this place will become natural to you in time, Mistress. We will help you.”

“Thank you, Maggie.” Anna tilted her head. “Is it okay for me to call you by your name?”

“Oh, yes, Mistress. That is allowed. We call each other ‘Sister’ if not by our names. But we are not your equals. I believe everyone knows of your arrival by now and should know how to address you. Even the men should address you as ‘Mistress.’ Except Master. He can do as he pleases.”

Anna sighed. “There’s a lot to learn, isn’t there?”

“Yes, but Master says you are very smart and will learn quickly.”

Anna smiled and her chest warmed at the thought of Devin telling Maggie such a thing.

“The bath is ready,” Sarah said.

Steam rose from the tub and, along with it, an unfamiliar scent. It was musky and flowery and fresh, all at the same time. Almost arousing.

Sarah motioned toward the tub, and Anna undressed and stepped into the water, sighing at the warmth of the water. She sat down carefully and settled against the back of the tub where a soft pillow had been placed. After a few minutes in the heat, her muscles relaxed and she sighed. Oh my, this is nice!

Sarah made sure she was soaking up to her ears and then massaged a good-smelling oil into her face before Maggie washed her hair. Anna closed her eyes and basked in the scent and gentle touch. Classical music played softly in the background. Swan Lake, Anna thought.

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