The Moulin Rouge.

Satine's POV

Christian. He was all that I could think about in my final gasping breaths. He face was so close I could feel his breathe brushing over my face as he breathed heavily with me in his arms. I could taste the blood in my mouth and the salt from my tears that were running down my face. Why could I not have my happily ever after like a normal woman? Because you are no normal woman. You are the gorgeous enchantress; the courtesan of the Moulin Rouge. Mistaking him for a Duke on the first time I met him brought us together and showed me that love was possible for anyone. Even someone like me.

" Come on my gorgeous diamond, its showtime!" Harold called from the dressing room door as he walked into greet me.

"Oh Harold! Just in time. How do I look?" I gave him a twirl and watched a big smile spread across his face. His rosy cheeks practically glowed with joy.

" Ahh my dear, you look spectacular! The dear Duke won't know what has hit him tonight when he see you sweetheart" he cooed. Duke? How could Harold forget to mention someone as important as a Duke?

" Harold!" I chastised him, "You never mentioned a DUKE. Let me guess, he's just like every other banker, lawyer and business man looking for a good time?" I sighed when I thought of how much work they were to keep happy. Most of them must be married, but unhappily so, for their visits to the Moulin Rouge were very frequent.

" My little diamond, it's nothing to fret about. The Duke is a very important man who needs to be taken care of. Treat him like a star my dearest and maybe he'll…. Invest…"

That word right there was the key point in the whole night. Invest… the Duke would make me a star. I was destined to become a singer, an actress, a star. My name would be printed all over the walls of theatres, my face enticing awaiting punters as they lined up to get tickets. I can see it now, my dressing room will be filled with roses from gentlemen who were trying to win my heart so that they could call me their own. Of course, that would never happen. I sell myself to the highest bidders and belong to a different person each night. Each morning I belong to myself again, after taking care of my employers and rest so that I can wow a new crowd when the night came.

Tonight would be promising though. The Duke will see me while I danced, and I would amaze him. No, not amaze, dazzle him. He will want to invest and turn me into a star.

Marie came up behind me and pulled my already tight corset tighter as I clung onto the dressing table for support.

"You need to look your best for the Duke" she told me as she pulled the strings.

"I think he'd rather me able to breathe than being dead though" I said coldly. Marie had never been my favourite person but when she was doing my corset up she made it hurt and that made me spiteful.

"He'd rather you skinny. You'd better be on your best behaviour tonight. I don't want to hear another complaint out of you tonight missy otherwise I'll-" her threat was cut off as the music started playing above us and Harold's voice boomed out over the top of it.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight I have some little gems for you! But can you see them yet? Oh no no no!" the audience all groaned in unison. "Let me introduce you to the Moulin Rouge's dancers. Let's CAN-CAN ladies!"

The music rose up to the roof and I walked away from Marie so that I could get into position for my act. I glanced in the mirror just as I left the room. The duke won't know what hit him I thought to myself.