Following that, the older sex workers took Claudia under their wing and taught her the basics of their trade. Claudia took to it like a fish to water, quickly joining their ranks and moving up until she secured the top sales spot at the brothel. But even with all her success, every night as she went to sleep, Claudia always saw the same thing: Fermina’s mocking grin. It didn’t matter that she’d managed to secure the most lavish lifestyle possible for a sex worker; it still didn’t erase the cloud hanging heavy over her heart.
“It’s supposed to be the Advent Festival today, but it may as well be a funeral! You look so gloomy!” Helen teased her.
“The last person I want to hear that from is someone as sick as you.”
Their work put them at high risk of disease. Having contracted one such illness, Helen was nothing more than skin and bones now. It made Claudia’s heart ache just looking at her. She tried to mask her emotions with cutting words.
The oppressive atmosphere in the dim room became even more suffocating.
“I thought you came here to check on me and give me your well-wishes. Is that really an appropriate attitude to have toward someone with more experience? I showed you the ropes around here, lest you forget.” Helen leaned up in her bed so she could peer directly into Claudia’s face.
Claudia returned the gesture with a forced smile. While there was nothing but turmoil in her heart, the city outside had been alive with celebration since early morning. When she glanced out of the only window in the room, she caught a glimpse of displays and colorful banners. The sounds of an orchestra also trickled in from the streets.
Helen followed Claudia’s gaze. “Religion aside, this celebration is one of the few forms of entertainment the common folk have. Some people even live solely for this day—that’s how much they love this festival.”
“I don’t see myself finding any joy in it.”
Festivals and the like were a prime opportunity for the citizens to find some reprieve from their normal, everyday lives. It was also a much-needed chance to recharge for those in positions of power.
Claudia had learned much since coming to the brothel. That included how to appeal to a man’s emotions, of course, but she had also educated herself enough on politics to competently carry conversations on the topic with her clients—those who were themselves in positions of power.
The Advent Festival was a celebration of the prosperity brought by the capricious gods’ descent from the heavens. And since they were so capricious, the Harland Kingdom maintained the belief that its people should always remain devout lest they provoke the gods’ ire. The Advent Festival was a way of banding the people together so they might offer up their prayers.
“The reason you can’t enjoy the festivities is because the crown princess will be introducing her firstborn soon, right?”
Claudia frowned. “Don’t ask when you already know the answer.”
Princess Fermina had given birth to her son last year. A parade was being held during the Advent Festival to officially introduce him to the public.
How pathetic must that wretched woman make me feel before she’s finally satisfied? Claudia knew that whatever connection she had to Fermina ended long ago. No matter how much praise and influence she garnered for herself here at the brothel, she was still only a sex worker. Her family and house lived in an entirely different world now, far removed from where she was.
“I guess there’s nothing for it,” Helen said absently. “I will just have to pray to the capricious gods on your behalf, Dee.”
“Oh? And what will you pray for, exactly?”
“For you to be able to smile.” Helen punctuated her words with a wink. Though her face had grown gaunt from the sickness, her beauty remained undiminished.
Claudia studied her friend for a moment. The way the light spilled in through the window and across Helen’s body made it seem as if the sun were celebrating her as much as the festivities outside. Claudia found herself captivated and smiled, thinking, I can never win against you, can I?
“As long as I have you, no such prayers are needed,” she told Helen.
Helen sucked in breath, surprised. “Your skills at flattery sure have improved.”
“I haven’t earned top spot here for nothing. You should give me more credit.”
If such capricious gods really did exist, however, Claudia had some prayers of her own.
I will gladly entertain you instead if you would only give mercy to Helen and let her live out her years comfortably. Please, just…don’t take such an amazing person from me.
Three days after the bustling celebration, Claudia watched as Helen quietly drew her final breath.