《My mask》


 CHAPTER 1

    I was sitting on the floor bleeding to death. I used all my strength to pull myself up to put my back on the hard cobalt of the fireplace.   I played there looking all around me as coughs of blood poured down from my mouth. I sighed and I heard footsteps, as slowly as I started to close my eyes all I could hear was:  Emily x5, but I wished for them to stop my head was hurting so much so I shouted:


    Emily: Shut up!! The moment I opened my eyes nothing was familiar to me. I got out of bed and started to look around, and soon discovered after reading a poster that I was in Thailand. How I read that I have no idea. At that moment I heard a knock on the door: Knock¡¯ Knock¡¯


    Man: Miss, are you ok? I heard a scream, is everything already?


    And I thought to myself, is he talking to me? I ran back to the bed.


    Emily: You can come in, please.  I have a few questions to ask you.


    Man: Yes miss.


    The man walks in, he is wearing a butler outfit with a black chain on his neck, he comes in with a trolley, on the top shelf is food, and on the bottom is medicine, as soon I saw that I looked all around me, and saw that the stabbed wound I had before I passed has left a scar, which led me to believe that I am still in the present time just in a different country. So, I sighed.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.Man: Are you ok, miss? If so can you please, sit at the end of the bed so that I can treat your wound?


    Emily: ah, yes¡­ what is your name?


    Man: oh, sorry I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Thomas, and I am your assigned assistant by the government. As I could see you have just woken up so after breakfast, I will fill you in on what''s happening.


    I nodded. As soon as Thomas finished addressing my wound he gave me the tray with food, as I started to eat, he stood there, there beside the door to the wardrobe.


    Emily: Thomas, can I wear something more warm and comfortable? Does the closet have these kinds of clothes?


    Thomas: Miss you can call me Tom, and yes I will take out a few choices so that you can choose.


    After that he bowed to me, and opened the closet, starting to take out clothes.


    I ignored that and enjoyed my breakfast, which was pancakes, with maple syrup, berries, and sparkling lemonade.


    And then, as soon as I got up, I got this sudden headache, a headache that caused me to look blurry, to lose my balance, and then¡­ I felt the ground come closer and closer to me.

 Chapter TWO

    My head was buzzing loudly, like a thousand bees in a jar.


    I could feel all of my body heavy. And then it all went away, that Pain, that I was feeling was gone. In one instance I opened my eyes and screamed:


    Emily: NO! I saw that I had ruffled the bed again, but can you blame me? I woke up from a nightmare. At that moment I heard Thomas knocking on the door.


    Thomas: Miss! Miss! Are you ok? I am coming in and some people want to see you, are you ok if they come in?


    Emily: OK, you can let them in, and you too.


    As Thomas opened the door I saw a woman, who had been crying for days, her eyes were puffy red and a man who had a strong scent of whiskey coming from him also looked sad.


    At that moment my eyes and his eyes looked placed and his mouth:


    Man: Juliet, my Juliet.


    I looked confused, I tilted my head, once I was trying to signal Thomas, for him to introduce them to me but he didn''t get the hint.


    So I popped the question:


    Emily: hello, um I don''t mean to be rude but may I ask who you people are?


    Both the man and the woman looked at each other and then back at me, Thomas also looked confused, yet he came to my bedside and whispered:


    Thomas: Miss, they are your parents.


    As soon as he said that I looked confused, and thought I had parents.


    Emily: But my parents have been dead for over 20 years, there is no way.


    Yet Thomas reassured me that they would explain everything to me. As soon as he left my bed side both the man and woman came rushing to it.


    Thomas: Master, madam I will leave you to your daughter.


    He also left some water next to my bedside, in case I got trusty how thoughtful of him.


    Emily: thank you Thomas, have a good day.


    He bowed in respect and left the room.


    In that moment the woman spoke in a soft tender voice:


    Woman: Are you ok? , child these past few days must have been rough.


    Emily: Days!! How long have I been out sleeping for!?


    Woman: Don''t you know it has been a week since you last woke up. so many doctors came in to see what was wrong and nothing.


    I could see the horror in their eyes and the relief that ¡®I; was ok.


    Woman: Do you remember us?


    I shook my head to answer her no, she looked shocked, and looked at her husband, (I assume) well i will introduce myself. My name is Alice Von-de Marie


    And this here is your father August Von-Dei Martinet


    We are the royals of Thailand, the main city.


    Emily: Does that mean I am a royal? But how did I grow up in Thailand and was raised by commoners?


    How is this possible?


    I looked at them and considered them back on my lap.


    They saw me looking confused, at that moment, I got up from the bed to walk, their eyes followed me to the balcony and the ¡®mother¡¯ spoke:


    Alice: When you were born, our kingdom was under attack, and as soon as you were born me and your father held you for a quick moment.


    She chuckled with a smile as she said that.


    Alice: I could still remember the moment I held you, it was as if all the noise outside was gone and all I could hear was your cry and heartbeat. After I held you your father wrapped you in a blanket, with a small key in the towel and headed out the room doors and then down the stairs, into the kitchen¡¯s back entrance where he gave you to a maid to take care of you.


    She stood up from the bed and came close to give me a hug, which I wanted to refuse because anger in me burst. And at that moment, a knock came to the door, i sighed in relive to hear Thomas¡¯s voice:


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.Thomas: Master, madam, sorry to interrupt your conversation but Emily¡¯s bandages need to be changed and I have prepared dinner downstairs.


    Alice and August looked at each other and then:


    August: Well, we will wait for you downstairs, love. Whenever you''re ready come, join us for dinner please we would love to have you join us.


    They both left the room and then Thomas enters with a female doctor.


    Doctor: Can you please come and sit on this chair, so that I could re-dress your wounds?


    She gestured towards the chair that was closest to me . As I sat down, Thomas turned around, and started to get my new outfit for dinner ready.


    I giggled a bit.


    Doctor: Good evening Miss Emily, I am your personal doctor as of now. Can you tell me if you feel pain anywhere else other than where your wound is?


    Emily: I just have a slight headache, nothing else. Am what is your name?


    Doctor: Well miss my name is Annabelle White.


    She smiled at me as she said that.


    And she continued to dress my wound, at that time Thomas came to my side to give me water.


    Thomas: Here Miss Emily, have some water, and on the bed I have laid out your clothes to wear for dinner. He bowed to me and then exited the room, but I could hear him stopping next to my door. I was thinking that he was waiting for me but I didn''t say anything, yet my eyes were glued to the door.


    Doctor Anna has finished with my wound, and yet I didn''t notice her.


    Doctor Anna: Miss Emily, Miss Emily.


    And then she shook me


    With a surprised face I looked at her, I was shocked at what was going on yet¡­


    Emily: ahh yes! where you calling me.


    Doctor Anna: yes miss, what has you so distracted? Do you feel pain anywhere?


    Emily: No, I was just in a daze, don''t worry, can I please dress now, I¡¯ve gotten quite hungry now?


    I smiled, the Doctor packed her things, bowed at me and left the room, leaving extra bandages at my night table.


    I got up from the chair and started to dress myself. Thomas has laid out a beautiful red dress, with nice red ruffles at the bottom of the dress.


    Emily: Thomas, i know you''re out there, can you please come in and zip up the dress for me.


    He knocked on the door.


    Thomas: Excuse me miss, I am entering your chambers.


    I giggled a bit.


    Emily: Oh Thomas, how cute can you be?


    As i said that i saw him blush from head to toe.


    I grind.


    Thomas: Miss, please don''t tease me.


    He said that in a breaking voice.


    Emily: ok. I won''t, can hurry up and zip me now.


    Thomas quickly came to my aid, he touched the zipper so lightly I didn''t feel him yet after he was done he also gave a necklace to me, which was so cold, I felt it as it touched my neck and then some parts of my chest. small shivers embraced my body.


    Thomas: Are you ok? Miss. you are ready to look in the mirror now. Do you want me to tidy up your hair too?


    Emily: oh! ok


    I turned around to the mirror on the wall and I gasped, I haven''t worn anything beautiful like that since, a while I guess. I sat in front of the mirror, ready for Thomas to do my hair, but he was so calm, and hot looking that my eyes were trailing his every movement from the hands going through my hair to his upper body reflection in the mirror.


    And then¡­


    Thomas: Miss, I am all done with you, now I will escort you to the dining hall downstairs, if you don''t mind. I nodded as to say yes.

 Chapter 3

    After Thomas was done with placing the necklace on me, I got up from my seat and headed towards the door, but Thomas got to the door before me, opened it, and gave way for me to pass him. I stopped in front of the door in amazement at the hallway, which by the way was so large and spacious that I had no words to describe it. As I was passing through the hallway, I saw on the walls that there were so many pictures of women and men, wearing royal clothes, and in between most of them, there were nice nature paintings that had so much color and life.. Yet only one stood out to me, it was close to the spiral staircase, the painting was blue and white, yet there was this one yellow, golden light from the distance, the painting was so magnificent that¡­


    I almost fell down the stairs, but at that moment Thomas caught me. And he spun me around to get to his other side.


    Thomas: Careful miss, we don''t want you to get into another accident, now do we?


    From the moment he caught my hand to the moment he spun me around, my eyes were locked onto him, he saw that, and yet our eyes were following each other till the point I found myself holding still onto his hand, for a bit too long.


    Emily: ahh, sorry I got distracted, shall we head downstairs?


    I was a bit embarrassed. My ears got a bit red, and I quickly rushed downstairs. To the dining hall, but Thomas a few steps behind me followed me. When I got to the bottom of the staircase, I was amazed at the colors that embraced the ¡®hall¡¯ I should say but the hall was enormous it was as big as two times my old house.


    Thomas got in front of me to show me to the dining room, it was only a bit further into the hall.


    After a minute of walking down the hall, we got to two big doors that opened indoors. He got in front of them and¡­


    Thomas: Miss Emily is entering the dining hall.


    He pushed the doors, which both made" ''creak¡¯


    As he opened them, I could feel my heart racing. Non-stop. Yet I corrected my posture to be more straight and elegantly entered the room as I had done before. I didn''t see Thomas enter after me, which scared me a bit. But I continued to walk, staring at where one of the thousands of maids in the room should sit. I sat down and saw that Alice and August had followed every move I had made since I entered the room. I sat across from them, the table was long and wide, and both of them sat from the same side, and I from the side across from them.


    Alice: Good evening, child. Are you settling in ok?


    Emily: I mean so far yes, I have walked through the halls, seen so many beautiful portraits of people and paintings.


    August: Do you have a favorite one yet? I mean we have a two-story gallery, which you are free to visit any time you want.


    Emily: Really!!


    I slapped my hands on the table and pushed the chair back out of excitement. I could see that everyone in the room was a bit surprised by my sudden action. I sat back down embarrassed. But I saw both August and Alice, giggling, behind their hands.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.A butler helped me pick up my chair and I sat back down. At the same time August, hand gestured to one of the butlers behind him.


    August: Alfred, can you please pour some Monsoon Valley vine, from my oldest collection?


    Alfred: Yes, master coming right up..


    Alfred bowed to us and walked towards a door in the corner near the doors I came from.


    August: That''s the way to the winery. My Juliet.


    I guess he saw my eyes following him. I nodded to him that I understood.


    Alfred enters the room back after a few minutes. , Alfred comes out of that door with a bottle of the wine mentioned by August.


    Alfred came to my right side and poured half a full glass of the wine.


    Alfred: Enjoy the wine miss.


    He bowed to me went back to August''s side and stood at his position. I smiled. At that moment, August snapped his fingers, and so many maids started to come all around me and started to set food on the table. So much food was at the table, from simple to complicated, and by that I mean the food was so creatively made into a piece of art that it was a shame to devour it. Yet I couldn''t help myself but try everything that was laid in front of me.


    Since I could reach most of the dishes, which I saw Father, I mean August paid attention to that, so he gestured to one of the servants, to put some on the plate, for ease of me.


    I nodded my head to say thank you, like I always do, and you know what he gave a smile which made me smile. The smile was so bright that I felt the room because there was more room than when I entered. After the dinner I slowly laid back on my chair, full to the brim of my stomach, I laid back so that only my head was visible from the table.


    Both Alice and August looked at each other and then back at me. Smiling nonstop.


    Emily: Yes. Is something wrong? I don''t mean to be rude but you have been smiling nonstop, is it because of me? Do you like being in my company or. Something else.


    They both looked at each other, smiling, and then¡­


    August: Well, we are really happy that we have you back. Me and your mother have been waiting for you, but due to many circumstances, we weren''t able to do anything until you are in your 20s and we have secured your royal position.


    I looked at them confused, and a sudden flashback hit my head, it was of my other mother¡¯s last words before she passed.:


    August: Listen to me and your mother, we are happy to answer any questions you have, but after dinnertime, more specifically after dessert, I will personally escort you to my office.


    But before we even had the dessert, Thomas stormed into the room.


    ¡®BANG¡¯ The doors smashed into the wall. He quickly ran to August and whispered something to his ear, and I could see that it was serious because August''s expression changed a few times.


    August stood fast from his chair which made a ¡®thud¡¯ noise as it hit the floor.

 Chapter 4

    After August stormed out of the dining hall, Thomas came to my side.


    -Thomas: miss, can you please come with me? It''s urgent, so you must excuse me when we are on the stairs.


    -Emily: ok. Let''s go. I will follow the weather wherever you take me.


    I stood fastly from the chair, and leaving the room without looking back, we ran to the stairs. I was out of breath, so Thomas leaned to pick me up.


    -Thomas: Excuse me, miss, but if I carry you, it would be faster, and you won''t have blisters on your feet.


    I gave him a head nod to agree with him, so he proceeded to pick me up. I also wrapped my hands around his neck to be more secure.


    After I had found myself comfortable, Thomas set off going up the stairs.


    With each step he took, I could feel his heartbeat so loud; weirdly enough, most of the beasts seemed to match mine. It scared me; he wasn''t saying anything up the stairs, and it felt like going up for a long time, that is what I thought, and then Thomas stopped.


    -Thomas: Miss, we have arrived in front of your room. You can let go of me now.


    As I unlocked my hands from him, our eyes met, and all I could do was stare into his green marble-looking eyes.


    I found myself staring for so long that, without even noticing, he had put me down on my feet, and yet all I could focus on was his eyes; he, too, was looking at my eyes.


    -Thomas: Miss, Miss Emly.


    He came close to my face, and I snapped out of it. I turned around, embarrassed. I was red to my ears, yet I didn''t see Thomas bothered by that.


    -Emily: hump, so you love to tease women, hu? Thomas.


    I said that. I opened the door to my room and slammed the door in his face before Thomas said something.


    As I was closing the door, I could hear Thomas ''chuckling,'' which made me more mad. Thomas was knocking on the door. ''knock'' knock''


    -Thomas: Miss, I need to open the door to tell you something important.


    So, he opened the door, and I could see him still smiling at me.


    I came to him at the door and lightly slapped his shoulder.


    -Emily: Thomas, you should tease women.


    After I did that, I went toward the window for some fresh air, but I saw Thomas getting closer to me, and he grabbed me, spun me as we were dancing, and yet again, I was in his arms.


    -Thoms: so you are finally looking at me again. Listen, dear Miss Emily! Your family is a bit under attack. I need you to calmly sit on the bed and listen to what I must say. Ok.


    After Thomas said that, he let go of me and placed me on the bed; yet again, my eyes traced his eyes and hands as if I could hear something, but then he mentioned it.


    Thomas: Miss Emily, they have your adoptive brother, and they want me to realize him, and they want you too.


    As soon as I heard my brother, my heart dropped. I quickly stood up in shock. I started to shake, and tears from my eyes began to fall. he caught me as I began to fall to my knees. I felt his uniform buttons clash with my clothes and my skin. He too fell on his knees due to the fall.


    -Thomas: Miss. please get a hold of yourself. Master August has a plan, to rescue your brother safely.


    As shaken as I was, in his arms, I was only looking at his eyes. They weirdly comfort me, even though we have known each other for less than a day. He made me feel safe and secure.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.And then at that moment, I found that his eyes were staring at me, those piercing green eyes, had marked my body like a predator to his prey, I was in a trance. All I could do was stare back, in an aw. He helped me stand up on the floor, and he didn''t take his eyes off me, not even for a second.


    When he sat me down on the bed, his grasp, felt loose, yet he came close to my face to wipe the tears off my cheek and eyes.


    -Thomas: excuse me, Miss Emily.


    As his hand came closer, and closer to my face, it finally touched my cheek, and I felt the cold cufflinks on his uniform, and then close to my eyes.


    -Emily: Thanks, Thomas, but can you please tell me what I have to do to help?


    - Thomas: Miss Emily, I told you to just call me ¡¯ Tom¡¯. And all you have to do is trust your father, Master August. Ok!


    Now please get ready to sleep, it has gotten quite late, and tomorrow you can help with finding your brother I promise.


    -Emily: ok! I will take a quick shower and then, go to bed. But can you please stay with me until I fall asleep?


    I looked at him with pitiful eyes, like a puppy wanting to be hugged.


    As I said that I looked down at the floor, a bit embarrassed. Closed my eyes, thinking he had left the room, but no.. he hadn¡¯t because after a heartbeat or two, opened my eyes to see him, kneeling on the ground, crouched close to my face, grinning.


    -Thomas: Miss, I will stay, don''t worry.


    After he said that I felt reassured somehow, lifted my head, and headed toward the bathroom.


    The bathroom was like a huge hotel room like it could fit 4 royal size beds, I was stunned to speak, and as I was looking around, I saw a manid in there. She bowed in respect¡­


    -Maid: Good evening miss, I will help you take a bath and I will wash your hair if you could please get ready for that.


    -Emily: ok, ye. I will


    I started to remove my dress, which I kinda struggled and she saw that and came to help me, unzip the dress, I spooked myself because I saw my body in the mirror, I had forgotten about most of my scars, which made the maid jump in horror. I stared at them for a minute, and then, she gilded me to the bathtub, which was already filled with water, some rose essences and rose petals in the water, saw that there were also candles lit, the smell was so fowler that my right eye, teared up a bit a treat dropped from my eye down my cheek and then on my arm. The scent was warm and it reminded me of home.


    I smiled and then slowly got in the bathtub, where the water was so nice and warm, that I could fall asleep in it. I was so relaxed that I let the maid, do her job.


    -Miss: I am going to start to massage and bath your body and hair. Ok.


    I nodded in response, I didn''t want to mutter a word, I was relaxed, I thought it could get any better when the maid turned on the radio, and some classical music came on, and I took a relaxing breath in and out, and melted.


    I relaxed so much, that I closed my eyes, and didn''t know, how much time had passed, and yet I could feel, sleeping down and down in the bathtub, what I thought but, No! It was softer, I opened my eyes for a quick second to see where I was. I was lying on my bed, and Thomas, on a chair near me on my left side, near the door, what looked like a newspaper. I closed my eyes after I saw him, and I smiled because he did stay, with me. I fell asleep after that.

 Chapter 5

    Some birds from the outside woke me up. I did wake up a bit annoyed because of them because a window was open in my room. I got up to close it, and there on the chair was Thomas, sleeping. I stared at him for a bit, giggling to myself. I saw that his glasses were falling, down and came close to his face, to remove them, and he suddenly woke up, got fast from his chair, and pinned me to the wall, with both my hands above my head, him holding them tightly with one hand.


    -Emily: wow!


    Which made him get a grip on himself. And see that he had me pinned.


    -Thomas: Oh god!! Miss, I am sorry.


    He said that he still didn''t let go of my hands. There was a moment of silence where we both stared into each other''s eyes yet I could, I could feel my heartbeat beating so fast out of my chest that I was afraid he''d hear it that''s why I looked down I continued looking down for a moment and then I looked at his shoes, my shoes then slowly looking up to see his face he was staring, no even, glaring at me with his green eyes were dazzling they were bright they pierced my soul than my body and then I.. I.. couldn''t do anything. I was so shocked I didn''t speak yet he spoke first.


    -Thomas: miss, ¡®chuckling¡¯ what will I do with you?


    -Emily: What do you mean Thomas it''s not like I wanted this I mean, we only met yes right? Even though it feels like we have met before, you know, like I have a fuzzy memory but I feel like I know you from somewhere.


    And then he came closer and closer to my face and now he kissed me he kissed me, I could feel my heart melt, after that kiss, which lasted two heartbeats. After the kiss was done he slowly pulled away looking at me with his bold green eyes and then I slid down the wall on my knees, while he was grinning at me, smiling happily like he had achieved something big. Also, I was so embarrassed by that kiss, so I kept my head down, I did not dare to look down, not at all, and then saw a shadow a big one. It was Thomas. He had squatted down and I looked at him and I did and sparks flew again, and then.


    -Thomas: my Juliet, how could I forget you, yet it seems like you have forgotten me.


    When he said that I saw that his eyes were full of sadness, yet all I could do was look at him like I knew what was happening.


    ¡®Knock¡¯ knock¡¯ knock¡¯ on the door.


    -Servant: Miss Emily, Master August has summed you to go to his study.


    -Emily: ok. I will be out in a minute. You do not have to escort me to his room, Thomas will, is that ok with you


    -servant: yes miss, have a good day.


    He left the door and I was still on the bottom of the floor and Thomas right in front of me.


    -Thomas: well, miss we have to go to your father now, and I will do your hair and make-up.


    He smiled at me as he said that, looking at me.


    -Emily: wait outside, and give me clothes to wear I will change in the bathroom. And dint peak please.!


    -Thomas: ok, Miss.


    He giggled as he went to the closet to get clothes for me.


    He got me a black and red skirt and a white wine shirt, with a royal blue bowie at the neck.


    I dressed fast, cause my father was waiting for me and I wanted to know if has any news on my brother. I got out of the bathroom and saw that Thomas had laid out jewelry on the small desk with a mirror, and some light makeup, he sat me down, and I closed my eyes because he wanted to be a surprise. Plus I wanted to know what kind of magic he would do to me.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.As he finished doing my makeup, I knew he finished because I could hear him closing the lipgloss or lipstick.


    I also felt cold, jellery touched my neck, and then up to my ears.


    -Thomas: miss, I have finished you can open your eyes now.


    -Emily: Are you done that quickly?


    And then I opened my eyes, and let me tell you the small touch-ups that he had done, made me think I was someone else, and the earrings he had put on me were small blue and white flowers, they matched the necklace.


    -Emily: and the hair? What will you do with the hair?


    I asked him impatiently.


    Yet he started to braid my hair and overlap it with a nice blue ribbon.


    - Emily: so you like the color blue, ha I see.


    I giggled at him, and I could see him turn red, yet that did not stop me from teasing him. He was so red.


    -Thomas: miss if you keep teasing me I will tease you a bit.


    He whispered that in my ear and shivers went down my neck and my spine. At that moment I turned around at him.


    -Emily: We need to hurry up and go to my father or he''ll send another servant would you want another servant to open a door and see you whispering something in my ear?


    Thomas giggled and said:


    -Thomas: Well miss, you''re making my job harder.


    He said that, as he walked to the door and opened it. He also left me some soft slippers to put on. I saw them.


    -Emily: oh! Thomas, how thoughtful of you.


    As I said that I saw him smile wide grinning as he walked in front of me to show me where my father''s office was. As we passed down the staircase, the spiral staircase, and later on the corridor I saw a stone head of what appeared to be an old man, whose name I could not read nor pronouns so I asked Thomas if he could readmit.


    -Emily: Thomas, wait what does it say here?


    -Thomas: well, I can¡¯t read this because it''s written in the royal language, which is passed down through generations. But the only thing I can tell you is that this is your great great grandfather he was a wise man I mean not a musician he''s dead he''s just let''s see hmm well he''s kind of life but like nobody knows where.


    After he told me that we started walking towards a too-big brown door with golden handles, he told me that this was my father''s study and library he knocked on the door.


    ¡®Knock¡¯¡¯knock¡¯¡¯knock¡¯


    -Man: come in.


    A man''s raspberry voice said that and at that time Thomas bowed to me then opened one of the doors and announced my entry:


    -Thomas: Miss Emily is entering your study, master.


    .

 Chapter 6

    -Thomas: Miss Emily is entering your study, master.


    Thomas showed me a hand gesture, then closed the door and smiled at me before he closed the door, and yet I made sure the door was closed and then so father was on his desk with glasses on his nose and a feather in his left hand. I took to myself hmm who these days uses a Feather to write down the use pens then I opened my mouth because killing me.


    -Emily: h..ello father.


    I stuttered to say that, I had no idea what to call him: father, sir August, or just August, like what do you call a person who you just found out with your father, do you call him Dad I had no idea what to call, yet I saw him smiling putting down his glasses and smiling at me, then he just showed me to sit down in front of him there were two armchairs one of them I saw was taken by a person who I had not recognize but As I came closer I saw it was my brother I.. I jumped up and down and I went to hug him but then I heard him say:


    -Brother: hello there umm your name again?


    I looked shocked and waited a minute because I thought he was joking but no he looked at me like was a stranger then I looked back at August my father stared at him to give him a signal to explain what was going on but he wrote his eyes and just me again just sit down I did that and waited in patiently to tell me what''s going on.


    -August: listen, Emily. There''s no easy way to say this but when we found your brother he was knocked down there was blood on his head and when we talked to the hospital he had severed a head injury when we tried to talk about you and show pictures of you and your deceased mother he had no recollection of it he only had her collection of his father and your stepmother he doesn''t remember you but don''t worry the doctor said that he might.


    Father said that in a trembling voice yet looking at me as if I was about to cry I could see he was worried but that didn''t matter to him I turned to my brother and asked him this.


    -Emily: do you remember your name? Forget about my name, do you remember yours?


    Answer the question twice because if he remembers his old name would that old witch''s name that he gave them then we''ve lost him but if he just slightly remembers that his mother gave him his new mama gave him then they might be hope right thought that''s me but I was watching him there he was thinking hard and Nothing came under his mouth but he spoke:


    -Brother: i..I don''t know my name,


    He started to tear up. He stood up very fast and in his chair, he went around saying he didn''t know his name. I felt bad for him so I stood up, grabbed his hands, and¡­


    -Emily: your name is Alex.


    Yet he looked down and started murdering something then he passed out in my arms.


    I cried in pain, I cried so hard tears just started dripping down my cheeks, he was in my arms. I could not feel his heartbeat or maybe it was just me then I heard Arthur''s chair squeak back and came quickly to my aid.


    -Emily: please check if he is ok. He needs to be ok.


    I cried as I said that.


    -August: Thomas, come in!


    He shouted so loud that I felt the whole room shake for a second. Thomas opened the door and I could see he was also shocked but he saw the situation so he shouted in the hallway to get a doctor get the royal doctor get a royal doctor.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.Then the whole room shocked me I felt him getting away from me I took my ice cream for one second but then I saw father was scaring him I always hand and father said:


    -August: Don''t worry my Juliet I will take him to my room, for him to rest, you go with Thomas for fresh air ok?


    I know that but I could not get up from that floor to signal to Thomas to come and get me. My legs were so weak, and I was so worried about my brother that I lost feeling in my legs. He entered the door right after her father left with Alex and he came close to me and asked me:


    -Thomas: Do I have permission to come close and pick you up?


    I knew that since I had no strain left in me he picked me up and I held his neck tightly, but before that, he let me his napkin and then proceeded to pick me up. He helped me tight and he started walking slowly down to my room and I could feel slowly and slowly closing my eyes I was exhausted all I could do was nothing he didn''t remember me that''s all I thought and then the nightmare a nightmare that woke me up so loud and then I saw Thomas I was holding Thomas''s hand but Thomas also woke up because you know I kind of screamed you know, cause of what I SAW in my nightmare, and he hugged me Thomas hug me he hugged me, and I cried again in his arms, so embarrassing.


    Yet I felt at ease and he comforted me until¡­


    ¡®Knock¡¯¡¯knock¡¯¡¯knock¡¯ at the door, I was startled cause I was wondering who was at the door. Thomas was too. Because no voice came from behind the door. Thomas, showed me to keep my mouth shut, yet I could not, so I made the ¡®mistake¡¯ to speak.


    -Emily: hello! Who is out there?


    -Man: ohh, miss it''s me, Thomas! I have come to change your bandages. Can I come in?


    I looked at Thomas confused, and whispered to him:


    -Emily: Thomas!! Go to the bathroom. I will ask him to come in, and then you can jump him. Thomas shook his head in agreement.


    -Emily: You can come in now.


    And I saw a man I had never seen before. He looked nothing like Thomas, nor any servant I have seen so far in the mansion. I had a gut feeling that he was an assassin or worse a mercenary. He was slowly walking up to me. I could see the tray that ¡®Thomas¡¯ usually carries with an ointment but I knew he was a danger.


    A mistake I made was turning my head, for a second because he took out a small knife and charged towards my back.


    At that moment Thomas¡­.


    -Thomas: miss look out..


    At that moment I remembered a self-defence move that I used, as the man was distracted by Thomas. I flipped the man onto the bed and tied his hands to the sheet of my bed.


    .

 Chapter 7

    I flipped the man onto the bed and tied his hands to the sheet of my bed.


    Thomas looked at me shocked and then at that moment, my heart was beating so fast, I had forgotten the thrill of catching bad guys, and the missions were so thrilling. I was smiling. I could feel that I had found something to do in this mansion that might help me find my team back. Thomas came to my side.


    -Thomas: It''s ok, miss. I will have a hold of him and present him to my master, he will know what to do with this person.


    But as soon, as we walked out of my door, I saw something horrific, so many bodies of knights and other black cloth people beside them. There were also a few bodies of maids and servants of the machine. We walked around until we reached Father''s, study.


    -Thomas: Miss I will go in the door across from your father''s chambers, knock, and go in to check on your brother.


    I indeed, went to the door, and all I could hear were screams, so without knocking on the door, I busted open the door and saw My little brother stab one of the guys in black clothing, which I assumed to be the assassin.


    Alex was stalled by seeing me, yet his sword did not leave the guy''s body. Standing there for a few seconds, I could see how slowly Alex''s sword was leaving the guy''s body. I saw that my father was nowhere around, which scared me. So as any person, I went to hug my brother, which I could see confused him so much, then I grabbed his hand and rushed to the office, and saw that my father had a wound on his shoulder, and no one else was severely hurt, well I mean expert servants and the knits. But they could be more important. Sorry.


    -Emily: Father! Are you ok? Thomas, please get the medicine kit, we need to clean Father''s wound.


    August smiled at me.


    -August: ohh, my Juliette, you don''t need to worry about me.


    But I insisted. So Thomas left the only living intruder, to me and Alex, and went running to get the medicine kit from my room.


    There was silence in the room. Like awkward silence. I could hear my heartbeat, beat so loud my head was hurting. My eyes were stuck on my brother Alex, who had blood splatters on his face, I went close to wipe them out. I came real close to his face, and he was startled by me. I got taken back.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.-Emily: it¡¯s ok! All I want to do is wipe the blood of you.


    -Alex: ok!


    He timidly came close to my hand so that I could wipe his face. The moment that happened, I had a flashback of before whenever he got into fights I would come to his aid, to clean his face.


    -August: ¡®Cough, cough¡¯ Well kids now that Thomas is gone, I would like to tell you something. Which might be upsetting, my Julitte, this boy right here, he is your brother however, he has had a rough past, and he will explain everything. I just can''t.


    At that moment, Thomas rushed into the room with the medicine kit.


    -Emily: thank you, Thomas.


    I rushed to get the medicine box and went to Faher to treat his wounds.


    -August: Leave it, thomas will do that for me you and your brother, go catch up.


    He smiled at me.


    I left the box, by his side.


    -Emily: ok, we will leave, Thomas please take care of my Faher.


    -Thomas: I will miss you.


    I went to my brother, grabbed his hand, and walked out of the room, and I was headed to my room.


    We reached my bedroom, got inside sat down, and I impatiently waited for him to start, to tell me, what had happened 12 years ago when he left me and my mother. I was thinking all these things, but yet I sat patiently on the bed watching him as he was coming up with the courage to start talking and then...

 Chapter 8

    -Alex: hey, so from where should I start?


    -Emily: From the beginning, like what happened that made you leave us, if you remember. Do you know how heartbroken your mother and I were, you left without a word.


    I looked at Alex, he looked calm and relaxed. He took a breath in and¡­


    -Alex: so¡­ when I finished school, I was bullied.


    I interrupted him.


    -Emily: I know that you were, you would come home bruised.


    -Alex: Can you not interpret me? Please. These memories that you remember me with that person are not here anymore, he is gone.


    He stood from the chair and shouted that. I was startled. He was tight, he had changed so much. Now he looked like a completely different person, he now had short brown hair, hazel dark eyes, and was wearing glasses, the Alex I remember had sunny beach blond hair, and he was a timid person, but the Lex right now, that is standing in front of me he is not timid at all.


    -Alex: So, like I was saying, all that I remember, was me getting a job, in Uncle''s company, and working on my first day when I saw something I was not supposed to see...


    Flashback to 12 years ago, (Alex¡¯s perspective)


    It was a morning like any other, except for the fact that I felt like it could change my whole life. I got a phone call from Uncle:


    -Uncle: hey here nephew, a spot has just opened in my car shop it is yours if you want it. Just come to St. number noon. There will be a guy with blue rags waiting for you.


    -Alex: ok, uncle thanks.


    I hung up the phone, got dressed, and headed straight to the shop. I didn''t think much of it, I was happy to get the job. And as I was walking toward the shop.


    After a few minutes, I went to the shop. And saw the man uncle had described on the phone.


    -Alex: Hello, um! Sir, my uncle has sent me for the job opening.


    I said that stuttering, well it was kind given the man was tall and big. The man in blue rags looked at me up and down and then, opened the rusty blue door close to him.


    -Man: guys Danny¡¯s boy is here for the job.


    He opened the door and let me enter in front of him, there I entered, and I was shocked to see how clean it was, it was a car mechanic shop, yet it looked so tidy and clean, unlike the man I came in with. As I was walking in, I saw many other people who also looked like that man, whose name I saw on a sewn name tag on his top rag: ¡°Bob¡± It read, after walking for a few more steps there was a round table, which the uncle pointed at for me sit down. I sat down, still my eyes were wandering around, the place. I was still wondering what kind of job my uncle was doing, cause even though the auto shop looked clean, no clean for an auto shop, there was something else going on. And I wished to find that out. On top of that, the shop had this kind of mystery about it, like the phrase ¡°Don''t judge the book, by its cover¡± kind of thing.


    -Man: So, you kid. You are Danny''s kid, right? How is he doing by your uncle?


    -Alex: he is doing fine. I talked to him last month. He seemed to be fine. Wait. Why are you asking? Isn''t he your boss? I looked at the few guys who were around me, they then looked at each other in some sort of confusion, and then they looked back at me. When one of them spoke:


    -Man 2: hey kid, listen, your uncle is technically our boss, but you will soon take his place. And in the meantime, I will tell you everyone''s name. For starters my name is Will West, I am the main mechanic, so if you have any questions ask me.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.I stared him up and down, he looked like an average white man in his 40s.


    Then he pointed at a man that was sitting on my left side.


    -Will: This is Sam. Y¨­ Sam says hi to the new kid on the block.


    -Sam: hey kid, welcome to the family. My job is to change car oils mainly and sometimes rotating tires. And the rest of the team you will get to know in time, just to let you know, you see that guy over there, the one under the car.


    Sam was pointing at somebody under a car with different colored rags.


    I nodded.


    Sam: He doesn''t talk at all, and he oversees the interior and outside looks of a car. I don¡¯t think you will need to ask him anything in the future.


    -Alex: So, I was wondering, what will my job be here?


    -Will: well, for starters you will clean the shop, whenever no one is working, and or whenever work hours for us mechanics are finished, is that ok?


    -Alex: Yes, that is fine. I have no problem with that. Should I start now?


    -Will: well, not exactly, your first task for today is to see us, get our flow, and clean whenever you feel like it. For today only I want you to watch us and study us in a way.


    I we had, everyone went to work, so quickly. I was surprised. I took out my small book and started to document everyone''s movement, I was so organized that most of the time they did not even notice me. I was proud of that, and then the guy, the mute guy rolled down from underneath the car, and came towards me, but only to turn on the raid and I saw his name tag: Tobi. He looked somewhat my age: he turned on the radio at the exact moment when the news was over, so I added that to the book.


    Tobi:


    -Mute guy,


    -Looks around my age,


    -Turned the radio at 14:00 on the dot


    -His job is to design cars.


    After I wrote that I was startled by him, because he was right beside me, watching me write, he caught my arm, I think he thought I might fall. Then Tobi took my pen and wrote: ¡°I am not fully death¡± .;


    And then he walked away, and all I could do was stare at him, and not mutter a word. After a few heartbeats, I got back to my work. Which was seeing everyone like a hawk, talking in the data and writing it in my notes, and then doing some small bits and pieces of cleaning. Time flew so fast, that it went to nighttime, and that shop was closing at exactly 21:30, which was a surprise it''s not a full number. I of course was the last person to leave at least that is what I thought, but Tobi stayed behind with me. I was kinda happy, he helped me put down the bars of the shop since I could not reach them. When we finished that, we started to walk in the same direction, to go home, but Tobi took his phone at one point. On the phone, he wrote:


    - Tobi: I will take you home. It''s too dark for you to walk around in the dark.


    I nodded in agreement.

 Chapter 9

    Tobi: I will take you home. It''s too dark for you to walk around in the dark.


    I nodded in agreement.


    After a few blocks of walking the rain started slowly too and then faster, we ran quickly to take shelter but there were no nearby shelters, so we stopped in front of an umbrella near a food cart. We were soaked to the bone.


    ¡°Toby¡± took out his phone and started to type:


    -Do you want to come to my place? It''s behind the tree next to us.


    I was surprised he would ask this, but I nodded yes.


    Then he took off his jacket and placed it over my head, and we started running toward this apartment.


    And he was right. His apartment was only two minutes away from where we were standing. When we got to his apartment. The door, I mean. We were under shelter, so he removed the jacket from above us. And shake it. Many water droplets from the jacket fell to the floor. After a few moments of folding his jacket and trying to find the keys in his jeans, he finally found his keys. He had a run. He had one keychain with it. A. Tag that said his name and I think the other said his address on the back, but I am not sure. And there were only two keys, one looked like a house key and the other one looked like a mail key. As he was putting the key into the doorknob, he turned his face to me and smiled at me. Then the door unlocked. And. He welcomed me to his house. Then he showed me where the bathroom was, to dry and take a shower if I wanted to. I didn''t want to. Make a mess. And he also gave me his. He told me he was. Doubt me. And. I saw him getting his iPod as he ran in front of him at a table and he wrote to shower then he will leave me some clothes. So that''s what I did. I want to shower. He showed me what the shower room is. I went to shower, took a nice, warm shower and as I was getting out of the bath, I saw that he had already put dry clothes for me to wear and an extra towel for my hair. I smiled at that. After drying my hair, I left the towel on my shoulders and started to look for Tobi. The bathroom he let me use was right next to his living room, and kitchen. I went to the kitchen, well you might ask me how I knew, I knew because there was a sign pointing to the kitchen, the sign was so cute. Sorry for getting sidetracked.


    Coming back to now, sitting in my bedroom and Alex.


    -Emily: I am sorry but how is this guy Tobi relevant to what happened to you? Did you fall for him? You know what I don''t need to know, ''cause I know Tobi.


    I said that in an angry yet sad expression.


    -Alex: what do you mean you know Tobi? Where have you met him? Do he and you live in different worlds?


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.-Emily: I will tell you in short¡­ The whole car garage works, for me now. I have been working for me, for the past few years. After you disappeared I hired them to look for you. And when I found out where you were, a war was put on my gang and then I was kidnaped for a half year. It was awful. But I survived it, and came back to Thailand, where your boy Tobi, was waiting for me he helped me re-build the shop again and that happened after you disappeared.


    I said that with tears in my eyes.


    Alex looked at me pitifully.


    -Emily: don¡¯t look at me like that! I want to know where you were, and who you are. Because you aint Alex. So who the HELL are you?


    I stood up and said it in an angered voice.


    ¡°Alex¡± laughed, then stood up from the chair.


    -Alex: well, well. How did you know I am not your bother huh? How did you figure it out?


    The easy he said it was like he was rewarding me for figuring him out. Like he was so happy, I could see it on his face, and then I got a sudden flashback, a man appeared a man who looked like this man in my room. And I muttered Derrick.


    -Derrick: yes, love.


    He said that in a cool raspy voice while smiling at me.


    Derrick also started to slowly take off his ¡°mask¡± of my brother. He took off the blonde wig, and black-brown hair arose from the wig, it was short yet long, and then I saw his face. He had nice dark brown eyes and a beard.


    I was stunned at what I saw.


    -Derrick: I will tell you everything, don''t worry.


    He said that with a smile on his face, grinning a bit.


    -Derrick: but it has to wait until tomorrow, it darkens out and I want you to have a good rest because the information from today seems to have taken a toll on you.


    I nodded and agreed and went to change in the bathroom. After I had changed into my bedwear I went back into my room and saw that the ¡°mask¡± and the wig were gone Derrick too. I thought to myself ¡®Not even a goodbye note¡¯


    And then I saw right beside my bed on the table a small yellow note that read:


    ¡°Good night, love sleep tight¡±


    I giggled at it. And then placed the note in a box next to me and I went to bed, I mean right after I had finished brushing my hair. I lay in the bed facing the ceiling, I was milling, for some reason, I didn''t know why. I thought to myself was it the meeting with Derrick or the thought of Tobi? I don''t know, and then I fell asleep.


    .

 Chapter 10

    I woke up, a moment before my alarm. I was still dazed because all I could think about was the about of Derreck, Alex, and Tobi. I was so distracted by my thoughts that apparently; I could hear Thomas knocking on the door and entering my room.


    ¡°Knock¡± knock¡±


    -Thomas: miss can I come in?


    ¡°Pause¡±


    -Thomas: miss I am coming in.


    As he entered, I got up from the bed and went to scratch near the balcony door. Then I saw a shadow behind me.


    -Emily: Hahg!


    -Thomas: miss, it''s just me.


    He laughed and grinned at me.


    -Thomas: And before you said that you should knock when entering your chambers, I did knock and asked if I could come in but no answer on your part.


    I looked at him confused, being like, okay, I got you, so now he and I are standing near the balcony door looking at each other, and a moment of silence was there then¡­


    ¡°knock¡±¡± Knock¡± a man¡¯s voice from the outside came to the door:


    -Man: miss I have your breakfast with me, would you like it?


    I was confused at first, but then I recognized the voice.


    -Emily: Hey, Thomas. Amm can you please leave the room, I want to have breakfast alone. We will talk later if you have something today.


    Thomas looked at me confused and hurt; it did pain me to tell him to go away but it was for the best. I just don¡¯t want him in my business, because if he gets too deep there is no escape.


    Thomas bowed and left the room, I could still feel as if the air got heavier, he left the room in a boom.


    And then after Thomas left |Derrick entered, he was wearing a butler outfit, and a small glass eyepiece, looking all fancy. For a second, I didn''t even recognize him. He had a tray with two plates in his hand which he placed on the table near him, then he smiled at me and¡­


    -Derrick: miss here is your breakfast


    I smiled back at him and maybe giggled a bit.


    -Emily: Derrick drops the act, it''s just us here.


    -Derrick: Oh but then it wouldn¡¯t be this fun.


    He smiled evilly and looked at me as if I was a stock and he was a wild animal.


    I shrugged that off and sat at the table to enjoy my breakfast.


    -Emily: Now tell me what has happened to my brother Alex! Cause I want an answer, and nobody is giving it to me.


    -Derrick: Well love, he is still alive and working in this mansion but is quite different from what you remember him to be.


    -Emily: what do you mean by that?


    -Derrick: well¡­, he is a knight, a royal one, and is working to protect the royal family, but due to an accident long ago all his memories up to 16 years ago are gone.


    I looked at him shocked and a bit terrified that I couldn''t eat anymore, so I stood up and went to the bathroom to wash up, to refresh myself. I stumbled slowly into the bathroom, my whole body came into shock, after hearing the things about my brother.


    I was shaking the whole way to the bathroom, I couldn''t even turn on the tap, but then Derrick came in, turned me around, and hugged me. But of course, I didn''t want his hugs, so I had enough when I suddenly dropped down and started to cry. I just broke. I kept pushing Derrick away when he tried to hold me in his arms, and at one moment I let him. Just for a moment, I let all the emotions I had bottled up in me, and I was crying in his arms, like a baby. Yet he didn''t mind it. He stroked my back for me to calm down, but I realized that I had cried myself to sleep.


    I found that out because I woke up, and when I went around my room, I saw that outside it was dark, and then I saw that Derrick was sleeping in a chair next to my bed.


    I looked at him and smiled.


    -Derrick: have you stared enough miss, or do you also want to stare and something else?


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.He said that and then laughed, stood up, and came close to me, which startled me.


    -Emily: no! I am good, plus you are not my type.


    I laughed and turned around flicking him with my hair.


    I saw him laughing and shaking his head.


    -Derrick: well, we''ll miss Emily, or should I call you by a different name like Rose, Camila or I know Jay?


    I turned around and looked at him shocked and confused, thinking how the hell did he know, or where did he learn them from, I tried to play it cool, but I am sure you could see it on my face.


    -Emily: How do you know these names? Where did you learn them from?


    -Derrick: column. Well, love. I learned all these names because I have been studying you well. I mean, my company has been studying you throughout every single mission and every single time you went out and, in the city, to do some work. How do you think I found your brother, huh?


    I looked at him, confused. I had no idea somebody had been following him. I mean, I always felt that somebody was behind me and watching me every move I made, but I didn''t expect to be Derek. To be him.


    -Emily: So, you know what my last mission was, don''t you? And if you don''t, I''ll tell you My last mission was to approach the CEO of the biggest company in Thailand. And your name popped up. So, can you tell me who you are?


    I asked this question. Look, look, look at looking up at him and wonder. Is he going to tell me or is he going to shrug it off and tell me to go to bed again? But I was insistent. I looked him straight in the eye and would not back down until he told me who he was.


    -Derrick: Well, well, love.


    He smiled at me. He extended his hand to remove hair from my face. And spoke.


    -Derrick: It''s true, my real name is Derek, but that''s my second name. My full name is Alexander Derrick Walsh. I usually use the name Derrick for missions I get assigned from above, while Alex, I use it for personal life. And then my CEO''s name is Alexander Walsh.


    He smiled Miss He smiled at me as he said that. His face came closer to me, almost like he was about to kiss me. But then at that moment, Thomas burst into the room saying.


    -Thomas: let go of Miss Emily now or else.


    When he came in, all I could do was smile. And giggled a bit. But then he felt so embarrassed by it. And then Derek dared to kiss me in front of Tomas. Of course. I let him continue, which made Thomas angry. So, Thomas stormed in and pushed Derek and pushed him to the ground kneeled, and started punching him.


    Derrick was just lying there taking every punch Thomas threw at him.


    -Emily: Guys!! Stop


    Not. I yelled that so loud. And then I tried to push Thomas aside, but in a crossfire, he pushed me down too, and I fell. A large ¡°Thumb¡± was heard, and both Derek and Thomas looked at me. At that moment, Thomas stopped punching Derek and came to my aid.


    -Thomas: Miss. Miss. Miss. Oh, my God. Miss. Are you OK? I''m so sorry.


    Tomas looked sad that he had hurt me. As soon as he helped me get up, he bowed, and he left the room upset. I wanted to go chase after him, but Derek had a bit of faith and I wanted to clean it up for him.


    -Derrick: You should go check on your boy there, Miss Emily. I''ll be here for less longer than Thomas would be, so check on him.


    As soon as Derek said that I rushed to chase after Thomas.


    -Emily: Thomas, Thomas, wait for me...


    After a few more seconds of chasing him, I finally caught up to him. I. Held him tight and hugged him.


    -Emily: it''s ok


    I said those words to him while batting down, batting him down. And then he broke down. He broke down in tears. And I had no idea what to do except to come to comfort him, telling him everything was OK. And then he fainted. I called out for servants saying come and help me. And two male servants came and took Thomas to his room and told me not to go further than this.


    At that moment I was knocked out too..

 Chapter 11

    The last thing I remember after I was out was Thomas fainting my arms. But when I woke up? Everything was blurry. I was tied to a chair. The room was dark, gloomy, a bit greasy, and a bit molded, and in front of me, I could see my father. From one side, Derek, and from the other a boy I''d never seen before. I looked confused, and then I looked at my father. My father looked like he was dead. And Derek was not responding. To me calling him out. I tried to call him out, but when I opened my mouth, nothing came out. No sound came out. Then...


    -Man: Damn it!! None of them are saying anything, do you think the girl is awake yet?


    Beside them, as they walked in and looked at me, He gave me the depth. He glared at me. And I feel like you recognize me from somewhere, but I don''t know where. He came closer to me, and he slapped me across my face. That you''re sitting on and me, we both fell to the ground. Both, Derrick and my father yelled:


    -Derrick, August: no! Don¡¯t touch her!!


    They yelled at both. I could feel both their voices going raspy as if they had been tortured for days. But the man behind him? Picked up, picked me up and the chair and she was back up. I spilled I. Have some blood glittering off so I spit it and spoke.


    - Emily: Who are you? And what have you done to my father and Derrick?


    The two guys looked, looked at each other, confused. One of them spoke.


    - Man: Well, little lady, we want something your father has. And he is not giving it to us. So, we play with him until he gives us the thing we want.


    As soon as the first man said that, the second man went over to the father and stabbed him with a knife in his knee. My father yelled in agony. And said:


    - August: I ain''t giving you nothing.


    He said that after he spent some boots, he spit on them, which angered them even more. Then a second man continued punching Father but then Derrick got up from his chair and tried to defend Father but then he got stabbed in his left leg. And he flew across too, my leg, pathing in pain.


    He and I locked eyes and both of us were scared. However, I stayed calm, because when the second man started to speak, I recognized his voice. I had no idea where. But I did. And the man saw that I understood because I kept staring at him weirdly.


    -Man 2: Jay, it''s been a long time since we last saw each other, right? I have missed you so much.


    He said that and came closer to me, as the other man was leaving the room.


    At first, I was confused, because I had no idea who he was or how he knew my name from an earlier life, so I started to look around.


    But that man ensured that I tika to him. So, I did.


    -Emly: how do you know my name? Am I supposed to know who you are?


    - man2: Of course, you know me! I am sad that you don¡¯t remember me.


    The man walked back and forth, and I could feel he was being sarcastic, because of the way he looked at me and his tone of voice didn''t sound sincere at all. As soon as he moved from my line of view to my father, I could see that father had passed out, and then I looked back down, I saw that Derrick was unconscious too, but I didn''t know for sure.


    -Emily: hey you, can you please check if he is alive?


    I beg the man to check his pulse but to no avail.


    - man2: I will if you do something for me first! Ok.


    I nodded in agreement, as he stood Thomas straight up and placed him next to Father.


    -Man 2: he is breathing, don''t worry, your little head.


    He said, smiling and looking at me.


    -Emily: So, what do you need me to do now? Huh.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.I said that in an angry yet annoyed tone of voice.


    The man laughed at me.


    -man2: HA! HA! HA! OH, Jay, you crack me up sometimes, you know that even back then and now too.


    As he said that I could see his face from happy to dark.


    I saw that he knew me from a mission or a past life, but I had no idea who he was. I felt so bad.


    -man2: I want to know if you know about the ¡°sea of flames and fire¡±? Do you know what that is?


    I looked at him confused.


    -Emily: Do you mean the legend of it from the royal family or the village legend?


    He looked at me confused.


    -Man: what do you mean by the village legend? The one that I am talking about is the Royal Family legend!


    I looked at him even more confused. And as I was about to speak, a man burst into the room.


    -Man: YOU!


    The man came close to the guy who was talking to me and slapped him.


    I got scared and then I saw the other person that was beside Father open his eyes.


    -Man: remember Jake, we can¡¯t tell her anything about us, we promised the royal family that after we returned her to them, remember.


    Both of them looked at me, with a worried, concerned face. There was an awkward silence when.


    The boy next to Father Caught. Blood and spoke.


    - Boy: where am I?


    And me and the two guys looked at him. Jake and the other man whom I have yet to learn his name looked at each other in confusion when one of them spoke.


    -man: I thought you said that he would be out for another hour or so? Why is he awake?


    - Jake: Listen, I have almost discovered something big with Her. So I will take her to the other room so that we can talk about the thing that we want. Is that ok?


    The other man needed it, and Jake grabbed the back of my chair, learned it towards him, and started to drag me. The chair made a terrible noise on, what seemed to be a concrete floor. But before he reached the door he put a blindfold on me.


    -Jake: I am sorry. But I need to put this blindfold on you. Ok


    As he was putting on the blindfold I could see what he was shaking his hands and I kinda understood that he was both scared and didn''t want to put the blindfold on.


    The blindfold was on, and he continued to drag me for a few more minutes, and then we reached a door, I heard many clicks. And then I felt the ground become softer, he removed the blindfold, and he also untied me.


    My vision was a bit blurry, because of the blindfold, but after a few seconds, it became clear.


    I was in a different room, a room with a rug, and a table in the middle.


    -Jake: help yourself you must be thirsty right?


    On the table, he put up a glass of water, a plate with cookies, and a small sandwich. I dug in straight and I was starving.


    He looked at me, smiling at me.


    -Jake: slow down, luv, careful not to choke yourself, here drink some water.


    He passed me the glass of water, I took it with both hands and down the water quickly. I choked a bit and then I heard him laugh again.


    I was a bit embarrassed by it.

 Chapter 12

    After that embarrassing moment. I finished eating and tried to speak again, but for some reason, no sound came from my mouth. That is when Jake went to the corner of the room, took out a briefcase, and started to take out various zip bags, clear ones.


    At first, I was confused but then I saw that there was writing on most of them, and then it clicked I recognized all of them, expert for one.


    And then¡­


    -Emly: Where did you find these? No better question is how do you know me?


    -Jake: I do. I do know you as all the names you have used since you entered the Organisation. I can''t believe what they have done to you.


    He looked at me with such a worry, that I felt physical pain in my body, and in my heart. That is when a tear came from my cheek, he saw it and came close and wiped it.


    -Jake: I know you don''t remember but your body does.


    He said that and then he backed, behind the table.


    My eyes followed him, from the moment he left my side to the moment he sat down quietly in the chair. There was an awkward silence, for all time he and I were staring at each other not mattering a word. And then


    -Emily: I can''t stand this.


    I got up fast and then felt dizzy. And I saw Jake run to me.


    -Jake: careful love, getting up too fast can cause a bit of dizziness.


    Then he sat me back down, handing me a glass of water.


    -Jake: Now drink this water slowly, and then if you have any questions I will happily answer them.


    I drank it and then¡­.


    -Emily: what? What did you...do to the water?


    I dropped the glass, I heard it drop to the ground, and then nothing.


    I had a feeling that they were going to drug me, but this was new.


    I could hear what was happening all around me, but I could not open my eyes or my mouth.


    Strange, what kind of spell has theory put on me so that I would be in this condition?


    I wondered and then I might have fallen asleep.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    -Man voice: morning Miss Saint Claire. Your new clothes for you are ready, on the shelf there.


    I opened my eyes slightly till asleep,


    Me: who, what are you talking about?


    I asked and I could feel as if I was talking in an accent a strong one almost British.


    The man laughed.


    -The man: well miss, what are you trying to pull again? Huh, just because you jumped off the tower does not give you an excuse to behave like this.


    -me: I don''t know where I am and also mister why can''t I see?


    I could hear him drop something and then shout¡­


    -man: DOCTOR!!!! Someone bring the doctor.


    I tilted my head in confusion and waited for someone to tell me what was going on.


    A moment later I heard multiple people running, I thought toward me because the steps were coming closer and closer. And then, I felt another warm body pushing against me.


    -Woman: sister! Siter?! Look''s mother and sister are awake.


    -Me: Who are you?


    I could feel the sudden change in tension in the air¡­


    -|Man: Excuse me miss, I am the royal doctor. I will check your temperature and you. Do I have permission to approach you?


    -Women: what do you ask for permission to go and do your job?


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.I could feel by the voice of her tom that she was a mean one, she said that in a sarcastic smirk voice.


    I nodded.


    I felt him touch me with different cold objects, asking if I could feel them a nod is a yes and not a nodding wheel means no.


    After some time, he instructed me to stand up and try to walk.


    I got up from the bed with the help of the doctor, no name so I got suspicious. So I pretended to wobble as I was walking somewhere wherever he was directing me with words. And then I fell so hard that I could feel blood coming from my head. I could feel everything around me thanks to the training I injured during my missions abroad. Thanks to them I have survived HELL.


    So I guess I have passed out for some time. Huh.


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­


    I woke up, and I saw a child right next to me, I felt hurt, but I didn''t recognize the child next to me which pained my heart for some reason...


    -Me: Hey, can you please tell me where I am and who you are?


    The child woke up startled...


    -child: you-y-o-u can see me?


    I nodded and smiled.


    -me: yes I can see you.


    The child ran out of the room in screams. I felt so confused, so while I waited for that child to come or for anyone at that point, I scanned the room. The room did not look familiar to me as Emely, so I tried to get out of bed to walk, but then I heard footsteps, and pretended to fall. Then again I saw the child run to me.


    -girl: sister, sister careful. Your legs haven''t held up yet, your servants help him up to the bed.


    She pointed at two male servants, and then they held me up to my bed, fixing my pillows so that I could sit right up. One of the servants gave me a smirk and I think that was either Jake or Derrick, as soon as I was about to hear his name he put his finger on the center of his mouth to tell me to shh.


    So I did. I was a bit confused, but then I saw a man walking toward me with a group of knights.


    -man: hello child how are you?


    He said that in a horse voice, and the knights went to every window and door of the room as if they were guarding it.


    -me: i am ok? Umm. I was wondering where I was and Who you were.


    -knight: how dare you speak to his majesty like that, you insolent child.


    He went to draw his sword but the ¡°king¡± stopped him.


    Man: Everyone gets out! Only you two stay.


    He pointed at the two servants who helped me on the bed.


    Everyone bowed and exited the room. In my room was only me that man and two servants.


    Man: ok, now child my name is Yumisawa Kruftret the II, I am the emperor of this country, Darfth. Your name is Meisa Yuna Kruftret. You are in line to the throne, but you get into an accident¡­


    He paused, I think it was to see my face, but I got no reaction on me. I just tilted my head and looked at him with wonder. Then I asked:


    -Mei: is my name Mei or Yuna?


    He looked at me and smiled, almost grinning.


    .


    .

 Chapter 13

    And then, I suddenly got dizzy, my eyes felt heavy and I could hear loud bangs, almost as if I had bells in my ears, but also I could hear the man next to me shouting my name, which of course became more painful.


    And then it stopped as if I had passed out. And then I felt my body being wiped, but I was too tired to make a sound, let alone open my eyes.


    I feel like I fell asleep because when I woke up, only one servant was there, he was waking me up. And as I was getting up he laid out a dress and a chair on wheels.


    -Servant: Good morning Miss Yuna.


    He bowed to me grinding, I could feel shivers up my spine, as if I was being treated. It was unpleasant.


    I looked at him a bit confused and then remembered that yesterday was to just a dream but reality. So I did what any sane person would.


    -Mei: Can you please bring me a glass of water, servant boy?


    He looked at me confused, as if I said something wrong, or out of the ordinary, yet he gave me a glass of water.


    -Servant; here you go, miss.


    Then he gave me a basin with water,


    -Servant: wipe your body with this lady. And hurry, your parents are waiting for you!


    He said that in a loud yet harsh voice.


    But then I asked another question, after agreeing to his demands.


    -Mei: yes. Can I ask what your name is and where we are going today?


    The servant looked confused, yet he smirked at me.


    -Man: well well, miss Emily. How can you not recognize me?


    He looked at me in those eyes, and as he smirked and washed his hair, I knew exactly who he was. I smiled at him and¡­


    -Mei: Derrick? What has happened? Why Are we here? And why are you a servant and and,...


    He looked at me and shhh..


    -Derrick: Well, this is one of our missions now, they didn''t prepare us. This mission involves you being the head of this family for 5 years. This mission is very long. Don''t worry your parents are safe. They told me to keep an eye on you. In this place, think of it as another book, you know like a new chapter.


    As I was about to ask another question, a maid entered.


    I was pissed but Derick smiled at me and gave me the shhh, like what he told me to keep a secret.


    -Maid: Excuse me, Miss Yuna, I need to dress you, your family is downstairs eating breakfast. You must join them.


    -Mei: Downstras!!


    I looked at her in shock.


    -Mei: How am I supposed to go downstairs, my legs are not working!


    - maid: Well, that is what this boy is for, he will carry you down and up the stairs, cause he is your servant and guard. Now Will, leave the lady too, you wait outside.


    Will, bowed and closed the door.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.In the room, it was just me and the maid. Fun.


    She came close to me to help me wash my body and then started slowly to dress me. Throughout this activity, she had that look on her face, as if she wanted to say something but no words came out. Then she opened her mouth as she was putting on my underdress.


    -Maid: I don''t need to teach you manners again, do I?


    She smirked at me as she was putting on the laced dress, tight it so that I couldn''t breathe.


    -Miad: Us girls, we need to be like hourglasses.


    She said, grinning at me. String right into my soul.


    I said in an angry, almost annoyed voice.


    She looked shocked, then continued to dress me, and put me in the chair.


    She brushed my hair gently surprisingly then she brought in my hair and put a ribbon in it down one braid that would light makeup on and then she roughly added earling to my ears, they were quite sore after she stabbed my ear with the needle. She smiled at herself and snapped her fingers. Suddenly the boy aka Derrek,


    -Maid: you there boy, what is your name?


    She looked at him as if he was nothing. She was looking down on him, and I didn¡¯t like that.


    -Servant: my name is Peter, mam.


    He bowed and then, she gestured for him to carry me to the chair and then to go downstairs.


    I looked so confused I was questioning Peter but then as soon as we got all the room I spoke.


    -Mei: Ha! Peter, though you were Derreck.


    -Peter: I am but that is my cover name, Miss Mei.


    He laughed.


    -Mei: Can I know now where the hell are we?


    He was pushing my wheelchair along the corridor and when I asked that question he looked he passed the wheelchair and me and I looked at him and he looked so scared to look to answer me and then my heart raced because I felt like I made a mistake asking such a dumb question but as we reached the stairs I saw a family portrait in which I was in it well ¡°Mei¡± was in it. And he stopped as if he knew exactly what I was looking at I didn''t want to ask any question for a question because we were just terraces soon we had to go into the dining room so he paused the chair he signaled a servant who was beside a painting which I did not see and he grabbed me and he pointed at the wheelchair and the Servant understood him, the servant boy rushed to the chair picked it up and followed us down the stairs. I was in Peter¡¯s arms while my transport on wheels was in that servant''s hands. I was quite close to Peter, cause I needed to hold on to him, yet I could feel his heartbeat pulsing and racing. I got a bit jumpy but I could feel as if Peter tied his grip due to that, I backed away from his chest and body a bit to look him in the eyes, and that was the longest I stared at someone, I could feel my heart racing, yet I was scared, or was is it just new emotion of excitement I haven''t felt a long time. But the walking down the stairs felt so long, that I almost felt drowsy, and then a loud ¡°BANG¡± I heard. When we reached the bottom of the stairs the servant, who had my wheelchair was downstairs waiting for his net order.


    -Mei: thank you, boy.


    The boy looked at me very confused as if he had never been praised by anybody and I looked I said perfectly also confused but um Peter started pushing the dining room and as he opened the door he announced my entering, I felt that the air in the whole room felt cold and hard to breathe.

 Chapter 14

    As I entered the room, a chill settled in the air, every gaze felt as icy as though I were a parasite invading their space. Accompanied by my servant, I was in a long, spacious room with a table that could seat twenty. Peter guided me towards the top seat where a man sat, leaving a spot on his left. Gesturing to Peter, the man indicated for me to join him at the top, and Peter promptly obeyed. As I scanned the room, it seemed almost unused, impeccably clean with freshly arranged delicate flowers.


    Then, abruptly, my chair halted, bringing me to the table. "Morning, my flower," greeted Yumisawa, his smile masking indifference as he turned to me. Before I could respond, four children barged in - two darting in excitedly and two trailing behind.


    "Dad! Is it true that my sister will join us for breakfast?" A young girl, clutching a small bunny toy, rushed toward me, seemingly unaware of my presence, typical of the shy Mei. "Yes, if that''s alright with you," I replied with a smile as she settled beside me.


    "ARGH!" Mei screamed suddenly, prompting a chuckle from both the king and me. Her embarrassment painted her face red, and I comforted her with a pat on the head. "It''s okay, you didn¡¯t see me. It''s okay," she stammered. Meanwhile, the boy behind her bowed to me, and I reciprocated with a smile.


    Soon, the older children entered and sat across from me, greeting me more aloof than brotherly. Uncomfortable, I glanced back, finding solace in Peter''s presence.


    Returning to the table, their cold stares bore into me, forcing my head down in fear. Yumisawa broke the tension, directing his attention to Mei, and inquiring about her well-being.


    "No discomfort. I was thinking of a walk in the garden after breakfast," Mei said, sparking an odd reaction. The room fell silent, the king''s face drained of color, and my brothers wore unsettling smiles.


    "Why do you want to go out? To jump off something again?" Yumisawa''s voice dripped with anger directed at me, leaving me bewildered.


    A knight stepped forward, seeking permission to speak, proposing to accompany Mei in the garden, ensuring her safety and avoiding elevated areas. Yumisawa, taken aback, finally relented, instructing me and my servant to join him and Isaac in his office after breakfast.


    I nodded in agreement and resumed my meal.


    The weight of Yumisawa''s anger lingered in the air, casting a pall over the breakfast table. My brothers'' smirks hinted at a shared knowledge, an inside joke that excluded me. Beside me, my sister who I have yet to learn the name of seemed apologetic and hesitant, her gaze darting between her father and me. As the meal progressed, the tension refused to dissipate. Yumisawa''s stern expressions and occasional glasses made it hard to swallow a single morsel without a knot forming in my stomach. Then the knight who had volunteered to accompany me, went back behind the king while maintaining a respectful silence, casting occasional looks toward the king, gauging his mood.


    Eventually, breakfast drew to a close, marked by a heavy silence broken only by the clinking of utensils against plates. Yumisawa rose first, his demeanor rigid, and motioned for me and my servant to follow him to his office.


    Isaac, a stoic figure with an unreadable expression, fell in step behind us as we traversed the corridors, the air charged with an unspoken tension. Each step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the unknown reasons for Yumisawa''s anger. The only sound there was my wheelchair squeaking now and then until we reached his office, there were two big brown doors with golden touch handles. Two knights beside the door opened the door for the king and waited for us to enter the room before closing the doors.


    Upon entering his office, Yumisawa gestured for us to take seats, his gaze fixed and intense. "Explain," he demanded, his tone brooking no argument.


    Confusion washed over me. "Explain, Your Highness?" I ventured cautiously.


    "Why would you bring up the garden?" His voice, though controlled, hinted at an underlying frustration.


    "I merely mentioned a walk," I replied, bewildered by the situation''s intensity.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.Yumisawa''s expression softened marginally. "That garden holds... memories," he uttered, the words laden with an unspoken history. "Memories I''d rather not see repeated."


    "I understand, Your Highness. I had no intention to cause distress," I offered, trying to ease the thick tension in the air.


    Isaac, usually a silent observer, interjected. "Your Highness, if I may..." His voice was steady, his words measured. "Allow me to clarify the situation. The garden holds painful memories for Her Highness as well. Mei''s previous... incident occurred there."


    A solemn silence enveloped the room. Yumisawa''s face softened, the anger replaced by a poignant sorrow. "I see," he murmured, a hint of regret seeping into his voice.


    "I assure you, Your Highness, I meant no harm," I reiterated, hoping to dispel any doubts about my intentions.


    Yumisawa nodded, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "Apologies for the misunderstanding," he said, a tinge of regret evident. "I''m protective of my children''s safety."


    "I understand completely, Your Highness," I replied with a brief smile, sensing empathy bridging the gap between us. However, I was puzzled about the reason for his anger regarding my outing. Despite my curiosity, I chose not to delve further into the matter. Instead, I bowed to him along with my servant and the unnamed knight accompanying us.


    With the tension diffused and mutual understanding achieved, we concluded the discussion, exiting the office with a newfound sense of respect for one another.


    As Peter and the knight escorted me toward my bedroom, the need for warmer, more comfortable attire for the outdoors became apparent. It was then that the knight chose to speak.


    ¡°My name is Alexander Demonte,¡± he replied, his expression chillingly cold as he bowed to me.


    Upon reaching my bedroom door, he swiftly opened it, his demeanor remaining stoic. "Miss Mei, I''ll see you in 5 minutes," he stated briskly. I couldn''t help but shiver, feeling an icy aura emanating from his cold gaze as I glanced up at him.


    I nodded in acknowledgment, allowing Peter to guide me to the nearby couch where I could comfortably sit and change. As we closed the door behind us, a sudden, audible sigh escaped from Peter''s lips, startling me.


    "Peter, are you okay? What''s with that big sigh?" I inquired, my tone rising with concern.


    His response trembled through the room. "I felt a chill as if Alexander¡ªwhomever he is¡ªwas looking down on us, particularly you. I could sense his gaze piercing through you like an arrow striking the heart. It made me feel weak," he admitted, his body trembling slightly with the impact of the sensation.


    "It''s okay," I whispered, drawing closer to him and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Whatever it is, we''ll handle it together. We won''t let anyone''s gaze unsettle us." His vulnerability tugged at my heart, urging me to offer reassurance amidst the unnerving situation.


    As I tried to calm Peter''s nerves, I couldn''t shake off the lingering unease caused by the intensity of Alexander''s presence. It was as though an invisible force had descended upon us, leaving an unsettling aura in its wake.


    After a few minutes, Peter took a deep breath and opened the door, guiding me out of the room. We were met with the sight of Alexander, his expression stone-cold, fixated on the door, and then on us.


    He nodded his head to the left, signaling for us to proceed. Glancing at Peter for a moment, I turned my attention forward, and we began making our way towards the garden, or at least one of them, as Alexander had mentioned earlier.


    As we navigated the estate, the tension lingered, and the air seemed thick with unspoken mysteries. I couldn''t shake off the feeling that our every move was being observed, and the weight of Alexander''s gaze continued to cast a shadow over our journey through the garden.

 Chapter 15

    As I entered the room, a chill settled in the air, every gaze felt as icy as though I were a parasite invading their space. Accompanied by my servant, I was in a long, spacious room with a table that could seat twenty. Peter guided me towards the top seat where a man sat, leaving a spot on his left. Gesturing to Peter, the man indicated for me to join him at the top, and Peter promptly obeyed. As I scanned the room, it seemed almost unused, impeccably clean with freshly arranged delicate flowers.


    Then, abruptly, my chair halted, bringing me to the table. "Morning, my flower," greeted Yumisawa, his smile masking indifference as he turned to me. Before I could respond, four children barged in - two darting in excitedly and two trailing behind.


    "Dad! Is it true that my sister will join us for breakfast?" A young girl, clutching a small bunny toy, rushed toward me, seemingly unaware of my presence, typical of the shy Mei. "Yes, if that''s alright with you," I replied with a smile as she settled beside me.


    "ARGH!" Mei screamed suddenly, prompting a chuckle from both the king and me. Her embarrassment painted her face red, and I comforted her with a pat on the head. "It''s okay, you didn¡¯t see me. It''s okay," she stammered. Meanwhile, the boy behind her bowed to me, and I reciprocated with a smile.


    Soon, the older children entered and sat across from me, greeting me more aloof than brotherly. Uncomfortable, I glanced back, finding solace in Peter''s presence.


    Returning to the table, their cold stares bore into me, forcing my head down in fear. Yumisawa broke the tension, directing his attention to Mei, and inquiring about her well-being.


    "No discomfort. I was thinking of a walk in the garden after breakfast," Mei said, sparking an odd reaction. The room fell silent, the king''s face drained of color, and my brothers wore unsettling smiles.


    "Why do you want to go out? To jump off something again?" Yumisawa''s voice dripped with anger directed at me, leaving me bewildered.


    A knight stepped forward, seeking permission to speak, proposing to accompany Mei in the garden, ensuring her safety and avoiding elevated areas. Yumisawa, taken aback, finally relented, instructing me and my servant to join him and Isaac in his office after breakfast.


    I nodded in agreement and resumed my meal.


    The weight of Yumisawa''s anger lingered in the air, casting a pall over the breakfast table. My brothers'' smirks hinted at a shared knowledge, an inside joke that excluded me. Beside me, my sister who I have yet to learn the name of seemed apologetic and hesitant, her gaze darting between her father and me. As the meal progressed, the tension refused to dissipate. Yumisawa''s stern expressions and occasional glasses made it hard to swallow a single morsel without a knot forming in my stomach. Then the knight who had volunteered to accompany me, went back behind the king while maintaining a respectful silence, casting occasional looks toward the king, gauging his mood.


    Eventually, breakfast drew to a close, marked by a heavy silence broken only by the clinking of utensils against plates. Yumisawa rose first, his demeanor rigid, and motioned for me and my servant to follow him to his office.


    Isaac, a stoic figure with an unreadable expression, fell in step behind us as we traversed the corridors, the air charged with an unspoken tension. Each step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the unknown reasons for Yumisawa''s anger. The only sound there was my wheelchair squeaking now and then until we reached his office, there were two big brown doors with golden touch handles. Two knights beside the door opened the door for the king and waited for us to enter the room before closing the doors.


    Upon entering his office, Yumisawa gestured for us to take seats, his gaze fixed and intense. "Explain," he demanded, his tone brooking no argument.


    Confusion washed over me. "Explain, Your Highness?" I ventured cautiously.


    "Why would you bring up the garden?" His voice, though controlled, hinted at an underlying frustration.


    "I merely mentioned a walk," I replied, bewildered by the situation''s intensity.


    Yumisawa''s expression softened marginally. "That garden holds... memories," he uttered, the words laden with an unspoken history. "Memories I''d rather not see repeated."


    "I understand, Your Highness. I had no intention to cause distress," I offered, trying to ease the thick tension in the air.


    Isaac, usually a silent observer, interjected. "Your Highness, if I may..." His voice was steady, his words measured. "Allow me to clarify the situation. The garden holds painful memories for Her Highness as well. Mei''s previous... incident occurred there."


    A solemn silence enveloped the room. Yumisawa''s face softened, the anger replaced by a poignant sorrow. "I see," he murmured, a hint of regret seeping into his voice.


    "I assure you, Your Highness, I meant no harm," I reiterated, hoping to dispel any doubts about my intentions.


    Yumisawa nodded, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "Apologies for the misunderstanding," he said, a tinge of regret evident. "I''m protective of my children''s safety."


    "I understand completely, Your Highness," I replied with a brief smile, sensing empathy bridging the gap between us. However, I was puzzled about the reason for his anger regarding my outing. Despite my curiosity, I chose not to delve further into the matter. Instead, I bowed to him along with my servant and the unnamed knight accompanying us.


    With the tension diffused and mutual understanding achieved, we concluded the discussion, exiting the office with a newfound sense of respect for one another.


    As Peter and the knight escorted me toward my bedroom, the need for warmer, more comfortable attire for the outdoors became apparent. It was then that the knight chose to speak.


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.¡°My name is Alexander Demonte,¡± he replied, his expression chillingly cold as he bowed to me.


    Upon reaching my bedroom door, he swiftly opened it, his demeanor remaining stoic. "Miss Mei, I''ll see you in 5 minutes," he stated briskly. I couldn''t help but shiver, feeling an icy aura emanating from his cold gaze as I glanced up at him.


    I nodded in acknowledgment, allowing Peter to guide me to the nearby couch where I could comfortably sit and change. As we closed the door behind us, a sudden, audible sigh escaped from Peter''s lips, startling me.


    "Peter, are you okay? What''s with that big sigh?" I inquired, my tone rising with concern.


    His response trembled through the room. "I felt a chill as if Alexander¡ªwhomever he is¡ªwas looking down on us, particularly you. I could sense his gaze piercing through you like an arrow striking the heart. It made me feel weak," he admitted, his body trembling slightly with the impact of the sensation.


    "It''s okay," I whispered, drawing closer to him and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Whatever it is, we''ll handle it together. We won''t let anyone''s gaze unsettle us." His vulnerability tugged at my heart, urging me to offer reassurance amidst the unnerving situation.


    As I tried to calm Peter''s nerves, I couldn''t shake off the lingering unease caused by the intensity of Alexander''s presence. It was as though an invisible force had descended upon us, leaving an unsettling aura in its wake.


    After a few minutes, Peter took a deep breath and opened the door, guiding me out of the room. We were met with the sight of Alexander, his expression stone-cold, fixated on the door, and then on us.


    He nodded his head to the left, signaling for us to proceed. Glancing at Peter for a moment, I turned my attention forward, and we began making our way towards the garden, or at least one of them, as Alexander had mentioned earlier.


    As we traversed the estate, a palpable tension hung in the air, suffocating and laden with unspoken mysteries. It was as though every rustle of leaves conspired to amplify the silence, and the atmosphere itself seemed to hold its breath, brimming with anticipation.


    The garden, once a haven of serenity, now felt like a labyrinth of hidden truths and veiled intentions. I couldn''t shake the unnerving sensation that our steps were meticulously watched, every turn scrutinized by unseen eyes. It was an unsettling awareness, an inexplicable feeling that the foliage concealed more than just verdant beauty.


    And amidst this enigmatic landscape, the weight of Alexander''s gaze loomed like an ominous shadow, an unrelenting presence that trailed our every move. His eyes held a depth that seemed to pierce through veils of pretense, leaving us exposed and vulnerable in its wake. The intensity of his stare spoke volumes, whispering secrets I yearned to unravel yet feared to confront.


    With each stride, a shiver traced its way down my spine, a reaction not to the chill in the air but to the inexplicable aura enveloping us. It was as if the garden itself held secrets in its blossoms and whispered them in the wind, compelling us to decipher their cryptic messages.


    Every corner turned, every flowerbed passed, heightened the feeling of walking a tightrope between revelation and concealment. The garden, once a sanctuary, had transformed into a theater of suspense, where every petal and every shadow seemed pregnant with unspoken truths.


    After what felt like an eternity navigating through the labyrinthine corridors, we finally approached the garden. It emerged like a mirage, a realm veiled in ethereal beauty. The transition from the opulent interiors to this outdoor sanctuary was nothing short of a breathtaking metamorphosis.


    Before we stood two grandiose glass doors, almost crystalline in their clarity like portals inviting us to step into a realm of enchantment. As they swung open, they revealed a spectacle that transcended imagination.


    The garden unfurled like a painting crafted by celestial hands, an oasis of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms that danced in harmonious choreography. The sunlight, filtered through the canopy above, painted dappled patterns on the cobblestone paths that wound through the verdant landscape.


    It was a tapestry woven with meticulous care, each flower a jewel, each tree a guardian standing sentinel over the tranquility within. The air carried a symphony of scents¡ªjasmine, rose, and lavender¡ªcreating an intoxicating perfume that embraced us, cocooning our senses in its embrace.


    But amidst this symphony of nature¡¯s splendor, there lingered an indefinable aura, an undercurrent of intrigue that whispered secrets hidden among the petals and within the shadows. It was a garden of contrasts, where beauty coalesced with enigma, inviting exploration yet caution in equal measure.


    As we stepped further into this resplendent sanctuary, the glass doors closed behind us with a soft, almost reverential whisper, sealing us within this paradise tinged with an air of mystery. Time seemed to suspend itself in this haven, each passing moment a delicate brushstroke in the masterpiece that was the garden, beckoning us to unravel its mysteries while guarding its secrets with unwavering grace. Where every blossom and every leaf is meticulously animated, each one a vibrant burst of color and life. Cherry blossom trees stand tall, their delicate pink petals swirling in a gentle breeze that carries a sense of ethereal tranquility.


    The pathways wind gracefully through meticulously trimmed hedges, leading to ornate gazebos adorned with intricate designs. Water features glisten in the sunlight, sparkling with a magical allure as koi fish glide beneath the surface, their scales reflecting iridescent hues. The wind-carrying tree petals brushed through my hair, and I was entranced. It felt like a dream. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and then exhaled.


    Exotic flowers bloom in riotous profusion, their vivid colors adding splendor to the landscape. Lush, green foliage drapes over marble sculptures that dot the garden, frozen in elegant poses as if captured in a moment of eternal grace. Far off in the distance, a resting spot beckoned, accompanied by a man holding food. I inquired of Alexander if we could make our way there. With a confirming nod from him and then we...

 Chapter 16

    A gut-wrenching scream escaped my lips, reverberating through the air as the horrifying events unfolded. Once a symbol of connection, the bridge became the stage for a sudden and violent confrontation. As we innocently crossed its path, the tranquillity shattered like glass.


    The atmosphere grew tense, and panic seized us as four ominous figures, their faces concealed by masks, materialized out of the shadows. Fear clawed at my throat as they demanded Peter to surrender me into their clutches. The air was thick with the palpable threat that hung in the balance.


    Desperation etched across Alexander''s face, he valiantly attempted to fend off the attackers, a futile effort against the cruel onslaught. The clash erupted into chaos, and the brutality unfolded with a relentless intensity. A chilling chill ran down my spine as I witnessed the brutality of the assault.


    In the heart-wrenching melee, the metallic sound of a blade meeting flesh echoed ominously. The world seemed to freeze as I saw Alexander succumb to a vicious stab in his shoulder, a surge of pain etched on his face. Pere, brave and steadfast, was not spared either, his body bearing the merciless marks of multiple stabs.


    A deafening silence settled as the attackers disappeared into the shadows, leaving me stranded and vulnerable on the desolate bridge. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders, and with every desperate plea, I called out for the guards, but my cries seemed to dissipate into the void, unanswered.


    Alone and surrounded by the aftermath of brutality, I stood on the bridge, a silent witness to the shattered fragments of our once peaceful journey. The cold wind carried a sense of foreboding, and my heart raced with the echoes of the nightmarish encounter that had just unfolded.


    The relentless wind swept across the bridge, its eerie whistle harmonizing with the tension in the air. It was as if nature itself joined in the ominous symphony that unfolded. Amidst this haunting melody, the sudden movement caught my eye¡ªa flash of silver hurtling through the air.


    As the knife was hurled toward me, the wind seemed to crescendo, its howl rising in sync with the deadly trajectory of the blade. Time slowed to a surreal pace, every detail etching itself vividly into my consciousness. The sound of the wind became the backdrop to this terrifying moment, intensifying the dread that gripped my heart.


    In that suspended moment, memories surged like a torrential flood. Images from the past, fragments of joy and sorrow, intertwined with the present danger. Laughter echoed faintly in my mind, a stark contrast to the piercing fear that now gripped me. With its haunting chorus, the wind seemed to carry echoes of moments long gone, intermingling with the impending threat.


    The knife sliced through the air, a deadly arc aimed toward me. Its trajectory left an indelible mark¡ªa searing cut across my chin. The taste of metallic blood mingled with the rush of adrenaline, a visceral reminder of the perilous reality of that fateful encounter on the bridge. Each element¡ªthe wind''s mournful song, the sudden attack, and the flood of memories¡ªconverged in a surreal and harrowing moment that would linger in my mind long after the events on that bridge had passed.


    In that haunting flashback, all I could perceive was the surreal image of myself walking towards an indistinct figure. Their faces remained shrouded in mystery, and the surroundings seemed to engulf us in an unsettling silence¡ªI could neither hear nor feel anything except the inexplicable compulsion to move forward.


    Abruptly, my mind plunged into darkness, a void that swallowed every trace of awareness. The transition was disorienting, like being abruptly yanked from reality. Sensations shifted, and I became acutely aware that I was no longer seated in my familiar chair. Instead, the harsh reality struck me as I lay sprawled on the frigid, unforgiving surface of cold stone.


    The disconcerting journey from the enigmatic encounter to the disorienting darkness and the jarring impact on the stone ground left me with a lingering sense of confusion and vulnerability. The memories, like fragments of a dream, lingered in the recesses of my mind, their significance elusive and haunting.


    In a fleeting moment of consciousness, I managed to pry my eyes open, greeted by a scene of urgency and chaos. Shapes moved hurriedly toward me, their voices a cacophony of shouts and gasps that pierced through the fog of my disoriented state. Blurry figures emerged, their features a blur, but their urgency was palpable in their frantic movements.


    The intensity of their shouts reverberated in my ears, a jumble of sound that seemed both distant and alarmingly close. The sensation of being surrounded by these frantic individuals, their urgent voices a discordant symphony, sent a surge of adrenaline through my veins.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.As they drew nearer, their faces started to take shape, etching worry and concern into their features. Their gestures were urgent, their attempts to assess the situation evident in the way they hurried toward me. Their voices overlapped in a frenzy, a symphony of concern that wrapped around me, pulling me back from the brink of unconsciousness.


    Time seemed to warp, moments stretching into eternity, as they reached me, their hands gently touching, trying to ascertain my condition. Their faces, a blend of fear and determination, provided a lifeline amidst the disorienting chaos that enveloped me.


    Later, the haze started to dissipate, and I found myself surrounded by the sterile white of a hospital room. Fragments of the incident on the bridge flitted through my mind, a disconcerting mix of memories and unanswered questions. The faces of those who rushed to my aid lingered, their urgency and care leaving an indelible mark on my consciousness.


    Some days later¡­¡­


    Abruptly, my eyes snap open, and in that moment of awakening, a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washes over me. I am struck by the uncanny resemblance of my current circumstance to the inexplicable situation in which I first found myself in this peculiar "place."


    As I attempted to form words, my voice emerged in a raspy, jagged cadence, each syllable stumbling over the next. It felt as though my vocal cords were entangled in the remnants of a haunting dream, their usual smoothness replaced by a harsh, disjointed texture. The sound that escaped my throat carried the weight of the nightmarish turmoil I had just emerged from.


    A shiver coursed through me, a lingering echo of the unease that lingered from the dream''s grip. The residual fear clung to my thoughts like a stubborn fog, making the transition from the nightmare''s realm to wakefulness a disconcerting journey. The roughness of my voice served as a stark reminder of the lingering emotional residue that often accompanies such unsettling dreams, leaving me momentarily disoriented and unsettled. From my vantage point, I beheld a regal scene unfold as both the king and queen graced the space before me. Their authoritative presence emanated power, a palpable aura that commanded attention from every corner.


    As my gaze extended beyond the royal couple, I discerned the figure of Peter lingering a bit further back. His silhouette stood somewhat in the shadows, a mere observer of the majestic tableau before him. The contrast between the regality of the monarchs and Peter''s more subdued position added a layer of intrigue to the unfolding scene, leaving me to wonder about the dynamics at play in this royal spectacle.


    As I rose from my bed, the sheets wrinkled beneath me, creating a soft rustle that disrupted the calmness of the room. In that fleeting moment, the king, attuned to even the slightest disturbance, reacted with an abruptness that hinted at his vigilance. He sprung up in a flash, a glint of surprise mixed with a touch of concern in his eyes, a testament to his innate awareness.


    "Is everything all right?" His voice, though measured, carried a note of concern, echoing his swift response to the disturbance. The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment, a tense pause punctuated by the ripple caused by my movement on the bed.


    His sudden reaction, juxtaposed with the regal composure he exuded, added an intriguing layer to the encounter. It hinted at a ruler attuned to even the subtlest disturbances in his realm, a quality that spoke volumes about his leadership. As the wrinkles on the bed smoothed out and the room settled back into its former serenity, a sense of curiosity lingered¡ªprompting me to wonder about the depth of the king''s perceptiveness and the significance of that seemingly trivial disturbance. With a calming smile, I met the king''s concerned gaze and responded softly, assuring him, "Everything''s alright, Your Majesty. Just a minor stir, nothing more." My words carried a soothing tone, aiming to dispel any worry that might have lingered after the abruptness of the moment.


    The exchange seemed to ease the tension that had briefly filled the air, restoring a sense of tranquility to the room. His vigilant stance relaxed slightly, a subtle shift in demeanor indicating his reassurance at my response.


    There was a silent understanding in that brief exchange¡ªa shared acknowledgment of mutual respect and an unspoken gratitude for his attentiveness. As the room settled back into its previous calm, the connection forged in that fleeting moment lingered, leaving an impression of the king''s attentiveness and my appreciation for his swift concern.

 Chapter !7

    I addressed the king with a raspy voice, pleading, "Can you please pour some water for me?" My plea echoed through the air, filled with urgency and need. In response, he hurriedly adjusted his attire and hastened to the table nearby, his movements carrying a sense of urgency. With a gentle pour, the water cascaded into the cup, breaking the tranquil silence of the room. A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over me as the sound of pouring water filled the space, providing solace in the otherwise quiet surroundings.


    "Here, my beautiful flower," he murmured in a breathless tone, settling back beside me. As I took a sip, the sudden movement woke the queen, startling her. Peter, seated nearby, was startled too and tumbled off his chair, eliciting surprised looks from the queen, king, and the servants lurking in the shadows. Some rushed over to assist him.


    After the initial surprise, a small, amused smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Despite the chaos, a sense of happiness bubbled within me; the unexpected moment brought a touch of lightheartedness to the gathering, lifting my spirits. I smiled and both the king and the queen looked at me intensely as if they had never seen my smile, as if ¡°I¡± never smiled.


    I handed the empty glass back to the king, feeling a bit hesitant. The desire to inquire about the duration of my slumber lingered, yet courage eluded me. The atmosphere held a tense yet relaxed quality as if time itself had taken a stroll during my nap, leaving a tranquil ambiance in its wake. The king began to part his lips, as if ready to speak, then paused before uttering, "My dear, there''s something crucial you should know. Agents from rival nations


    attempted to harm you. I regret that our guards couldn''t prevent this." Yumisawa''s voice bore a blend of remorse and worry, a solemn admission lingering in the atmosphere.


    As I gazed at him, a wave of shock washed over me, leaving me breathless. My heart thundered against my chest, each beat racing faster and faster, the sensation mirroring the onset of a panic attack. The weight of his words added a suffocating intensity to the air, making it harder to draw a steady breath. The gravity of the situation pressed upon me, amplifying the palpable tension in the room, as if the very walls were closing in.


    I turned my gaze to him, my voice quivering slightly as I inquired, "Will they return? And why were they after me?" The tremor in my words betrayed the fear and confusion swirling within me, seeking answers amid an unsettling revelation.


    He met my gaze with a somber expression, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and guardedness. "We cannot discuss this openly," he replied in a hushed tone, his words laced with caution. "It''s not safe here. But rest assured, measures are being taken to ensure your safety." His response carried a weighty implication, hinting at the gravity of the situation, yet offering reassurance amid the shroud of secrecy.


    His response left me more perplexed than ever. Attempting to delve further into the matter, I pressed for clarification. However, he gently redirected my focus, suggesting that I should eat and then rest. His tone was both firm and caring, steering me towards a moment of respite.


    "Take the medicine," he urged, his voice carrying a soothing reassurance, "it will make you sleepy, but it''s important. Rest for now. Tomorrow, I promise to explain everything." The weight of his words hung in the air, promising a resolution to the mystery but compelling me to yield to the need for rest and healing in the present moment.


    "Yumisawa," I spoke up after swallowing the medicine, noticing his surprise as he and the queen were leaving my bedroom. "You can call me father, no need for the formality," he suggested, a touch of warmth softening his expression. His request, to be addressed as ''father'' if I didn''t mind, carried a hint of longing and familiarity, offering a more intimate connection within the formality of the royal setting.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.I nodded in acknowledgment, mirroring their gesture as they made their way out of the room. The few servants and guards who had been discreetly lingering in the shadows followed suit, departing silently, leaving Peter as the sole remaining figure in the chamber. He stood there, a solitary presence in the room, a silent observer amidst the quietude. I coughed loudly to get Peter''s attention, the atmosphere tense with worry. Suddenly, he jolted from his chair, almost falling, and hurried to my bedside. Then, Derrick emerged onto the terrace from the window, the atmosphere tinged with anticipation and a touch of surprise. The distant garden lights cast a gentle glow around him as he stepped into the room, his expression a mix of concern and urgency, adding an unexpected layer to the moment. He approached me, his focus solely on my condition, momentarily disregarding Peter''s presence. His concern was palpable as he leaned in closer, his eyes reflecting a blend of worry and determination.


    "Hey! Could you please release my hand?" Peter''s voice shattered through the thick tension enveloping the room. Startled, Derrick, who hadn''t noticed that Peter was beside my hand from one side, the side of the window, recoiled slightly, realizing he had been inadvertently squeezing Peter''s hand too tightly in his concern. His abrupt movement betrayed a mix of surprise and guilt, accentuating the already charged atmosphere in the room.


    Derrick offered a swift apology to Peter, the tension easing as they both exchanged a mutual bow, a gesture signifying respect. Meanwhile, I burst into uncontrollable laughter, the sound echoing through the room. Their puzzled expressions mirrored each other as they glanced first at me, then back at each other, both sheepishly scratching the backs of their heads in utter bemusement. The atmosphere shifted from tense to a mix of amusement and relief, the room now alive with an unexpected but welcomed sense of camaraderie.


    "Are you alright? What on earth just happened?" Derrick''s voice carried a tone laced with concern, breaking the lingering tension. His words hung in the air, the atmosphere suddenly more open, inviting an explanation while still holding remnants of the earlier confusion and relief.


    As I attempted to speak, my voice faltered, and I found myself grasping for words that wouldn''t come. Sensing my struggle, both Derrick and Peter instinctively reached for the glass of water resting on the table beside my bed. Their synchronized movement spoke volumes, a silent understanding passing between them as they hurriedly offered me the glass, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness to assist. The air was filled with an unspoken understanding, each gesture and word a testament to their genuine care. In that room, compassion wove through every interaction, creating a sanctuary where empathy reigned supreme, soothing away any lingering unease. Derrick handed me a glass of water with a warm smile, and I graciously responded, saying, "Thank you, Derrick," as I took the refreshing drink. His kind gesture provided a momentary reprieve, and I couldn''t help but appreciate his thoughtfulness. The clear glass felt cool against my fingertips, and as I sipped the water, I couldn''t help but feel a sense of gratitude for Derrick''s considerate act. With a heartfelt smile, I continued our conversation, realizing how small gestures can brighten even the simplest moments. Derrick reciprocated my smile, and a warm atmosphere enveloped us. As I savored the last drops of the cool water, Peter rushed in, seizing the opportune moment to envelop me in a tight hug. His sudden embrace carried a surge of emotion as if he had sensed a need for comfort. The room buzzed with a mix of gratitude, joy, and the comforting presence of friends. The shared smiles and spontaneous hug created a poignant moment, etching a sense of camaraderie and connection in that simple exchange.


    "I''m okay, guys, I''m alright," I reassured them in a shaky voice, attempting to comfort Peter. As my words hung in the air, expressing both vulnerability and resilience, Derrick joined in, extending his support through a comforting hug. The tremor in my voice mirrored the emotional intensity of the moment, and the shared embrace created a reassuring cocoon of friendship. In that simple exchange of words and gestures, a wave of emotions rolled through the room, connecting us in a shared understanding and support.

 Chapter 18

    That fleeting moment seemed to stretch into eternity, every second etching itself into the fabric of time. The air crackled with a palpable tension that it could almost be touched. In this suspended reality, a knock on the door shattered the spell, echoing through the room like a distant chime. I too was surprised at this sudden intrusion yet, I remained calm and composed as to the other two guys. A soft but deliberate knock resonated through the grand doors, signaling the arrival of a maid bearing both my father''s authority and the family doctor. At that moment, Derrick quickly hid outside beside my window, leaving as soon as they entered. As they came in, a cold and terrifying aura filled the room.  What was once filled with love was now overcome by fear and coldness. As one of the maids stepped forward, she announced, "Dinner will be served now, my lady," her voice carrying the weight of tradition and formality. As the doors creaked open, revealing a group of knights who accompanied her, the air in the room shifted. I was surprised to see that the king was there too.  Well, to be fair, the knights looked a bit scary and looked at me with spite. You know you could see that in their eyes and how they stare rudely.  Yet amid his ¡®grand¡¯ entrance, With the help of one of the knights, Peter moved the couch to make it easier to address his wounds. He allowed the knight to help him back to the sofa and let a MAID tend to his injuries. I was surprised by this encounter because Peter usually doesn''t get along with anyone other than Derrick and me. But I guess he was too hurt to care who took care of him. The night was heavy with a lingering mist, wrapping the world in a shroud of melancholy. Each breath he took seemed to echo in the silent, fog-draped streets. The pale light of the moon cast long shadows, but he paid no heed. He was too hurt to care who took care of him, lost in the depths of his despair. The chill in the air seemed to seep into his bones, but even that was a distant sensation compared to the ache in his heart and my heart too¡­


    After I saw that happen, one of the other maids, whose name I think was Ruby, gave me a tray with a bowl of soup and bread. But the way she gave it was so rude, that I almost saw Derrick rushing to defend me. I signaled him to stay put.  The air was thick with tension, the kind that made your skin prickle and your heart beat faster. Ruby''s eyes were cold, her movements brusque, as if the tray she handed me carried the weight of her disdain. Derrick, ever the protector, was ready to leap to my defense, his expression fierce and determined. But I caught his eye and shook my head, a silent plea for him to stay put. The quiet rustle of the curtains and the distant hum of the household seemed amplified, a backdrop to the silent standoff. As I took the tray, the aroma of the soup mingled with the chill in the air, but it did little to warm the coldness of the moment.  The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, adding to the sense of unease. At that moment, she bowed to me, and I sensed something else was on her mind. So, I waited patiently and observed her.  As far as I know, ¡°Mei¡± usually eats in her room most evenings, and true to expectation, that''s exactly what happened. Yet, I could feel that something was wrong. I couldn''t explain it, but something was not right, as if I was hypnotized and unable to think clearly while something else was happening in the background.


    As that unfolded, Derrick gently tapped on the window a few times, like a code. In response, I coughed twice, trying not to arouse suspicion. Yet, I was in a trance, gazing out the window as if waiting for something undefined, something that no one could name. The room around me seemed to fade into the background, its shadows lengthening as dusk settled in. From a distant corner, a faint, almost imperceptible sound reached me¡ªsomeone calling my name, their voice muffled by the thick, heavy air that hung in the room like a dense fog.


    ¡°Excuse me, Mei!¡± someone said, their touch cold and unexpected as they tapped my shoulder. I jumped, turning to find the doctor standing there. Startled, I hiccuped, and he responded with a reassuring smile. Gently, the King approached my bedside, poured water into a glass, and handed it to me. ¡°Here, child, drink slowly,¡± he said, his voice soft yet tinged with concern. I noticed a flicker of worry in his eyes, as though he was silently pleading for my well-being. I was confused, having never seen that side of the king before. The usual composure and authority he exuded were replaced by a vulnerability I hadn''t expected. It was as if the layers of his royal facade had slipped away, revealing a raw, unguarded part of him. The contrast was jarring, leaving me to grapple with a new and unsettling perception of someone I thought I knew so well.  The family doctor continued my examination, ensuring I was comfortable and asking me countless questions. Yet, it felt as though he wasn¡¯t inquiring about anything that mattered, such as my magic or how he might know I wasn¡¯t Mei. I could sense that he was aware of my true identity, judging by the subtle shift in his demeanor compared to what my boss had described. Now he was questioning me about my headaches, referring to me as Jay. It became clear that something was amiss. As the doctor inquired about my headaches, I felt the room grow increasingly tense, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of the King''s presence and the glaring lights. Sensing the shift, the doctor gently requested that everyone leave, except for the King, who was permitted to stay. I hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Can my knight, Peter, stay as well?" The king allowed it, seeing that it would be a hassle to move him back and forth. His usual decisiveness was tempered by a rare moment of practicality. The king''s eyes held a mix of weariness and resignation, acknowledging the reality of the situation. It was a subtle but significant departure from his typical demeanor, one that added to the growing complexity of my perception of him.  The doctor put his glasses down around his neck, slipped his instrument into his pocket, stood up from my bedside, and looked the king dead in the eyes. The room was filled with a tense, almost palpable silence. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, adding an eerie quality to the moment. The king''s face, usually a mask of stoic authority, now showed a hint of unease under the doctor''s unwavering gaze. The night outside was quiet, the stillness only broken by the distant hoot of an owl, as if the world itself was holding its breath.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.I coughed, shattering the silence like a knife. This was such a serious cough that blood came out of my mouth. However, I was not startled because I knew that I had a terminal illness that was not curable. But that cough was a shock to the king.


    The room seemed to freeze at that moment, the doctor''s stern gaze still locked with the king''s. The flickering candlelight cast eerie, dancing shadows on the walls, heightening the sense of dread. The king''s eyes widened in alarm, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor. Outside, the night remained silent and still, as if the world was holding its breath in unison with those inside. The metallic taste of blood lingered on my tongue, a grim reminder of my condition, but I remained calm, resigned to my fate. Yet I looked at my hand, showed a sad yet happy smile, and brushed it off, leaving a smudge of blood on my face. I looked up to the doctor with a lingering feeling that he would tell me how long I had left. The king, however, looked as if he had been struck by a physical blow, the reality of my illness crashing down upon him with brutal force.


    The room was heavy with the weight of unspoken words, the dim light casting long shadows that danced ominously on the walls. My smile, tinged with both sorrow and acceptance, seemed to hang in the air, a fragile beacon in the oppressive silence. The doctor''s eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of compassion and grim determination, as if he already knew the answer to the question I hadn''t yet asked. The king stood frozen, his face pale and his eyes wide with shock, as the full gravity of my condition settled over him like a suffocating shroud. The night outside remained eerily quiet, the world seeming to hold its breath in sympathy with the scene unfolding within. The doctor took a deep breath in, fixed his hair, took off his hat, and said, "She has a maximum of twelve months to live, King." The room fell into a heavy silence, each word hanging in the air like a death knell. The doctor¡¯s face was a mask of professionalism, but his eyes betrayed the sorrow he felt. The king''s expression shifted from shock to a hint of deep, profound sadness, his regal composure crumbling under the weight of the news.  The flickering candlelight cast a wavering glow, making the shadows in the room dance like mournful specters. I felt the words sink into my soul, a strange mix of relief and resignation washing over me. The finality of the prognosis was undeniable, yet it brought a certain peace, knowing the end was now defined. The king¡¯s eyes met mine, and in that silent exchange, we both acknowledged the painful truth that lay ahead. I saw how the news of my impending departure shook the king, and he fell to his knees. I quickly stood up, trying to help him, but I failed as I felt so weak in my arms that he passed through my hands as if I were a ghost. The doctor ran to his rescue and helped him move to the chair beside me. I stared at the king with a smile, the bloodstain still at the corner of my lips. I saw how the news of my impending departure shook the king, and he fell to his knees. I quickly stood up, trying to help him, but I failed as I felt so weak in my arms that he passed through my hands as if I were a ghost. The doctor ran to his rescue and helped him move to the chair beside me. I stared at the king with a smile, the bloodstain still at the corner of my lips.


    The room was enveloped in a profound stillness, the weight of the moment pressing down on us all. The king¡¯s collapse was a stark reminder of his humanity, his vulnerability laid bare in a way I had never seen before. As the doctor-assisted him, the flickering candlelight cast long, haunting shadows on the walls, the air thick with unspoken sorrow. The king¡¯s eyes, once filled with unyielding strength, now mirrored the anguish that tore at his heart. Despite my weakness, I managed a smile, a bittersweet expression that held both acceptance and quiet strength. The metallic taste of blood lingered, a constant reminder of my fragile state, yet in that moment, there was a strange sense of peace. The bond between us felt palpable, a silent understanding passing between us as we faced the inevitable together.  smiled even more as tears streamed down my face. With a broken voice, I said, "My knights don¡¯t know, nor does the castle or any of the maids, but please don¡¯t tell anyone. I¡¯m already the black sheep of this family. If they find out I¡¯m as weak as a feather, they will attack me and break me even more than now." The room seemed to close in around us, the air heavy with the weight of my request. My voice trembled, each word a plea wrapped in vulnerability. The king''s eyes, still wet with the remnants of his earlier shock, now held a deep empathy. The doctor stood by, his expression one of solemn understanding. The candlelight flickered, casting gentle glows that danced across the room, barely piercing the enveloping darkness of the night. My heart ached with the fear of being further ostracized, the thought of their judgment adding to the pain I already carried. The king nodded solemnly, his gaze steady and compassionate, as if to promise that my secret would remain safe.