The Blood of the Rose

A Year later

I was asleep in bed after being once again assaulted by the wicked witch. I swear she's rougher than Adreaus and his men as my arms were sore as hell. I was woken by someone playing the guitar, albeit out of tune as the door opened.

'Happy birthday to yew. Happy birthday to yew. Happy birthday, dear Isa. Happy birthday to yew.' Lisa and the others sung completely out of tune. At least I could count on them to make me laugh.

'Go on then.' Frida said, looking at me. 'Make a wish.' I laughed as I blew out the candles. 'So what did you wish for?'

'I'm not telling you.' I said laughing as she looked at me.

'Why not?'

'You know the saying, if you tell a wish it won't come true.' Lisa said, looking at her. 'Anyway, Happy birthday, little one.' She said, handing me a small box. 'Go on, open it.'

'Not yet.' Louise said, panicking as we looked at her. 'The Madame is coming.'

We hid all the party celebrations under the bed just as the wicked witch walked in as she smacked the whip against her boot.

'Well, well, did I hear singing in here?' Carlotta asked, looking at all of us. 'You three out.' She said as Lisa looked at me before walking out of the room, closing the door gently behind her. 'Well, my love. It seems it has slipped my mind what today is.' She said as I turned my head away, hoping to ignore her. I felt the wip under my chin as she used it to turn my head towards her. 'I don't care what you do in your spare time, but when I demand you, you come when you are called. Do you understand, baby?' I looked at her speechless as she stood up from the bed. 'Oh, and clean up that cake and then come to my room.'

I watched her go before going to sit on my bed, looking at the present Lisa gave me.  I sighed as I opened it, wondering what it could be as a silver music box stood proudly inside.