SAMANTHA
I stood in the middle of my new penthouse, surrounded by velvet furniture and silk curtains and golden mirrors, and I felt like a caged bird in a gilded cage.
The maid had not stopped watching me since the servant left. She was very vigilant. Wat hing me like an eagle. She was young pale and hungry. Her eyes were empty and she stood by the door with her hands folded and her back straight.
I walked toward the couch, sinking into it. I wanted to lie down and close my eyes and forget about everything.
"I want to watch television," I said.
The maid shook her head. "Miss, you cannot do that."
I stared at her. "What do you mean I cannot do that?"
"The princes do not allow slaves to watch television. It is forbidden."
I bit my tongue. I walked toward the window. The garden was beautiful with green grass and flowering bushes. I wanted to sit on the bench and feel the sun on my face.
"Then let me go outside to the garden."
