Chapter 1
Angélique’s
POV
I am Angélique Dante and when I was 13 my parents were killed in mysterious circumstances causing me to live on the streets for five years; I had to beg for my food and even resorted to stealing food in order to survive. I slept anywhere I could whether it is a wooden crate in an alleyway or an empty and abandoned house on the outskirts of Paris. Being on the streets for so many years made me learn the necessary skills to hide myself in the shadows when needed so I didn’t get on the wrong side of the law.
It was just like any normal day for me and when I woke up shivering after being cooped up inside an alleyway for the night I decided to try and get myself some breakfast without stealing anything.
After a simple and small breakfast of a piece of fruit I decided to see if I could find any work going; I would take any job as long as it provided a steady income for me. I looked in every shop window along the entire high street. Just as I began to lose all hope suddenly all the lights went out and I panicked momentarily before realising it was just a newspaper over my face. Maybe someone put a job advert in the paper today. Why didn’t I think of looking in the newspaper before for a job? I probably missed so many job opportunities not looking in the local paper before. I skimmed through the pages and an advert immediately caught my eye; it was advertising a job as a maid at the Giudicelli household. Why did that name seem so familiar? Suddenly, it clicked in my mind; Giudicelli was the surname of La Carlotta who was the famous Prima Donna at the Opera Populaire. Why would she be looking for a maid though? Maybe she needed a replacement after firing the last one; she was the talk of the town in terms of being known for frequently firing servants who didn’t cater for her every whim. Luckily I didn’t need past experience to take the job and I went straight to the mansion and hoped they wouldn’t just take one look at me and dismiss me as some dirty beggar or something. I knocked gently but firmly on the door three times before stepping back a little and waiting for someone to answer the door. Finally, I heard someone unlock the catch and the door opened and I saw a maid older than myself standing in front of me.
“May I help you?” She asked with false politeness; I could tell what she was thinking without having the ability to read her mind.
“I came about the position for being Carlotta’s maid, is it still available?” I replied politely.
“Yes it is Mademoiselle. You may come in and start work as her maid immediately. I’ll show you to your quarters and give you a uniform to wear.” And I was lead down several corridors before we went down a long flight of stairs. Before I knew it I found myself in what I presume was the basement. I was tossed a uniform which I changed into as quickly as possible and I then waited for instructions on what I should do around the house; well mansion more like it. I was then instructed to carry Carlotta’s snack up to her room and after being given the directions I went in that direction with a small tray in my hands.
I arrived at her room and knocked on her door and I heard her command to enter and I quickly but carefully entered the room before placing the tray on the small coffee table in the centre of the room.
“Ah you must be the new servant.” She said with a strong accent and with what sounded like fake politeness.
“How old are you?” She questioned suddenly. Why did that question come up all of a sudden?
“Well answer me girl instead of standing there staring at the wall!” She yelled and I replied.
“I’m 18 ma’am.” She nodded and she walked over to her closet and took something out of it.
“Since you are my personal servant you will be instructed to wear the clothes I give you from now on; I will not have you walking around in these rags!” She exclaimed and she thrust a dress at me; I unfolded it to reveal a cotton dress which was emerald green in colour. However it was not as extravagant as one of Carlotta’s dresses but it was certainly nicer than the wool dress I was currently wearing. After changing I was instructed to collect her laundry then clean her room. I still had the thoughts running through my head of the question she asked me earlier. Why would she need to know my age? And why did she give me such nice clothes when I am a mere servant? I decided to think nothing more of the matter and after I finished my work I turned in for the night with several thoughts running through my head which made sleeping difficult......
