Born to be Empress

Chapter 3 - Music Lessons

Phaedra's pov:

The next day was filled with obligations that began with a surprisingly pleasant experience—a luxurious bath in one of the palace's opulent bathrooms. Unlike at home, where we either bathed in the river during summer or used a barrel during winter, the palace had an enormous room filled with bathtubs. The soaps alone smelled heavenly, a luxury I had never known.

Some slave girls escorted me to a beautiful wooden chamber. Without ceremony, they stripped me and gestured for me to step into the warm tub. As I settled in, they began pouring hot water and adding fragrant oils. The soothing scent of lavender filled the air, and I found myself slowly relaxing as they bathed me.

At first, I felt acutely uncomfortable with strangers touching my naked body—something I had never experienced before. But as their gentle hands worked to cleanse and comfort me, I allowed myself to enjoy the unexpected luxury.

Once the bath was done, they dried my body with soft towels and dressed me in a simple linen petticoat. They then attended to my hair, drying it carefully before trimming and braiding it into two neat plaits, all while applying fragrant oils that left my hair soft and glossy.

Finally, they dressed me in a long, flowing yellow gown adorned with intricate gold embellishments. The fabric was unlike anything I had ever worn—elegant, expensive, and undeniably beautiful—but it was also restrictive. Moving freely was out of the question.

The slave girls led me back to the room, now bustling with activity. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the rustle of fabric, animated chatter, and bursts of laughter. Some women lounged on their beds, engaged in relaxed conversation, while others were absorbed in games of cards. A few meticulously adjusted their clothes and hair, their movements precise and practiced.

Suddenly, the tall woman from before entered the room, her commanding presence immediately silencing the chatter. She clapped her hands sharply, drawing all attention to herself. Conversations ceased, and every head turned toward her as she strode confidently to the center of the room.

-"Ladies, it's practice time," she announced, her voice crisp and authoritative. "I want everyone in the ballroom immediately. We'll begin with dancing, move on to music lessons, and finish with lessons on proper etiquette." Her gaze swept over the room like a hawk surveying its domain.

Her eyes landed on me, and for a brief moment, I wished I could shrink away. Instead, she pointed directly at me, her tone firm and unyielding. "You. Step forward."

I glanced to my left and right, confirming that it was indeed me she had signaled. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze.

-"What's your name?" she asked, her tone sharp and expectant.

-"Phaedra," I answered softly, my head lowered as I stared at the floor.

-"Well, Phaedra, do you know how to play any musical instrument?"

-"I... I... do not," I stammered, embarrassment heating my face.

Her expression tightened with visible frustration. "I see... Do you have any talent at all?"

My mind raced to my healing abilities, but I quickly dismissed the thought. Healing wasn't some parlor trick to flaunt; it was sacred work, performed only when truly necessary.

-"I know how to do housework," I finally offered, my voice steady with a small hint of pride.

She scoffed. "That skill is entirely useless here." Her words cut, but she didn't linger on them. Instead, she added briskly, "Well, we have a lot of work to do with you. Follow me."