《Duplicate!! (Complete)》


 Chapter 1 ** Dupli’s Beginning **

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    Before Dupli was ten, her memories are only that of distant, unfamiliar flashes in her mind.


    The flashes never gave her any kind of information, and she had to learn nearly everything all over again¡­


    The country that she was now in, was called Eden, and King Antonio wasn¡¯t well off. Not only was the Kingdom of Eden the smallest country, but also the one that held the smallest army and had the least amount of gold¡­Eden was just about ready to fall apart, as was the King¡¯s health.


    He, being the King of a country that was hardly protected, had been poisoned since young and had only been able to conceive two children since he became an adult.


    One was the Princess Regina, daughter of Royal Consort Muriel, and then finally a boy was born from the new Queen. Yet, King Antonio was already in an unhealthy situation and could only name the Princess as his heir, for the time being.


    The Princess Regina was already ten, but Prince Heath was only one. For the safety and future of the royal line, Princess Regina was taken to the hidden palace two years ago, when she was eight. The hidden palace was built within the mountains, north of the capital.


    Prince Heath was in a secluded part of the royal palace, already being doted on by his father and was a cute little bundle of joy¡­Practically the total opposite of his daughter.


    The King knew of the ways of his daughter and felt that the Prince would not be safe within the same hidden Palace.


    Having sent the Princess away, was for another reason, besides the safety of the royal line¡­It was because of her personality.


    King Antonio had seen the Princess herself become one that was very nasty and seemed to take pleasure in other people¡¯s sufferings.


    Unable to further watch his loyal subordinates being bullied by his own daughter, he sent her away, in hope that she will be able to change.


    What he didn¡¯t know¡­Was that the Princess not only didn¡¯t change, but became worse¡­


    Her mother, Royal Consort Muriel, had not minded prior to her leaving the palace, but afterwards, started to think this was done on purpose and really did try to get the Princess to change as well.


    Yet, whomever she had sent¡­


    It was becoming more and more obvious that the small, tiny Prince, will be the one to take the throne away from her daughter¡­


    The population of Eden used to go into the tens of thousands, but many people had migrated to other countries, leaving only thousands behind¡­The small Kingdom of Eden was sadly thought of by many, a country to become nothing¡­A land that will join another¡¯s country, people who will join another¡¯s people and only leaving behind a history in books.


    Over centuries, the land that the country of Eden was on, was known as pure ground. The honoured Purity Priests had come from this Kingdom, making other countries thinking twice to have gone to war with them previously. Yet, it was also the same with other countries in the past, they too had different lands that made it hard for others to declare war. If war was declared, though, there was no complete defeat¡­


    For countless centuries, the most virtuous and uncorrupted Kingdom, was always the Kingdom of Eden.


    Sadly, no Purity Priests had been heard of for many years and it seemed the quality of the Kingdom had slowly dwindled¡­Now losing their ¡®virtuous and uncorrupted¡¯ status, it was yet another reason to stow away the Princess in her current state.


    But this was the same too, with the other Priests and lands, with other countries¡­The land that used to prosper in having the best farming land, had started to become a land that became drier as the time had passed. The country known to have been ¡®corrupted¡¯ was now working well together, for the most part¡­The land with desert, had strangely become a land that could instead become one they could grow fruits and vegetables. Everything was noticeably changing¡­


    Now, things had changed to each country, as they no longer seemed to have special lands, because it seemed that the opposite was happening!


    Seeing the obvious decline of the Kingdom of Eden and how easily it could be taken, the other countries that had wanted to take the land for themselves ended up fighting over it. When war had come to pass between the other countries, they had made the small country of Eden their trophy for whoever wins!


    There were four countries called, Sondane, Metrious, Eden and Yullahra. All of the countries possessed a certain great material, such as silk, jewellery or some type of ore. Then there were the usual general trading items, such as rice, animals and knowledge. With the changing of the lands, the change of a greater material happened as well. A certain country would have to change their silk farms to that of mining. And a mining country would have to suddenly grow silkworms¡­It became confusing times for every country and their Kings, bringing less war, they had tended to their own countries for a quite some time.


    With the exception of Eden, the countries also possessed a large army. Most armies included archers, footman and knights, but then there were the elites that could use inner force, which doubled one¡¯s strength and stamina. If one is able to apply their inner force, they are able to jump further and higher, which in turn, made battles more intense.


    Some battles were fought differently, having elites spread out, or, they would band together to blitz an entire area, and for this reason, there could be quite a number of retreats to change strategies and save lives.


    These people who are able to use inner force are also used as spies, to infiltrate other countries. And one of these ¡®elites¡¯, had been capable of poisoning the King of Eden, quite some years ago.


    The spy who had poisoned the King, had come from a country that were thinking of a long-term plan about the Kingdom of Eden. Yet, another spy who had gone deeper within the palace, to try and kill the King instead, hadn¡¯t made it back out¡­


    The population of the other countries was far from the thousands in Eden, as the others would reach into the millions.


    For ten long years, two countries had fought. They were the country of Metrious, to the west, and the country of Yullahra, to the south. They fought in one land, for a short time and then in the other. Over rivers, and through hills, making people have to run away from their homes and go elsewhere, to get away from the horrors of war, for the safety of their families.


    It had been in the last year, that the armies of the two fighting countries, had come closer to the lands of Eden¡­And blocked the country off.


    Having mountains, and then beyond that tundra and ice, to block one part of the country already to the north. Then a large sea on another side to the east, the two countries gave the country of Eden no way to venture out¡­If anything, their kingdom was becoming smaller and smaller, only leaving seven small towns and the capital left, that hadn¡¯t been overrun¡­


    They hadn¡¯t done this in haste, as they were still unsure if they could easily go onto the pure land, while fighting a war. Since nothing had happened to them so far, they had not retreated back and slowly took in the land. Of course, with this becoming known to all, things were changing, yet again, on this planet known as Zephro¡­


    The mountains would be the last chance of survival, for the people of Eden, yet, most of the people would prefer to accept fate and surrender to the other countries instead. Having the spies send out rumours of other countries living better than this Kingdom of Eden, really did make many of them start to think that this place they call home¡­Could be changed to something better. These rumours were also a part of a long-term plan that a country had thought of to weaken the Kingdom of Eden, from quite some years ago.


    The sea to the east does come to an end, to show the country of Sondane, on the other side. And, out of the sea, two relatively large rivers fork out, one into the south of Sondane and the other into Eden.


    It was on their way along this river, that travelled into Eden, that Dupli was found unconscious¡­


    She had been found by Royal Consort Muriel, who had been on her way to see her daughter, Princess Regina. The river was called, ¡®Water River¡¯, named a very long time ago, back then it was to signify its purity. It was on the way to the hidden Palace, that Princess Regina resided in now.


    The little girl was told, by a doctor traveling with the Royal Consort, that she was ten and that she was even poisoned¡­


    It wasn¡¯t anything shocking in this day, as the water had been poisoned from war, luckily there was cliff spring water in the mountains and for most people in Eden there were wells, so water wasn¡¯t a problem. Yet, if this had been done many years ago, a catastrophe would have happened throughout the Kingdom of Eden¡­The pure lands becoming poisoned¡­


    The little girl had bloodshot eyes and her hands were red. Her clothes tattered, and both of her feet were without any kind of covering. She was quite a sad sight to see, hungry and poisoned and hanging onto life by a thread.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Seeing that her hands and feet held callouses, they were positive that she was a slave, yet, was she from upstream or downstream¡­


    It really was quite an interesting thing to have found, as the river entrance was quite a distance away and they were sure that she had been in the water for some time. The river went towards the west, from the north of Eden, branching out several times¡­But, if she had come from that direction, she would have travelled against the current. Yet¡­If she had come from the opposite direction, the river had rapids, as it slowly fell down stream to where she was now. It was¡­


    Then the doctor stated that the girl was able to use her inner force, totally stunning them all. She was only ten!


    Having her survival ability so high and her talent to use inner force, was already something the Royal Consort was quite happy about.


    Upon her awakening, and able to speak, the Royal Consort and doctor were quite astonished to hear that she was unable to remember anything at all. They had thought to use her and keep her mouth shut somehow through fear, as she was just a small child after all. Yet, they felt a strange relief when this little girl had no idea where she had come from, as she already had nowhere to run too.


    What was even stranger to the situation¡­Was that this young child, now a little less pale and eyes opened, showed an extreme likeness to their very own Princess!


    It really was such an interesting find after all! Not only was she the same age and height, but the same looks! The hair colour could be changed, to see an exact replica, they were sure of it!


    Then this little girl was able to use inner force as well¡­Giving the Royal Consort such a grand idea!


    Dupli had not understood their faces, as her mind was a complete blank. One seemed bewildered and held a strange smile, and the other was stunned into silence.


    Having still been in a bad situation, Dupli had fallen asleep straight after, still exhausted, but didn¡¯t even know why she was exhausted. There were questions, yet, she had no answers to the blankness in her mind¡­


    Her limbs were hard to move, and she desperately wanted to try and remember, but found herself falling asleep before being able to think it through.


    ¡°Her name will be Duplicate¡­Dupli for short. She won¡¯t need a last name.¡± Said the Royal Consort.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡± The doctor said.


    Turning away from the little girl and nodding her head, Royal Consort Muriel continued, ¡°Save her, tell the nurse to look after her.¡±


    ¡°I will, Your Highness.¡± The doctor replied.


    Upon waking once again, she had moved places and had something strange over her face. The nurse, that was now looking after her, had told her sharply that it couldn¡¯t be removed, leaving Dupli conceding and she left it there.


    Over the next couple of days of laying down, feelings started to overwhelm Dupli, and she would often cover herself in the covers of the bed or the small pillow.


    Not knowing anything and no one looking familiar was scary¡­And so was the fact that they didn¡¯t know her. She wanted a mother figure to run up to her, crying¡­Or a father or brother, or sister¡­


    Somebody!


    Even to look upon a familiar place or familiar object, but there was nothing!


    Nothing¡­Looked¡­Familiar!


    She had asked the nurse a few times about who she was and where she was, but never got an answer. After the fourth time, the nurse had sneered at her and stated that she had no troubles hurting her in places that aren¡¯t seen, to get her to shut up!


    Scared, Dupli had no choice but to attain silence and could only question herself silently in her own mind, knowing that she had no answers¡­


    Two months went by, when she was finally able to get out of bed, which was in the maid quarters of the small hidden palace.


    All this time, maids had watched her lying there, as they went about with their work.


    All up, there was about twenty maids, and they had to do all of the Princess¡¯s laundry, cooking and cleaning. The Royal Consort Muriel didn¡¯t stay all the time, so they had less work when the mother of the Princess wasn¡¯t here. But, seeing a maid stay in her bed for two months, already made them mad. Having an extra hand to help, would have been nice¡­And what is with that face covering, was she that ugly?


    Their ages deferred and most of the younger maids already disliked the new little maid, who still seemed fresh from a mother¡¯s bosom.


    Yet, it was made clear, that this young maid was picked up from the Royal Consort and her face was not to be touched.


    Many maids hadn¡¯t thought of the chance that the face would be why the Royal Consort wanted to keep the little child, instead, they thought the Royal Consort was favouring her because her face was ugly¡­


    And the little girl got more and more worried, seeing this with her own eyes, as time went on, becoming very quiet and only saying thank you at meal time.


    The maids had continued to stare and sneer, and Dupli had no idea how to handle such a thing.


    What has she done wrong? Why do they look at her like that? Did they not like her?


    Being a little girl, she really wanted to be pretty instead, thinking as well, that she was ugly. Was this thing on my face going to help me look prettier?


    Dupli did not know what she looked like with this mask on, but it was quite crudely made and made it hard for her to see everything through the eye holes. Beyond that, it was also quite uncomfortable, but the nurse had a keen eye on her and would constantly badger her over keeping it on and threatening to hurt her if she were to do something wrong.


    Dupli wasn¡¯t happy, but still let it go¡­


    The poison that had nearly taken her life, had slowly been dispelled from her body, leaving her to slowly be able to move her limbs properly once again.


    Over this time, the maids continued to be jealous, not just because this new person did nothing, but because she seemed to have the attention of Royal Consort Muriel for some unknown reason¡­


    Being here in a hidden palace and having no one to give them entertainment, besides themselves, the maids were quite bored, until this little one arrived. That, and with an ego of being older and wanting to ¡®teach¡¯ this little girl, they lost interest in another young maid, who they had been bullying instead.


    Their tricks didn¡¯t seem to be big enough for anyone else to get involved, or...If anyone got involved, it wasn¡¯t to discourage them. One maid in particular, was the personal maid of the Princess, and she was the one that seemed to rally them up whenever she had come back from being with the Princess.


    The maids would mostly use words to intimidate, but if they really didn¡¯t like someone, they would set them up to get them in trouble or beat them. Three maids had gone through them doing this and they had been all innocent, but this was still entertainment¡­Even how they had gone¡­Was also entertainment.


    Yet, they were in a hidden area, with only two others and then the Princess as their superior. There was minimal guards and they were bored.


    To them all, even the one getting bullied prior to the little girl¡¯s arrival, this was normal. This, was how they had lived for over a year.


    With the Princess being heir to the throne, what couldn¡¯t they get away with? Plus, they were only maids, who was going to care enough to punish them all?


    The last time something big happened, the Princess ended up throwing a gathering for them, where they could eat a decent meal and drink wine merrily. The Princess herself had laughed heartily at their tricks and had made sure to invite a maid to see her once a week to speak of their bullying personally. She would also tend to get her personal maid to send over some small things that the maids could use to liven things up more.


    Luckily though, Dupli was suddenly taken away from the stares and insidious thoughts¡­But, was it really luck?


    Having been summoned, to see the head nurse, another nurse took Dupli into a close by forest, leaving Dupli scared yet again. She¡¯d only just started to get used to the new area she had been in, now, they were leaving the whole hidden palace, to go into the hilly, dark forest, that looked really scary¡­


    Being only ten and now not remembering anything, she found herself only able to follow the orders given to her. Her clenched hands were the only thing that showed that she was scared, but she found herself repeating a phrase inside her head.


    ¡®The living possesses the ability to change¡­Flaws could be truth, absence could develop¡­Yet, truth could be flaws and one can develop an absence.¡¯


    Not sure why this phrase went through her head, Dupli felt it calming her. The voice behind it was like that of a celestial being and was the only thing that felt familiar to her.


    But, through being calmed, she felt in imminent sense of loss, that even if she didn¡¯t belong here¡­It didn¡¯t matter where she went. She felt like where she had originally belonged¡­Was now gone.


    Not knowing why she felt this way, it did help her accept the situation a little easier. She might feel quite alone right now, not knowing anybody, but that also felt like it was normal¡­Yet, why was it normal? Why did she not feel like she belonged here amongst these people¡­Why did she feel loss?


    There were no answers to her questions and she really wanted to cry, as her innocent child like mind felt she was in the wrong place!


    Since waking up to find her memories gone, it seemed Dupli became observant and stayed silent. Dupli hadn¡¯t spoken a word back when she left the maids quarters but had watched as the two nurses silently nodded to one another before they had left. But, even though she saw this, she had no idea what that meant¡­


    They walked for at least an hour through the scary forest, then stopped at a run down wooden house, surrounded by trees. For at least ten minutes, Dupli had been able to remember the path, but, as time went on, she wasn¡¯t able to remember beyond that. When she started to worry about how much darker it was and animals hiding anywhere around where they were, she had lost her concentration.


    The inside was dusty and small, only giving space for a table and a sleeping area. The roof wasn¡¯t very high and there were lined holes in the walls and roof, showing a light from the outside.


    This ten-year-old child didn¡¯t think much into it upon arrival, but after it rained, she really hated this place. She hated to get wet, it was¡­Like a nightmare.


    When it rained while she was here, she would have nightmares about being caught in water¡­The water would threaten to take her life, and she would fight to hold her head up above it. Thrown around, splashing and unable to find something to hold onto, unable to see anything, unable to hear anything beyond the water¡­


    After stepping close to the table, as ordered, the nanny went to a wooden box to the side, that was already in the small wooden house, and opened it.


    Inside, there were quite a few materials that seemed to have a bit of dust on them. Dupli had no idea what they were for at all, as the nurse got two things out of it and came to sit in front of her.


    Watching, as the nurse made her stand there and measured her, especially her face, Dupli wondered if she were even pretty, now that the mask had been taken off...


    There was a strange material that the nurse made and put on Dupli¡¯s skin, that made her flinch, but she held everything in and didn¡¯t move.


    She wasn¡¯t able to smile or laugh, as this strange, goo type substance was on her face. Straight after the goo was placed on her face, she had to turn away from the nanny and kneel down.


    After bringing up two more items, and putting the other two items away, the nanny pulled and moved her head like it was food or a soft toy.


    Dupli let out a few yelps, being surprised at first, at the feeling of pain of the nurse moving her so harshly.


    Her hair became strangely filled with goo as well and the nanny put it up into a bun when she had finished.


    Then, the nanny put some cloth around her as well, making Dupli scared once again, as she was unable to see much at all.


    This clothe was to prevent dust to go into the goo, not that the nanny cared if some went into it, as they didn¡¯t move to a cleaner place. But during this time, Dupli could only stay kneeling on the floor, making her knees hurt and wanting to either stand up or sit down all the way. The nanny saw Dupli attempt to move and yelled for her stay still¡­Dupli was sure she had never kneeled this long in her entire life, even though she can¡¯t remember her past.


    Unable to even eat for six hours, Dupli was unhappy to only have a small amount of rice to feed her empty stomach¡­But didn¡¯t say anything, as she was already sore and exhausted from kneeling for so long. To have been given food and the cloth being removed, was something that she was grateful for.


    After she ate, the mask was put back on again and Dupli could sleep, while it was still on her face.


    Being a ten-year-old, she fell asleep easily.


    On this night it had not rained, and it was the best sleep she had, while in this wooden house.


    The next morning, the strange goo had gone into a very soft but flexible material that felt a lot more comfortable to Dupli. It had also used to be thick, but now was thin and Dupli found herself really curious about it.


    The nanny didn¡¯t speak to her at all about what she was doing¡­Yet, she was the one with food and Dupli knew nothing of anyone else or where she was¡­At this moment, she felt like everything was ok, for now. This wasn¡¯t hard¡­


    After a day of this strange behaviour, the nurse started to teach Dupli on how to become a maid.

 Chapter 2 ** A Child’s Innocence Slowly Disappearing **

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    Dupli had to show the way she walked, luckily that didn¡¯t have much trouble. Strangely, she seemed to have a pretty good posture¡­But, as she showed her curtsies, the nurse would hit her until she did it right. It would have been ok if there was only one curtsy to learn, but there were two!


    Obviously, there were different people with different positions. Only a slight bow is needed for people who are servants like her but have a higher status, then for the Lord¡¯s and Lady¡¯s, the curtsy is then used. The last curtsy is for royalty, and being a maid that worked under the Princess, she had no other option but to learn this one as well.


    The nanny tested her after she got the curtsies right and would randomly pick one and Dupli had to remember on which one to use.


    Not having much room in the wooden house, Dupli had not understood how some things came to them after learning how to curtsy. A tea set, and clothes, would be waiting just outside the next morning¡­Then the morning after, something else.


    She wondered why they had to stay here in this scary place as well, but she had no idea that the mask that she had to use will not be ready straight away. The nurse needed to make sure that Dupli wouldn¡¯t be needed in the future, so any other masks that may be needed, can be directly just be given to her without her having to come back here anymore.


    Learning to pour tea, was harder for Dupli to understand. It wasn¡¯t just pouring tea, it was putting the tea cups down onto saucers and putting them down right. The cup had to be a particular way, the tea shouldn¡¯t be placed too close¡­Pouring tea required much more concentration and Dupli would often forget one or two things, before she finally would get it all right in about the fiftieth try.


    Then there was learning to clean up particular things, such as refolding clothes and how they are folded. How to sit in waiting for commands, how to massage, cleaning clothes and dishes. Her job would be filled with so many things, so there was quite an amount to learn, considering that she didn¡¯t know much of these chores at all¡­


    If she had remembered who she was, she would understand the reason why, but as it was, her memory had still not returned¡­


    A whole week went by, leaving Dupli with red marks all over her. It was hard to sleep and hard to do as she was told, because she was so sore! She had learnt quickly, that the nurse did not care about her pain¡­She had not cared at all!


    Upon getting hit the first time, Dupli had been really sad and upset, but when she had started to cry¡­She would only get hit again!


    It really had stunned her so much, that she had gotten hit afterwards, because she had been blankly staring at the nurse.


    The whole world changed suddenly for Dupli and she silently cried herself to sleep every night, not understanding why the nanny never liked her. Why was she being so nasty to her?


    Hugging her very small pillow, for wanting a warm person¡¯s arm around her, she closed her eyes tightly and focused upon the phrase in her head.


    ¡®The living possesses the ability to change¡­Flaws could be truth, absence could develop¡­Yet, truth could be flaws and one can develop an absence.¡¯


    This phrase, over the next few days, became louder and louder, as Dupli tried not to think about how she was being treated and the pain from being hit.


    Dupli was sure¡­That this kind of pain¡­She had never felt before. Even though her memories were gone, this all felt very new!


    But¡­Dupli stayed silent and endured, thinking that she could find some place to run away too.


    Having this phrase grow so loud in her mind, she could only try to think about what it meant. And through thinking of what it means, she thought, ¡®possess the ability to change¡¯, was what helped her think of running away¡­


    The strange phrase and voice in her head, was able to continue to keep her calm and think of this idea. She was not happy here, she did not want to stay!


    Change, she wanted to change this, but first, she had to figure out how¡­


    After another week, Dupli was told that she was now ready to be tested on serving and cleaning in the hidden palace.


    Dupli had been surprised, she had just been able to look around the area and now they were leaving?


    She hadn¡¯t found somewhere to run to yet, she had even gotten lost once and got scared of hearing animals howl in the far distance.


    It had been so scary that Dupli had been ok with getting hit for a day.


    But now¡­It was too late!


    When she thought of the phrase in her head, she found herself breathing in and thinking that she might go somewhere better. Hope filled her as she packed up a small number of things.


    Before they left the forest though, the nanny placed the strange material over Dupli¡¯s face¡­It didn¡¯t feel natural, but fit pretty well, it seemed to stick from the sides, but also merged into her skin where there were holes for her nose, eyes and mouth. Having the nanny put a finger around her mouth, eyes, and into her nose, was to stick it to her more, so it was finally staying firmly upon her real face underneath. If looked upon, it would look very normal now, like this was her real face¡­


    The new face she had on, was now a little darker than her original face, it had a few mole looking dots and freckles on it as well. If they had been in a cleaner environment, this new face would have looked a lot better, but they hadn¡¯t cared for it at all¡­


    When Dupli went to have a look into the mirror, the nanny came behind her and said, ¡°You must wear this at all times, never remove it unless us elders say you can! I will provide a new mask for you once every few months, so keep it clean and safe from harm! Your name is Dupli and you are an orphan that Royal Consort Muriel placed into the Princess¡¯s maid¡¯s quarters. You will also be working at the Royal Consorts quarters from time to time. You must stay quiet and not tell a sole anything about yourself, do you understand!?¡±


    Dupli nodded, not wanting to be hit. She will not tell anybody. Whatever they did, she won¡¯t tell anybody!


    She was very honest with her thoughts about this, but there was also another thought, and that was of change. ¡®Possessing the ability to change¡¯, stayed focused in her mind¡­


    The new type of mask on her face, was a lot better then what she had come to the forest with. It was a lot more comfortable and Dupli even lightly touched it, not wanting to wreck it.


    Did she look prettier now? Is that why they looked at me funny before, because I had looked ugly?


    As they walked the hour back to the hidden palace, Dupli had noticed that the wooden box was still staying behind in the wooden house, and she still didn¡¯t understand.


    Even smiling now, to leaving such a dirty place and not getting hit, Dupli felt like she was lucky. Perhaps she didn¡¯t have to run away when she starts in this new place.


    Remembering the looks from the maids, Dupli shuddered.


    Upon thinking of change once again, the innocent mind of Dupli hoped that nothing bad would happen, and that everyone will like her and be nice to her¡­


    When she returned back to the hidden palace, they went to the head nurse first and Dupli lost her innocent smile to what they had said.


    ¡°Duplicate is ready, head nurse, I will take my leave and come back for the Princess in a month.¡±


    The head nurse frowned, but looked at Dupli and nodded, ¡°Nothing alike, very good. A month and then return.¡±


    Not understanding, Dupli bowed her head, feeling her presence getting smaller and smaller. She was sure she knew the meaning of duplicate¡­Are they not very good with names?


    ¡°Dupli, come here!¡±


    As she watched the other nanny walk away, Dupli slowly walked forward, once again scared¡­Will this person hit me as well?


    ¡°Faster, little wench!¡±


    Widening her eyes and feeling the meaning of from the voice and words thrown at her, Dupli raced up to be in front of the head nurse.


    ¡°You must show that you are capable, otherwise¡­We will feed you to the dogs!¡±


    The head nurse took the child by the arm and walked her quickly through two rooms and then outside.


    Dogs growled and barked, walking and pacing close to the fence that was closest to her, Dupli took a deep breath in and remembered the words the head nurse said.


    Bowing deeply, from what she had learnt, Dupli stammered, ¡°I¡­I will¡­I will work hard!¡±


    ¡°Very good! Donna, get her into the maid¡¯s quarters and working like the others. And remember¡­Not a scratch to the face!¡±


    Dupli found another lady come in and take her arm, without a word, and forced her to follow her.


    Tripping, Dupli quickly tried to keep up, especially when ¡®Donna¡¯ looked at her with disgust.


    I don¡¯t like it here!


    But Dupli was unable to start crying, due to fearing being hurt.


    Holding in her tears, the phrase came into her mind and she had to endure a few hours of hard labour, before she could eat and then lay down to sleep.


    I don¡¯t like it here!


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    A week went past, and Dupli had started to toughen up¡­Having no other choice.


    She had been found crying earlier in the week and was called names, then the next time she had been found crying, she had been hit several times with a hard punishment stick!


    To stop herself from crying, little Dupli would bite the side of her thumb instead and try to focus upon the phrase and voice in her mind, that still seemed to calm her down.


    Working hard had made her hands hurt and turn red. Sometimes, towards the end of the working hours, her hands may even start to slightly bleed, yet, all she could do was clean the blood herself with her own shaking hands.


    The food was very little and not often, as Dupli was already losing weight from when she had been in bed recovering, so more weight was lost. And then, there were the strange stares again from the other maids.


    They had only bullied her twice so far, other than being called names, and Dupli was unsure on what to do, as they seemed to slowly become worse and worse over time.


    She found no one to turn to, and she felt so tiny in their presence¡­


    The first time she had been bullied, was two days after she had returned from the forest.


    Doing laundry at that time, she had a certain amount of time to clean the dirty clothes and then hang them up¡­But, after she had been on her last cloth to clean, her basket of clean clothes had suddenly become empty.


    Dupli was sure that she had put the clean clothes there and could only stare at the empty basket, not sure on what to do next.


    ¡°You might want to take a detour around the garden, little wench. Haha!¡±


    Looking up at the voice, she saw another maid smirking at her.


    Dipping her head down, Dupli clenched her little hands in the last remaining clothes, that she had just finished cleaning, and took a few deep breaths.


    Putting the clean clothes into the empty basket, Dupli then picked it up and went towards the garden. Yet, before she could go far, she had been tripped, and being unable to see her feet, she fell forward. Not only had the clean clothes tumbled onto the dirty ground, but she had broken the basket as well¡­


    The maid just laughed and walked away.


    It had been nightfall, when Dupli had finally finished her chore, and she was still punished by Donna for being late.


    From this point, Dupli was sure that this was only the beginning¡­


    The second time that she had been bullied, was when she had to clean dirty dishes in the kitchen.


    Before she could even start her chore, she had scolded her hands upon wanting to use the water.


    Looking at her hands, Dupli saw them shake and rapidly turn red. They were hurting so bad, that tears formed and slid down her cheeks unknowingly. It was abnormal to have washed dishes with such hot water, as it would be wasteful, yet, such lengths were taken to give other maids, who were looking from around a wall, a chance to chuckle and snicker at somebody else¡¯s misfortune.


    ¡°Stop crying, little wench, and work!¡± Donna yelled, hitting Dupli¡¯s back with a stick.


    Having been shocked to the hit on her back, Dupli had fallen forward, and her hands went into the scalding, hot water once again.


    Yelling out in pain, Dupli pulled her hands back out in a rush and looked at them again.


    ¡°Come here!¡± Donna said, picking Dupli up by her collar. She knew that others were watching, but didn¡¯t shoo them away, instead, she wondered how to make the show even more interesting for them. For a normal head maid, she should scold the other maids and either wait for the water to cool down or change it, yet, she wasn¡¯t a normal head maid¡­


    Not too far away, was a well, and Donna let Dupli go and pushed her, making her fall to the ground, ¡°Get some cold water! Hurry it up!¡±


    Dupli¡¯s shaking hands picked up the bucket and dropped it into the well, biting her lips to the pain of using the rope to lift the bucket back up from the well.


    Putting down the bucket, Dupli went to put her hands into the bucket, hoping to relief herself of the scolding heat and pain from the hot water, but¡­


    ¡°Ah! That isn¡¯t for you! Put it into that sink and continue with those dirty dishes. Hurry it up!¡±


    Shaking and swallowing, Dupli looked up at Donna unbelievably and just then realized, that she had never intended to help her¡­That¡­She will never get any help here¡­


    Feeling a strange emotion go through her, Dupli was able to calm down. Picking up the bucket, she emptied it into another, and picked that up without another word.


    It was then, that she realized that she had a strange extra strength inside of her, and this extra strength, without her knowing herself, was called inner force.


    Having found this strange strength inside of her, Dupli had noticed that she could use it to last longer and pick up heavier things. It didn¡¯t work all the time, and it took her a week to figure out that when she was pushed into a corner, with no way out, a strange feeling overwhelmed her, and she was able to apply this inner force that was inside of her.


    Dupli could not say how she obtained this extra help, but she found herself starting to rely on it, as the time went by.


    The Princess had personally invited Dupli to her quarters, to pour her tea, during the second week.


    Yet, it all ended up in punishment for breaking the teapot.


    Dupli was sure that she hadn¡¯t broken it, she had come in and everything was already arranged, all she had to do was pour the tea¡­But, that was their agenda, their prerogative.


    Having fallen to the ground and tried to claim that she was innocent, had never worked, and Dupli was still punished.


    The Princess watched all of this, unfeelingly.


    She knew that this servant in front of her was going to act out as a Princess, in an attempt to save her life. Having gone through quite a few assassination attempts, she wanted this servant to endure as she has had too. She wanted her to know what pain she had suffered¡­


    But, when everyone wasn¡¯t around, the Princess would loss her arrogant and cruel face, to one that showed sadness.


    Her life had been a struggle and it was hard to get any kind of retribution for it all. She would never show anyone this side of her, where she felt lonely and hopeless¡­


    As morning comes, she would become the same Princess that everyone knew¡­The one that enjoyed seeing others getting hurt. Yet, they never knew that she just wanted others to know what she had felt¡­


    Surviving a fire, poison and other kinds of attempts at her life, had thoroughly destroyed her heart, and all she could remember was the bad things that had happened to her. Running her little legs as fast as she could¡­In bed and coughing up blood¡­


    To others, she would be nasty and cruel, but to her, she felt nothing when others were inflicted in pain. This was just how she was able to let out her frustrations, how she had chosen to survive with being who she was¡­


    Touching a scar under her collar bone, made from a dagger from two years ago, the Princess decided that the duplicate of herself should endure this as well¡­


    Upon the third week of coming back from the wooden house in the forest, Dupli indeed went through another visit of the Princess. A cut had been formed upon Dupli¡¯s skin, close to the way it was on the Princess¡¯s skin. This scar was made when the assassin had been killed but still had the Princess as a hostage. The knife had still hurt the Princess, as the assassin had fallen to the ground. It wasn¡¯t straight, as it went down to the side of her waist but it wasn¡¯t as deep as near her collar bone. The assassin, already knew his life was coming to an end, had still tried to kill the Princess upon his death, but her clothes had helped prevent the scar being bigger¡­


    Dupli now had this same kind of injury, making the Princess smile in satisfaction.


    Having thrown Dupli out of the Princess¡¯s chambers, to make her own way back to the maid¡¯s quarters on her own, Dupli had to use the new, extra strength inside of her, to make it there by herself. Two people had seen her, and the blood that came from this new injury, but seeing as she was coming from the Princess¡¯s quarters, they did not help her.


    Dupli had fallen onto her bed in exhaustion. Having worked the entire day, to having been harmed by the Princess afterwards, she couldn¡¯t even keep her eyes opened a moment longer, leaving one foot still hanging off the small, crude bed¡­


    Upon the fourth week after returning back from the forest, something strange had happened and Dupli was pleasantly surprised to find herself travelling in a grand carriage somewhere.


    Earlier in the week, they had gotten her to go to someone else, and persisted on many things.


    They had said something about visiting another person a few weeks prior, Dupli guessing that this was it¡­Except the other person didn¡¯t seem to be here.


    She had forgotten the name of Royal Consort Muriel, but this was her quarters, for when she stayed here in the hidden palace.


    Upon entering, they still treated her harshly and didn¡¯t tell her one word about what was going on¡­She just had to do as she was told, mainly by a new madam that didn¡¯t look familiar¡­


    When her hair went through the same process, as what happened at the wooden house in the forest, they finally stated one thing. And that was that she was to act like a Princess and not do anything wrong or she¡¯d be fed to the dogs¡­


    Dupli nodded, she had been told this that many times now, it was somewhat natural to nod her answer in return. But, she started to wonder if they really would do it? Are they¡­Trying to scare her?


    She was not to speak, and if she was to speak, then she was to say very little. The proper words of a lady were installed into her exhausted mind and she would have to repeat it all back to the madam, to show that she understood. She was to be graceful with her body, so she had to learn how to lift her hand and softly land her feet upon walking. Having to sit or stand straight, all the time, and to not fidget with her hands, instead, she had a certain way she had place them.


    Upon being forced to enter a big barrel full of water, Dupli had been scared out of her wits¡­She had stopped and didn¡¯t want to walk any closer towards it but there were four others there that nearly picked her whole body up, not taking her scared look into any kind of consideration.


    After she had entered this barrel she had then finally noticed that they had even taken her clothes off in her frightened state, and now they were scratching at her skin, making her groan to the pain.


    Trembling to fear and pain, Dupli was stiff and still, while flashes of bad memories flowed through her¡­


    Closing her eyes tightly, she listened to the phrase in her mind over and over again, trying not to think about the water¡­


    Clothes were fitted and even jewellery was used, changing her look completely from a dirty maid and into a Princess. Then, lastly, her mask was taken off, and some cosmetics was applied to her face.


    Then, before she had set out in this carriage, she had met the Princess in this form.


    ¡°She looks exactly like me! Amazing!¡± The Princess said.


    Dupli blinked, as she was still feeling the aftermath from the water and was scared of what this Princess will do to her.


    ¡­Was it true¡­Did I look like the pretty Princess?


    ¡°Yes, she will help keep your life! Her name is Duplicate, but you can call her Dupli.¡±


    Dupli frowned, as she had already met the Princess¡­


    The other little girl walked up to Dupli and she folded her arms in front of her, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare ruin me! I won¡¯t just feed you to the dogs, I¡¯ll ruin your face and split you into pieces! I¡¯m a Princess! Never forget who I am!¡±


    Dupli stared dumbly at the other girl, wondering if perhaps she had things wrong. Why would she ruin her?


    ¡°Princess Regina is right. You can never forget how to act when you are in this attire! Don¡¯t ruin the Princess!¡±


    Nodding, because she was sad and scared, Dupli looked at both the madam and the Princess, then she curtsied, trying to show her sincerity.


    But, why were they saying not to ruin her? What would I do to do something like that!? Can they tell me how not to ruin anything? Please?


    Dupli still didn¡¯t quite understand¡­


    Now, travelling in this carriage, her innocent self had been able to get over the scary idea of being split into pieces and the water barrel.


    The nanny inside the carriage with her, had told her that she couldn¡¯t look outside, but she really wanted to! Can¡¯t she just have a tiny look?


    It wasn¡¯t a small trip, taking two hours to get to the capital from the hidden palace. So, for two hours, Dupli had to find a way to stop her curiosity from doing her harm. It was strange to her how strongly she wanted to oppose this nanny and look out¡­


    But what she hadn¡¯t been able to figure out, was the fact that before becoming ¡®Dupli¡¯, she had been doted upon extremely well and was hardly ever stopped from doing whatever she had wanted to do. That kind of feeling was slightly felt, as it would be hard to change it after so many years¡­


    Only really been within the hidden palace before now, Dupli had no idea what the outside world will look like. Having been found and woken at the river, she hadn¡¯t seen much and then she had already been within the maid¡¯s quarters at the hidden palace. Then, all she had seen, was half of the hidden palace, as she had done her chores¡­And a bit of the scary, dark forest¡­


    The curiosity of a child of wanting to know more, made her want to forget about the pain that might be inflicted upon her if she were to disobey orders¡­


    Dupli really had to suppress herself, and sighed, what is going to happen?


    Even the nanny was something she was not used too, giving her another reason to worry. This nanny was the personal nanny that had brought up the Princess since birth and it would only help declare this fake princess in being the real princess, if she were by her side. But, Dupli had not thought of this and could only sigh to not knowing what this nanny will do if she were to disobey her¡­


    Unable to totally understand that she was acting as the Princess as a look alike, Dupli took on the idea of wearing good clothes and not having to work as a great thing!


    This was very good, she really preferred doing this, other than working!


    Yet¡­She finally thought again of the previous weeks and knowing that she was alone. Throughout the whole time she had been bullied, she had wanted to run to someone¡¯s side and cry, yet, there was no one like that!


    A bad feeling spread through her, but she didn¡¯t understand what it was.


    As she ventured as the Princess, she was able to sit and do nothing, eat delicious foods and was treated a little better. It was so nice, that her most favourite day of what she could remember, became this day of leaving the hidden palace! Her smile was genuine, and she was relatively happy!


    Even though she could see a small amount of what she was missing in her life, it was still such a grand day, that she didn¡¯t want it to stop!


    But the bad feeling she had felt earlier¡­It had finally made sense¡­


    It was because she had to return¡­She was only dressed up and at the capital for a couple of hours, and then she had to return¡­


    Through this, everything got worse!

 Chapter 3 ** Acquiring Independence **

    <div>


    Upon her return to the hidden palace, from the capital, Dupli felt the world shift beneath her once again.


    Within the week, she was beaten by maids, and had to recuperate in bed.


    Nightmares about them calling her names and then tripping her, went deeper into them cornering her and then using a wet towel to hit her on her back¡­


    Sweat would be covering herself and her small, crude bed, when she harshly woke up, making things even harder for her to recuperate, as she gained a small fever as well.


    The only thing that kept her from crying, was the phrase in her mind. The words were on repeat, yet, she had to hear them over and over again to feel okay. It wasn¡¯t just the words, but the voice, that continued to soothe her and give her the smallest upon the smallest of hopes that she will not die and forever be here, but a future away from this hell.


    She focused upon it so hard that she was able to forget the lingering pain from having been hit with the wet towel.


    As time started to go by, she started to ask why¡­Why me? Why are they doing this? Had I done something so terrible? Why can¡¯t they like me?


    Yet, there was no one to release this frustration, nor ask these questions too¡­And Dupli found that since she had to endure, she found herself becoming even more quiet and detached. She didn¡¯t cry or bite her thumb anymore. She didn¡¯t complain or yell out her sufferings¡­What was the point? It was easy to understand¡­That if she didn¡¯t cry, she wouldn¡¯t be teased or hit¡­


    As Dupli found herself accepting that she was in a bad place, she wasn¡¯t even surprised when Donna came, purposely sitting on top of her leg. Having been so sick that she couldn¡¯t go on with her chores for a whole day, news of this had gotten out!


    Donna only laughed at Dupli¡¯s indifferent face, dragging her out of the bed and making her work, even before she had completely healed. Through Donna doing this, Dupli suddenly thought that this was how they acted, this is what they did. They wanted to give her a tough upbringing, but she didn¡¯t understand why.


    Seeing all this, Dupli started to lose her innocent childlike thoughts and started to see how much she was nothing.


    She was a shadow, used to ¡®look and act¡¯ like the Princess and she shouldn¡¯t have any thoughts, because she was a slave. She had no rights to ask for anything, she had no right to act out her innocence. She felt like she was in some kind of place she couldn¡¯t get out of, trapped¡­


    She was like a play toy, a doll. If she felt, she felt too much. So, she tried to stop feeling¡­Her thoughts of this were relatively simple, but she felt like it was all wrong! How could this be normal? Surely, not every child felt like this! Yet, she found no other way, she didn¡¯t want to feel all of this, but this was her way of coping¡­


    Through having to work longer, because of being a step too late to stop someone from making things hard for her, Dupli found herself sicker and sicker as time moved on.


    And then a day came by, that she fainted away while cleaning dishes. The scalding hot water, making her hands tremble uncontrollably, seemed like the last thing that she could have handled at that time.


    Through sleep, she felt a strange glimpse of a dream overflow through her.


    It felt real, like it really happened. The place, the smell, the feel of it¡­She saw herself gracefully moving and smiling. It looked like a dance, and in her dream, she felt free and happy. A familiar music was playing in the background and upon the end of her dream, she opened her eyes to see a blurry glimpse of someone.


    Then, everything was gone, to feel and see someone slapping her face.


    ¡°Get up!¡± Donna yelled.


    Without delay, Donna pulled Dupli out of bed and pushed her towards the door, ¡°Here.¡±


    Dupli was still quite sick, only seeing a blurry vision at present. She lifted her head, to try and understand what was going on, but dizziness overwhelmed her once again.


    ¡°Feed her to the dogs!¡±


    That voice frightened Dupli so much that she couldn¡¯t help but want to be able to at least open her eyes or shake her head.


    ¡°Yes, head nurse.¡±


    Dupli breathed out quickly and felt herself being dragged along the ground. The dog¡¯s growls were heard as they went outside of the building and Dupli tried to hide her terror¡­


    She could feel how desperate this situation was, she had to try and get better, she had to overcome this!


    The phrase and a strange emotion went through her head and suddenly something clicked inside her.


    Change¡­


    She had to change!


    Strangely, for a ten-year-old, this made sense. Her problem, of what she thought, was being unwell. So, she had to become better¡­


    Relaxing her body, Dupli closed her eyes and felt familiarity run through her as a strange force was felt inside of her body. But, there was also a feeling of something coming towards her body as well¡­


    It could shock anyone to the core on how easy it was to accomplish this ¡®change¡¯, as she felt herself become a lot more better now. She felt scared, yet, very thankful.


    The growling dogs making her unable to think to much into her astonishment of what she could do, so she could only think more of what is happening right now, later¡­


    After a few seconds, Dupli opened her focused eyes and pulled away from Donna, ¡°I am fine, send me back to work.¡±


    They were right next to the fence, that would enter into the dog pen, and all the dogs were looking at her like she was a meal. They had started to growl and show how hungry they were through drool coming out of their mouths. Dupli started to breath rapidly, hoping that they could let her off, they had too! She was not going to die today!


    A familiar feeling of being stubborn entered her feelings and she became more determined to not enter that pen!


    Donna had been literally startled. This little girl¡­Had she been¡­


    ¡°Too late! You should know that acting is just as bad.¡± She tried to pull at Dupli¡¯s collar again, but Dupli sidestepped.


    A strange familiarity went through Dupli once again, ¡°I will go back on my own.¡±


    Dupli walked back and went straight to finding a chore to do, leaving Donna staring at her back.


    Narrowing her eyes, Donna went straight to report this to the head nurse.


    ¡°So, she went back to work?¡± The head nurse asked.


    Donna nodded, ¡°Do you want me to still feed her to the dogs?¡±


    The head nurse let out a chuckle, ¡°No, if she is working, that¡¯s fine. But there¡¯s no second chances.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    Donna left, thinking that it won¡¯t be long now before the little maid will be on her way¡­


    ***


    Dupli grew colder and colder as time went by.


    Name calling, stares and laughing, she handled now with no problem. With the laundry becoming dirtied and the basket breaking, Dupli now protected it to the best of her ability, even hurting other maids in the process¡­


    A wrist was broken, due to some kind of move she didn¡¯t know that she could do. But afterwards, she was beaten with a stick fifteen times for punishment.


    While her hands being forcefully put into scalding water, to wash the dishes, she found the sense of force that helped her hand overcome the heat and pain. Through this, though, she¡¯d also realized that there was a limit to how often she could do whatever it was that she was doing. She felt like whatever it was, ran out, and that she had to wait a near full day for it to recover. It was obvious to her now, that it seemed to be some kind of healing ability, as her fever had completely gone and even the scar on her body, that the Princess had made, had completely vanished¡­


    Dupli could not come up with any realistic description about what was happening and even though her young childlike mind wanted to imagine some awesome things, she was unable to think too much into it, as she would be pushed, shoved or yelled at and snapped her out of her thoughts.


    But there were no longer any howls of pain or complaining. Dupli had decided to stay as quiet as possible, as to stay out of more trouble then she was already in¡­


    The worst times that she got hurt, were times after she had left the hidden palace and then returned.


    She would become something that the other maids would lash out on, for at least three of them. Guiding her to a neglected corner of the hidden palace to severely beat out their jealous thoughts and wants on this little girl. They wanted her to bring back something as compensation, but Dupli never had brought back anything. They wanted to take all her special treasures, then got mad because she hadn¡¯t gotten any. To them, she had seen the Royal Consort and was treated very well, but no words had been told on what they had missed out on, this was just their own assumptions¡­


    Dupli fell more into a strange, cold place, waiting patiently for them to stop beating her.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    If she were to fight back, she was only going to get beating anyway, so why bother? She wasn¡¯t strong enough yet to take on three older maids at a time anyway, she could only wait until they were finished and left her there, crawled into a ball¡­


    Three times, she had gone out to the capital. And every time she had left, she got more and more indifferent and cold. No smiles were seen upon this face anymore. No light in her eyes, as she looked for more ways, or ideas, to get away. It was strange how her life felt like it didn¡¯t count at the moment, that once she got away, that was when her life would finally start¡­


    She saw nothing, besides places she could possibly run too.


    Knowing the route of the journey in the carriage now, Dupli wanted to get a better understanding of the capital. She had seen the abandoned children, like herself, dirty and sitting on the side of the road¡­


    Did they have better lives than hers?


    If she were to run away and change her predicament¡­


    Seeing that the other children¡¯s predicament might even be better than her own, Dupli started to disregard a little more on thinking she could find some family and decided that she will have to become independent. This idea, was because she had no one to run to anyway, because no one was familiar, so she would obviously become like the other children anyway.


    Hope seemed to totally evaporate from her thoughts¡­Hope for love, hope for family, hope to find something familiar¡­All she wanted was to get away, to change her situation¡­Of course, to that, she needed more time. Not only to find the best place to run from, and the best time¡­But beforehand, she will try and remember some of the ways of cooking. Perhaps she could try and find some bow and arrow and learn how to use it. Then she could cook her own food.


    Yes, her mind was made up for some time now, she wasn¡¯t going to stay. She probably could only get fleeing right once, otherwise her life might as well be forfeit. She had to do things right the first time!


    Dupli breathed out slowly, thinking that she will have to endure a little more¡­


    ***


    It had become somewhat law, that knowledge of her being a duplicate was not to be told to anybody. At first, it was understandable, as it was for the safety of the Princess¡­But, it did make Dupli wonder that if she had said this secret to others, would the other maids still bully her¡­


    What made matters worse, on the fifth time of leaving in a carriage, taking on the appearance of the Princess once again, Dupli nearly didn¡¯t make it back¡­


    In the capital, Dupli had been able to get off the carriage, as she had become more and more obedient.


    Her silent and cold face had told them that her obedience had become very good, yet, she wasn¡¯t like this to show obedience, it¡¯s just how she was for now¡­For her to endure everything, she found this way to be the best solution to finding a way out. She knew crying wouldn¡¯t help her, so she had stopped. She knew the maids wouldn¡¯t stop bullying her, so she had to become stronger¡­And, her complete and utter stubbornness of showing others that she wasn¡¯t scared or affected, was part of her personality, whether she remembered that part of herself or not¡­


    This time at the capital, upon walking on her own and trying very much upon being a lovely Princess of the Kingdom of Eden, Dupli had become in danger.


    Normally, she had showed no interest in anything. Her child like curiosity had nearly completely vanished.


    Yet, this time, she saw from a few metres away, some chimes¡­


    A flash came to her mind then, that same voice sounding out to her, ¡®A chime only makes music when it is moving¡­¡¯


    Slowly walking over, to where she saw a few chimes, Dupli had walked away from a few people who were there to protect her.


    Strangely, only two noticed that she¡¯d walked away and followed, whereas others did not.


    Stopping in front of the chimes, Dupli felt familiarity washing through her. Yet, she didn¡¯t understand why the loss was so overwhelming to her, that she wanted to cry.


    Putting out a hand, to touch the bottom of the chime, she moved it and it started to make random music.


    The voice sounded in her head again, ¡®You will forever be my endlessly moving chime.¡¯


    A strange sense of happiness flew through her and Dupli smiled. It had been so long that she felt any kind of happiness, that Dupli felt a tear flow down her cheek.


    Wiping the tear away, Dupli took a deep breath in, feeling satisfied at having at least a dream of someone that felt she was worthy. That someone cared about her¡­That she was indeed someone special to one person in this world!


    ¡­Pain suddenly came out of nowhere then, and Dupli looked at her shoulder, to see an arrow imbedded there¡­


    ¡°Protect the Princess!¡±


    Guards surrounded Dupli and slowly brought her back to the carriage, and before Dupli was out of sight, one person found themselves hoping and wishing that they had finally found who they had been looking for. This person desperately chased after the assassins, making sure that they don¡¯t touch the first person he¡¯d seen, that resembled the person he couldn¡¯t believe he lost!


    To have her suddenly disappear like that, the world had shattered! Then to see this person smile, while looking at the chime, he couldn¡¯t help but think that it had to be her!


    The tear that had fallen down her cheek had hurt him, making him sure upon this person¡­She has to be the one! She had loved chimes so much that she preferred to watch and touch them, instead of most other instruments¡­Sometimes he would play the flute for her, but she would interrupt his music by touching the chime right in the middle of his tune. But, he could never get angry, as he knew how much she loved chimes. Where they had lived, most times he would always have chimes and she would always touch them, when walking past¡­He had even made steps for the higher ones, when she was small, so that she could touch them too¡­


    Upon seeing her getting attacked by an arrow, he hadn¡¯t thought, but went into action straight away!


    For so many weeks, this person had been isolated from the world, not seeing anyone or anything else, just searching¡­Searching for someone precious!


    No more problems were found, as they rushed out of there. Dupli wasn¡¯t muchly attended too, instead, she crudely attended to herself.


    Pulling out the arrow, she had made things worse, yet the nanny sighed and just sat there, slightly rocking along with the moving carriage. After all, Dupli¡¯s job was to take all of these attacks anyway, so that the real Princess wasn¡¯t harmed¡­


    Dupli put her hand to her shoulder and found herself slightly dizzy. Blood slowly crept out from the wound, going onto her hand and onto the pretty clothes that she was wearing.


    I can¡¯t die! I can¡¯t faint! Fix it!


    Clenching her other hand, Dupli took a deep breath and found that she was doing something strange again.


    Having done this a couple of times now, she was able to try and comprehend what was going on¡­She was taking something in, and then using that and something else inside her, to mend herself¡­She felt that it was the usage of two things. Yet, when she had broken the maid¡¯s wrist, she had only used one. There was a difference between the two things that she can do, and Dupli was still unsure on how to understand what was going on.


    What is it? What was she doing?


    Dupli sighed, feeling herself sweat and become weak.


    Her injury had somehow healed by half, but Dupli could no longer continue and put her head against the carriage, fainting to losing too much blood from her weak body.


    One watched the carriage and found the direction it was heading in. It was quite a shock, to find that she had become the Princess¡­The biggest shock in quite a number of years¡­


    Sighing, this person watched the carriage, until it was protectively inside the hidden palace, and wondered what he was going to do.


    Was she hiding from him now? Did she totally forget about him?


    Remembering everything about her, he could not help but be upset if she had forgotten about him once again. But, what about the chimes? It looked like she did remember¡­


    Desperately wanting to talk to her, he held himself back. They had time¡­If she wanted to do this, he will of course protect her and hope that she will talk to him once again soon.


    He knew that he had left her for a short time, and that he had promised her he¡¯d protect her¡­He¡¯d let her down¡­


    Having stood there for quite some time, he came to a decision. He was sure of who she was, but since the kingdom was getting close to being overrun by the war, his first thoughts were to stop the war from advancing further into the country. If he did that, he¡¯d have more time to be able to understand what she wants¡­She should be safe inside this palace for now¡­


    Not wanting to leave, but knowing he needed more time to attain her forgiveness, he turned and started to take in pure air around him. For what he was going to do, was going to take quite awhile to recover from, but he was sure that she should be safe from harm, being the Princess and hidden away like this¡­


    ***


    When Dupli opened her eyes, she found herself in a cell. It was really small, and the door held one small part with bars, that was the only way to see into this small room. There was no window, there was no table or pillow. It smelled, and Dupli saw the bucket in the corner for her to do her business in. It seemed that it hadn¡¯t been cleaned¡­


    Her face showed no discontent, if anything, it was like this was expected. This was where they thought she belonged wasn¡¯t it¡­


    One small blanket was laid out and a small amount of hay lay under her, there was nothing else...


    What¡¯s going on now? She asked herself.


    Feeling herself hot and dizzy, upon trying to sit up, Dupli frowned.


    She had the Princess clothes still on, and they were bloody from her shoulder. The jewellery had been taken off and now her hair was in a mess.


    Feeling the strange mask on her face once again, Dupli was sure that she had returned back to the hidden palace once again, yet¡­


    Leaning her head against the close by wall, Dupli put her hand up to her shoulder and gasped. It was still painful and had not been treated to at all.


    Did any of them have a shred of care?


    Hissing to the pain, she believed now that she had woken up because of it. But she couldn¡¯t cry, she couldn¡¯t even bite the side of her thumb¡­Clenching her fist and her eyes shut, Dupli endured through it quietly. What else was she to do?


    After half an hour of trying to calm herself down and to think properly, even though she was sure she was getting sick again, a noise was heard¡­


    The cell door opened, and the head nurse came in, seeing Dupli awake, ¡°Ah! And here I thought you were going to die within the day.¡±


    Food was dropped by her feet, spilling half of it¡¯s contents. Not that it mattered too much, as it looked like scraps and already been half eaten¡­


    Dupli weakly looked up at the head nurse, who looked back at her in a sigh, ¡°The Royal Consort stated that since you have helped keep the Princess alive, we aren¡¯t to kill you.¡±


    Dupli thought about this for a moment and wanted to laugh, but didn¡¯t, instead she found her heart growing colder. Disappointment ran through her as she found that she had wanted a thank you and perhaps eatable food¡­Instead, this is what she got¡­


    ¡°All is well if you get better, you can come back and work and even become the Princess again. If you don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Fed to the dogs.¡± Dupli said, no emotions in her voice or face.


    ¡°Yes, you are correct. I¡¯ll come back tomorrow.¡±


    That was it, the head nurse disappeared through the door and Dupli was locked inside once again.


    Was it like this to survive with everyone else? Why is it so hard for me?


    Dupli was angry and hurt, sad and reconciled.


    With no other choice, once again, and feeling that strange feeling flowing through her, she found herself feeling better in a couple of seconds.


    Dropping her hand from her shoulder, she wondered if how they treated her would stop if she grows older.


    The other maids, they were older, perhaps they survived this kind of lifestyle and now didn¡¯t get treated like this.


    Cuddling herself, Dupli could only wait until they come back, so she could leave the cell¡­So, she could continue to find a way out¡­So, she could get away from these people!


    ***


    Dupli had wanted to be grateful to the person that had saved her life, but when she went through several punishments, that she was innocent of, and the attempted assassination of the Princess, when she had taken her place¡­Dupli had stopped being grateful!


    Instead of feeling gratification, she felt angry and even desperate. How could she be happy being saved!?


    Either way, her life was in a bad situation. At this point, she was just surviving in another way¡­Her life wasn¡¯t even hers and she was being constantly bullied¡­If she hadn¡¯t been found by the Royal Consort, at the river, would she in a better position now? Or, if it was in a worse condition, would she trade it for this one? Perhaps she would have even died¡­But, was there really any point in thinking this way?


    Seeing that there was no use in thinking more about it, as this was her life at present, that was why she still wanted to leave¡­


    Dupli knew that she was in a rough and terrible predicament. Unable to even speak her grievances, because the one who had saved her was a Consort of the King! After the Royal Consort had nursed her back to full health, Dupli had not really seen her since, but it was absolutely made clear to her, that she was somewhat a replacement for her daughter now¡­


    With her innocence scattered, Dupli hardly thought the Royal Consort would give her freedom. That the only thing she would obtain by asking that of the Royal Consort would be a punishment¡­


    Not only was she being used, she was abused, and Dupli was starting to understand a lot more of what was going on.


    Her mind was maturing a little faster, because of what she was going through, and she found that she was able to figure these things out now¡­


    She felt it, that prior to not remembering, her life had been a lot better!


    A certain suspicion inside of her felt like she was treated very well and had felt very special beforehand. And comparing that feeling, to the way she felt now, it was astronomical¡­


    Who had she been? Who had made her feel special?


    Even being here for quite a number of weeks now, making her eleven, she wanted to give up¡­But, that phrase calmed her down¡­


    Anyway, what would she receive if she gave up? What was beyond death? Wasn¡¯t death the end?


    No, Dupli thought, clenching her fists, I just have to do the best I can with what I have. Then when I get away from here, I¡¯ll find the person that has the same voice. I¡¯ll then ask them why did they let me go!?


    Closing her eyes, the phrase went through her, and she fell asleep to the sound of the voice.

 Chapter 4 ** Only A Change Of Scenery **

    <div>


    The cycle of being bullied by maids and going outside to the capital did not end. From small things, such as name calling and stares, to large things such as kneeling for hours upon hours and being blamed for something she hadn¡¯t done, happened randomly. The beatings that she got after returning from the capital was the only thing Dupli knew would be coming. Stealing her food, continuing to break her basket and them giving her their own work, Dupli just continued to endure.


    But, as she endured, she was also growing more and more independence¡­Even knowing that no one else was there to help her in any kind of way, didn¡¯t make her sad anymore. She became her own best friend, mother and teacher, through sheer will power and determination of getting away from this place that she now calls hell.


    In the next year, Dupli had finally learnt basic cooking, sewing and any other basic needs to survive alone.


    Making a fire wasn¡¯t as simple as she had thought, and she was now even learning a few things from flashes of memories, to help with Martial Arts or inner force, which she was luckily able to learn more about.


    Having been punished at one time, she had to go to a remote area without food for a couple of days, Dupli had been able to find a few books that had explained what she had been feeling all this time.


    What had surprised her the most, was being able to read it so easily!


    Having read all of the books, even some that weren¡¯t about Martial Arts or inner force, Dupli had been quite happy about her punishment.


    Inner force had been already opened up for Dupli, as she couldn¡¯t remember doing it after losing her memories. Seeing the procedure to be able to use inner force, Dupli really started to wonder what her life had been like, knowing she probably had accomplished this already. Inner force seemed to be something locked inside of everybody, but to break the seal to use it, requires quite an amount of work¡­


    Dupli couldn¡¯t quite understand much else, she could read the words but that didn¡¯t mean she understood them. All she knew was, it was very hard!


    Then, in an old book, she had learnt upon the Purity Priests, which explained what she had done to her shoulder and fever. The Purity Priests had the ability to intake pure air and use their inner force to control it. After being able to control this pure air, then one is able to cleanse and heal.


    Dupli really couldn¡¯t believe that she was able to do this!


    To take in pure air seemed like a hurdle that she couldn¡¯t think she had already done!


    Yet, she can use it¡­She was¡­A Pure Priest¡­


    ***


    Within this recent year, Dupli¡¯s coldness was now famous amongst the maids, and a few didn¡¯t bully her anymore, due to fear. Having found out a tiny fraction of who she was previously, Dupli had gained a strange sense of self and felt a supreme feeling start to rise within her¡­And somehow, others began to feel inferior to this little maid¡­


    The glare Dupli could now give, chilled those who see it. It made others think that she contained power within her eyes, making them think twice about what they wanted to do.


    Often, Dupli would stay away from each and every one of them, making them have to find her for their entertainment¡­But, luckily, the beatings didn¡¯t go for as long as they used to, as Dupli would glare at them all and they could not handle it.


    Once, because of Dupli¡¯s glare, one had gone far enough as to scratch Dupli¡¯s face. And for the first time, when this news was heard, Dupli had gotten somebody else punished. For a few hours Dupli stayed away from everyone and waited for her new mask. Not having to do work, as she couldn¡¯t be seen with the princess¡¯s face, Dupli could only sigh in knowing that this is something that won¡¯t help her. Time of not working only made other maids mad¡­But, now, she knew that them attacking her face was something that got them into trouble too¡­


    So¡­Dupli continued to glare¡­


    Occasionally, Dupli would have to help herself get better, before they started talking about feeding her to the dogs. Even if she couldn¡¯t somehow heal herself anymore, Dupli would strive to do as she was told, to survive and continue, knowing that she needed to get better, to change her circumstance. She knew that when it was time to leave this place for good, she had to be as healthy as possible. But, that feat had not been accomplished once since entering the hidden palace. Her health had slowly become worse and worse, as she had gotten feed less and less.


    She would always run out of her inner force, because she was just too weak to do many things and had to always use it to help her complete chores.


    Even though she would run out many times, she could feel herself grow within this inner force, as she was able to use more of it, which really came in handy.


    It really had astonished everyone, how this little girl had lasted so long. It was also a reason they kept going, as they could still see she was up and about. It somewhat become their plan, to tip her over the edge, and it would always stun them to see Dupli stubbornly getting up the next day¡­A few maids had stopped harming her because of fear, but a few maids also stopped harming her because they couldn¡¯t keep up with it anymore, finding themselves bored and wanting to move on to another person. To a certain decree, Dupli enduring to the best of her ability helped her and harmed her at the same time. It was a sad circle that she couldn¡¯t escape from¡­


    All her spare time was full of preparation of leaving, whether it was still learning to become independent or trying to find maps or figuring out the best time to disappear¡­


    First, she had thought of leaving from the capital, when she was acting as the Princess. But, after her child mind remembered all the flaws to that plan, she decided to come up with another one. While she would be at the capital, she had guards around her and she was watched very closely. Then she remembered that she would also stand out because of her clothes. So, running while in the capital was not going to be a good option.


    Her next choice was to run away on the way to or from the capital¡­


    They wouldn¡¯t have as many guards then, but it still seemed impossible for her body to run away from them all and that idea was too put away.


    Next, she thought she should find a way out of the hidden palace and had found two places that led outside, and from there, she had to decide on where to go. Will she go to the capital or into the forest?


    Either way was scary¡­


    In the forest there were animals and darkness¡­In the capital there was the certainty of being on the streets¡­


    It was a predicament for Dupli, who couldn¡¯t seem to make up her mind on which way to go.


    Finally, though, she realized that there was another way to go, and that was across the land to the east or west of the capital. She could venture out there instead.


    After deciding to go to the west of the capital, because she didn¡¯t want to go towards the water to the east, Dupli felt a surge of strength go through her.


    Her journey was ready, she just needed to pack her small pack with some more food and water and then wait until the best time in the day for when she could leave.


    Being afraid of being alone in the dark, Dupli found herself with no choice but to leave through the day, and the best time to do that would be close to when the sun would rise.


    She could do it, just a few more days, and she¡¯ll be gone¡­


    And just as Dupli had finalized her plan to run away, another change of events happened¡­


    This change of events seemed to have it so that the Princess was to return to the capital¡­The reason about this¡­Well, there were a few.


    One was, the war, and another was¡­The assassination attempts¡­


    ***


    A year ago, a strange thing had occurred, that had put the war to a standstill. The ground that the Kingdom of Eden was still on, become mostly pure once again¡­


    It was a miraculous event, easily seen by everyone in the remaining five towns and capital of the Kingdom of Eden¡­Yet, no one seemed to notice a difference in the hidden palace¡­


    Elsewhere, all the water was pure, all the flowers no longer were wilting and even King Antonio became healthier¡­


    For a whole week afterwards, shock had gone through out the entire planet, even the country of Sondane was in shock, not even being a part of the war¡­


    This news made others think that there was a Pure Priest around, trying to save their Kingdom, or that the land had seen too much viciousness and was fighting back on its own!


    The news was that shocking that the war still did not continue after two weeks and both sides were wondering on what to do¡­It was well known, after all, that the Kingdom of Eden was for whoever won the war...If they couldn''t get the Kingdom of Eden...The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    It was quite obvious to them both that this strange occurrence can be something that might obliterate them. The two countries at war tested the new borders of Eden in several locations and found that the purity went onto the person that was sent into it. Depending on how corrupted that person was, the change could be small to massive, showing that the land was most definitely different now and that they could no longer fight slowly closer towards the capital of Eden. The generations of today had only heard of such a thing happen, yet, they were completely mystified to see it truly happen in front of their eyes. It became so well known in the past, that people would always put it into perspective, but now...


    What they hadn¡¯t known, is that the land was purest where they were, as the ¡®purity¡¯, as it went inland and into Eden, dwindled the more it ventured out.


    They were so close to two towns now but could only retreat further away from the obvious line of where the pure land starts. The ¡®obvious line¡¯ was the colour of the grass, and any flowers or weeds seen. Even the trees looked healthier in one area, but not far away across some invisible line, the trees looked normal.


    The citizens of Eden started to change their minds on surrendering, even if there wasn¡¯t a Pure Priest around, the land having changed, was enough to think that they were safe now!


    Both countries, Metrious and Yullahra, distanced themselves further away from each other and after another couple of weeks, the war had been called off.


    Within another two weeks, both armies were mostly all safely back within their own lands but found that their lands had not been regenerated back to centuries ago, like the Kingdom of Eden had been.


    What else made them slightly upset, was that their spies had also changed who they were within the Kingdom of Eden and were no longer happy being a spy¡­If the purity of the land in the capital was just as good as the border, the spies would have killed themselves. A failure of a spy and knowing they wouldn¡¯t want to continue their job would have depressed them into this kind of future. Instead, the spies were only slightly depressed and were able to see more, ending up changing their loyalty to the newly purified land, knowing of its advantages.


    Other spies had to be sent and during this time the assassination attempts upon the Princess¡¯s life had slowed down as well. There was so much change because of this land becoming pure, that all countries seemed to be on respite and stayed relatively quiet.


    Both Kings in the countries of Metrious and Yullahra were quite confused as to why it had happened, and a few ministers tried to say that the planet was changing and that they should wait, thinking they knew more then everyone else, yet, they didn¡¯t.


    But someone had to try and continue on!


    If they kept questioning things, nothing would ever get done!


    Luckily, King Antonio was finally seeing that he and his country was now safe, for the time being, and started to make plans. Since his health had come back a short amount, giving him more time¡­He was more and more willing to remove the title of heir from his daughter, and place it upon his beloved son instead.


    Seeing that there was no point in hiding the Princess anymore, the King decided to bring her back.


    He, having to survive well to this day, found himself unhappy with the Princess¡¯s conduct and felt he needed to make the best of the situation.


    Hiding his son instead, at the hidden palace, he wanted to show the world his daughter as a camouflage. Having reports about her behaviour not becoming better, instead perhaps becoming worse, King Antonio was finding himself more and more fixated on naming his son the heir very soon.


    He¡¯d already made a last decree and hidden it, knowing that all he had to do was name a regent and the Prince should be fine. But, he was healthier now, so he kept the decree away, hoping it would never be needed now, as he should be able to make the Prince his heir before death.


    But first, he had to think of a way to deal with this Princess of his.


    Not being close to her, as he had not brought her up, but seeing as she is, he thought the best way would be to marry her off. Or to show the Kingdom of Eden of her personality, so that they would happily want to name the Prince the heir themselves¡­The last idea, was to have the assassins achieve their goal.


    Most of this could only be achieved if she was to return back to the capital, and for the safety of the Prince, he had sent them away while this was all being done.


    Bringing his daughter back, was gaining some time for his little son to grow up. The mountains being a last effort to save the royal line will be hard on him, so the longer they can last being closer to this green area below the mountains the better. It will also teach his son some hardship, as well as learn upon Martial Arts and inner force.


    The hidden palace would be a lot livelier there with him this time, because the King sent up trainers as well.


    Not only did he send the Prince to the hidden palace, he sent his new Queen there as well, knowing that she will be needed to put those people back in order!


    Receiving an anonymous letter, directly to him, he found that what the letter held was truth. With no one to give thanks to, to this news, the King, on a few occasions, did wonder who sent this letter to him. Yet, he would never had guessed, in all his years, who it was from¡­


    The maids and people around the hidden palace were quite nasty and the hidden palace had slowly become crude and disgusting!


    Sending the Queen there will once again refurnish the hidden palace to bring it back to a respected place for royalty to hide.


    King Antonio smiled slightly, he would miss both his new Queen and son, but having something so big happen and not change anything at all, would be stupid on his behave. He had to deal with his daughter and be able to bring his son back to the capital in celebration!


    His Prince, was the most important person now to the whole Kingdom of Eden!


    ***


    Strangely enough, Dupli was relatively surprised when most of the maids had stayed behind at the hidden palace and she was one of the ones able to go to the capital.


    Her chance to run away should be better now, right?


    Yet, her na?ve thoughts were ruined upon entering the royal palace in the capital. Manservants were everywhere, and maids¡­Then there was the Royal Consort Muriel, who was a regular visitor to the Princess.


    Now¡­There was less chance upon getting away¡­


    ***


    The next time that Dupli became the Princess, she finally noticed one of the maids beside her. They looked different and it was quite an astonishing find to see that it was the real Princess! Her maid outfit was clean, her hair was up like a maid, but her face did look different, like Dupli¡¯s did, with that mask on her face. The Princess¡¯s mask didn¡¯t look bad, but it definitely changed the colour to a darker toon and had freckles upon it. Dupli¡¯s mask was more of a sickly nature, and bland, where as the Princess still looked quite stunning, even with the freckles and darker skin¡­


    Had she been there this whole time?


    That question really did worm its way through Dupli''s thoughts for quite some time, as they paraded around the capital. Wanting to remember the past, Dupli found that she was having troubles¡­


    She really couldn¡¯t remember if this maid had been next to her this entire time or not¡­Yet, the simple bracelet that was on the Princess¡¯s wrist sparkled and a strange emotion through her.


    This bracelet had been seen once before¡­Where had she seen it?


    It was really quite a normal looking bracelet, but for some reason, it looked very familiar to Dupli. But why?


    Dupli let out an emotion that her cold face hadn¡¯t shown for a while. Not only was the bracelet a shock, but she was still questioning on how long the Princess had joined her on the trips that they had made to the capital.


    Then, suddenly, she remembered. The first time she was able to come out of the carriage, this maid was the reason why. She, having jumped off, had made the carriage stop. And she was very persuasive in making her get out of the carriage after that as well. But, how had she come and how did she leave?


    In the carriage it was mostly just her and the nurse. It was really quite questionable¡­


    Now that the pretend maid was noticed by Dupli, she couldn¡¯t help but watch her more closely, and she saw that she would always be so happy¡­


    She was putting her life on the line¡­For this person.


    The happiness on that face made Dupli¡¯s heart grow colder, her life was miserable, and yet, that person was so happy!


    ***


    The first week in the capital had been fine, Dupli had been able to do her chores without any kinds of problems¡­


    Having to do less work now, because there were maids helping her and doing more work, Dupli found herself having a bit of free time. The first day, she looked around the immediate area, and found that the Princess had her own courtyard and that she was somewhat within a wall that was being guarded.


    Dupli was in a better maid¡¯s quarters this time, the beds were softer and even had a quilt, but besides the maid¡¯s quarters and the Princess¡¯s quarters, there wasn¡¯t any other building within this closed off area.


    On the second day of her free time, Dupli found a small pond and small tree area. A flower garden was also around the other side of the Princess¡¯s quarters and again, nothing else¡­


    The third day, Dupli hid herself around the corner of one of the rooms inside the Princess¡¯s quarter and found some books, it really was the first curiosity she had felt for such a long time!


    Really wanting to find out what those books had in them, Dupli could only look longingly at them before leaving, just in case she was to get into trouble.


    Apart from that, she dedicated her free time then to see what she could do about learning anything new or getting something ready for if she decided to leave once again.


    Her food was a lot better now too, which meant she was able to gain some weight and felt more strength come back to her body. Able to have more freshly made food was even a bit scary to her at first, because she had only remembered eating otherwise. Fruits and vegetables seemed plentiful to her now, even though she had two bowls twice a day, then one bowl at lunch. But, it was still such a nice surprise to finally be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel!


    But the second week, the Princess had intervened¡­


    The maids were scared at first, as they were told to do something nasty to another. But as the weeks travelled by, the maids grew to be like the others at the hidden palace. Some had been quite vicious beforehand but had changed when the land had been made pure. But now, being put into this forced situation, some went back to the way they were beforehand, happily and easily.


    Dupli finally understood why they were like the way they were¡­All this time¡­The Princess had been the one to let them do as they pleased.


    Perhaps the Princess hadn¡¯t started it, but since the hidden palace, the Princess thought that it was good entertainment and wanted it to continue.


    And since Dupli was someone who was still around from the hidden palace, the Princess had tried to get Dupli to become the one to start the bullying herself.


    She knew how it worked, why can¡¯t she do it now? She could show all the other maids the tricks they used and names that were called.


    But Dupli could not bring herself to make someone feel how she had felt!


    No way could she make them feel utterly helpless and alone! She had been beaten to show marks for days, she hadn¡¯t eaten well¡­How could she do that to somebody else!?


    And for that reason, Dupli became the one to be bullied yet again. Her chores took longer, and she was given other chores from other maids as well, giving her less free time.


    Even her food started to get tampered with and Dupli found that if it hadn¡¯t been left out all day, then it was mixed with too much of something else, like pepper or chilli. And one bowl was now taken off her, so, there was only one bowl three times a day, making her lose weight once again.


    The Princess gave the maids courage to continue and it did calm their thoughts to be outspoken and proud, pompous and loud.


    And¡­Dupli had also defied the Princess¡¯s orders, yet, couldn¡¯t be killed¡­After all, she was going to save the Princess¡¯s life¡­So, nothing could be put into action about Dupli¡¯s determination about not following the Princess¡¯s orders¡­


    And saving the Princess¡¯s life, is what Dupli did yet again.


    Seeing the maid so happy beside her, had been really discouraging, and even made her time harder. The maid would suggest places to go and point, even leaving before the Princess, as though she was really the one they were out for¡­Dupli wanted to laugh and cry, because it was true. If she didn¡¯t follow the orders, she would most likely be punished when she returned back to the palace.


    The only thing that could be done, was continuing to pretend to be the one to lead but follow the maid instead.


    Not needed to say anything, and her eyes searching for clues on were to stay or hide. Dupli had suddenly been put into a shadow.


    ¡°Greetings, Your Highness!¡±


    Dupli found the man in front of her take her hand and gently kiss it. Then, when she looked up, a familiar feeling rushed through her, making her gasp.


    He had beautiful, alluring, light blue eyes and brownish, blondish hair. His bangs went on both sides of his face, showing a wave and he had a small amount of stubble growing. His face was one that looked young yet manly, and his clothes showed that he wasn''t a slave like her...Far from it. He had clean clothes that showed that he was closer to a noble and wore the colour blue...Dupli automatically thought that he looked really good in blue...


    The man released her hand and gently smiled at her, he wanted to ask her so many things, yet, what could he say?


    While Dupli was trying to come to terms of these familiar feelings, she had not moved at all, so the maid beside her bowed politely to the man and said, ¡°The Princess is shy, my lord.¡±

 Chapter 5 ** A Flash Of A Memory **

    <div>


    The man could only stare and become more and more sure, that this person was really the one he had lost¡­


    Her face was only more matured, yet strangely thin, but it still looked very familiar. He remembered always wanting to pinch her little, puffy cheeks when she had been smaller. But now, she was slowly growing up, showing slight, small signs of becoming a young adult already. The man still found that there was something wrong though, her face looked tired and a little sick¡­


    Was she not well?


    Her green eyes took him in, holding him hostage. They hadn¡¯t changed at all¡­


    Then, her beautiful hair¡­


    Stunned, the man saw that the hair colour was different¡­


    It was so strange, that he was sure that this was her, yet, why had her hair changed colour? It was now dark brown, instead of a light auburn colour. But there was that slight wave, even though it was up into a hair style, the man noticed the same wave that was in her hair previously.


    He wanted to speak with her! Find out what was going on! He wanted to pinch her cheeks and touch that wave in her hair¡­


    ¡°Am I unwelcome, Princess? Or would you like to sit and have tea with me?¡± The man said. He knew of her moods, if he could find how she would treat him, he¡¯d know how to start having her to forgive him.


    He watched her lips part but not say a word and he really started to panic¡­Now that he looked at her face, she looked like she wasn¡¯t angry, nor was she upset¡­


    It was exactly like the other times! Like she had no idea who he was!


    Becoming silent himself, the man took a tiny step back. He had not thought that this would happen again, it was a shock!


    The maid, seeing the strange silence between them, stepped in front of Dupli and then said, ¡°The Princess would like to have tea with you, my lord.¡±


    Dupli found herself again and bowed her head, ¡°Yes, please, I¡¯d be much obliged.¡±


    The maid turned to her and sneered. She thought this guy was handsome and seemed to like her, so she wanted to see what she can get out of it. Having not really liked anyone of the opposite sex, the Princess was quite enthusiastic!


    Feeling like too much had overcome her, Dupli desperately wanted to run away. The hidden palace was a cage, that she might have been freed from, yet, she was still within another cage¡­


    She had forgotten about becoming the Princess since she had entered into the capital. Her time as a maid was already becoming worse and worse by the day, but now, being the Princess once again, she was worried another attempt at her life was going to come soon.


    Fearing the worst, was something she had started to do after the first time she had been attacked. After she started thinking of the worst, she wasn¡¯t so disappointed anymore about the way she was treated or what else she had to endure. Instead, she found that small things had been easily enjoyed, like reading those books, and being able to eat better for a short period of time. Even though those things didn¡¯t last long, she was able to think good of at least a few things in the last two years¡­


    Taking a deep breath and closing her feelings off once again, she started to walk to the closest tea house.


    The man had seen every facial expression the Princess made and was starting to wonder what was going on. He knew, from previous experience of watching her face, that the Princess was¡­Very sad¡­


    Why was she very sad?


    Then, her face showed nothing!


    Only one other time he had seen her with that face!


    Following behind the Princess, the man sighed in his heart. Wanting to hold her until she smiled, but he could only start from scratch¡­Again!


    Sadly, looking at the lonely back of the figure in front of him, the man grew more upset to see that not only her face looked slightly weak, but her whole body.


    Scary thoughts rushed out to his mind before he could stop them, and he stopped himself from stealing this girl away.


    She was a Princess, how could they mistreat her? If he took her away, wouldn¡¯t she just disappear once again?


    He knew of her stubbornness, it was stronger then his! She is an unyielding, little minx that could take years to unhitch!


    Perhaps in a week, she will be better again, and he won¡¯t have to worry about how she¡¯s being treated¡­


    He already wanted to search around anyway and find a place to keep an eye on her.


    Sighing, he was just glad that she had at least agreed to tea for now, she can begin to learn about him once again¡­


    But, he had no idea that the one who had wanted to go, was not Dupli, but in fact the Princess.


    After they had been seated for a time, both of them unable to speak of anything due to the new feelings going through them, the maid of the Princess made an excuse for the Princess to leave.


    Upon a strange want to find out everything about this man, the Princess had felt herself in the wrong position. She was a maid at the moment! How much better would it be if she were the Princess sitting opposite him!?


    Having the idea that she could just change with Dupli and become the Princess once again, she had the excuse to be said and for the man to wait for a moment.


    It was when Dupli had stood up, to go follow the maid towards the carriage, that an assassin put out a poisonous dart flying towards her.


    The man opposite the Princess, again without thinking, stopped the poisoned dart and threw it back at the assassin in retaliation.


    Turning back to the Princess, the man widened his eyes to see a knife had been thrown into her stomach and Dupli went to put her hand to the knife.


    As the man stopped her hand from pulling out the knife, he found her starting to collapse and held her against him.


    A sound escaped his mouth as he couldn¡¯t believe his sight. The Princess rolled her eyes back and fainted, making the man extremely terrified and hurriedly put her body on the floor and put his hand to the knife.


    In one swift moment, he took out the knife and then threw it to the side. Putting both his hands over the wound, he waited for a few seconds before he removed them.


    Falling down onto the ground, he breathed out a big breath of relief, as memories invaded him¡­


    Every time, he had hated it!


    He knew it couldn¡¯t be helped, but he had hated it!


    Watching her leave him stabbed his heart millions of times, yet, he could only have held her to him.


    This time, he was so glad he was here!


    Is this why she looked weak? Because her life was in danger?


    Wiping sweat off his forehead, the man breathed out yet another sigh in relief.


    Looking at the girl still not moving, he noticed that she looked a bit better now. His pure healing upon her body had not only healed her wound but helped heal other things in her body as well.


    Gently looking at her, he found that others were picking her up and taking her away in a strange manner.


    Frowning, he watched as they quickly put her roughly into the carriage and left, without even saying their thanks or goodbye.


    Standing up, watching the carriage disappear, he couldn¡¯t help but think that she really needed him¡­And that he had to stay closer to her. If others treated her like this, how was she being treated in the palace?


    ***


    Dupli found herself in a dream, running at such a fast speed and holding something very carefully.


    ¡°Brother, brother look! Look! I did it! I did it! I made one all by myself!¡±


    ¡°My dear, your brother had left a few minutes ago, he said he¡¯ll be back in no time.¡±


    Dupli found herself looking at someone familiar but couldn¡¯t remember who it was.


    ¡°I made it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, my dear.¡± The woman said back to her, she had on simple attire and looked pretty old. She put her hand to the Dupli¡¯s back and started to walk her back to a small house close by.


    ¡°Brother said he would teach me more after I made it.¡± Dupli found herself saying.


    ¡°Your brother told me that he didn¡¯t say that at all, and that you said that!¡±


    Dupli found herself pouting, ¡°Even so, I made something hard and since I put so much effort into it, then he should teach me more!¡±


    The woman chuckled, ¡°Your brother dotes on you well, when you show him your own hand made chime, he will surely teach you more.¡±


    Dupli found herself smiling like an idiot, ¡°Really!?¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Yes, my dear!¡±


    ¡°Oh, look who we have here, a little one and a big one¡­¡±


    Dupli was moved behind the old woman and tried to see where the voice had come from. She saw two man that were dirty and bloody, looking at them greedily. ¡°Ah, seems like a good day. Leaving the war behind has only given us fortune¡±


    ¡°Yeah, should have done it years ago!¡± The other man said.


    ¡°Our master is not far, I suggest you go away before he sees you here.¡± The older woman said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we will be gone¡­Very quickly!¡±


    Dupli found herself being pushed away from the woman and she turned and yelled, ¡°Run!¡±


    Looking back at the woman, Dupli wanted to help her, but a man had already caught her, holding her tight.


    ¡°Run fast! Davina! Don¡¯t stop!¡± The woman yelled, before her mouth was covered.


    Dupli saw the other man come towards her and she got scared. Quickly, she turned and ran, ran as fast as she could, as she was told.


    ¡°Get back here, you little runt!¡± The man running after her yelled.


    Seeing a big amount of water in front of her, Dupli then woke from her dream in a rush and found herself heavily breathing¡­


    ***


    Closing her eyes, Dupli took a deep breath in and then opened them again. She vaguely remembered her dream and couldn¡¯t help but swallow and hold back her tears.


    Her name was Davina¡­Her real name¡­Was Davina.


    Trying to smile, but unable to, Dupli wiped away a tear.


    Looking around, she saw a person staring at her mockingly and shake their head as they walked away.


    Getting out of bed, Dupli put her dream behind her. Her life now was different, if she let any kind of warm feelings in, it might make it harder to survive.


    She really wanted to think more about it, but she didn¡¯t let herself.


    Putting on her outer maid uniform, she went about with her chores, staying the ever so silent and cold, detached person that she had become¡­


    No words were said to her, no thanks, no punishment or gift. Nothing.


    She had taken a dagger into her stomach, which somehow miraculously healed, and yet felt like she had done nothing at all.


    It was what was expected, it was her job.


    Whenever she had to do work near the Princess, she was practically ignored, but she had overheard that the man had healed her, due to Royal Consort Muriel coming in to see the Princess.


    Dupli¡¯s sad eyes found that the Princess had taken her role as the person who had been stabbed and saved. Telling her mother that she sincerely wanted to thank this person very much for saving her life and gift him a treasure.


    Dupli finished her chore and walked out towards the back of the courtyard.


    Finding that no one was around, Dupli slide down the wall and cuddled herself.


    They always told her that she was nothing, she wasn¡¯t of anyone¡¯s concern. Today, she found that she couldn¡¯t keep her upset thoughts away and they clouded her vision.


    Quietly, she cried and tried to calm herself down.


    Was it because of the dream that I feel weak today?


    Rubbing her eyes onto her knees, through her outfit, Dupli stopped crying.


    Even if the dream seemed truly like a beautiful dream, this here, was her life now.


    Lifting up her head, looking far away and in a daze, she decided that her past didn¡¯t matter anymore. If she depended on anybody or anything, she might be let down and she couldn¡¯t afford that!


    The position that she was in, required her to be strong, Dupli didn¡¯t quite understand it, but she felt weak, thinking of a past that could have been better then now.


    Slowly getting up, Dupli¡¯s heart closed up and her cold eyes returned.


    If I was going to give up¡­I would have left ages ago!


    Feeling refreshed, Dupli let out a breath, then went to go continue her chores.


    But, as she went closer to the Princess¡¯s quarters¡­There was suddenly a hanging chime¡­


    Seeing it swaying slightly to the wind, Dupli found herself blanking out.


    Quick, unfamiliar flashes flowed through her mind, but she couldn¡¯t make anything from them.


    Staring at the chime, Dupli¡¯s eyes changed to that of interest and walked closer to the chime.


    Lifting a hand to move the chime gently, she smiled as random music began to play.


    Listening to it, and closing her eyes, she felt like the world suddenly changed and once again heard a familiar voice, ¡®You will forever be my moving chime.¡¯


    ¡°Just what I wanted, a maid not working!¡±


    Dupli snapped out of her thoughts in haste, then turned to the head maid who looked at her with interest. ¡°The Princess specifically told me to find a place to put a dog. Now come with me!¡±


    Dupli swallowed and then followed behind the head maid. After about a five-minute walk, they were near another part of the wall, in the corner.


    Dupli waited, and the head maid finally said, ¡°Dig out an area for a fence, no food until it¡¯s done!¡±


    Nodding, because there was nothing else she could do, Dupli went to walk towards the maid¡¯s quarters to get a tool to dig but¡­


    ¡°Do it by hand!¡±


    Slowly turning around, Dupli went back to the corner and started to dig, not even sure how big the area she had to dig or how often to dig holes.


    The head maid just chuckled and walked away¡­


    Till sunset, all day long, Dupli dug, using only her hands.


    And all this time a man had sat and watched. He had seen them come out to this desolate corner and how this maid was treated. He found it somewhat strange that he had made the land purer and yet there was still quite an amount of corruption already. Having mostly used his power near the new border of the Kingdom of Eden, the palace only got half the amount and he hadn¡¯t even reached the hidden palace near the mountains. Having used everything he had, and having to take almost a year to recuperate, he found himself still unhappy with what he had accomplished¡­He was sure many people would have been hit with purity and that they should have changed, at least a small amount. Yet, here he was, personally overseeing a maid get treated very poorly¡­


    He had thought she had given up by now, but she diligently powered on. Her straight holes going out and then back to the other wall, were every metre or so and her hands had long been dirtied.


    He found himself admiring her endurance and thoughts of doing a good job, even though she was being bullied.


    Not wanting to watch her further, he knocked her out and finished her job for her, leaving her against the tree.


    He hadn¡¯t hit her too hard, as she already looked quite weak, and only needed a few minutes to finish her job for her, but he wasn¡¯t able to watch any longer.


    Since darkness was starting to come over the area, he had been able to use that to finally put her to sleep.


    Going back into his hiding area, he watched her wake up shortly after and she looked around her, trying to put a hand to the back of her neck.


    Seeing her put her hand down, she sat there a moment longer and he saw her purse her lips.


    How could he find her so similar? Whenever she pursed her lips, it meant that she was confused¡­No doubt this maid was confused now as well¡­So similar¡­


    Noticing that she was very much alike to the Princess he had met formally now, the man shook his head in irritation.


    He wasn¡¯t going to falter after everything he had said and done now!


    There was no way that he was going to change who he loved so dearly to anyone else!


    Yet, as the girl slowly stood up and walked towards the corner again, he was still watching her¡­


    Dupli looked around to find the work being completed and couldn¡¯t remember doing it herself. She was sure she had been hit, as it still slightly hurt¡­


    But, her work was done. Now she could get something to eat and try to clean up her dirty hands, before going to rest.


    Exhausted, Dupli started to walk back towards the maid¡¯s quarters and when she finally made it, she saw that nothing was left out for her to eat.


    Normally, there would at least be one bowl, but this time there was nothing.


    Narrowing her eyes, she clenched her hands and breathed out, trying to calm herself down.


    Walking towards the kitchen area in the maid¡¯s quarters, there were dishes, but there was no food and Dupli was sure that someone had also taken her one bowl this time too.


    With nothing left to do, being dirty and exhausted. She turned and went to clean her hands, but even the big water barrel and small buckets were all empty.


    For a whole minute, Dupli stood there, slowly shaking her head.


    Why isn¡¯t there any water at all?


    Putting her hands in front of her, she closed her eyes and focused. Feeling something come towards her and using that and the inner force inside of her, she cleansed her hands and opened her eyes.


    Her hands were finally cleaned, and now she could rest¡­Even though she was still a little thirsty...


    She had been growing in her powers, so she felt glad that she was no longer so parched that she felt faint from dehydration...


    ***


    The next morning, Dupli was up early, waiting at the eating part of the quarters for her food. She was too hungry to care for anything else and couldn¡¯t let both bowls get taken this time.


    Having gone to bed angry and upset, she felt the same still, and she wasn¡¯t going to deal with it today!


    ¡°You¡¯re too early, come back later.¡± A maid said, shuffling in and sitting down.


    Dupli glared at her, not saying a word nor moving.


    The maid frowned, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me, go!¡±


    Standing up, Dupli went to stand next to the maid and glared at her again.


    Having no idea that Dupli was giving her a last warning and had had enough of tolerating, the other maid stood up too.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that! You worthless, little runt!¡±


    When she went push Dupli, Dupli went to grab both of her hands and twisted her wrists, hearing a crack.


    The maid screamed and cried out, and Dupli let her hands go, and then sat back down.


    ¡°Hey! You!¡± The maid tried to talk but found herself in too much pain.


    Again, Dupli stared at her.


    The maid tried to comfort her hands and started to cry, running out of the small area.


    Upon seeing the maid run out, two others came into the eating area and came to stand before Dupli, ¡°What did you do to her!?¡±


    Dupli glared at them, slowly going from one and to the other, again, not saying a word.


    ¡°Looks like she wants to learn a thing or two! Uh!?¡± The one who spoke this raised a hand and went to slap Dupli.


    Before the hand could reach Dupli¡¯s face, she grabbed it and broke the maid¡¯s wrist, then dropped the hand.


    A cry came out of the maid, and the other went to slap Dupli, so she did the same to her as well.


    No one had ever seen this side of Dupli before, she always came across as someone that took and never gave back any of their ways. The Princess had hardly known who she had been back in the hidden palace either, but Dupli had fought back a few times. When she had been put into a corner and been so angry, she had to let something out!


    And at this moment, Dupli was finally feeling a little bit better.


    She didn¡¯t want to stop, she wanted them all to know, she was going to eat today!


    When the two crying maids left, she, again, was left alone. And when the two bowls were put in front of her, she started to eat¡­


    For the first time in a long time, maids let her have two bowls of food, as they had heard what Dupli had done to three maids.


    Most didn¡¯t think it was that big of a deal as they all should get two bowls of food, yet, one, who had been stealing a bowl from Dupli nearly every day, was really annoyed¡­


    When Dupli left, the maid that was annoyed could only continue on with her chores.


    But, not long after Dupli left, she was told to see the head maid.


    Without saying a word to Dupli upon entering a room inside the maid¡¯s quarters, she was whipped¡­


    The head maid then started to yell and curse her, whipping her at the same time. But still gave no real reason why she was doing it.


    Five lashes, and the head maid finally stopped, then said, ¡°Now, go do your chores!¡±


    Dupli stood up, from where she had fallen to the floor in pain. Quietly, she left, and continued to do what she was going to do before.


    Her whipping marks were mostly on her back, one had gotten her front and a small amount of blood could be seen on both her front and back.


    The pain was harsh, and Dupli ran to where she went the day before, healing herself once again.


    Why do they keep hurting me? Why do they want to make things hard for me and only me!?


    Shaking her head in absolute fury, Dupli turned and then punched the wall.


    Blood gushed out of her knuckles and Dupli stared at it. It had not made her feel any better¡­


    Seeing that she had just done something that didn¡¯t help, she fixed her hand up, using the last of her inner force, and left.


    An hour later, Dupli was found by the head maid once again, but this time it was to continue with the fence for the dog. Telling her the wood was by the wall, the head maid walked off, leaving Dupli alone once again.


    Walking towards the corner of the wall once again, Dupli stopped, seeing that there was no wood there.


    Sighing, Dupli walked around the wall of the courtyard and found that the wood had been placed in the total opposite wall and was quite heavy.


    Having to drag the big pieces, Dupli was already sweating profusely and regretted punching the wall.


    If she hadn¡¯t punched the wall and used her inner force, she would be better off now¡­


    With ever trip, it took her longer and longer to take the wood from one place to the other¡­


    Five hours later, Dupli fell down, letting go of the last piece of wood and could not get back up. She was truly exhausted, and her muscles were hurting terribly. She had splinters in her arms and fingers, even on the side of her neck, but right now, she couldn¡¯t do anything¡­


    Falling completely to the grass, laying down, she found that her eyes became shut and her head tilted to the side.


    The man, once again, could not help but see the endurance of this little girl.


    Having seen the small blood on her clothes on her second trip, he had wanted to help her straight away. And as time wore on, he began to not care more and more about being seen by somebody.


    He was here to protect the Princess, if someone were to see him, he¡¯d have to find another way to do it and most likely a harder place to protect her from. His hiding spot was inside of the courtyard, and in the distance, he could see the Princess¡¯s quarters.


    Twice, at night time, he had gone towards her quarters. The first time was to put the chime up for her and the second time was to make sure that she was well again. He was able to get right into her bed chambers upon finally knowing when the easiest time to do this was. Upon seeing her being well taken care of and looking well again, he has just stayed here for now...


    But this little maid seemed to start to take his mind away from the Princess.


    Seeing her faint away and that no one was close by, the man quickly got down and put the little girl up against a tree.


    Keeping an eye out, so no one could see him, he put the fence together for her.


    Leaving the last bit, because he could see her starting to awaken, he went into hiding again and watched curiously on what she would do.

 Chapter 6 ** The Flaw In Duplicating **

    <div>


    Dupli found herself against the same tree as the day before. It was nearly dark now, and she was sure that she had fallen asleep closer to lunchtime¡­


    Looking around, she didn¡¯t see anyone around, making her feel slightly uneasy. Getting up slowly, she felt her muscles and exhaustion once again, she really wanted to just eat and have a drink, then climb into bed...


    Just after she stood, she finally realized that the fence had nearly been completed¡­


    Slowly walking up to it, she put her hand on the wood and frowned.


    Looking around, to see nobody again, Dupli pursed her lips.


    Seeing that the fence hadn¡¯t been totally completed, Dupli finished it, and looked around once more before leaving.


    There was something strange going on¡­


    Getting help was not something she was used too, yet, she was sure now that someone had helped her. Yesterday she hadn¡¯t been sure, but now she was, knowing that she had not been able to start putting the fence together at all and seeing it up and almost complete upon waking...


    But who was it?


    And¡­Why?


    Dupli was scared to rely on this person. She wanted to, but if she did and they left¡­She¡¯d be alone again.


    Even though she was late for dinner once again, Dupli saw that a bowl was still left for her. One bowl was still better than none¡­


    ***


    Making the rest of the dog pen continued in this fashion. Dupli would start it, and either be knocked out for a short time or fall into exhaustion and would wake to find her job was completed or nearly completed.


    It was a strange circumstance, yet, Dupli didn¡¯t want to think about it. If she put too much faith into who was helping her, she might find herself in the depths of hell once again.


    But she, still a young, little girl, didn¡¯t understand the reason why she was not letting anyone in and the reason why she was safeguarding herself¡­To depend and trust someone, seemed to make her breath heavily and make her sad...


    Upon the fifth day, from starting the dog pen, it was completed and Dupli, before walking away, quietly said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The man was stunned that he found himself gently nodding his acknowledgment and wanted to hit himself.


    He would repeatedly tell himself not to help her anymore, but he seemed to help her as though his thoughts weren¡¯t his¡­


    It was really disturbing, finding his heart touched by another.


    The girl, being so young, yet so full of so many things, was what he had loved about his beloved other half in the first place¡­If she were to hear that he was starting to see another this way¡­


    Shaking his head, he himself couldn¡¯t believe that he was wavering.


    Seeing her leave, he tried to admit that he was glad, that this was it. No more.


    Yet, upon her leaving he did feel the absence in the next day. It was similar to the absence without his other half¡­


    Conflicted, the man couldn¡¯t work out his feelings.


    ***


    Dupli went about with her chores normally after that and another week went by.


    Then, again, she was taken to the Royal Consorts courtyard to be redressed into the Princess once again.


    Both the Princess and herself will be thirteen in a couple of months and the Royal Consort was upset with the King for already looking for a partner for marriage for her daughter.


    But, the idea was now known to her and the Royal Consort now had to start looking for eligible bachelors for her daughter, whether she wanted to or not.


    She had time, as the engagement didn¡¯t have to be finalized for half a year, but it still made her upset to hear this. It was becoming more and more obvious to her now, that the Prince, will most certainly be named the King''s heir in the near future.


    Knowing it was normal to have a male as the King of a Kingdom, the Royal Consort still was upset that the power of having the heir as her child, was going to be taken away.


    But what could she do, her daughter would most likely never be seen as the heir¡­While the Prince was still alive¡­


    Conflicted and seeing the predicament of what would have to be done to change the King¡¯s mind, Royal Consort Muriel decided to do nothing for now.


    The Prince was only three¡­There will be no doubt, enough time to consider something that might work in her favour¡­


    And if she was lucky enough, someone else might even do the deed for her¡­


    Seeing Dupli all dressed up and looking like her daughter, the Royal Consort suddenly remembered that Dupli had been healed the last time that she had been out and thought that the person¡­


    How could she not think of it before! Being healed on the spot would most like be a Pure Priest! The one to have ended war!


    ¡°Regina!?¡±


    ¡°Mother?¡± Princess Regina said, coming out of another dress area, in her maid clothes.


    Royal Consort Muriel smirked, ¡°That man, that saved you. If you see him next, tell him to come see me.¡±


    Regina smiled, in her new mask, but it was obviously a happy smile nonetheless. ¡°Of course, mother! Oh, mother, I heard that I am to be married, can I marry him!?¡±


    Smiling, the Royal Consort was silent for a few seconds, ¡°Tell him to meet me first.¡±


    Princess Regina ran to her mother and hugged her in delight. ¡°Yes! I will!¡±


    ¡°Dupli, you hear that?¡± The Royal Consort asked, her voice losing any indulgence it had a moment ago.


    Dupli showed no emotion and bowed, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll tell him to come and see Royal Consort Mother.¡±


    Sneering at a servant calling her mother, she shook her head and waved, ¡°Be off then. Perhaps you have made an impression on him and he¡¯ll return to see you.¡±


    The Princess happily skipped out the door and Dupli slowly walked out, already acting her role¡­


    ***


    This time, while they were out in the capital, Dupli was ordered to stay inside the carriage.


    The maid outside the carriage slowly walked along side, pretending to ask the Princess what she would like, but really answering herself instead.


    Three times, they stopped, picking up cakes, jewellery and trying out tea.


    When the tea was being tried, it was only the maid that had sat down inside, Dupli still staying outside, in the carriage.


    The cakes were put to the side, for the Princess to eat later and the jewellery was in the nanny¡¯s hands, for safe keeping.


    Dupli didn¡¯t care at all.


    She was used to be treated like she was nothing, so to her, this wasn¡¯t as strange as others were seeing it.


    ...Seeing a maid personally try tea for the Princess was strange to other bystanders though. Seeing the Princess stay in the carriage and not showing herself to anybody¡­What was going on? But, they were ''acting'' normal, as last time they had been out, they had been attacked...But that news had not really become known to many...Strangely.


    The maid finished her tea and continued on, seeing a silk shop that just re opened again, because the war had stopped.


    Walking in freely, the maid happily looked from one to the another. There were no cares for anyone else and only her want to find the best silk there for herself¡­


    Dupli, on the other hand, was suddenly being spoken too.


    ¡°Is Your Highness well?¡±


    That voice¡­


    Unintentionally being very quiet, Dupli showed surprised in her eyes, as she found familiarity with that voice¡­


    Being poked with a hair pin, the nanny shoved her.


    Dupli nodded, ¡°¡­I am well. Thank you.¡±


    Silence entered both ears¡­


    That ¡®Thank you¡¯ was so similar¡­


    ¡°Your Highness, will you do me the honour of having tea with me again?¡±


    Dupli blinked to that voice again, it was¡­It sounded so similar from the phrase? Wasn¡¯t it the same voice?


    Her breathing became heavier and she, again, forgot to reply. She couldn¡¯t doubt it at all, that this man, was probably the same one from the voice in that phrase!


    The nurse once again poked and shoved her.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Ah!...I¡­I am willing.¡± Dupli rubbed where she got poked and then breathed out, before getting out of the carriage.


    Before stepping completely onto the ground, she was stunned to see the same man as last time.


    He had saved my life¡­


    Looking at his gentle eyes, Dupli felt like something was desperately wrong.


    She¡­At the moment, she was the Princess, and he was looking at her like this!


    Feeling a loss uncontrollable run through her, she stepped down the carriage, nearly tripping because of her unstable thoughts.


    The man wanted to help her, but she glared at him, stopping him in his tracks¡­


    Dupli stopped, she wasn¡¯t her, she was the Princess¡­


    Smiling suddenly, she bowed slightly and said, ¡°I must thank the lord, for saving my life upon the last time we met.¡±


    The man¡¯s feelings were a little haywire, but her words brought him back. ¡°I am glad to do so, Princess! Please, come, let¡¯s have tea!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Princess, just a moment, come inside for a brief time!¡± The maid said in a rush, walking straight towards Dupli and to the carriage.


    Without more words able to be spoken, Dupli was taken inside the carriage and the nanny came out, ¡°Please my lord, the Princess will come out in just a moment. We will wait inside.¡±


    The man frowned and followed the nanny, looking back once, before walking inside the tea house, about ten metres from the carriage.


    Dupli hurriedly did as she was told and took off her clothes and jewellery. She was not going to fight the Princess and would obediently stay out of her way.


    The man wasn¡¯t here for her anyway, it was best that the real Princess was to speak with him. Dupli didn¡¯t want any extra problems, especially if she were to be punished because of them.


    All she cared about, was staying alive and well¡­


    The strange sense of loss went through her again, but she tried not to think about it. Even if she wanted to have tea with him, what was the point? She was a slave, a lowly maid, a nobody with no last name¡­


    ¡°Right, do I look alright?¡± Princess Regina asked Dupli.


    Dupli pointed to her face, ¡°The mask.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Right!¡± The Princess turned away, to change her face and then let out a satisfied smile. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Dupli looked at her hair, ¡°Should I put your hair up again?¡±


    Frowning, the Princess was upset that her new Princess hairstyle, from changing it from a maid hairstyle, wasn¡¯t good enough.


    Turning around in a huff, Dupli fixed her hair and then she was gone.


    Dupli, finding herself alone, put the maid¡¯s clothes on and waited¡­


    ***


    Three hours later, Dupli having fallen asleep, she was startled awake by the Princess entering the carriage.


    ¡°Oh! I forgot about you!¡±


    Dupli moved hastily out of the way, only to be moved once again when the nurse entered.


    ¡°Go out!¡± The Princess said, annoyed at having little room.


    The nurse hushed the Princess and said, ¡°She has your face Princess! She can¡¯t go out!¡±


    ¡°Send her out!¡± Princess Regina yelled.


    Dupli was pushed out of the carriage, not even able to land upon her feet. Finding her hands and knees on the ground¡­


    Hearing footsteps coming, Dupli felt an imminent sense of danger.


    She wasn¡¯t sure why it would be bad to be found that she had the same face as the Princess, but she could feel it and hear it in the nanny¡¯s voice.


    She didn¡¯t want to be punished, so all she could do is hide her face, even though she hardly understood why.


    ¡°Miss? Miss are you hurt?¡±


    Widening her eyes, Dupli tried to think quickly.


    Bending down, she tried to look as though she was hurt, but instead, put dirt on her face.


    ¡°Miss!¡±


    Dupli stayed on the ground, ¡°I am fine, sir. Leave this lowly one, I¡­I¡­Am¡­Punishment!¡±


    That was all she could think of in this circumstance.


    Perhaps if it wasn¡¯t that same man she was talking to hours beforehand, she could possibly just get up and walk, but she was still too scared to look at him, even with dirt on her face.


    ¡°Punishment?¡± The man asked. He looked at the carriage that was nearly out of sight and wondered why he wasn¡¯t chasing after it already.


    Dupli continued to stay on her hands and knees, desperate for him to leave her alone! ¡°Yes.¡±


    For some reason, the man thought of the maid that made the fence. Could it be her?


    Suddenly, he really wanted her to get up and look at him, he wanted to see her face. If it were her, he could help her send her back.


    ¡°The carriage is gone. Can¡¯t you get up now?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Raising his eyebrows, he found the stubbornness in her voice really cute. ¡°Then how long must you kneel here for?¡±


    ¡°¡­They¡­Will bring someone here to let me know.¡± Dupli said. She had not been in the predicament before, what would happen if a servant was left outside the palace?


    How was she going to get back?


    Suddenly, Dupli found herself worried, knowing they guarded the palace very well.


    But then¡­Breathing heavily, she realized, she was¡­Out of the palace.


    Widening her eyes and wondering if she could get excited, Dupli started to already think about staying away from the palace now. This was her chance!


    Through thinking this, the man had said words, but Dupli hadn¡¯t heard them.


    Lifting her head, and looking around, she suddenly saw the man¡¯s head in front of hers.


    Getting up in a rush, she ran away¡­He saw me! He saw my face!


    Running as fast as she could, Dupli had no idea where she was going.


    Hiding behind a well, she waited for a moment, then looked back the way she had come.


    Sighing in relief, Dupli put her head against the well and closed her eyes.


    The relief from running away didn¡¯t last long, though, as someone stopped in front of her and deeply looked at her face.


    ¡°Dupli?¡± He said.


    Looking at the unfamiliar person in front of her, she edged a step to the side, around the well, but he harshly took her hand and then took some water from a bucket, wiping at her face.


    ¡°Found you.¡±


    Roughly throwing Dupli over his shoulders, Dupli was stunned and didn¡¯t know what to do!


    ¡°I was sent to look for you and bring you back, let¡¯s go!¡±


    Dupli tried to look around, but everything was upside down and she still wasn¡¯t very knowledgeable with the capital. What she saw though, wasn¡¯t the business part of the capital, there were a lot more trees the way they were going, and Dupli was clearly lost.


    The man saw a manservant carrying a little maid.


    Frowning, he guessed that she had been right, that someone had gone to get her.


    When she had run away from him, completely scared like that, he hadn¡¯t the heart to frighten her more. He had stayed at a distance, for some reason, and watched as she calmed down.


    Was he really that scary? And why was her face so dirty!?


    When the manservant had come, the man watched and didn¡¯t like what had transpired between them, but who was he to stop them. They were both from the palace¡­


    He had rarely gotten involved with the affairs of the countries in many, many years. If a manservant came for a maid, it sounded pretty normal¡­It just didn¡¯t look normal. She had finally relaxed, then to be scared again¡­


    It vexed the man, who watched as the manservant took her away.


    Following them, he wasn¡¯t surprised to see the manservant taking her to the Princess¡¯s courtyard, as she had fallen out of the Princess¡¯s carriage just before.


    Hiding once again, now out of sight from everyone, the man was confused.


    When he was having tea with the Princess, it was like she had become somebody else. Over the space of twenty minutes, the man really wanted to know how to handle this side of her. She seemed like, she thought she owned the world and that it owed her whatever she wanted¡­


    How had she become this way?


    Yet, before the tea, she had been courteous and sweet.


    Something strange was going on¡­


    It was like his beloved other half had gained some kind of strange personality¡­But how could he never have met this side of her before?


    Was she playing with him?


    What was really surprising to him, was that he honestly didn¡¯t like it. He even had wanted to leave after an hour, yet, if she was making things hard for him on purpose, he could understand¡­


    Then, finding even more evidence that she was the person he had been looking for, the man could not bare to leave. That bracelet was hers, he had given it back to her as soon as she could wear it...It signified a special part of her past...


    Just¡­If this was going to be a part of her now¡­


    The man was very confused.


    ***


    Dupli had been beaten upon her return. Not only did she not have her mask, but the Princess had felt like the man hadn¡¯t liked her. As it was, it took quite an amount of effort to get his name!


    Sebastian¡­


    And he was charming!


    Yet, it was like he was holding back¡­


    So, after Dupli had gotten her punishment from the Royal Consort, she got a whole new one from the Princess and ended up fainting.


    ¡°Serves yourself right!¡± The Princess said, walking up to the newly whipped body.


    ¡°Princess? What should we do with her?¡± The nanny asked.


    Turning to the nanny, the Princess smiled, ¡°Has the dog come yet?¡±


    The nanny shook her head, ¡°The King still has not giving you approval to have a dog, Princess.¡±


    Rolling her eyes and walking away, the Princess growled, ¡°When has he ever given me anything!¡±


    Kneeling on the floor, the nanny rushed to say, ¡°Your Highness, please calm your anger!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Get up!¡±


    Standing up, but still lowering her head, the nanny went quiet.


    Looking back down at the body on the floor, the Princess frowned, ¡°Do I still need her?¡±


    The nanny nodded, ¡°If more assassins come for your life, Princess¡­¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡± The Princess said, huffing. ¡°Okay, just¡­Just whip her more then. Don¡¯t feed her for a day¡­That will do.¡±


    The nanny bowed, ¡°Yes, Princess.¡±


    ***


    A whole week went by, and Sebastian was unable to see either the Princess or the maid.


    It was coming to a point, that he was unsure why he was hiding so much. He had originally come to slowly talk things out with her and protect her from afar, but¡­


    Things were starting to change. His other half had some strangeness about her now, that he didn¡¯t understand and had to admit, he didn¡¯t like. And¡­He was worried about this maid.


    Having seen how they treated her¡­And, he hadn¡¯t seen her all this time¡­


    Spending a day, looking on the outside of the whole courtyard, he never saw her once.


    What he did hear though, was a few maids talking, and a conversation or two did land on someone called ¡®Dupli¡¯.


    Having a bad feeling, he put a hand to his chest, feeling slightly suffocated. Having heard that she had been harshly punished, and had been bed ridden, he was so worried that he wanted to storm the whole maid¡¯s quarters!


    Upon nightfall, he silently searched for this maid ¡®Dupli¡¯ and found her laying on her stomach on the floor. She wasn¡¯t even on a bed, as she was close to the buckets that people do their business in and Sebastian felt a surging rage inside of him building up.


    Staying on the rooftop until everyone fell asleep, even kicking ¡®Dupli¡¯ as they passed her, he couldn¡¯t wait to go down there.


    Creeping inside the window and landing softly on the ground, he listened for a moment, then went to Dupli. Picking her up slowly and quietly, he frowned to her cold body.


    Holding her in his hands, he walked quietly to the window and jumped out, going to his hiding spot.


    Once he got comfortable, in the tree, he finally put a hand to her chest to heal her and found her taking a lot more inner force and pure air than normal.


    Sebastian, feeling this happen, couldn¡¯t believe this maid¡¯s misfortune. If he had not saved her now, she probably wouldn¡¯t have survived one more day¡­


    Sighing in relief, he put her safely down and went to get new clothes for her and a brush.


    It was far from the first time that he would look after a little girl.


    Acting as a big brother was a joy to him, most of the time.


    So, changing this girl¡¯s outer clothes wasn¡¯t even really that special.


    After her dirty clothes were taken off, he sat her up in front of him and gently did her hair.


    As he did this, he could see the auburn growth near her sculp!


    Breathing heavily, Sebastian dropped the comb and couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. Davina had auburn hair!


    Turning her around, he saw a face that didn¡¯t look familiar.


    What was going on?


    Not sure on what to do, Sebastian felt many questions start to uprise in his mind.


    If this maid is Davina¡­Then why did he¡­


    The chime, her smile and tear¡­


    But the auburn hair¡­


    Both the Princess and maid held similar attributes to his other half. But who really was Davina?


    The Princess held the face, yet the maid had the auburn hair¡­


    If he takes this maid away, but what if this person isn¡¯t Davina?


    Feeling torn, Sebastian didn¡¯t know what to do!


    ¡°Dupli! Dupli¡¯s gone!¡±


    Sebastian looked at the person yelling and wanted more time! Yet, he can¡¯t get her into more trouble!


    He decided that he will check Davina''s specific mole next time¡­


    Quietly, Sebastian went swiftly towards the maid¡¯s quarters and placed Dupli onto one of the beds, then disappeared.


    Surely both of them won¡¯t have Davina¡¯s specific mole on the back of her arm.


    It really was worrisome though, as he had felt the possibility of both of them being Davina. Conflicting thoughts went through him when he thinks of one and not the other¡­


    If the Princess is really Davina, then, the maid isn¡¯t¡­If the maid is Davina¡­


    ***


    Dupli woke up when someone pushed her off the bed.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just say you were here!? We were looking for you!¡± The head maid yelled.


    Dupli looked up and remembered the last painful week. Yet, she wasn¡¯t hurting anymore and wondered if she had been able to heal herself, while in her sleep...She hadn''t wished upon it...She hadn''t wanted that at all...


    The head maid slapped Dupli and she tumbled over, ¡°I¡­I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°Good! Fine, the Royal Consort is asking for you! Get up and go!¡± The head maid sneered and walked away.


    Dupli slowly got up and walked away, trying to understand why she was suddenly healed completely. The last week was the worst in her life, she had honestly thought it as the end¡­


    Even though, prior to this day, she hadn¡¯t wanted to give up, this time, she had not the energy to fight her circumstance. She hadn¡¯t the willpower, nor the strength. It was all just too much! It came to a point, that death would be a release, a place where she wouldn¡¯t have to worry anymore. She had hurt so much after the Royal Consort had punished her and even tried to heal herself, but after the Princess had punished her right afterwards, and she had fainted, Dupli just wanted it all to end.


    She had cried soft, quiet tears, letting the other maids kick her and spit on her, as she had laid there, near the stench. How could she had cared? Why? What was the point? Was there a reason to survive?


    Her hope was dashed, crumbled and beaten. It was practically gone, hardly a speck had survived.


    At that time of pure pain and heartbreak upon her situation, Dupli hadn¡¯t cared and let herself succumb to sleep, not caring to heal herself beforehand. She had given up¡­


    Upon being called into Royal Consort Muriel¡¯s quarters, Dupli bowed respectfully and waited. She felt like her whole world was gone, that she was now a walking corpse...


    Shaking her head, the Royal Consort sighed, ¡°The Princess is keen on only one man, but, His Majesty the King has wanted her to meet with Lord Wiltsing¡¯s second son. And I absolutely agree that you can go in her place!¡±

 Chapter 7 ** A Child’s Innocence Returning **

    <div>


    Dupli frowned, it was in the middle of the night! Why now?


    ¡°Bathe her many times, the head maid had said that she¡¯s been sleeping near¡­Just bathe her many times!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Highness!¡±


    Dupli was then sent to be bathed. She was scrubbed so hard, that her fair skin went red in pain, and at the same time they put a strange substance in her hair, pulling at her sculp.


    The water continuously changed, and she was washed so much that it would make up for the last few weeks of only being able to use a bit of water to wash her entire body. Not a word came out of her mouth, as she stiffly let them wash her. The water...The water. Many times, she gulped her breath and tried to calm down, but the water was all around her! Was it going to swallow her whole? It felt horrible and unsafe. She could feel her heart beating so fast in her chest, as the water slowly splashed around her...


    Her breath got faster and faster, as she was unable to continue to endure the water, as the time went by.


    Once she was scrubbed, and her hair was dried, she was then already put into the process of getting ready to meet the second son of Lord Wiltsing.


    All Dupli could think¡­Was that she was glad that she was out of the water¡­


    Before leaving, Dupli was stopped by the Royal Consort, ¡°Don¡¯t ruin the Princess¡¯s reputation, and you are to not give any kind of advance to this young man! Both the Princess and I are adamant upon this¡­Sebastian.¡±


    Widening her eyes in shock, Dupli didn¡¯t know how she had walked out and got onto a carriage, as the sun came up.


    Not knowing that this ride was two hours long, Dupli got completely lost in her thoughts and realized that the word ¡®Sebastian¡¯ was familiar. Didn¡¯t that mean that he would be the same person that might have known her?


    Not that it mattered too much, at the moment he was probably better off to become engaged with the Princess¡­After all, she was just a maid¡­She felt her hope was gone and smashed, hanging by a tread, at the edge of a cliff, drowning in water...What could she possibly offer him?


    Her eyes showed a dazed far away look for most of the trip towards this Lord Wiltsing, and the nanny let her be as she slept most of the way.


    When they arrived, they were welcomed with people standing outside a large residence, having been waiting.


    ¡°Introducing, the daughter of King Antonio and the heir to the Kingdom of Eden, Princess Regina.¡± The nanny said, not letting Dupli out, until the words were complete.


    Stepping down gracefully, Dupli forgot her troubles and smiled warmly at the people that she didn¡¯t know. Actually, she welcomed the act of the Princess...Anyone but herself would be a better position...Anyone else...


    ¡°Greetings Princess, did you have a pleasant trip?¡± An older gentleman came up to ask her.


    Dupli smiled warmly, not really knowing how not to say that she can hardly remember it, ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    The older man seemed a little taken aback, but then straightened up and took her hand to kiss it.


    He was a man that looked like he could even be a grandfather, having bits of grey hairs amongst his black hair on both his head and beard. Wrinkles on his face started to show and his hands were hard against hers, making her feel funny.


    ¡°That is good, Princess, I am Lord Wiltsing, governor of this town, Gulberg, I am pleased to meet you!¡±


    Dupli nodded, trying not to act like she had never heard of the town whatsoever.


    Gulberg was one of the five towns still remaining in the Kingdom of Eden. It was close to the large sea of water, and it was nearly just as populated as the capital. It was probably safer then the capital as well¡­This is only said because the capital didn¡¯t actually have much of a wall around it, it was more expressing where the capital finished, kind of wall, instead of one that could block an army. Whereas Gulberg had a better wall that one could actually stand upon and watch, making the people inside feel a lot safer. Even though this wall was still not great, it was a better defence than that of the capital, making it a big reason why the population was so high, especially because of the war that had happened recently.


    Normally, as a Princess, all Dupli did was wonder around the capital, so this was the first time that she had to talk properly with people.


    ¡°Please Princess, meet my wife, Sandra, and my first son, Rick, my second son, Nathan¡­And then, here is my daughter, Annabel.¡±


    As the Lord said the names, Dupli looked at each one of them, nodding in acknowledgement to them. Sandra wasn¡¯t tall but looked shorter then what she might look because she had extra weight on her. Nonetheless, with this extra weight, she looked very much like a doting mother, having a sweet, happy smile on her face. Rick was nearly an exact replica of his father, but Nathan resembled his mother more. He had her brown hair and green eyes and was shorter than his older brother Rick. Annabel had her mother¡¯s brown hair but her father¡¯s brown eyes, which was quite normal, but she was still quite a cute little girl, still chubby in the cheeks and the innocent look in her eyes.


    When Dupli didn¡¯t say anything afterwards, an awkward silence lasted for about ten seconds, before the wife, Sandra, stepped forward, ¡°Very pleased to meet you, Princess!¡±


    Then the rest of them did the same, except the little two-year-old, who was holding firming onto her mother¡¯s clothing.


    Dupli couldn¡¯t help but smile. Were they really pleased to meet her? Even if they really weren¡¯t pleased to see her, she felt better hearing those words. It had been a long time, that her presence to others was more of a burden then a pleasure. If she really thought about it, she hadn¡¯t really heard ¡®pleased to meet you¡¯ from anyone¡­At least of what she could remember¡­


    Finally feeling something different, Dupli was able to move on and continue to pretend to be the Princess, to the best of her ability. ¡°I am also pleased to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, very good. I also have a personally written letter from King Antonio, stating that he would like the Princess to stay for a week, in place of himself.¡±


    Dupli was stunned, as far as she was aware, the Princess never stayed anywhere else. ¡°Oh. I¡­¡±


    ¡°It was of course something that happened in the last minute, Princess, but we were able to send a carriage to pick up some of your belongings already. Please come in.¡±


    Dupli was troubled. Was she going to get punished for this? Was she really able to be the Princess, for a whole week? These thoughts were very troubling to Dupli, whom still had hardly any hope, but wanted something...What did she want? Why does she feel like she could do this? Or, is it that she wants to do this? Why?


    The King of Eden had done this on purpose, not knowing about Sebastian.


    Because of the fact that Dupli was even a secret to King Antonio, the Royal Consort had kept the healing of the Princess a secret as well.


    It hadn¡¯t been her first choice, as now both the Princess and Royal Consort wanted Sebastian to become the fianc¨¦e, but they still had not said anything about him to the King.


    Since the King was looking for suitors for his daughter, he had done this himself. On purpose, he had only stated it would be a meeting, but he had already planned that the Princess was to stay an entire week. If the second son of the Lord finds the Princess suitable, he was already considering the engagement between them.


    Sadly, when the Princess back in the capital finds out about this, she is quite upset. Not only does she have to act as someone else for an entire week, to show that the Princess wasn¡¯t there in the capital, but she became worried about what Dupli will do!


    Yet...She didn''t want to go there to potentially save herself, instead, she''d much rather stay in the palace and wait it out...


    ***


    Having had tea and spoken a small amount in a leisure kind of chat, Dupli was shown to where she was to stay.


    It was such a magnificent room, that she gave much thanks in return, making her look very humble.


    The Lord Wiltsing was stunned a few times already by this Princess, as he was sure that she was not previously like this. He had witnessed, some years ago, her treating another governor very badly in public, and had bad thoughts of her since!


    If the King had not asked for them to see the Princess, they would not have wanted anything to do with her!


    Dupli walked in and gracefully touched a few things, smiling.


    She really wanted to do this, really wanted to feel¡­Exactly like a Princess!


    To be able to sleep on such a big, comfortable bed. To eat a proper meal, to be dressed in proper clothes. Smiling to her inner, child like desires, Dupli couldn¡¯t help but want to plead to stay! It was like a candle was lit, the water was being drained away, and the cliff became metres away...That small sliver of hope started to grow, very slowly.


    Turning to the few who had brought her to this room, she smiled very heartedly, ¡°I am very happy and hope I won¡¯t be an inconvenience.¡±


    Dupli had no other words. She was only taught so much! In fact¡­She didn¡¯t even know exactly what that meant! But it sounded like, for what she had been taught, that this particular situation felt right to use the word she didn¡¯t even understand.


    ¡°My, Princess, we are fortunate indeed. We have been away from the capital for some time and I am pleased to see the Princess has grown up very well!¡±


    The Lord Wiltsing was very happy! He had expected the worst, but now, he has high hopes already! Looking at his second son, he nodded and left. Now there was only the second son, Nathan, outside of the door, and Dupli that was inside of the door¡­


    Dupli had not spoken to many males¡­In fact, she could count them on her fingers, and that was including other servants like her.


    Being nearly thirteen, she knew of simple things, and one was, they probably shouldn¡¯t talk inside her proposed room.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Trying to come up with an idea, Dupli then tried to speak, but found that she couldn¡¯t¡­How was she to ask? Was that even Princess like?


    The Royal Consort hadn¡¯t told her much about the interaction between a Princess and men¡­


    ¡°Would the Princess like to come for a walk, I can show you the residence if you¡¯d like?¡± Nathan proposed.


    Actually, he was like his father at first, thinking the worst, not interested whatsoever!


    But, as they had gotten this far, this Princess seem to be the opposite!


    He was sixteen and not married, he had not cared beforehand, and had wanted to rage at the King for suggesting him as a candidate for the Princess!


    He helped his father govern and still was learning the business ways in a higher learning study school. So, he was still too busy to care about girls.


    Being pushed into being the one that had to entertain the Princess while she was here, he had not looked forward to it at all. But now¡­


    Her shy face and clumsy look. Her lips starting to part and then shut, making him sure that she didn¡¯t know what to say¡­It was really adorable!


    Doing the math, he would have to wait over two years, if they married, and Nathan was not feeling too bad about it. At this moment¡­He was going to do this! This week, he was going to entertain her!


    Dupli smiled and nodded, so is that how it is done?


    Perhaps, she thought, I did the right thing on waiting for him to talk instead¡­


    Taking a steady breath in, Dupli walked out and was surprised when Nathan put her hand under his arm and on top of his forearm.


    Never having done this before, she was stunned and stupidly stared at him.


    She hadn¡¯t spent much time in public, able to see how people walked¡­Was this normal then?


    Dupli was questioning too much, in which made her misstep and she quickly tried to act properly again.


    Nathan chuckled to the little girl beside him. She really was an innocent, little thing.


    Taking her around, showing her even the kitchen, he couldn¡¯t help but watch her enthusiasm grow.


    Dupli hadn¡¯t been this curious for a long time, and it burst out like a dam full of water, rapidly flowing out! She asked about business in the office and how the food here tasted, while in the kitchen. She asked about how a particular shelf was made in the dining hall and asked how they could have so many books, in the library.


    Unable to hide the stars in her eyes, Dupli picked up a book and smiled so brilliantly, that even Nathan was astonished.


    ¡°This is great!¡± Dupli said, turning a few pages. ¡°May I read this?¡±


    Nathan looked at the cover and looked at her confused, ¡°Are you able to use your inner force, Princess.¡±


    Dupli lost her smile and then took a moment of silence, before closing the book.


    He was right, she, above anyone, knew that the Princess did not practice in inner force nor Martial Arts.


    Not answering back, Dupli replaced the book, and picked up another, which didn¡¯t have anything to do with either.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, if you can¡¯t use inner force, Princess. Many can¡¯t do it! Even I!¡± Nathan said, trying to not have her become upset. Losing her smile to become very quiet like that, was a little depressing. It was like she was used to it and she¡¯d forgotten how she would act¡­


    ¡°If you want to read it, then read it! I will not stop you, Princess!¡± Nathan said, getting the same book out once again and giving it to her.


    Dupli looked at it and felt like she could cry, smiling and nodding, she looked at Nathan and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very welcome!¡± Nathan said.


    Dupli did not let go of the book, and Nathan found it funny. How could she have acted as her father had said, perhaps he had been wrong? This girl was as sweet as honey!


    Taking her out to garden, he watched another smile grow on her face.


    Dupli had never seen such a beautiful type of sculpture! It was a little girl, she was on the tip of her toes with one leg on the ground and the other in the air. Her hands reaching out to the side and a butterfly was inside her hands.


    ¡°Beautiful!¡± Dupli murmured.


    Nathan smiled, to him it wasn¡¯t even really something special anymore¡­Maybe it never was!


    But, suddenly he appreciated it, ¡°Someone! Show the Princess how it works!¡±


    Hearing running footsteps, Dupli watched as someone went out of view, behind some bushes, and suddenly she heard water.


    Dupli looked at the sound and widened her eyes. The little girl grew wings!


    Staring holes through the sculpture, Dupli was mystified! Never had she seen this before! The water came out from somewhere and made the girl look like she had grown wings! So magical!


    Nathan chuckled at the innocent girl¡¯s reaction. ¡°Do you like it, Princess?¡±


    Her eyes still widened and even her mouth opened, Dupli nodded¡­It was beautiful!


    Nodding at the servant, who was working hard with the water pump, the servant stopped, and the water disappeared.


    ¡°Ha! It stopped!¡± Dupli said, putting her head a little closer, ¡°Is it broken? I promise you, I didn¡¯t touch it!¡±


    Laughter shot out, startling Dupli, making her drop the book, and she stared at Nathan.


    It was exactly like doing chores, they would all laugh at her like this, they blamed her like this.


    Dupli looked back at the fountain, ¡°I¡­I didn¡¯t break it.¡±


    Forgetting she was the Princess, Dupli stood there, waiting to be dragged away¡­


    ¡°Princess?¡± Seeing a strange behaviour in her, Nathan immediately stopped laughing. ¡°It¡¯s not broken, Princess. Please be assured.¡±


    ¡­She wasn¡¯t going to get dragged away?


    Dupli took a calming breath and turned back to Nathan, but had troubles looking at him in the eyes, ¡°Is that true? It¡¯s not broken?¡±


    Nathan took her clenched hand and said, ¡°No, it isn¡¯t. The water stopped because it isn¡¯t being pumped anymore. Don¡¯t be upset, Princess.¡±


    Dupli didn¡¯t know what to do¡­Normally she gets the blame and gets taken away and beaten¡­


    What does she do now? Does she say ¡®thank you¡¯ or ¡®that¡¯s good¡¯ or¡­


    ¡°Princess, relax your hand.¡± Nathan said in a hushed voice, trying to coax the little girl.


    Dupli looked at Nathan and then her hand. Relaxing it, he put a hand on each side, ¡°There, does that feel better?¡±


    Not sure on what he was talking about, Dupli just nodded. Anything, other than a beating, would feel better!


    Picking up the dropped book, Nathan held it himself and said, ¡°Perhaps the Princess would like refreshments or is tired?¡±


    Dupli looked at the book and figured he had taken it off her now, she probably wasn¡¯t going to get it back¡­


    Putting her head down, feeling down again, she just nodded.


    Nathan sighed and shook his head, my dear girl, are you tired or do you want to eat? Or is it you want both?


    Unable to know which one she wants, Nathan guessed it would be better if she ate first.


    Grabbing her hand, he started to walk towards the dining hall.


    Dupli followed after Nathan. She felt immensely in the wrong place! She didn¡¯t know how to act full time as a Princess like this with somebody.


    She¡¯d already forgotten once that she had been the Princess¡­


    Knowing that she had to act graceful and proper, Dupli tried very hard to remember what had been taught to her.


    If she did badly, she would be punished!


    Taking a deep breath, Dupli focused.


    ¡°Ah, Princess, lunch won¡¯t be served for another half an hour. Will that be acceptable?¡± Nathan having inquired, turned back to Dupli, who was looking at the book in his hands.


    Sighing once again, he held out the book to her and simply said, ¡°Perhaps you would like to read, while we wait for lunch?¡±


    The shining stars in her eyes were back and that dazzling smile, ¡°I can read it?¡±


    His father had been totally wrong! This Princess, was as cute as a button, innocent as the child she is! He wanted to pamper her already!


    ¡°Yes! You can!¡± Nathan said enthusiastically.


    Gently taking the book, Dupli put her fingers lightly down the spine. She continued to be gentle as she slowly opened the book, making Nathan already think he¡¯d been completely forgotten.


    They were still standing, and she was already looking absolutely absorbed in the book!


    Suddenly, he felt like he lost something special!


    Only able to guide her to a chair, so that she could be comfortable, Nathen then turned and went to his father¡¯s office.


    Half an hour went by so fast, that Dupli had to be touched, to bring her back to the where she was outside of the book.


    In a rush, she put down the book and bowed, forgetting once again that she was supposed to be a Princess.


    ¡°Princess?¡±


    With this word, Dupli looked up and met Sandra¡¯s confused eyes.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry! I¡­¡± Dupli frowned, she was told never to apologize. That as a Princess, she didn¡¯t have too.


    Never understanding this, Dupli had already failed at it¡­


    ¡°Princess, please take a seat, it will only be a moment before lunch will be served.


    ¡°Ah¡­Thank you, very much.¡± Dupli felt like she had done miserably at everything!


    Feeling down over being such a bad Princess, Dupli thought that she should stay quiet now.


    Following Sandra a few steps, Dupli was guided into a head chair and welcomed to sit down. Sitting down, she had never thought someone would tuck the chair right underneath her and she stood back up.


    Having seen it a couple of times, it was different having to experience it personally. Sitting down once again, Dupli let out a careless smile.


    Really, this was so different! And I was to spend a whole week here!?


    Looking up at the rest of the people, and seeing them all take a seat, Dupli pursed her lips.


    Most people got over her strange behaviour quickly, as the food came in, but Nathan had a strange smile on his face.


    She really didn¡¯t act like a glamorous Princess at all¡­


    Perhaps her stay in the mountains really changed her or made her like a little kitten.


    Looking down at his plate, he decided then, that he will show her kittens tomorrow.


    Dupli couldn¡¯t believe the food! Were they all going to eat all of this!


    She only had a bowl for each meal, yet, on the table before them, was fruits, soups, bread, meat, pasta and a few vegetable plates.


    Looking at all the people here, then looking at the food, Dupli was sure there would be leftovers.


    She had never seen left overs. Food left over after everyone had eaten¡­What was that?


    Stuck in a stunned silence, Nathan took the initiative to give her some of the dishes and put them on her own small plate and bowl, ¡°Please try some, Princess.¡±


    Smiling, because of it¡¯s smell and look, Dupli didn¡¯t wait and took a spoon, lifting up the soup to her mouth.


    When she opened her eyes, after dreaming away to the taste, a few people were looking at her expectantly and she desperately wanted to pick up the bowl and just drink the soup¡­


    I¡¯m a Princess¡­She had to repeat this in her head, I¡¯m a Princess.


    Smiling, Dupli happily stated, ¡°It is very good!¡±


    A few let out happy smiles or laughs to her words.


    Dupli took in as much soup as she could with every spoonful, scared it will be taken away from her.


    After she couldn¡¯t get the tiny, little bit left in the bowl, Dupli decided to leave it and then try what else Nathan had given her.


    Picking up a piece of meat, ready to put into her mouth, Nathan quietly said, ¡°If you want, you can add more to the meat, you don¡¯t have to have it by itself.¡±


    Nathan didn¡¯t know if she was shy or someone that didn¡¯t act like a Princess at all.


    Looking at her and her actions all morning, Nathan already had his d0ubts.


    But, her innocence was too delightful to make his thoughts public. It would be a sad thing though, if this girl really wasn¡¯t the real Princess¡­


    ***


    Dupli was finally back within her room and the nanny suddenly jumped out at her.


    Pushing Dupli against the wall, the nanny got close to her ear and said, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Dupli really wanted to say the right thing, which one was right though?


    ¡°Dupli.¡± Taking a risk, she said the shortened name that she had been given, despising the longer version.


    ¡°Oh?¡± The nanny let go of Dupli and stood back. ¡°So, you do remember!?¡±


    Dupli bowed very respectively, ¡°Yes, of course!¡±


    ¡°Never forget it! Take the floor, I¡¯ll be sleeping on the bed!¡±


    Still bowing, Dupli said, ¡°Yes!¡±


    Dupli slowly showed her head, to seeing the nanny go to the bed, and she went to the adjacent room to remove the Princess¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°Blow out the candle!¡± The nanny said.


    Dupli closed her eyes briefly then quickly blew out the candle, leaving the room in darkness.


    How could she forget?


    Carefully, in the dark, Dupli tried to continue to change her clothes, but had difficulty.


    ¡°Quiet!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Dupli put the clothes upon a close by area, not sure what it was, and stood there for a moment. There was no sheet, pillow or blanket that she could use.


    The floor was timber, and when she kneeled down, not only was it cold, but much harder then what she was used to.


    Laying on it, Dupli found herself wanting to cry.


    How could she forget!?


    Her day had been so blessed, being able to read and taste such lovely food.


    But, she forgot, to come here and feel as though it was all just a dream. The Princess had so much¡­And she nothing.


    All the lovely things she had received, were limited and rare, it must be a dream¡­


    ***


    The next morning, Dupli had the sniffles, but the nanny looked as though she had no care for it. She made Dupli wait on her, by dressing her and making the bed. She had to scrub her back and put up her hair¡­


    Dupli, still in her under clothing and so cold that she was shivering, was finally able to get dressed herself.


    ¡°What are you waiting for!?¡± The nanny said impatiently.


    Nodding, because she feared she¡¯d cry if she talked, Dupli quickly got dressed and did everything herself. Her clumsy hair style did not look good enough, so the nanny told her to do it again¡­Then again¡­


    Her hands¡­She needed to stop her hands from shivering!


    Again, Dupli remembered about running away, changing her circumstance.


    If she wasn¡¯t so cold, she probably would have done her hair right the first time! Yet, this bullying, how had she forgotten about it! How could she forget on wanting to leave!?


    She was out of the palace, it probably was a good time¡­


    ¡°Hurry up!¡± The nanny repeated, at the door ready to exit.


    Putting on two pieces of jewellery, Dupli went to her and they left the room.


    Entering into the dining hall, Dupli stopped after the nurse and the nurse sneered at her, before she left for the maid¡¯s quarters.


    Watching her leave, Dupli had lost everything that she had gained the day before. She no longer wanted to be curious, nor did she want to eat great food.


    Her cold, indifferent face returned, and she heard the phrase in her mind calming her down.


    ¡°Princess?¡± Nathan asked.


    Seeing her turn to him, changed to a different look, Nathan almost took a step back in shock.


    Taking a step forward instead, he took her hand, noticing how cold it was, and squeezed it. ¡°If the Princess did not sleep well last night, then tonight will be better!¡±


    His low voice sounded strange to her. Looking at him, she wished it were true, but she doubted it¡­


    No words in return had been said, so Nathan tried to say something that the little girl will understand instead, ¡°I will be telling the nanny to sleep elsewhere from now on.¡±


    Widening her eyes, Dupli became instantly scared, ¡°Please, she looks after me.¡±


    Please don¡¯t! I will only get punished! Don¡¯t interfere, please!

 Chapter 8 ** Receiving And Releasing **

    <div>


    Nathan sighed in his heart, at the Princess¡¯s trembling mouth. Knowing that this little girl was scared¡­


    Having parted ways last night, he had stayed by her door, lingering silently while thinking, and he had heard enough from the nanny to realize that something was definitely not right.


    Knowing how she had acted and what had happened last night in her room, Nathan felt himself soften to this girl.


    Instead of being angry and wanting an explanation, he felt like he needed to save her.


    Already, he had told the servants, that the nanny was not to go up to the Princess¡¯s room from now on, and that they were to pass on that message.


    He really wanted to know how much guts this nanny had! Will she still go against the words from servants and make things hard for his guest once again?


    But, as he looked at this little girl, he wanted to instead make her smile and forget about what had happened.


    Pulling on her hand, he brought her to the head chair at the table, that she had sat at last time, and pushed the chair in himself, when she went to sit down.


    Dupli looked at him, then away, quietly saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Walking to his chair, he sat beside her and said happily, ¡°Your welcome.¡±


    Breakfast went by, but Dupli did not eat much.


    Twice, she politely left, to blow her nose and wash her hands.


    Feeling like she was already making mistakes so early in the morning, Dupli wanted to rest, but Nathan took her away before anyone could say anything.


    Their surprised faces didn¡¯t last particularly long, instead, they looked like they were expecting something to happen in due time.


    Already seeing their son so doting upon the Princess, they were very happy and continued on with their day.


    Nathan took Dupli out on horseback, holding her with him, as she hadn¡¯t known how to ride a horse.


    He knew of a place that had kittens, and he wanted to see how she would like to hold one.


    They didn¡¯t say much on the trip and Dupli stayed silent, even when she was back upon the ground again.


    The wind that had hit her face, as she had ridden the horse, and it had given her a good feeling, she felt that she wanted to do it again already!


    Even having these thoughts though, she was not going to ever admit to them or say them out loud. She had learnt her lesson, she was never to forget that she was a maid, a shadow¡­


    Patting the horse, silently thanking it for the ride, it gently nudged her, making her smile.


    ¡°Here.¡± Nathan said, putting an apple into her hand. ¡°Let him eat it.¡±


    Dupli took a deep breath and held out her hand and watched as the horse stole the apple from her.


    As the horse left some yucky, strange substance on her hands, Dupli made a strange face.


    Having this happen, she much preferred to just pat the horse instead¡­


    Looking at Nathan, she put her hands out like she wanted to get rid of them.


    Nathan laughed and went a few steps away and grabbed a towel. ¡°Here.¡±


    Dupli wiped her hands, still having a strange look upon her face, and Nathan let out another laugh.


    So adorable!


    After Dupli finish wiping her hands, Nathan put the towel away and grabbed her hand again, pulling her further around the side of the house they were at.


    When they got there, there were two children holding little baby kittens, that hadn¡¯t even opened their eyes yet.


    Dupli looked closer, then closer again, and started to smile once again.


    Pointing, she looked at Nathan and he nodded at her, smiling back.


    Not delaying, Dupli picked up a meowing kitten and held it to her chest.


    Patting the little thing very lightly, Dupli¡¯s eyes became stars once again.


    ¡°Do you want it?¡± He asked, watching her. She really held so much of his attention for some reason, he never cared much for the opposite sex at all, so why did she stand out?


    Dupli suddenly lost her smile, if she were to try and bring this kitten back¡­¡°No.¡±


    Losing her enthusiasm, she returned the crying kitten and just looked at them.


    They were just in a box, with one towel on the bottom¡­Dupli suddenly wondered what would happen to them¡­


    Were they cold?


    But really, even if this small box were cold for them, if she were to take one, it could only die¡­It was still better that they stay here, in this box¡­


    ¡°Princess, next time I see you smiling, I¡¯m not going to say a word¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± Nathan said. He had really thought this trip was going to be great, but he had wrecked it.


    If his guess was right and she wasn¡¯t the real Princess, how could she keep a kitten?


    He felt like a big idiot!


    Having got swept away and wanting to make her smile, he had completely forgotten reason!


    Dupli turned away and walked into a grassy opened area. The view was quite nice, seeing small little houses every now and again, but mostly the land held animals and fences.


    Looking up, she saw birds flying around and wished that she could become one of them.


    ¡­If she was a bird, where would she fly too? Would she fly all over the place? Would she fly to someone¡¯s house and become their pet?


    Strangely, even being a pet and having an owner, seemed so much better then her life as of present. She was already caged, she was already a pet¡­But, if she was a bird¡­Would she be treated better?


    Nathan, walking up to her, seeing the longing in her face and wondered if she wanted a pet bird instead. But, after a while, the longing seemed to find him thinking that perhaps she wanted to be the bird¡­Making him sad. Normally children wanted to be birds, so that they could fly, but her longing may mean that she wanted to fly away¡­Far away.


    ¡­Nathan felt like things had changed since yesterday and they weren¡¯t small changes, this girl¡­


    The little girl beside him, even made him sad, and he had no idea why.


    It was like she was taking on the world, that she was hurting so much that it was starting to flow out¡­


    What else was he to do?


    Taking her into his arms, he hugged her.


    ¡°Please¡­¡±


    He interrupted her, ¡°Just let someone hug you when you¡¯re sad. Just like this.¡±


    Dupli put her head onto his chest and felt warm inside. It was way too much of a good feeling, that it spilled out all the tears that had wanted to come out for hours, days, weeks¡­Years.


    She held tightly onto his clothes and quietly stood there.


    Receiving a hug, after all this time, was like she had received all her birthday presents and Christmas presents all in one.


    How had she known in the first place, that hugs were good? How did he know that she needed one?


    Slightly trembling now, as more tears escaped her eyes, Dupli tried to stop.


    But, it was the first hug received after so much pain¡­


    All of what she remembers, raced up and she felt it all over again. The water¡­Becoming a duplicate, being bullied, hit, whipped, nearly killed¡­


    For at least an hour, Dupli was unable to move, as her sorrows seeped out of her slowly and made Nathans shirt wet.


    Nathan, not knowing how deeply this child was hurt, didn¡¯t know how to calm her down.


    He was sure that she wasn¡¯t trying to look like a girl trying to get something out of him, just because she had cried. No, this girl, had tried hard not to cry, and now she just burst!


    Whatever she was going through¡­He wanted it to stop! Having her fall apart like this, this innocent little girl, he nearly cried himself. Her desolate, lonely figure that was inside his arms, felt like it was breaking apart, that she would become nothing¡­As time went by, he felt like she may disappear if he wasn¡¯t careful, that she could be as fleeting as the wind¡­


    Dupli hadn¡¯t cried like that at all¡­From what she could remember. The most she had cried, was for a little while before she fell asleep at the hidden palace, but they had been standing there for ages and Dupli finally was able to think about Nathan and feel bad for her actions.


    Bowing her head in embarrassment, she wanted to make amends, as she couldn¡¯t bare the idea of this person, who was the first to hug her, would hate her for crying as she just had, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should have rested after breakfast, and not¡­¡±


    ¡°No, you needed it. Whatever you say, what you needed most, at that moment, was a hug.¡± Nathan stepped back a step and sighed, ¡°Let¡¯s ride back.¡±


    Before Dupli could say anything, he picked her up and he nearly went into another shock because of her weight.


    Determined, he walked towards his horse and put her on there and then got up behind her.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Making her fall against him, he said, ¡°If you want to sleep, then sleep.¡±


    Dupli didn¡¯t sleep, instead she watched the scenery go by, feeling quite deflated.


    Not once had she done this before and she had no idea on how to continue. Why had she cried so desperately, to a man she hardly knew? Why did it spill out with no control? Did she feel better? Did it fix her situation?


    Being confused, she just stayed silent, pursing her lips and her eyes still red from crying¡­


    Slowing down, Nathan wanted Dupli to be ready, for when they returned back, and hoped that she would be back to who she was yesterday. It was a lot easier yesterday¡­


    She had changed drastically overnight, and he hoped that he had got rid of the worry now. The nanny should not be involved anymore, and then she will smile once again.


    ¡­Only time would tell.


    ***


    Having cried and before that, slept on the bare floor the night before, Dupli became nearly soulless. She felt utterly exhausted and started to feel the chill from the wind. Her arms felt heavy and limp, and her eyes started to flutter close.


    Nathan, having taken her off the horse, he saw that she became quite unresponsive and just decided he¡¯d carry her back to her room instead.


    After she her feet were off the ground, she seemed to completely nod off straight away. Her tiny, light body, looked weak to Nathan, and the fact that she clenched his shirt into her hands, made her look like a frightened animal.


    What was this girl¡¯s burdens?


    Nathan went past two servants and his mother, not stopping for a moment, even when his mother was anxious about a Princess being carried like she had fainted!


    Placing her down on the bed, Nathan tucked her in and left the room quietly.


    Walking down to his mother, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t let anyone disturb her.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the Princess, my dear?¡± Sandra asked.


    Nathan sighed, ¡°She probably has a cold, get some cold medicine ready too.¡±


    When he walked away after that, his mother was hoping that nothing too drastic had happened. After all, the girl¡¯s father was the King of Eden!


    Shaking her head and sighing, she got out some cold medicine and started to get it ready.


    Without anyone knowing, the nanny marched towards the Princess¡¯s room and quietly closed the door after herself.


    Sneering to the person in the bed, she looked around and found a towel.


    Picking it up, she went to the basin and wet it.


    This girl shouldn¡¯t be used! She was going to ruin the Princess!


    Having seen her coming back in a man¡¯s arms, with her own eyes, the nanny must discipline her!


    But, before she could even start, she was suddenly taken through wind and landed outside, quite a few metres away from the room upstairs.


    Having fallen to such a degree, she hadn¡¯t landed good and the nanny tried to cry in pain to her old knees and ankles. But the air in her lungs had evaded her and she even had trouble breathing for a while, making her unable to call for help.


    What had just happened?


    The nanny tried to breath properly and was able to sit up, she touched her knees and ankle, and was sure that the fall had done something to her¡­This was not good!


    She had to discipline that girl¡­But now that she was hurt, she most likely might to be stuck in bed for the duration of the rest of the stay here!


    Yet, how could she explain how she had gotten hurt!? She was certain that she had just been on the second floor and had literally been taken from there¡­


    Looking to see that she was on hay, she felt lucky that she hadn¡¯t landed on the hard ground instead¡­But, what exactly just happened? How would she explain this later!?


    The pain stopped her thoughts and she was finally able to call for help¡­


    Whereas, inside of the room on the second floor, Sebastian looked upon the deeply, sleeping girl and sighed. Picking up the wet towel, that was dropped by the nanny, he put it on the girl¡¯s forehead and gently smiled at her.


    ¡°The last time you were sick, you didn¡¯t want me to heal you. But after two days, I realized why! You wanted me to wait on you all the time!¡±


    Moving a strain of her hair, Sebastian chuckled.


    She was such a weak little one at the moment.


    Knowing that she should get over her cold shortly, he instead moved her arm and looked behind it¡­Seeing the mole¡­


    Gently putting her arm back, he sat down on the bed and smiled.


    It has to be true now, the Princess is Davina. Then he must forget about the maid¡­


    Yet¡­The bracelet wasn¡¯t on her wrist¡­


    Sebastian turned to see the jewellery box and figured that she had put it in there for safe keeping. Since that was a practical answer, he didn¡¯t think beyond that of the loss of the bracelet upon her hand¡­


    Having noticed the Princess¡¯s absence from the capital, Sebastian had rushed here, to Lord Wiltsing¡¯s residence, and even realized what was going on.


    It looks like they were looking for suitors for the Princess, and one of the boys here probably was a candidate.


    Wanting to immediately tell her that she can¡¯t accept another, Sebastian wondered if he should take the Royal Consort¡¯s invitation and go to see her. He didn¡¯t think something like this would happen so quickly, so it hadn¡¯t really clicked until now. But, since it has, he had to make certain that the only husband his beloved will have, would of course be him!


    Perhaps that was the reason for him to be summoned to see the Royal Consort in the first place, so that she could see his potential.


    Regretting his total negligence to something that is most likely important, Sebastian decided to see the Royal Consort when he was to return to the capital.


    Yet, she doesn¡¯t remember him¡­


    Pretty sure that the Princess will be here for a short time, as she shouldn¡¯t travel, because she was sick. Sebastian came up with an idea.


    He will use this time for her to get to know him once again.


    Picking up her hand, Sebastian lightly touched it, ¡°So troublesome.¡±


    He doted so much upon the girl, that he didn¡¯t even know if she¡¯d still prefer to not be healed this time.


    Her cold wasn¡¯t that bad, so she would be ok¡­


    She was the leader¡­Always. He followed just about anything that she wanted, she led him to where she wanted to go. He was always just happy to have her by his side¡­So, wherever she wanted to go was where he wanted to go too!


    He grew his hair, because she told him too, he taught her inner force and how to do Martial Arts, because she told him too¡­


    She didn¡¯t change, each time, she always liked to make the rules up and only she could change them!


    Smiling at memories, Sebastian lightly touched her cheek. ¡°Always so troublesome.¡±


    Hearing someone coming towards this area, Sebastian got up and flew out the window, disappearing like he had never been there¡­


    An older maid came in, she was Sandra¡¯s personal maid, and she put the cold medicine on the bedside table.


    ¡°Princess?¡±


    Dupli didn¡¯t hear her at all¡­


    Her dreams became filled with yet another thing she thought to be real¡­


    ¡°Frogs jump!¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­They¡­Jump¡­¡± Dupli found this voice familiar¡­And sounding quite funny.


    ¡°Make them walk!¡±


    ¡°¡­We can¡¯t force a frog to walk, Davina.¡±


    She felt herself pout, ¡°We can make chimes move and make music, why can¡¯t we make a frog walk!?¡±


    A strange cough was sounded, ¡°¡­Well, there are just some things in the world that you can¡¯t force.¡±


    Silence filled her dream.


    ¡°Davina, sweetheart, don¡¯t you think¡­A frog would look silly if it walked instead of jumped?¡±


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­Will you let the frog go?¡±


    Dupli saw a frog in her closed hands, ¡°¡­If inner force can¡¯t be used, can I teach, teach it to walk instead?¡±


    A handsome chuckle sounded, and Dupli found herself floating¡­


    ***


    ¡°Princess?¡± The older maid had taken a seat and had been quiet for half an hour. When she saw the Princess start to move slowly and then turn her head, she got up and walked towards the bed.


    Dupli looked at the person and tried to remember where she was.


    ¡°Take this medicine, Princess. It is for your cold.¡± The maid said, showing the small bowl on the bedside table.


    Dupli nodded and took the medicine.


    For the next day, Dupli stayed in bed, she slept quite often and when she was awake, a maid would then leave to let Nathan know.


    Once, upon wakening, she had thought she¡¯d seen that man from the capital, but she put it as a dream. Actually, even though she was sick, she felt like she was in a continuous dream¡­The bed was so comfortable that she never wanted to get out of it, and food was delivered straight to her bed!


    It became a burden to leave the bed to do her deeds, because all she wanted to do was lay on the comfy bed. The blankets smelt nice and were so warm!


    The food was healthy and made her feel slightly better¡­It was¡­Like a dream!


    Nathan would come to see her, with a different book each time in his hands.


    The first time, he had the book that she had started to read the day before. He had tried to understand which genre she would like to read but failed in wanting to go into a specific conversation when Dupli had just said that she liked them all¡­


    For a time, he had been silent and then had said that he¡¯ll bring a different book next time for her to read.


    Dupli could only smile back and wonder if she said the right thing. She had hardly seen the Princess reading, but, she wasn¡¯t by the Princess¡¯s side at all times and perhaps she did read when she wasn¡¯t around.


    After a short talk, the medicine came, and Dupli would then take it and lay back down again.


    Nathan left and had gone to the library in search of another book, taking great care into choosing¡­


    Waking the next time, having not read anything yet. Dupli felt more energetic and after having a meal, she started to read the book Nathan had brought the last time.


    Not long after, he visited her again, with the second book.


    Dupli really wanted to cheer, even though she was in bed, she felt very special!


    Taking the book, Dupli thanked him.


    Nathan could only try and speak of what she would like to do when she was well again. He came up with several suggestions, but she seemed to have dulled back down and easily lost her smile. Even though he saw curiosity in her eyes, he felt like there was something strong from letting her show it. She was so hard to figure out, that he had spent at least an hour so far, thinking about why she was like this. Someone that seemed to want to be that innocent, little girl but couldn¡¯t be. He worried, as the distant, cold look really didn¡¯t seem to match who she was, and since it was like that¡­What has she gone through to become this way?


    It was such a mystery to Nathan, that as the days were passing, the time spent thinking about this little girl, seemed to grow¡­


    Having a conversation that lasted an hour, it was only then that Nathan left Dupli¡¯s room. This short stay, didn¡¯t satisfy his want to be by her side, but he didn¡¯t think there was anything he could do about it. She was hardly responding to anything he was saying, and it was becoming a little uncomfortable, giving him no other option but to leave her be.


    Dupli hadn¡¯t been ready to go back to sleep again, and she got up and went to the window, that was now closed.


    It was already the third day she had been there, and it was already getting dark¡­Soon it will be the fourth¡­


    A bad feeling rose inside her, thinking of what might happen upon her return back to the capital and shivers went through her.


    ¡°Cold?¡±


    Looking up, she saw Sebastian climb in through the window, just in front of her, making her take a step back.


    Climbing the rest of the way through, he picked up a blanket and put it around her. ¡°You are getting better, don¡¯t get sicker by not staying warm.¡±


    Dupli didn¡¯t know what to say¡­


    ¡°You¡­Don¡¯t remember me?¡±


    Dupli knew vaguely of the dreams and voice, but¡­


    ¡­The real Princess wouldn¡¯t know!


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Then, shall I remind you?¡± Sebastian asked.


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t bring up the past!¡± Dupli said. She wasn¡¯t used to speaking like this, but not only was it familiar, but she had to make it clear, that he can¡¯t bring up the past¡­If he was, wouldn¡¯t he realize that the Princess wasn¡¯t her? Wouldn¡¯t that only cause more trouble?


    Sighing in his heart, Sebastian could only nod. Perhaps later she will bring it up herself, when she remembers.


    ¡°Very well. How about we start again then?¡±


    Looking at the man in her temporary bedroom, Dupli really couldn¡¯t help but feel familiar. She wasn¡¯t scared, she wasn¡¯t shy, just¡­She was supposedly the Princess¡­


    ¡°Do you like me?¡± Dupli asked, it was a hard question, but¡­


    ¡°¡­No one else.¡± Sebastian said. It didn¡¯t take any effort at all to show how sincere he was about his beloved.


    Dupli sat down on the bed behind her.


    Again¡­The Princess had so much¡­


    ¡°Why?¡± Dupli really didn¡¯t understand. The Princess was a nasty girl, a bully that literally hurts people¡­


    Sebastian had seen her this insecure before, and he was happy to oblige her, ¡°Well, because your smile lights my world. Your stubbornness and determination puts colours into my world and your sweet temperament makes my world full and content¡­¡±


    Dupli interrupted him, not sure if she could hear anymore, ¡°And if I change?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean change?¡± He asked.


    Dupli looked up and stared at him, ¡°If I change my personality¡­Would you still¡­Like me then?¡±


    Sebastian took two steps towards her and took her hand, kissing it, ¡°No one else¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­I want to be alone.¡±


    Gently putting down her hand again, Sebastian could only sigh to the small amount of progress he¡¯s made. ¡°I will return tomorrow.¡±


    Before she could tell him not too, he jumped out the window and disappeared.


    Closing her eyes, she slouched and put a hand to her head.


    She wasn¡¯t sure of the feeling that overwhelmed her¡­But all she knew, was that it wasn¡¯t nice¡­It was heartbreakingly bad¡­


    It was¡­Betrayal¡­


    ***


    Dupli¡¯s heart seemed to have frozen over that night.


    Whatever Nathan wanted to do, never happened¡­Her smile had completely disappeared.


    For the rest of Dupli¡¯s stay, she tried to stay in her room, only venturing out for food and two walks around the estate.


    Nathan had accompanied her, but whatever he said, Dupli had not given him anything to continue with.


    Actually, Dupli¡¯s mind was considering options.


    After that¡­Night¡­She decided she wasn¡¯t going to return. Picturing the potential future of the Princess being with that man, seemed to hurt her beyond believe and she didn¡¯t want to see it¡­At all!


    Nothing else seemed to matter anymore. She only dressed and spoke of a Princess, but the maid Dupli, was really shining through the cracks.


    Her face was cold, her actions detached, and she had hardly spoke a word.


    Now all she thought, what was the best way to not return to the capital.


    She had learnt a lot and now even read a few more books, so she was more and more determined, as the time to leave got closer and closer.


    Sebastian had visited her every night, sharing with her some poems and even continue to read from where she was up in the book that she was reading. He would take her into his arms and place her on his lap, making her long even more for something she couldn¡¯t have.


    Another night, he had gone into Martial Arts and inner force, making a slight change of interest in Dupli, as she listened to him. On the last night¡­He told her he was going to ask for her hand in marriage, before anyone else tries to take her away.


    Trying to act as though she was really happy, she told him to go and do it now.


    Knowing that she was only going to come back to the capital the next day anyway, Sebastian squeezed her hand and nodded happily, before he left.


    She knew it, as she watched his disappearance, she knew she wouldn¡¯t see him for a while, if ever again. She still wasn¡¯t sure how she was going to achieve her most dominating thoughts at present, but she had to make them a reality!


    She was leaving! The maid, the shadow, the pitiful bullied girl who hardly ate and hardly smiled¡­She was leaving all this behind!

 Chapter 9 ** Having Freedom And Independence **

    <div>


    Upon leaving Lord Wiltsing¡¯s estate, Dupli was polite and did not stay longer.


    Nathan could only watch her leave, knowing that she was really unhappy. He had tried to coax her for days, but nothing seemed to crack her shell now. Her walls were solid, having forced her heart into some kind of depth that he could only dream about. His thoughts had taken him to a few ideas on why she acted this way but was still unsure if any of those ideas were real.


    He could only work on what he did know, and that was, she wasn¡¯t the real Princess, her nanny was nasty to her and that she was carrying a heavy burden. She was unhappy and detached, making him believe that she was used to being bullied. She was also hiding a very beautiful person in amongst all that sorrow, one he very much wanted to dote upon again, to see that genuine smile¡­Yes, he had thought about this girl to such an extent¡­


    Seeing the nanny be helped up onto the carriage, because of her broken leg and very sore ankles, Nathan sighed as the carriage left.


    ¡°What is the matter, my boy?¡±


    Nathan looked at his father, ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°The King will ask for an audience soon¡­What are we going to tell him?¡±


    Looking back at the carriage, Nathan still barely knew that person¡­Yet¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she will marry me, father. We can say that the Princess¡¯s stay went well and just leave it at that.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think she¡¯ll marry you? Don¡¯t you want to marry her?¡± His father personally thought that they had gotten on well together, hadn¡¯t they progressed that far?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Nathan sighed and walked into the house.


    ***


    Dupli waited until the Lord Wiltsing estate was out of sight, then looked at the nanny, who was glaring at her. ¡°Who are you!?¡±


    Dupli stood and hit the nanny around the neck and shoulder areas.


    Staring at the nanny who had fainted away, Dupli smiled, ¡°I am someone that is now free!¡±


    Taking off the Princess¡¯s clothes, the stashed maid clothes in them that she stole from Lord Wiltsing¡¯s estate, fell down in the bundle.


    Getting dressed again, then redoing her hair and taking off her jewellery, she become a maid once again.


    Opening a small purse, that she now takes with her everywhere, she got out the mask and placed it over her face.


    Wanting to take the jewellery with her to help, Dupli hesitated.


    She hated it!


    She hated anything to do with the Princess!


    Rushing out of the moving carriage, she rolled heavily along the ground and then quickly hid behind a tree.


    In her haste to leave that wretched life, she hadn¡¯t thought about the coachmen stopping the carriage.


    Seeing the carriage stop, Dupli hissed and then ran away, trying to hide herself in the small number of bushes and trees, that were on either side of the road.


    She did not look back, nor did she stop. She wanted to run to the other side of the world! Never wanting to see the Princess or those maids ever again!


    She was even so mad as to think that she didn¡¯t even want to see that man again!


    Tears pricked at her eyes and a sad smile slowly formed on her face¡­For all that she endured, and what she had now, the past and future were now hers. That man¡­Didn¡¯t belong¡­With her.


    She was now free¡­She was free! Why be sad, she should be happy!


    Putting her arms out and turning around in circles, Dupli started to finally feel like she had accomplished the worst part of her life¡­


    Now, she could finally start to live properly¡­Do something that counted!


    Breathing out deeply, she stopped moving and decided that her real life¡­Started right now!


    ***


    Within two years¡­Many things happened.


    Not only did Sebastian force his way in to see King Antonio, he asked for the Princess¡¯s hand in marriage and showed that he was the Pure Priest, by healing the King. These matters didn¡¯t go as quickly as said, but once the King was healed, his mind seemed easily changed to what Sebastian wanted it to be.


    Being granted permission to marry the Princess, they were officially engaged.


    Dupli, having disappeared, the nanny ended up breathing her last. The Princess did not care at all, that this nanny had been with her since birth, and watched with her own eyes as the nanny had died.


    Not only did Dupli know of their secret, of using her as a duplication, but they owned her, and people you own shouldn¡¯t run off!


    But, they couldn¡¯t widely search for a maid, as her secret couldn¡¯t be released. So, they never found her¡­


    When Nathan had gone to the capital with his father, they had told the King the visit had been good. That they were thinking of not staying in the capital though and asked to perhaps meet another time.


    Their straight forward refusal to stay long, was an obvious answer to the King, that the second son was not interested in his daughter.


    But he had a strange, new future son in law that seemed to accept the Princess anyway. So, the King did not show any discord to Lord Wiltsing and his second son at all, even gifting them a small precious item in thanks for taking care of the Princess.


    Nathan didn¡¯t leave straight away though, he went to meet the Princess formally and found that he had been right.


    The person who had come to their residence, was not the person that he had met in the capital!


    Upon knowing this, Nathan discretely stayed in the capital a short time, to investigate who the other person was¡­But never found her.


    Having spoken to a maid from the Princess¡¯s courtyard, by getting someone to take her by force, Nathan had questioned her and all she could say was that a maid named ¡®Dupli¡¯ had disappeared and that she was probably dead.


    Sending the maid back, Nathan was sad to this ¡®Dupli¡¯s¡¯ unfortunate life¡­


    But, having thought on it for a day and having her disappear¡­At the same time that he met the Princess at his residence, Nathan had a bad feeling¡­


    Unfortunate¡­Never came back¡­Probably dead¡­


    Leaving the capital, to return home. Nathan could only feel bad for not trying harder to help her. In the depths of his mind though, he desperately hoped that the person he was looking for, was not this unfortunate maid that had apparently died. He would not believe it possible, he could not. For¡­If it were her¡­


    Nathan felt cold shivers travel through him, as he remembered that first night the ¡®Princess¡¯ had been at their home¡­¡®Who are you?¡¯¡­¡¯..upli.¡¯


    The whispered answer¡­It was so close to Dupli¡­Please don¡¯t be this Dupli! Please!


    Sebastian visited the Princess once one night and noticed a change in her straight away.


    He had not come at all to advance on her, he just wanted to spend time with her¡­


    She was clingy and excited¡­And he was not¡­After all, she had a word that needed to be said, for him to change from being a big brother¡­


    Sebastian ended up leaving, deciding that he won¡¯t see her at night for a while.


    One other time, that he was able to see the Princess was while she was out, but he found that, once again, she was not the same and had changed. The only familiar thing about her, was that bracelet on her wrist and her familiar face¡­Everything else seemed off¡­Wrong!


    Only spending a small amount of time in her presence, Sebastian then found himself annoyed.


    Remembering the conversation that they had, when she had been sick at Lord Wiltsing¡¯s residence, Sebastian could only sigh and do what he must, to stay by her side.


    Perhaps¡­It was a test¡­


    But not long after that, the King had respectfully asked him if he could help heal the Queen and if he would become a teacher to Prince Heath.


    At this time, Sebastian was thinking that it was probably a good idea and accepted. For some strange reason, he felt that there wasn¡¯t much need to worry about the Princess¡¯s safety and that getting away for a short time, might be exactly what he and his beloved needed¡­


    Over the time, Sebastian saw less and less of the Princess and focused on the Prince. He normally didn¡¯t get himself into matters such as this, but the Princess didn¡¯t seem to want to change back. And, he was having trouble accepting this new personality of hers. Once, he had even seen her being cruel to a maid¡­


    It was not what he was used to at all. As far as he was aware the maid hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, and his beloved never liked to harm others unless it was necessary, especially when they had done nothing to her to begin with¡­The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    But seeing this being done, had reminded him of the maid ¡®Dupli¡¯ and over a couple of months, her face grew more and more in his mind. His heart was faltering once again, and he finally wanted to find out what was going on with the maid that he had not seen since she had been seriously hurt, nearly six months ago.


    When he finally decided to find out, his heart had been clenched on pictures in his mind, on how she had been enduring all this time. But he had not expected¡­To find out that she was dead.


    He had been the one to take a maid himself, coming from behind, so that he couldn¡¯t be seen. But when he had heard that ¡®Dupli¡¯ had disappeared over five months ago and was assumed dead. He felt himself go weak.


    He remembered how weak she was and how she had auburn hair.


    Having not seen if she had the mole on her arm, Sebastian suddenly felt like he¡¯d lost his world. Dark, dim and bland.


    Had he chosen the wrong one?


    But, at the estate¡­


    Not caring that the maid had turned to see his face, he picked himself up and left¡­


    He was supposed to have gone back to the Prince, but he could hardly stand properly at the moment.


    If ¡®Dupli¡¯ had been Davina¡­He had totally let her down!


    There was not even a chance to see if she had that mole¡­There was no chance of seeing her at all!


    It had been close to six months with no one caring¡­They didn¡¯t even know what happened to her body, they didn¡¯t know how she officially died. He could hear the indifferent way they had told him, the way they seemed as though they wanted to shrug it off¡­How could a death mean so little¡­


    She¡­Was gone¡­


    With this sudden news and his strong feelings towards this maid, Sebastian also mysteriously disappeared¡­


    ***


    Dupli had indeed come to an end¡­As she named herself differently. Kaira was her name now.


    She had thought of going back to being Davina, but she had not wanted to think that she was becoming her past. She was different now, having gone through¡­Well, she had gone through enough that she didn¡¯t want to go back to something that seemed more like a fairy-tale. Not only was that older lady that had seemed to look after her back then, that perhaps saved her life, was no longer with her¡­But, that man¡­He was in love with someone else¡­


    Kaira was determined to start fresh, find other things that were special and make sure that she makes the best of her time from now on. All that time of her life, where she had nothing, she wanted to find things to give her life meaning¡­


    Over the last two years, Kaira had slowly remembered who she used to be, before the Royal Consort had found her in the river.


    To a certain decree of remembering all of these now unlocked memories, they helped her become stronger.


    Her childhood was good, with her big brother and an older woman. They hadn¡¯t been involved particularly in any of the countries and were just by themselves with a little house.


    She had been enthusiastic about learning¡­She wanted to know everything! Yet, that hadn¡¯t seemed to change¡­


    Learning Martial Arts, inner force, learning how to read and write¡­As much as she wanted it then, she also wanted it now as well!


    But the basics was all she was able to learn, as she had no more time before she had been forced to run away.


    She loved chimes¡­Still loves them¡­And had wanted to have things her way a lot, even finding other ways to get things to go her way¡­Often, she had done something hard to accomplish and stated she must have a reward for completing it¡­And then there had been some strange instances that she wanted to use force to change something, like that of the frog and wanting it to walk instead of jump.


    She had not understood why people had to sleep lying down, and had tried to sleep on her feet instead, having thought using inner force will make it happen. Another time she had used inner force, was when she had put her own hair up¡­That hadn¡¯t worked out well either¡­


    She had been addicted to inner force and had always wanted to use it, but she had only been able to use it for a year before she had been chased away¡­


    Kaira could only laugh at her previous, cheeky self. But, slowly, as two years went by, she was becoming herself once again.


    And she was just as stubborn as ever!


    ***


    First, after running away from being ¡®Dupli¡¯, she had been living in an abandoned hut, in a forest. Getting her own food and keeping herself relatively clean¡­She made bow and arrows and tried to use them but wasn¡¯t much good at it. In which she ended up breaking them because she felt terrible about having wasted her time in the first place to make them¡­


    She then started to wonder what she was going to do. She was free now, and all she had done was stay in the forest¡­Wasn¡¯t she going to be free and do something?


    Being such a nobody before, she had gotten used to thinking that she couldn¡¯t go out and do as she pleased. Having taken at least a week to see this, she had become upset that she was still living a little bit like Dupli, the name and person she wanted to break free from in the first place!


    Yet, here she was¡­Still afraid¡­


    She didn¡¯t know what to do to change this, all she knew is that she wanted to change it. She wasn¡¯t Dupli anymore!


    She said it out loud, then yelled it to the forest around her!


    ¡°I am not Dupli anymore!¡±


    Breathing heavily afterwards¡­Kaira had felt better!


    Also, Kaira seemed to have seen the end of her mask¡­As it started to fall off.


    It wasn¡¯t like they lasted for live, but it was just bad timing for her to need a new one.


    The hut that supplied her mask in the first place, was¡­Somewhere¡­And she wouldn¡¯t know how to do it by herself. So, what could be done, but live without it?


    She felt like there was a bad reason to not having her mask, but she had no idea where to go to get another one.


    Trying to think of what she was going to do for her new, awaiting future, she remembered the house in her dream¡­


    It had been near water, the big sea of water¡­


    Kaira wondered if she should go there instead. Maybe it will help her remember, or maybe there was something valuable still there that would help her.


    But, what was she to do with it, even if she did find something? What if the bad man were still there!?


    Never have held money before, she found the situation helpless¡­


    The more and more she thought about what she could do, the more she got confused.


    She was alright here, being able to eat and survive, but it¡¯s like she was hiding. Was she going to hide forever?


    Kaira really was at a loss now. She didn¡¯t regret leaving her cage, but she still hadn¡¯t learnt enough about the outside world.


    As it was, she was still scared of the dark and the howling in the forest¡­Luckily, she hadn¡¯t been in any bad way when it comes to the animals in the forest. If she needed to protect herself, she used her inner force and waited to be scared until the fight would be over. One time she had killed a big bear and after she had killed it, she had shivered so much that she wasn¡¯t able to skin it properly¡­


    But, all this time in the forest had helped her get better and better at protecting herself¡­And she must protect herself, that was first!


    ***


    For the first six months after her escape and gaining her freedom, she stayed in the forest and tried to remember any kind of Martial Arts training and inner force training.


    But, she had run out of ideas and believed she finally had to leave this forest.


    Gotten a little more mature, as the time had gone by, Kaira was able to handle the howls and darkness now.


    She was also growing stronger through not just her Martial Arts but eating a lot more meat as well.


    She really hadn¡¯t been ready to run away, when she had first thought about it back at the hidden palace. She wouldn¡¯t have lasted very long at all! Even though she had been treated very poorly, she was glad that she had stayed at the hidden palace all that time ago.


    It saddened her though, because she started to realize that she had been different, that the other maids had not gone through what she had. Was it because she was the ¡®duplicate¡¯ to the Princess? Was it because she had looked different with the mask?


    Thinking back to all the times they had punished and hurt her, Kaira hated that she did still have to stay there and go through all that pain¡­Knowing now that she would have died if she had run away, but having to go through what she had, it felt like she still lost¡­Even now, six months later, she didn¡¯t feel safe, she was still afraid¡­She was still hiding!


    Having learnt to skin, sew and cook, she had stayed warm and well feed. The only thing she lacked was more variety of vegetables. She could only find two and after six months¡­That was boring¡­


    But the best thing, after gaining her freedom, was her thoughts. Her thoughts had slowly changed. She no longer thought of ending her life, in fact, she was thrilled and totally happy with her circumstances. Even though she was by herself and still somewhat afraid of leaving the forest, she knew she was still a lot better then what she had been previously, when she was a maid. Everything was great! Well, compared to what she had before, it was great!


    Getting dirty was great! Getting shocked at seeing a spider was great! Doing Martial Arts, cooking for only herself, making crude attire for herself to wear, having turned thirteen!


    Her life was hers and¡­It was great!


    But¡­It was time to leave, as even vaguely remembering her dreams, didn¡¯t seem to help improve her inner force and Martial Arts anymore either. Although, some weren¡¯t dreams¡­They were nightmares¡­But she had to learn to overcome her fear¡­What else was she to do? She didn¡¯t want nightmares to ruin her life!


    So, when she was awake, she would completely forget her nightmares, which helped her become strong enough to do the last step outside of the forest¡­To venture out into the unknown¡­


    Leaving the forest, she tried to figure out where she was.


    When she had gotten off the carriage and ran, all that time ago, she had run south, away from the capital, but it seemed she still really wasn¡¯t that far away from Gulberg. It was seen in the far distance and Kaira wondered if she should go there.


    She needed a sword for more training in Martial Arts, as using a stick didn¡¯t really help her anymore¡­It would always break when she used it¡­


    Following the forest line, closer towards Gulberg, Kaira was still trying to figure out what to do.


    Perhaps walk around a bit, eat a few different things¡­Wouldn¡¯t she need a library? Read a few books, then maybe go back into the forest again?


    The idea didn¡¯t sound too bad, especially when the forest felt safer to her then being anywhere else right now, but the only library she knew of, was at¡­Lord Wiltsing¡¯s residence¡­Which apparently wasn¡¯t even a real library¡­


    Stopping in her tracks, Kaira wondered if she should go to Lord Wiltsing¡¯s estate but thought against it. If they saw her¡­What would she do? Or¡­What would they do? She had been there as a Princess!


    Kaira shook her head, no she can¡¯t go there!


    She really didn¡¯t want to find any kind of trouble¡­She wanted to avoid any kind of punishment!


    Just because she hadn¡¯t received any kind of punishment in the last six months, didn¡¯t mean she wasn¡¯t scared of it anymore. Kaira was still scared to see anyone that might know of who she had used to be, then¡­


    Deciding to see if there might be another library in Gulberg, she started to head towards the city. Having this one goal in mind, made her feel better. Surely, if she only had one goal, wouldn¡¯t it be easier to accomplish?


    Just one thing¡­One¡­


    Gulberg being a pretty well protected area, even though the wall wasn¡¯t really that high, nor was it thick. The guards were only guarding the entrances but not on top of the wall, as the war was long over now.


    And Kaira wanted to walk right in, but the guards had stopped her.


    ¡°Miss, do you have a pass?¡±


    What¡¯s a pass?


    Kaira could only look at them helplessly, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then there is no entrance, you must have a pass!¡± The guard looked beyond her, even though there was no one there at present.


    ¡°How do I get a pass?¡± Kaira asked.


    The guard looked down at her, astonished. She was just a little girl of thirteen at this time. Her innocence seems to soften the guard and he said, ¡°Your mother and father will provide you with a pass, young one.¡±


    Looking down, Kaira put her hands behind her back and got sad. Biting her lip, she determinedly looked up and said, ¡°If I don¡¯t have a mother or father, how do I get a pass?¡±


    The guard looked at the lone girl and suddenly felt for her. Was she alone then?


    ¡°Orphans can be let in if they are checked.¡± The guard said. He nodded to the other guard and he disappeared, then he looked back at the little girl.


    Kaira looked up at him, and smiled, ¡°Then can I be checked?¡±


    The guard nodded, ¡°Just wait.¡±


    But, she had now waited an hour, even taking refuge near the wall, where there was a small shadow.


    Bringing her legs in against her, she looked even tinier and the guard continued to check on her and guard at the same time.


    The other guard returned, nodding at the other guard and stood back at his post.


    Ten minutes later, a man came out, ¡°Where is the orphan?¡±


    After him was a maid, carrying a box.


    Kaira hadn¡¯t moved, she had fallen asleep ten minutes ago because of boredom.


    Always working prior to running away, she realized that when she did nothing for a long period of time, she would just fall asleep. She hadn¡¯t thought that she should stay awake, so she let her tiredness take her to sleep, thinking she was relatively safe¡­It¡¯s not like she totally trusted the guard, but she hadn¡¯t done anything wrong and she was just getting so tired¡­


    ¡°Here young lord. I think she might be sleeping.¡±


    The man looked at the lone girl and looked at the maid, ¡°Start checking her.¡±


    As the maid went to the girl, the man went to the guard, ¡°Did she say what family she was from? Where she had come from?¡±


    The guard shook his head. It wouldn¡¯t be the first time an orphan had knocked on the town¡¯s door. Even orphans from other countries had come here on the occasion.


    ¡°She did say, young lord, that she did not possess either a father or mother. She seemed to not know that she needed a pass, nor did she know how to obtain one.¡±


    The man nodded, ¡°She mustn¡¯t know much then, I will guide her from here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, young lord.¡± The guard said.


    The man looked at the girl, seeing that she was dirty, and her attire was crude and not of cloth they used in town. How long had she been by herself!?


    He saw that she had nothing on her feet and that they had a few scratches, some old, some new.


    Sighing, the man hated this part of the town¡­Abandoned children, and children who had lost their parents through any other means, was sad. It made him feel lucky about his own family and had found out not long after he was sent to organize this part of the town, why his father had sent him there. Not only to learn business and how to organize, but to remember how lucky he was and not to take things for granted¡­

 Chapter 10 ** Finding Herself And Her Smile **

    <div>


    ¡°Miss, Miss?¡± The maid said, trying to coax the little girl awake.


    Kaira pulled up her head and saw someone so close, that it frightened her to crawl away.


    ¡°Hush, hush dear. I won¡¯t harm you. I¡¯ve come to check you, will you allow me to continue to do so?¡± The maid said. Scared kids weren¡¯t something new to her, but she didn¡¯t see it every day.


    Kaira saw the comb in her hand and subconsciously found that her hair has been half combed and taken out.


    ¡°Yes, I started, and hope you will let me finish. I would also like to quickly check your nails and clothes, even your mouth¡­If you let me do this, I will bring you some food, uh?¡±


    The maid smiled very warmly, waiting for her to calm down.


    Kaira looked at her nails, then toenails, ¡°Their dirty.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my dear. Will you let me clean them for you?¡± The maid asked.


    Kaira held out her hands and toes willingly. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Having not cleaned herself with her inner force for a while, forgetting about it, Kaira was a little annoyed with herself. She¡¯s cleaned herself before, with inner force, yet hadn¡¯t thought about that very much at all recently. She only wanted to learn to fight¡­


    ¡°My dear, did you live at a farm?¡±


    ¡°No. In the forest.¡± Kaira said, watching as the maid put away the comb and got out something to clean her nails. The maid wasn¡¯t upset at all that she was unable to finish what she had started. A little kid that is scared, is better if you are stepping into their territory, and since the young girl had put out her hands and feet, the maid gladly did what the child wanted her to do.


    Putting her clean nails up, to see them better when they were done, Kaira smiled and said, ¡°Much better!¡±


    The only time her nails had been this cleaned naturally, was before she became the princess. Moving her fingers and seeing her much nicer nails, she finally saw something behind her hand, staring at her.


    Widening her eyes in a stunned silence, Kaira didn¡¯t know what to do¡­It¡¯s was Nathan!


    ¡°Are you¡­From that time?¡± Nathan had wanted to speak for a while now. Yet, this was all that could come out.


    He had thought for months, that this girl had died¡­


    Was it really her?


    Kaira went to open her mouth then closed it, then started to breath heavily.


    Her face¡­Her mask!


    Putting her free hand to her face, she hid it as best as she could.


    ¡°Tell me. Are you?¡± As Nathan continued to speak, his voice came closer and closer. Until he was kneeling right beside her.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Kaira still had no words¡­


    She wished that she was smarter, so that she knew to stay away from here. Why didn¡¯t she run far away, where no one would know her? Why did she come here?


    ¡°I won¡¯t harm you¡­Is your name Dupli?¡± Nathan asked quietly. He was rejoicing in his heart, hoping that he could help her this time.


    He didn¡¯t even blame her for running away, having met the real Princess and another maid. That place, where he had only spent a small amount of time in, to quickly speak to the princess, was creepy¡­


    But, seeing her now, seeing her alive! He was happy!


    ¡°I don¡¯t like that name!¡± Kaira said in a rush. ¡°I am not Dupli! My name is Kaira now! No one can call me Dupli!¡±


    Still hiding away, Kaira waited. Would it be best to run, run as fast as possible?


    ¡°Mmm, Kaira. Then I will call you Kaira. Kaira is safe.¡± Nathan said touching her head.


    ¡°Safe?¡± Kaira asked in a mumble.


    ¡°Yes, Kaira is safe now. Let me look after you.¡±


    Slowly lifting her head, she looked back at Nathan and then away again, ¡°I¡¯m not the Princess.¡±


    Sitting down next the her, Nathan chuckled, ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°You know!¡± Kaira was stunned, ¡°How did you know!?¡±


    Nathan raised his eyebrows, ¡°I didn¡¯t find it particularly hard to find out, I knew the first day!¡±


    ¡°Uh!¡± Kaira widened her eyes and her mouth opened in shock.


    Patting her head, Nathan nodded, ¡°Yes, I heard the nanny ordering you around, and the way you acted was different to what we all expected. When I met the real Princess, I was sure she wasn¡¯t you. So¡­¡±


    He had thought to go on, but Kaira started to look scared.


    He was right! He knows! What was she to do!?


    ¡°I told you that I won¡¯t harm you, Kaira.¡± Nathan repeated himself. He sat up with worry, she looked completely scared¡­


    Was it her fault that she didn¡¯t quite trust him? Did he mean it? Was it truth? How would she know?


    Kaira¡¯s other hand was now cleaned, and the maid went to do her toes but Kaira stood up all of a sudden.


    Nathan stood up too, he was already worried about her, by the way she seemed detached once again and just about ready to flee! Memories of how she had acted all those months ago, came back fresh in his mind, and he could understand if she ran, he understood if she didn¡¯t trust him.


    ¡°Kaira, how do I show you, so you¡¯ll trust me?¡± Nathan said, trying to get her to look at him. He was very sincere and really didn¡¯t know how to coax her over¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Kaira said, staring to the grass. ¡°I had to do that, I didn¡¯t¡­¡±


    Nathan interrupted her, ¡°I know Kaira, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not angry.¡±


    Looking at Nathan, Kaira saw that he wasn¡¯t angry, then she looked away, taking a step back.


    ¡°Kaira? Come live at my residence. I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Suddenly, a crashing, familiar voice came into her mind, ¡®I will always protect and love you.¡¯


    Letting out a small breath, Kaira just couldn¡¯t do it¡­Those words were like the devil¡­


    Turning and running, she used her inner force and didn¡¯t stop until she was back in the forest once again.


    When she finally made it back to the abandoned hut, Kaira fell to the ground, on the skins from the dead animals that she¡¯s killed and curled up into a ball.


    ¡®I will always protect and love you.¡¯


    For the first time in months, she cried¡­


    How could she trust anybody? That one who had last said that they¡¯d protect her, they didn¡¯t! He even left her for another! What if this person does too! What if she¡¯s all alone again!?


    It was so strange, that Nathan knew she hadn¡¯t been the Princess, yet wasn¡¯t mad. So strange that he seemed to want to help¡­Was¡­Did he mean it?


    Kaira was conflicted and wasn¡¯t sure how to feel!


    Nathan had fiercely run after her, but for some reason, her little legs went twice as fast as his big legs!


    She¡¯d ran so fast, that by the time she had entered the forest, he was still at least a hundred metres away!


    Making it to the border of the forest, he put a hand against a tree and tried to catch his breath.


    A guard made it to Nathan straight away, using the small amount of inner force that he had, to stay with the young lord. ¡°Young lord, did you want me to get more guards to search the forest?¡±


    Nathan shock his head, ¡°No, that will scare her. There¡¯s at least three or four hours left of sunlight. I¡¯ll go in and search for her.¡±


    ¡°Young lord!?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, give me your sword.¡± Nathan said, holding out his hand.


    The guard relinquished his sword straight away.


    Taking the sword, Nathan struck at the tree in two different places, and then gave it back.


    Watching the young lord look around and narrowing his eyes, the guard asked, ¡°What if night fall comes and you have not returned?¡±


    Nathan looked at the guard and smiled, ¡°Tomorrow, if I have not returned, send a few people. But, just tell my father that I may not be home tonight.¡±


    The guard was still uneasy, ¡°Yes, young lord¡­¡±


    He watched as the young lord walked into the forest and went as straight as he could in one particular direction.


    Going back to his post, he told the maid that her services weren¡¯t required at present and that they may ask for it later.


    The maid nodded and repeated what Nathan had said, that if they send in lots of people, it will scare the child. That she seemed to be traumatized¡­


    The guard nodded and said that he will send in people in the morning, if the young lord had still not returned.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    The maid left, and he sent the other guard, who will have more breath then himself, to go and tell Lord Wiltsing that his son may not be home tonight¡­


    ***


    Having walked for ten minutes in one direction, Nathan stayed observant. He didn¡¯t like the idea of being alone in the forest, yet, she was¡­How long had she been here by herself? Wasn¡¯t her life in danger!?


    The last thing he wanted, was to get lost. The second last thing he wanted, was to leave empty handed.


    If the little girl had come herself to Gulberg, now he wanted her to go all the way!


    Slowing right down, checking both sides of the one direction that he was travelling in, he finally found an abandoned hut in front of him, still about fifty metres away.


    Hoping that she was there, he walked at a normal pace again, still looking at both sides, just in case.


    Finally, he was about ten metres before the hut, and he saw the little girl curled up on the ground.


    Quietly, he walked up to her and bent down, seeing her sleeping yet again.


    She was in the open and sleeping¡­Yet, didn¡¯t trust him¡­


    Shaking his head, he picked her up and she moved as she was against him.


    He turned and tried to follow the same path he had taken to get here, and within five minutes her eyes started to open.


    Watching her blink and wipe her eyes, he smiled at her. ¡°Did you come to Gulberg for books?¡±


    Trying to show that he was not someone to harm her and remembering she liked books, he continued walking, as though this was normal.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She said, holding onto his shirt with one hand, and covering her face with her other hand.


    ¡°Then you can borrow some to read.¡± If this was the reason, then it was no problem! ¡°You might as well just stay at the residence while you read.¡±


    Kaira pulled her hand away from her face and looked up at Nathan. He was sweating on his forehead and his breathing was heavy, making her finally realize that he had come all the way into the forest to come and get her.


    ¡°Why did you follow me?¡± Her question really was innocent. Having spent so long with no one ever doing anything like this for her, it was strange.


    ¡°Mmm, maybe it¡¯s because my books are begging for someone to read them, and now since I found someone¡­¡± Nathan smirked. She was so serious at times, for such a young age!


    ¡°You must be crazy, books don¡¯t talk to me.¡± Kaira answered back, a very small slight lift to her mouth.


    ¡°Oh, well I never knew I was crazy, I thought that was normal!¡± Nathan joked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not normal!¡± Kaira said, giving a slight giggle.


    Sighing, with relief in his heart, Nathan smiled, ¡°Perhaps it is normal and everyone else is strange!¡±


    ¡°No! You are strange!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so!¡±


    ¡°I think so!¡±


    ¡°No, you must be wrong.¡±


    ¡°You are wrong!¡±


    After Nathan got out of the forest, they still spouted childlike nonsense, all the way back to the wall and he was still carrying her.


    Once there, he walked straight in the flimsy gates and got on the carriage, that he had been in to go there, quite some time ago.


    Putting her down and sitting opposite her, he said, ¡°Back to the estate!¡±


    Kaira had sorta forgotten about her predicament and went silent once again.


    ¡°How did you survive for so long?¡± Nathan asked, after two minutes of silence.


    Kaira finally looked at him again, then bowed her head back down, ¡°I¡­Learnt.¡±


    Gently smiling, Nathan said, ¡°Then you did well! You should be safe, but just in case, come stay with us. You can read whatever you want!¡±


    Kaira nodded, letting a smile come to her face. She felt very lucky! So lucky! Especially if it was true and the books were calling out to her! But¡­She must investigate this. She had never heard a book speak before, so this Nathan¡­Must be crazy¡­


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Your welcome! Maybe the books will start talking to you and we¡¯ll both be strange!¡±


    And to Nathan¡¯s delight, they had started another strange conversation once again.


    It was definitely a new favourite thing to do for Nathan in his daily life.


    ***


    Within the next year and a half, Kaira was a guest in the residence and she had read every book in the house. To others astonishment and anger, she had even read some personal diaries that she had found¡­


    But, in all this time, the books had never spoken to her, so she never neglects to tell Nathan that he is the strange one.


    Strangely, that also led to animals, and how the animals ran away from her and they told him why. Kaira got angry at first, but slowly started to play along and say that the animals were just all stupid enough to want to be closer to him instead of her¡­Or that he was strange because animals don¡¯t speak¡­


    Over the first few weeks, she was no longer scared of him, jumping at his sudden appearance and becoming too humble. At first, she had felt bad for eating their food and taking a whole room from them. What could she do to express her thanks?


    She had attempted to express this thanks through cleaning for them but, she had been repeatedly told not to¡­


    Nathan, on the other hand, didn¡¯t care for her want to express anything. He was just glad that she was alive and entertaining him, even continuing his teasing, so that she will smile. Compared to when she had been the ¡®Princess¡¯ to this time, she seemed to be able to start relaxing after a while and smile a few times in a day. Which was thanks enough for him!


    In fact, he made her want to express even more thanks, not just because of being able to stay there or reading the books, but because Nathan taught her a few things as well. He taught her how to ride a horse and how to deliver something respectfully, like that of business books or even a basket full of food.


    Since they had somewhat of a farm, Kaira ended up delivering eggs and milk to some people and then had to take back to the residence anything that those people gave her in return. Nathan thought it was a good easy type of responsibility for her to achieve, and it did make her feel better about her staying there¡­Even though she wasn¡¯t very good at it¡­


    Kaira would often get lost, because she wasn¡¯t used to streets and opened land¡­She was used to walls and the forest¡­


    And, the other problem was talking, she was humble and courteous, but didn¡¯t know how to have a normal conversation.


    Often, Kaira would talk about her delivery and ask why someone would ask her if she was well or if she was reading something good¡­Not only was she not used to people she hardly knew caring about stuff like that, but¡­If she was unwell, wouldn¡¯t she stay in bed? If she was reading something bad, she probably wouldn¡¯t read it, so obviously she would be reading something good¡­


    So, Nathan had to try and explain to her that people like to talk about anything just to have someone to talk to and that sometimes it¡¯s considered rude if one doesn¡¯t have a conversation.


    ***


    After a few more weeks, Kaira was even wondering if she wanted to get revenge for what the Princess and Royal Consort had done to her. And, if she did, how would she go about it?


    She didn¡¯t like the idea of returning what she had received. Having been bullied the way she had been, was something she didn¡¯t particularly want others to go through¡­So, sometimes, she thought of this, because she started to realize what she was missing out on all these years. Seeing maids be treated nicely and seeing the master of the residence not treat her like the Princess had treated her, often made her realize how badly she had been treated¡­


    Then, her real memories, from losing them because of running away from that man and going into the water, had finally all returned. Of course, the beginning is a blur, but she had asked Nathan if he remembers being a little baby and he had said that he didn¡¯t. She also asked Sandra, whom seemed to grow from being sceptical, to being tender with Kaira, and she had also said she didn¡¯t remember. Only making Kaira think that not remembering being a little baby was normal.


    Nonetheless, the memories were dearer to her then she thought they would be. Her brother was in nearly all of them, everywhere and everything¡­He did so much for her that she spent a few nights crying to the memories of such a special past. No wonder the voice had made her feel better, no wonder she felt so betrayed¡­


    Nathan had even tried to get her to teach him some of her Martial Arts, but he wasn¡¯t very good at it.


    So, he ended up watching her train herself every now and again instead. It became natural, over all these weeks, and weeks turning into months, of being in each other¡¯s company.


    They also went to see something once a week. Whether it was to have a picnic in a grassy shady spot or to see some animals. She attended a few gatherings in the city as well. A festival for the Prince¡¯s birthday and then another yearly celebration. She continued her deliveries and was friendly, but didn¡¯t seem to go beyond that with anyone, being scared that they might bully her afterwards or that they might betray her trust.


    At the residence, she was even able to be involved in two family occasions. They celebrated Christmas together and even gave her a present, having made Kaira cry and repeatedly say her thanks.


    Then, the other celebration was the eldest son¡¯s first child¡¯s birth. Kaira grew to adore this little bundle very much. The little, tiny fingers and toes held most of her attention, but always gave the child back, when it started to cry.


    But, they had slowly welcomed her into the family, as they were unable to say anything because Nathan seemed to dote on her. His happiness seemed to make them happy, so they accepted Kiara with opened arms.


    At first, they had been very confused, but Nathan had openly told them everything about what he had seen back in the capital, with the real Princess, and then hearing about the maid.


    Kaira nodded and went silent and still¡­After a few sentence¡¯s of nearly dying and was a maid other times, they couldn¡¯t get much else out of her.


    Lord Wiltsing was angered to the point of wanting to march all the way into the royal palace, but Nathan stopped him. Kiara had already said that she had been kept a secret and that she wasn¡¯t even sure if the King knew of her or not. So, Nathan reminded his father that if they were to make this a big deal, Kiara might be in danger and that he would prefer her past identity to be kept a secret.


    Lord Wiltsing still didn¡¯t like that he had been played but knew of his son¡¯s happiness and understood the situation. Of course, he had every right to go to the King, but¡­Kiara was a victim and if she were found out that she had impersonated royalty¡­He just couldn¡¯t bring himself to bring that kind of future to not only Kiara, but his son too. He hadn¡¯t seen his son dote on any girl, except for Kiara. He was already seventeen, and never showed any interest, well not as much as he had in Kiara, with anyone else¡­


    So, they continued to contain a big, royal secret, knowing that if it was found out, they could get into an extreme amount of trouble!


    Since the truth had come out, not only did they not act upon the information, they continued on with their lives and even had a protective nature over the girl. After all, she was timid upon arrival to the residence, she had also been like a ghost, as sometimes they couldn¡¯t find her. They had seen her cleaning sometimes and they had to tell her that she didn¡¯t have to do that. Then¡­Sometimes, she would flinch, which broke their hearts. When one of their maids talked to Kiara, and was seen by any of the Wiltsing family, they even saw her bow to them¡­It was like she was scared of other maids¡­


    The protectiveness over Kiara didn¡¯t seem to disappear, as they slowly saw her come out of her shell. They were really happy when she ended up being someone so stubborn and innocent. She started with only talking back to Nathan, then it seemed to flow onwards to Sandra. But, they all found that it was about time that she was able to say ¡®no¡¯ to something she didn¡¯t want to do. And her innocence was not only adorable to Nathan, but in particular, Sandra. Sandra would take her shopping and Kiara would have trouble with nearly everything! What tea to try, what silk was good? What was she to say to Sandra¡¯s friends? What to say with people her own age?


    Sandra was now a grandmother, but for a long time was only the mother of one little girl, and only for three years. So, when Kiara came into the residence and she had warmed up to her, Sandra was very happy to dote on her just as much as Nathan did!


    So, slowly, after some time, Kaira had become very much how she was previously, before losing her memories.


    She would not do anything she didn¡¯t want to do, even if Nathan begged her. She would read often, already going to a bigger place, such as the library in the town, that held more books. She would do Martial Arts and train her inner force practically every day. She even filled her room with chimes, unable to not have them anymore because there was no more room, even though she was still upset with whom she used to call brother. Yes, she never forgot this ¡®brother¡¯, especially when her memories returned. He seemed to be a big part of her somehow, yet, she didn¡¯t know why he was such a big part of her, when she was only with him until she was ten.


    This was how she continued, as the weeks went by. Showing a lack of trust to anyone outside of the residence but a huge amount of innocence and stubbornness within¡­


    And with her innocence and being so adorable, Nathan continued to only have eyes for her and no one else¡­


    Over time, Nathan used simple tricks and words to sometimes get closer to her. ¡®So, I won¡¯t lose you¡¯, was said when he held her hand. ¡®Just for today¡¯, was said, when they were leisurely and happily sitting on a two-seater chair outside, and he had picked her up and put her on his lap. ¡®Because it¡¯s my birthday¡¯, was used for her to kiss him on the cheeks. ¡®Because it¡¯s your birthday¡¯, was said, when he kissed her on her lips¡­


    Kaira didn¡¯t feel much beyond friendship with Nathan, and also felt very new to this type of¡­Intimacy. So, it was natural that she was shy, but, even though that person had left her, she also felt wrong¡­She felt like she was doing something that she wasn¡¯t supposed to be doing¡­


    Nonetheless, she didn¡¯t stop Nathan on these times, but did not advance to start something like this herself. So far, she was not upset or angry with Nathan, she only felt¡­Different to what he did¡­She was also very thankful and grateful to Nathan. He had become the most important person to her at this time. She didn¡¯t want that to change¡­


    What she did see, was someone that did watch Nathan more than she did.


    Strangely, what helped her not become so afraid of maids anymore, was this particular person.


    Since Kiara had grown up more now, she was able to understand what was going on. This maid liked Nathan, but only watched him from the shadows.


    At first, when Kiara noticed her, she seemed extremely quiet and rarely was seen. So, Kiara investigated, and found that she stayed away from not only Nathan, but her as well.


    So, for investigation purposes, she ordered this maid to do some things for Nathan, and they ended up becoming friends this way.


    Kiara found out that her hunch was right, that this maid liked Nathan. But she also seemed to agree with something else the maid said, that Nathan only saw me. His eyes never knew that this maid¡¯s eyes watched him at all.


    From then onwards, both Kiara and the maid would try and get Nathan to notice her, yet most of the time, they failed.

 Chapter 11 ** The Phrase And Past **

    <div>


    As the two years after her run away from being a maid, came to a close, Kaira finally understood a bit more of the phrase that played continuously inside her mind. Having read upon so much books, she had figured out some of what it actually meant!


    ¡®The living possesses the ability to change¡­Flaws could be truth, absence could develop¡­Yet, truth could be flaws and one can develop an absence.¡¯


    ¡®The living¡¯, meaning force, ¡®possesses the ability to change¡¯, meaning force is used with something else, to do something else, a change. ¡®Flaws could be truth¡¯, is a random saying for the opposite of a pure priest, that had come from another country, and a pure priest. Kaira hadn¡¯t read much into other priest¡¯s names, but she had heard of what could be done. The opposite of pure, was fake, some kind of power that makes things fake and counterfeits the trust. It¡¯s said in an old book, that power was originally in the country of Sondane. So ¡®Flaws could be truth¡¯ is just stating the powers, fake could be pure.


    Then, ¡®absence could develop¡¯, is bringing up the other two countries powers! So, instead of ¡®absence could develop¡¯, it¡¯s ¡®extinct¡¯ could ¡®become¡¯, as in, what was gone, or dead, could grow and become something!


    ¡®Yet, truth could be flaws and one can develop an absence¡¯ had always bugged her, when she tried to figure it out. And that was probably the reason why she was able to think of the powers¡­Because she had come to realize it could mean more than just a saying.


    So, the phrase is saying force is able to be used with fake, pure, growth and death. Meaning, she only knows how to do one of these, the pure¡­And that¡­Could she possibly learn the other three as well?


    But¡­


    Then Kaira was caught into another problem, as she tried to figure it out, to not only see if she could learn these other powers, but why¡­That person¡­Wanted her to figure this out¡­Was there perhaps another message within this phrase?


    ***


    The Princess was supposed to get married soon, but the fianc¨¦e had disappeared. Over a year had passed and not the King, or the Princess, had heard from Sebastian at all. He had not visited the Prince, who missed him, and he was not seen by anyone else either!


    Sebastian had no idea on what to do, and one day found himself at their old home. Davina and his, theirs¡­


    It was wrecked now, hardly remnants that someone had lived there at all¡­Making precious moments for years...


    Going through the memories he had while he had been here, Sebastian just got more and more certain that his beloved had perished.


    Hardly thinking of the Princess, Sebastian could only think of the normal circle and knew he had to wait. There was still quite a number of years before she would come back, and he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    All the other times, she had died at an older age, this time¡­


    Staying at their home for quite some time, Sebastian had waited. His stubble had grown now to a beard and his clothes were getting dirty, but none of this worried him. He only repaired one part of the house, staying there sometimes, then staying outside other times¡­


    Every now and again, he would cleanse himself and be filled with a different kind of loss.


    He had not only betrayed her, but not protected her¡­


    His heart was in tatters, but he couldn¡¯t help but want her in his life again.


    Even if she hated him, even if she ran away¡­


    Just¡­How did it go so wrong!?


    After some time, he had remembered her stay at Lord Wiltsing¡¯s estate and went there to refresh those memories, to drive them into himself so deep, that he would never, ever forget them. Maybe he could even figure out why he had felt like she then was like his beloved and why later on she felt like she wasn¡¯t. What had she said? That if she changed¡­


    But¡­


    He would not have thought that it was the best decision that he had made in such a very long time!


    Upon standing on the ground in the darkness, near where she had slept that time. He had finally seen her again!


    At first, he thought that another person was staying in that room, and it didn¡¯t matter to him. But then there she was, reading while walking and playing with a sword. And since he paid more attention, he saw the chimes as well¡­There was just no way it wasn¡¯t his Davina!


    Sebastian thought he was going back in time, seeing her as an older person. She played with her sword, even when she wasn¡¯t training or fighting and would read sometimes at the same time. A few times, she had even hurt herself or someone else unknowingly, luckily though, she hadn¡¯t killed anyone¡­As the memories came to Sebastian¡¯s mind, he was starting to believe that he wasn¡¯t dreaming, that his beloved was still alive! She was there, right in front of him!


    Unconsciously, he had stepped forward, wanting to see more!


    Kaira twisted the sword and pouted, the book in her hands was not going her way at all. The main character had forgotten that there was two ways to go and travel, and he was still so determined to travel on the first path. Kiara wanted to know about the other path! What would have happened!? But, this was only the second book of four, she would have to read to find out¡­But¡­She wanted to know now¡­


    Throwing the book on the couch in the room, she sighed.


    Putting the sword in its scabbard and onto a stand, she removed her outer clothing and then went to get into bed. But her hand was taken, and she was suddenly put into an embrace, ¡°Davina¡­¡±


    Shock filled her every pore, at hearing that voice and name¡­A few glimpses and flashes of pasts came into mind, just on one thing¡­This man calling her ¡®Davina¡¯¡­


    Stiffening, at knowing who it was, Kaira tried to move away but he held her a little tighter, ¡°Just a little longer¡­Please.¡±


    Sighing, Kaira let him hug her. His voice had stuttered and was hoarse. It made her feel like she needed to give him something¡­But why?


    Deciding on staying quiet, she waited, but he never moved, unless it was his hand going to her face, or his head kissing her forehead. It was like she had lost all her power¡­She didn¡¯t want to push him away, even though she was somewhat still angry with him.


    She felt special upon his brotherly kiss to her forehead, even though she had forgotten him previously. A few more memories came to her, ones of them together and fighting. In the past when they had a problem, she wouldn¡¯t leave him, but she wouldn¡¯t speak to him¡­But¡­It¡¯s different now.


    She had just started to feel normal, just started to sleep and eat like a normal person. She wasn¡¯t even afraid of maids anymore, she was also remembering her pride and confidence.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± She finally asked.


    She felt him stiffen and let her go. She watched him walk back away from her and then bow his head in defeat.


    Seeing him like this, made her narrow her eyes. Why would she care if he¡¯s like this!?


    Yet, she still cared¡­


    ¡°It might not count for anything, but I¡¯m sorry.¡± He said, wiping a tear away. ¡°I can¡¯t believe your alive! It¡¯s really you!¡±


    Kaira tried not to notice his pain, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    He let out a watery laugh and nodded, ¡°Yes!¡±


    Turning away from him, she then asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you love the Princess?¡±


    She remembered feeling like she had nothing to offer him¡­That she had let him go¡­


    Shaking his head, he wanted to reach out to her but decided he shouldn¡¯t dare to yet, ¡°I thought she was you! I¡­I have no excuse¡­¡±


    Breathing out and closing her eyes, Kaira remembered most of her past now¡­But she now had flashes of another life¡­Or two¡­Having not paid much attention to them at first, she realized that she had lived once before, and the man in the room¡­Was her beloved¡­


    Yet¡­


    It was a past she wasn¡¯t feeling right now, and she hardly knew how to start feeling it¡­


    ¡°I did meet you here, and I thought you really liked her, which gave me more reason to run away.¡± Kaira turned to him then, ¡°I was also the maid¡­But the time you healed the Princess, you healed me. The time with the dog fence, I assume that was you who helped, that was also me¡­I guess I can understand you getting confused.¡±


    Sebastian seriously thought about what she said, and his eyes started to glow. A small smile started to show, ¡°Then I was always right! I thought you were both the Princess and the maid.¡±


    Looking at her, there were no reservations at all. Her auburn hair was now back, and her face was as he remembered it as she had been the child. Her words were even the same, questioning him all the time, yet, she questioned him because of reasons. Most of the time she was curious, sometimes she didn¡¯t understand, but this time¡­This time she was insecure¡­


    He desperately wanted to show that his heart only had her, but how was he to do that?


    Kaira sighed and said, ¡°I had not many memories then and even if I had, at that time I was nothing and could do nothing. I wasn¡¯t playing with you.¡±


    Sebastian nodded, ¡°There isn¡¯t any need for you to defend yourself, you¡¯ve done nothing wrong¡­¡±


    ¡°However¡­I do remember now.¡± Kaira stared at him, stopping him.


    What does she mean by that?


    Sebastian wanted to speak, but had no words, she¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you anymore.¡±


    Sebastian felt like the floor under his feet was becoming unstable. Her words felt like there was nothing there, that she had nothing else to say.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Unable to look at her now, he clenched his hands and found himself starting to breath heavily.


    Kaira felt pain run through her¡­To a certain degree she had to say these words. She truly didn¡¯t blame him for not protecting her back then when she was just a small child. It wasn¡¯t his fault someone had come at the very time he was away for a short period of time. It¡­Was just bad luck¡­It wasn¡¯t his fault, so she wanted him to know she didn¡¯t blame him for that. But¡­She hadn¡¯t meant to say it like she had. As it was, she was still trying to show emotions, it was becoming easier, but seeing him now, for the first time in years, she¡­The way it had come out was like she had strangely become Dupli again for a short time¡­Defending herself¡­


    She wondered if she was still scared¡­Still holding up walls, so that she won¡¯t rely on people and get hurt once again¡­She only thought of this because the feelings she felt...Were familiar...


    Sebastian looked extremely defeated, that even walking away would require so much effort, that he couldn¡¯t do just yet.


    Losing her confidence on her own freedom and continuing on the way she had been, she took a step towards him.


    When he saw that, he nodded his head and took a step away from her, towards the window. ¡°Then, I¡¯m glad.¡±


    Seeing him not look at her anymore, she felt more pain and felt like she might be doing the wrong thing, ¡°Se¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Before she could say another word, he left. Disappearing into the night. He wasn¡¯t leaving for good, never would he leave her for good!


    But¡­It was obvious that she wasn¡¯t ready to be with him again yet¡­


    Sebastian felt like this lifetime¡­He had taken ten steps back, that he will just have to¡­Wait¡­


    For a minute, Kaira stood there, finding that she was upset.


    Feeling her vision start to blur, she quickly blew out the candle and got into the bed. Covering herself and going into a ball, and she finally cried.


    It became too late to take back words, or to change one¡¯s last actions.


    Kaira regretted being so cold to Sebastian, and Sebastian had already wanted to go back to her, and because of that he left the country.


    She was really mad and angry at him. He knew it.


    He had left their little house, when she was young, to keep the war away from them and she had disappeared in that small amount of time. He had said he¡¯d protect her, but he hadn¡¯t. He said that he¡¯d only ever love her, yet he had gotten engaged with the Princess¡­To someone that wasn¡¯t her!


    Yet, Kaira, now seeing him once again, missed him straight away and Sebastian walked further, unable to stop wanting to go back.


    This night time visit took its course on Kaira afterwards. She didn¡¯t mean to go quiet and become even more distant, but she hadn¡¯t been able to help it. The more that man stayed away¡­The more she suddenly wanted him to return!


    Due to this strange situation, time had gone by and Kaira was now fifteen¡­


    Nathan had often tried hard to stay easy going with the little girl, not getting too serious. A little intimacy here and there¡­


    Not only had he been worried that she would get depressed again, but he was sure she hadn¡¯t been ready to speak of marriage¡­And, there was that small niggling feeling of knowing, knowing that she didn¡¯t feel for him that way.


    Now, that she was fifteen, he wanted to take the chance to add a few changes every now again, to become more serious. He was going to start treating her like a lady that he admired. One he wanted to marry¡­


    Small steps¡­


    ***


    Nathan¡¯s first step, was a ball that was being held in a few months¡­Yes, he knew he was very eager, but he wanted something that wasn¡¯t pressuring and that would give him enough reason to be closer to her.


    He gave her an invitation and then asked her if she knew how to dance.


    Her reply was something he thought would come, ¡°No, I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    ¡°Ah, my girl, you have to at least be my dancing partner! And there¡¯s great food!¡± Please, please say yes!


    Kaira only danced when she felt really good, but she had no idea how, she just did whatever dance came to her mind and she was always alone at those times so she never knew if she was good at it or not. Normally, she pictures something she wants to dance like¡­


    Food?


    Feeling herself getting pulled in because of the interest, Nathan could see it and he celebrated quietly in his heart.


    So, in the next month, the basics of dancing was learnt to not just Kaira, but Nathan as well. At first, he hated looking like such an amateur, but having Kaira laugh at him and staying happy to train with him, he welcomed it now.


    But, he wasn¡¯t the only one having troubles, as she did too!


    He couldn¡¯t remember the steps, and Kaira wanted to lead.


    Many times, they would end up laughing or fighting and the instructor would have to get them back on track once again.


    As the ball came closer, Nathan could finally get her a dress, using the date approaching as his reasoning.


    All Kaira could do, was comply and accept¡­But, she never thought that she would love it!


    She was so used to Martial Arts and inner force, that she forgot to be a lady!


    With bad memories of her being the Princess, it didn¡¯t help her want to use make up and put on beautiful clothes, it all seemed like a history that she didn¡¯t want to repeat, but now!


    She looked at herself in the copper mirror and her eyes sparkled to how beautiful she had suddenly become.


    She had just used normal clothes, even that of man¡¯s clothes, before now, because it was more comfortable, but, this dress¡­Magnificent!


    Kaira was absolutely excited, after obtaining such a beautiful dress and shoes, that she could no longer wait for the ball!


    The remainder lessons of dancing were no problem now, and Sandra helped teach Kaira on how to apply makeup to her face.


    But, one week before the ball, a shock came over the entire household.


    Kaira ran around blindly, saying words that didn¡¯t make sense to those who heard it.


    ¡®What is it!?¡¯, ¡®I don¡¯t understand!¡¯, ¡®I don¡¯t want to do that again!¡¯, ¡®It¡¯s still happening!¡¯


    ¡°Kaira!¡± Nathan yelled, stepping into her path and stopping her from running away yet again. ¡°What¡¯s wrong!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m bleeding!¡±


    She sort of understood but didn¡¯t, her past memories had flashes of this, and she had never been told about it in this life. So, Kaira was so confused and didn¡¯t know what to do!


    ¡°Am I going to die!?¡± Kaira asked, grief written on her face.


    Nathan frowned, ¡°Where are you bleeding?¡±


    Kaira covered her lower self and Sandra ran up to her, ¡°My dear, come, I¡¯ll tell you what is going on.¡±


    ¡°Mother?¡± Nathan asked, still worried. He didn¡¯t like the idea that his girl was bleeding!


    Sandra winked at Nathan, confusing him, while she walked with Kaira back to her room, ¡°It is entirely woman¡¯s business, now don¡¯t come and disturb us!¡±


    So, Sandra had to tell Kaira why she was bleeding, and what to do when she was.


    It was not just Nathan that had totally warmed up to Kaira as being a part of the family soon, Sandra also had liked the idea of having Kaira as her daughter in law and happily helped her with this problem, like a real mother¡­


    ***


    The night before the ball, Kaira couldn¡¯t sleep much, she was too excited!


    A ball! A ball!


    She¡¯d never been to a ball before!


    She knew how to do makeup now, she longed to put on her beautiful dress, ah a ball!


    Even her dancing partner was handsome, having peeked at his dress clothes once discreetly.


    She rolled from her side, to her other side, then onto her back, then onto her stomach, but sleep was not coming!


    A ball!


    Upon the early hours of the morning, she finally fell asleep and was woken up, a few hours later, for breakfast.


    Running down to the table, she looked tired but acted totally awake¡­The people gave out a chuckle and Sandra went on about the bags under her eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep because I was too excited!¡± Kaira then jumped and clapped, ¡°I¡¯m going to a ball!¡±


    More chuckles escaped people¡¯s lips and Kaira sat down with a thump and ate her breakfast heartedly.


    After breakfast, she did some Martial Arts and after lunch she ran to her room and started getting ready¡­For the ball!


    Sandra followed her up the stairs, shaking her head, but having a lovely smile on her face. Nathan watched with eyes full of indulgence and smiled in satisfaction.


    He had already a great picture on his future, a picture of his happy bride and happy family.


    They wouldn¡¯t always live here with their parents, moving out with their own family and into their own house. But, they¡¯d come back at least once a week, so Sandra would see her daughter in law and that his sister can spend time with her sister in law¡­It really looked like a perfect future in Nathan¡¯s eyes¡­


    His eyes still didn¡¯t see another pair of sad eyes watching him though¡­


    ***


    When they finally arrived at the ball, Kaira didn¡¯t even wait for Nathan to help her out of the carriage, she nearly ran down the steps and came out in front of him in a simple, swift motion, making him slightly shaken.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± She said, grabbing his hand and walking to the front of the building that the ball was being held in.


    They supplied their invitations and Kaira took Nathan straight to the dance floor, putting herself into his arms.


    Nathan was besotted, gladly doing whatever she wanted, loving the deep, happy smile on her face.


    The night was grand, even though they didn¡¯t spend much time talking to other people. Kaira just seemed happy to eat and dance, dance and then eat. But Nathan didn¡¯t mind, he tagged along¡­


    Once or twice people stopped him, and he had talked to them for a quick moment, before she dragged him away again. He could only smile and apologize, and happily take his girl into his arms.


    There were quite a few looks from quite a few different people at the nearly aged fifteen-year-old, beautiful girl and Nathan noticed it. At least two men had come to her and asked for a dance, at first, she accepted like it was nothing and Nathan stepped in saying that she was already spoken for.


    The men looked at him and could only accept that the lady was already taken, already engaged and to be married¡­


    But, Kaira had no idea what that meant at all, as she just continued to dance with only him, making the best of her pretty dress and newly learnt dancing talent she now had!


    But then¡­There was one man that came, that totally turned Kaira somewhat mute!


    ¡°Sebastian¡­¡±


    When Nathan heard his name through her own mouth, he felt like he was already losing a war that he never knew he was in¡­


    Sebastian held out his hand, having only said to have one dance with her and he watched how she stared at him and put her hand in his.


    He smiled gently at her and pulled her into his embrace. Then he danced away from the man that had been claiming her all night.


    He hadn¡¯t thought to show up here, until just an hour ago¡­


    Having come back just two days ago, just to see how she was, not even going to attempt to show himself in front of her. He had seen this tonight, her with another man, so intimately!


    It was just not on!


    Holding her, felt like he¡¯d gained the world once again, the colours were shining, and the light had returned!


    He didn¡¯t trust any more words leaving his mouth, he knew he wanted to beg for her forgiveness, beg for her to stay away from other men, beg for her to be by his side, or he by her side. So, he kept quiet, holding her tight, not ever wanting to let her go again.


    He really did hope that she had started to forgive him at least. Perhaps then, he would be able to stick around, watch her from a distance?


    ¡°I sort of worked out your phrase.¡±


    Kaira had taken a moment to snap out of her thoughts...Not only was his presence something she automatically liked and felt happy about, but...He was so handsome!


    He looked very special tonight, all dressed up like the other men at the ball. His hair had grown, but was pulled back into a loss pony tail, he had shaven his face and smelt completely fresh...Compared to the last time...


    He was simply...Well, she for some reason just felt better, when seeing him. Full...


    Sebastian smiled and slowly nodded, really happy that she had spoken to him, ¡°Mmm, I made it up for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about the powers.¡±


    So determined!


    ¡°Mmm, and what else?¡± Sebastian ask, staring at her intently.


    ¡°What else?¡± She asked, looking innocently at him.


    Unknowingly, they stopped dancing and Sebastian put a hand to her face, ¡°The living possesses the ability to change¡­Flaws could be truth, absence could develop¡­Yet, truth could be flaws and one can develop an absence.¡±


    Kaira felt like history had come to the present, suddenly, everything hadn¡¯t mattered. Her being taken by water, losing her memories, becoming a maid, abandoned, bullied, near death, running away, having to find herself again¡­


    For a long time, they stared at each other, while Sebastian used his thumb to touch her cheek. He seemed to know what she was thinking, she was remembering a few things, she was remembering them, their lives together, how perfect they were together. She was remembering what the phrase meant, why the phrase was important¡­


    Before Sebastian could finish waiting for her, so that they could continue, Nathan put his hand around Kaira and pulled her away from him.


    ¡°How is it that you know Kaira?¡± Nathan asked. He didn¡¯t want to start a fight, but his words were harsh and full of jealousy. Why¡­Why had she stared at him like that!?


    Sebastian sadly smiled at Nathan, put didn¡¯t move, looking back at Kaira.


    Kaira looked from behind Nathan, back at Sebastian, and Nathan got more annoyed. Who the hell was this man!?


    ¡°Kaira, who is he?¡± Nathan said, trying not to sound angry.


    ¡°My other half.¡± Kaira stated, not knowing that her words just broke Nathan¡¯s heart¡­


    Nathan hissed out a breath, then put a hand to his face.


    Taking a deep breath in, then letting it out, he removed his hand and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be in the carriage waiting for you, so that we can go home.¡±


    Without looking at either Sebastian or Kaira, Nathan left, feeling himself being torn apart with every step he took further away that she did not take to follow him¡­


    She was staying with another man, whom she calls her other half and leaving me, who has been at her side for months and months¡­For him!


    Nathan sat heavily on the carriage and put his head in his hands¡­He was sure, that he had never met that man, never seen him in his entire life!


    How was it that Kaira knew him and even called him her ¡®other half¡¯?


    He never had wanted to see it, never wanted to let himself think about it¡­The way that Kaira obviously thought of him...But¡­It looked like he may have to start, especially if she was to continue to see that man, especially if this carriage stays empty for one more minute¡­


    ...One minute passed, yet, Nathan refused to believe he had no chance¡­Ten minutes¡­


    Ten minutes went by and Nathan clenched his hands into fists.


    Finally, her lack of responses, her half hearted asked intimacy and the fact that she had never initiated anything once¡­Stood out more¡­Nathan sighed.


    He really had wanted a future, a beautiful future with that wonderful girl. How had it turned out like this?


    After three hours of waiting, and having calmed himself down, from getting extremely angry, and then extremely upset, Nathan realized the ball had finished two hours ago, and there was no one left here.


    He woke up the person in front and told him that it¡¯s time to go...

 Chapter 12 ** The Fate Of One And Another **

    <div>


    Two minutes into their trip back to the residence, Nathan heard someone running, he wondered if he should ignore it or not.


    The running came faster and suddenly someone jumped into the carriage and fell to the floor.


    Seeing her like this, so beautiful, yet¡­Seeing her hurt him, made him angry and sad¡­


    Nathan didn¡¯t know what to do¡­He didn¡¯t help her and decided that he couldn¡¯t look at her now. He looked out the window and wished his ears wouldn¡¯t be listening out to what she was doing. Was she still on the floor? Was she hurt?


    He couldn¡¯t speak, afraid of yelling at her, he couldn¡¯t look at her, afraid she¡¯ll see his pain. So, the journey back home was silent and uncomfortable, then, once arriving home, Nathan left without a glance back at her and went straight to his room.


    All this time, had she been with him? What had they done together? Why did she even come back?


    Even though she did come back, and it did make a good change to Nathan¡¯s thoughts, he somehow wished that she didn¡¯t. If she hadn¡¯t, he would have known then and there, that there was absolutely no future with her¡­That she¡¯d probably just disappear, like the maid ¡®Dupli¡¯. It really scared him, this type of outcome...Her disappearing as suddenly as she had appeared, was always something that he had worried about...


    Since she had come back, does that mean she will at least say goodbye? Or is it that she''s staying for good now? That this other man wasn''t anyone that will stay in her life?


    Nathan ripped his formal clothes off in anger and then laid on his bed, depressed.


    ***


    (Earlier)


    When Nathan had walked out of the ballroom, Kaira had watched him leave, not happy that he wasn¡¯t happy. He had been a huge help in her life, after she had run away. He was her very best friend, the one that made her smile, the one that had let her go at her own pace¡­


    ¡°Is he¡­Good to you?¡± Sebastian asked.


    The moment of happiness, over her calling him her ¡®other half¡¯, seemed to vanish when she was watching Nathan.


    Sebastian had always trusted Davina, always knew that she loved him the most, yet, right now¡­He was becoming insecure¡­


    ¡°Yes. Very good.¡± Kaira said, turning and looking at Sebastian. ¡°He made me smile again.¡±


    Sebastian sighed and felt terrible, he hadn¡¯t been there for her!


    Closing his eyes, he didn¡¯t know what to do! His life was hers, but¡­Does she even want it? Will she ever forgive him and love him again?


    Letting out a deep breath, Sebastian looked at the floor and said, ¡°I know I¡¯ve hurt you Davina, I know that!¡±


    Shaking his head, he stopped¡­Suddenly he found himself angry! Dammit¡­So much was wrong!


    Looking up at her, he was stunned because she was already looking back at him, then he realized he had anger in his eyes.


    Sadly smiling at her, he said, ¡°I can¡¯t be close to you, but when I go far away, I just come back¡­What do you want me to do?¡±


    Kaira hated seeing him like this, he was even that upset he was getting angry, that meant that she needed to do something. It¡¯s not a nice sight, when her other half was angry¡­Why do you think there¡¯s no power left in the countries?


    He¡¯s immortal, he could kill everyone, not in one go, but it¡¯s not like they¡¯ll hurt him¡­


    He had sucked in a whole countries power once and used it on Kaira when they had first, the very first, time that they had met¡­Many, many centuries ago¡­


    That was how she had inherited all the powers herself. She had already been a Growth Priest in that life but had not learnt any other power. They were at war, when they had first met, and since Sebastian had become an immortal from learning all four powers, he had gone power hungry. He was a devil, a monster¡­A rage filled murderer.


    Herself, known as Davina, had to go against this immortal and yes it wasn¡¯t pretty. It had been hard to survive against him, but she had escaped death three times and when he had finally killed her, he had done it with so much power that she had taken some within her, making her able to use all four powers as well.


    They hadn¡¯t known the real reason why he was an immortal and that she wasn¡¯t, even though both of them had all four powers. But, the best idea they could come up with, was that they had done it differently and that was why they were different. It could be that she had taken three in at once and he hadn¡¯t or that she had started with the growth power and he the fake power. Till this day, they don¡¯t know the answer¡­


    The phrase¡­We are each other, we are all of the powers.


    Kaira took two steps towards him and put him into her embrace. She had not been just his greatest enemy¡­But now, in the recent centuries, she was his greatest love. Just like he was hers¡­


    He would always be the one that knew her the best, just like she was the one that knew him the best. They learnt to love each other through their hate. And since their hatred had run so deep, entwined and completely scarred onto their hearts, their love had grown just as deep, filled with such happiness that it was nearly too much to bare!


    Kaira put all her body against him, her arms around his waist tightly, and felt him do the same and sigh.


    The reason why she continued to come back, after dying, had been because of him and the three powers he had given her¡­But, Kaira remembered now, the reason why she was able to handle so much and enjoy so much, was also because of him¡­


    Kaira smiled warmly, like being in his arms seemed to be like a dream come true. His voice, from the phrase had soothed her, he had even helped her as a maid, when he was confused to whom she was¡­How could she continue to be mad at him?


    Looking up, he was of course, already looking back down at her.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay!?¡± Sebastian asked, with widened eyes.


    ¡°But, not right now. I have to¡­¡± Kaira was interrupted by Sebastian¡¯s sudden run¡­


    He picked her up and raced just like the wind and in a particular direction.


    Kaira sighed, she had not finished talking!


    Just a few seconds later, they were at their house, the one they had made fifty years ago.


    In her prior life, this was where she had wanted to live.


    Sebastian had cleaned the house a little bit, but it was still run down on the outside. But, on the inside there was a room, that was liveable, a little messy though, as Sebastian had spent quite an amount of time just lying there.


    He pulled her into his embrace and making them sit down, while still hugging her.


    ¡°I was going to say that I¡¯ll come here with you a little later.¡± Kaira mumbled.


    ¡°Why later?¡± Sebastian asked from the top of her shoulder.


    ¡°Because, I can¡¯t just leave Nathan and his family, they are sweet. And¡­¡±


    ¡°And what?¡± Sebastian put his hand up her back, over her dress, so happy that she was real and not a dream.


    ¡°I want to purify the Princess.¡± Kaira said, not holding any secret back.


    Holding her tighter and understanding her want, Sebastian hummed his reply.


    ¡°Then I will take you to both of them, then we can rebuild this house together, mmm?¡± Sebastian asked, pulling back his head and looking directly at her.


    Kaira warmly smiled at him, ¡°The Princess has my bracelet.¡±


    Sebastian raised his eyebrows, ¡°Mmm, that¡¯s another thing that made me think she was you¡­How about, I go purify the Princess and get your bangle and you say goodbye to Nathan?¡±


    ¡­They both shook their heads, thinking of their loved one with someone of the opposite sex.


    ¡°I have to take the carriage back, Nathan is waiting for me, meet me at his estate and we¡¯ll say good bye together, then we¡¯ll go to the Princess together.¡±


    Sebastian let out a happy smile, ¡°Ok, anything you want!¡±


    Then he claimed her mouth with his.


    He had already gotten her consent¡­Her ¡®Okay¡¯¡­


    But was he going to wait any longer!?


    ¡­He will take her back later!


    Kaira had told him that he can¡¯t rip the dress, so Sebastian took special care with it, then roamed his hands and mouth all over her exposed body. When she had said ¡®Okay¡¯, he was no longer a brother. He was now her lover and husband. He hadn¡¯t expected this to happen so quickly. In her last life, she had made him wait until she was 22! But, that was the key word¡­That was the key to switch him from brother to husband. Well, it wasn¡¯t just the word but how she said it as well¡­Defeated and excited¡­


    She could now become completely his!


    And since he was immortal, he was unable to produce children¡­


    But, not her last life¡­Her life before that, she had come up with an idea that involved the powers of growth, coming into existence¡­


    She had indeed made it happen that time, she had made him produce¡­And well, after some time, she had their first child together. It had been a very happy century together, his favourite. He really hoped she would do it again, but he left the decision completely up to her.


    Otherwise, there was just no way he could reproduce. He was stuck here, and that was that¡­


    Having crossed some strange line, a long, long time ago, he¡¯d made a unique enemy that pressed every single button that he had. She was a bully and tease, an escape artist and powerful for a human. She had slowly unwrapped his inner heart and he¡¯d totally fallen in love with her!This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    She hadn¡¯t believed it at first, but he can¡¯t and won¡¯t regret having told her and waited for her to believe it¡­He had made her with his hate, then loved her completely¡­She was¡­His ultimate desire, his world!


    The first time she had been reincarnated, she had attacked him at the age of 32 and the first thing that she had asked for, was her bracelet¡­


    Sebastian had been wide eyed in shock to her sudden attack and knife to the throat¡­But upon her words, he could hardly believe it! Bracelet? What bracelet?


    Yet, as he claimed to have no idea, he had a heart raising idea¡­Was it her!? Was it really the one that fought against me so much that I used all my powers so destructively on just one tiny person!


    He remembered what he was like, after her ash particles had fallen to the ground, and couldn¡¯t believe that he was deflated. She had been his greatest enemy, making him think and use his powers to extents that he¡¯s never used them before. She had made him get angry and want to burst out in rage and she had slivered around like a snake!


    But, upon seeing her ash and¡­Bracelet, he hadn¡¯t been able to help but attach that bracelet to his belt and take it everywhere with him from then onwards.


    Funnily enough, she had come by again, and Sebastian questioned and played with her to realize it really was her! So, they fought again, but he never burst out in anger as he had done the last time. But, that next time, he had accidently killed her instead¡­


    After seeing her bracelet, he wasn¡¯t deflated this time, he was more saddened¡­It was like his life was starting to mean less and less, even though he wasn¡¯t as angry as he used to be.


    She had done that to him, made him use his anger and drain himself from it, but now, she was gone again, and he hadn¡¯t known she would return, as it was, it was great that she had come back once! Which was obviously unheard of¡­


    On the third time of meeting her, it was exactly like the second, she had asked for her bracelet!


    After that, Sebastian had slowly gotten to a point he wasn¡¯t ever going to fight her again, letting her do whatever she wanted to him to lash out her anger as well. After all¡­He had killed her twice already¡­Who wouldn¡¯t be angry about someone killing you and your family?


    After about the sixth time of being reincarnated, they finally had their first conversation. Sebastian unknowingly felt an attachment to her, already in love, yet, Davina was more into questions about what was going on and why she kept coming back after death.


    Finally, by the tenth time that she had reincarnated, and he had found her once again. Things seemed to go towards a more normal relationship as the other humans had, and they had finally gotten married. From there, he spent as much time with her as possible and found out she reincarnated once every one hundred years. Her first death was her anniversary and birth date every century. What Sebastian had to do, was find a way to find his beloved. At first it took him thirty years and it was too late. Since they were still on rocks at the beginning, she had even married another in one life. Then, he found out the day, realizing her birth date and would use that to find her, finding her by the age of fifteen, which gave them more time to be together, yet, it was still wasn¡¯t enough for him!


    In the end, the bracelet was indeed very special. To her, it helped contain her powers, to him, it helped him find her upon her birth.


    This present life of hers¡­She was indeed, the real Princess of Eden¡­Which was why he was so dumbfounded upon seeing her the first time after he had lost her.


    When she had been reborn, he had known where she was by using the bracelet with his inner force and the all of the powers and had stolen her from the crib. What he hadn¡¯t known until recently, was that someone else had taken the spot of Princess after he had taken the real one.


    He hadn¡¯t cared who she was, or where she was from, he stole her because she was his beloved!


    The only person that shared their life with him, the only person who knew him, the only person that loved him for himself and who he was¡­


    Davina, from centuries ago, had made up rules, so that he would know that she truly would choose to move on with their relationship. Until she would say a word and the way it was said, he was not to go beyond being a brother...


    Bringing her up from a baby, he was a father, then a brother and lastly a husband. Sometimes he would do everything himself, but lately he would get help, because it was just easier that way.


    He was immortal, so his looks hardly changed, but the last person who was around them seemed to see it but still worked with him. She was also very helpful and really did love Davina, so he was only to glad that she was by their side.


    On that day¡­That Davina had disappeared¡­He had seen his friend''s body. She had been raped and then killed. Even though Davina had been his highest priority, he still felt sad for her death. He had never wished it and didn¡¯t want to think of the near future without her. He also knew that Davina would be upset to see her gone, so he had wished he could have prevented all this from happening so that she had survived and mostly...So that he wouldn''t have lost his most precious person...


    Upon not being able to talk to their friend, because she was already dead, Sebastian had no idea what happened to Davina¡­All he knew, was that she wasn¡¯t there¡­At their house.


    He didn¡¯t have her bracelet, so he couldn¡¯t find her that way¡­It was¡­Back to the old way of looking for his beloved¡­


    And now, back in the present, they were back in their house. Years had passed, yet, they had come to back here. Back to the place they both felt like they belonged¡­


    Sebastian relished everything about her, not in the least wanting to let her go, yet, she said that they will be together again soon.


    He took his time redressing her, kissing the body he just made love to and covered it up.


    After they had one more hold of each other, Sebastian then took them back and Kiara was running after the carriage that just left. Sebastian didn¡¯t go far, he wouldn¡¯t anymore, he was going to be close to her now¡­


    When Kiara walked into the house, she saw the maid, Genevieve, looking at her sadly. ¡°Why is he angry?¡±


    Kiara didn¡¯t know how to answer her, instead patted her on the shoulder, ¡°The time has come, that he realizes that I won¡¯t be the main woman in his future.¡±


    The maid gave Kiara a pained face, ¡°I don¡¯t like it when he¡¯s upset.¡±


    Kiara nodded, ¡°Me either. But, soon, he will finally see you.¡±


    Genevieve wasn¡¯t sure if she could be happy about that just yet, she didn¡¯t like that Nathan had to hurt, just so he could see her¡­


    Taking her into a hug, Kiara said, ¡°Thank you Genevieve, for everything. I really wish you happiness with Nathan. I probably won¡¯t see for a while after today.¡±


    With widened eyes, the maid looked at her, ¡°Wha¡­Where are you going!?¡±


    Smiling, Kiara said, ¡°I¡¯m going to happily live my life of course!¡±


    The maid let out a small sob and hugged Kiara back.


    Kiara left Genevieve and walked right into Nathan¡¯s room. ¡°Nathan!¡±


    ¡°Wh¡­What!¡± Nathan blinked, sat up on the bed and looked around sleepily. He had fallen asleep really quickly upon thinking sad, depressing thoughts¡­Being very late into the night helped as well, many people were sleeping now...


    Kiara put a sheet over his body and then said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving, but I¡¯ll come say hello when you¡¯ve moved on.¡±


    Nathan nearly stopped breathing to those words¡­


    ¡°Genevieve has been hoping you would see her. But she is shy and won¡¯t come out. I hope you finally start seeing her.¡±


    Nathan narrowed his eyes and tried to make sense of Kiara¡¯s words. ¡°Uh?¡±


    But, Kiara instead leaned over him and kissed him on the cheek, ¡°Thank you! So much! I will never forget you!¡±


    ¡°You lie!¡± Nathan spat out, still angry. How could she just leave! He wanted to fight for her!


    Kiara turned, the moon light showing behind her, making her look exceptionally beautiful, ¡°I will not always, you¡¯re right. But every time I am reincarnated, I will remember after about ten or so years. But¡­This, you must keep it a secret!¡±


    Nathan shook his head, unable to understand.


    ¡°Remember the name Genevieve, you¡¯ll be surprised on how often you¡¯ll see her!¡± Kiara stated, then jumped out of the window¡­Into the hands of Sebastian, who was waiting for her.


    Nathan didn¡¯t think for a moment, but then widened his eyes in terror, ¡°Kiara!¡±


    He raced to the window, that was also on the second floor and saw into the distance a man racing away in a very fast way, so fast that it was unbelievable!


    Frowning, Nathan scratched his head¡­Was he perhaps dreaming?


    Racing downstairs, he went outside to where he last saw Kiara from outside the window and saw nothing out there.


    Instead, he saw a maid who was looking at the moon.


    Frowning once again, he was just about to go back inside, when he saw the maid sigh and then start to walk towards him.


    She hadn¡¯t seen him yet, so he hid for a moment, seeing himself not dressed very well.


    He watched and waited for the maid to disappear, so that he could go back inside the house but caught some of her words, that started to become clearer and clearer as she became closer¡­


    ¡°¡­Not be sad! What am I to do! I only had one friend!¡± She went silent for a moment, now passed the man who was hiding, ¡°¡­I thought she wouldn¡¯t just leave like that! I should have packed a bag for her or something¡­Aren¡¯t we family? When is she¡­¡±


    Nathan did a double take of the maid but still ended up back in his room shortly afterwards¡­


    There was just something strange going on¡­What did she say again?


    ***


    Upon leaving ¡®Kaira¡¯ behind and accepting her entire existence, the name ¡®Davina¡¯ was once again used.


    It was a little strange for Davina, as she had been four types of people in her past¡­Davina, as a young, happy, stubborn child. Then Dupli, as a maid used as a duplicate for the Princess, whom had been treated very poorly¡­Then to Kaira, who grew to become the person she finally wanted to be, one that didn¡¯t have nightmares about maids and assassinations. Now, back to Davina once again, life was taking a new turn with the person she held most dear in her heart. She was a different Davina now though, one that was still stubborn but now she was more mature and made sure that her life was full. Of course, she also wanted to be Davina because it was the name that Sebastian loved the most, even from centuries ago. His beloved Davina¡­


    Davina and Sebastian purified the Princess and retrieved the long-lost bracelet.


    On Davina¡¯s want to find retribution, she also purified a few maids but ended the lives of two of them¡­Then they disappeared.


    The Princess¡¯s future could be seen as brighter now because she felt lighter in not just her thoughts but in experiences. She no longer wanted people to endure what she has had to, now she felt bad and guilty that she had done so previously and became determined to never do so again. Sadly though, after a few months of changing into this ¡®purified¡¯ person, she was killed by assassins.


    The King of Eden had seen the change in the Princess but had made no attempt to protect her. His guilt to not protecting her and even wanting the assassination attempt to have worked years ago, made him realize how far apart his daughter was from him. They had rarely spent time together and it was just too late to mean words at a funeral for him, making him even more sad. Yet, his sadness couldn¡¯t last long. His countrymen needed him, his Queen and his Prince¡­In time, Princess Regina was forgotten and even another Princess took her place and was much loved by not just her father but that of the people of Eden. Her life was not only taken from her from infancy, because she was put in place of the real Princess, but her life was full of extreme survival from assassination attempts¡­Was it that Sebastian had killed her future of an ordinary girl¡¯s life, or the King for ignoring her? Did she feel better about her ending now? Or since she had been ¡®purified¡¯ did she no longer want death?


    Nonetheless, her time had come to an end¡­


    But¡­Lord Wiltsing¡¯s residence ended up in disharmony after the sudden disappearance of Kiara...


    Nathan had woken to find that the night before was real, and that Kiara was really gone. Sandra was upset, thinking that Nathan had made her run off. Lord Wiltsing himself even wanted to scold his son for Kiara¡¯s disappearance but seeing Nathan so abnormal, it seemed useless to bother.


    After a week, Nathan finally couldn¡¯t take it and said that she was gone and that was it! Not only had he yelled this out, he claimed that he was going to another town to gain experience and started to pack.


    He couldn¡¯t be there anymore, already he had spent a few hours in Kiara¡¯s room and felt loss and heartbreak threaten to make him want to cry. He didn¡¯t want that, she was probably happy, and he wanted her to be happy!


    But, he missed her so much that he had often found himself in a daze, so he had thought that he needed to get away.


    Get away from all of the memories that they shared...And there were so many of them!


    Outside, inside, in town, the neighbours, horse riding...In just eighteen or so months, memories could be found everywhere!


    Having nearly forgotten all about what Kiara had said that night, except the fact that she had said goodbye, Nathan had tried to remember but couldn¡¯t.


    The next day he was leaving, and to his surprise, he found himself leaving with someone called ¡®Genevieve¡¯.


    That name!


    Finally meeting this Genevieve, he realized it was the same maid he had seen that night when Kiara had left. Upon looking at her, she looked down with a bowed head and got onto the carriage, where all his luggage was. He noticed she only had a small bag and she sat on the edge, where the maids usually sit.


    What did Kiara say about Genevieve?


    Nathan was true to his word, he went to the next town of Bullhore and stayed with the governor there to learn some new things. His work very much distracted him from thinking about Kiara and he was finally starting to see that this Genevieve, that had followed him here to help serve him, would watch him with innocent eyes.


    Over quite a few weeks, he was seeing this and more and more and he realized that this maid must have been watching him for years.


    She knew his favourite foods, drinks, books¡­What he did before sleep, what he liked to talk about and what his personality was like.


    As time went on, he finally had his first conversation with her and realized that she was exactly like the ¡®Dupli¡¯ that had come all those years ago. Fair enough her life wasn¡¯t as bad as Dupli¡¯s, but she was innocently charming and was scared to do the wrong thing. After a while of feeling a strange feeling overwhelm him, it started to make sense that he found himself wanting to protect this person. Yes, just like he had wanted to protect Dupli, now he started to feel the same with Genevieve...


    Just as his time in Bullhore came to a close, Nathan had finally taken Kiara¡¯s advice and gone as far as kissing the maid, Genevieve.


    One year, after he left the Wiltsing residence for Bullhore, Nathan returned with Genevieve, ready to give the relationship a chance. To a strange degree¡­He felt like his relationship with Kaira was actually one that led him to be with Genevieve. That perhaps¡­He had loved Kaira, but never truly fell in love with her. That perhaps, loving Kaira was closer to a brother¡¯s type of love then he had originally thought. Seeing as it had taken months to for him to get intimacy out of Kaira, he had wanted to shorten that time with Genevieve by at least half! He wanted to touch her...


    So, as the year had slowly gone by and he had slowly started to feel different about Genevieve, he finally realized this and had decided to move on.


    What seemed to help tremendously, besides being able to accept a maid as a future partner, was that Genevieve seemed hopelessly devoted to him¡­And that devotion sneaked itself in like a fire melting his heart. The small things that he saw that Genevieve did, ended up becoming more and more heart felt and touching to him that he was unable to stop seeing these things now. She was becoming more and more beautiful and lovelier by the month, week and day¡­

 Epilogue

    <div>


    It was another year after that, that Nathan and Genevieve got married, and Kiara, now known as Davina, and Sebastian, came to the wedding.


    Davina smiled, while at the back of the people and watched as Nathan seemed happy. Indeed, he was happy!


    He had wanted to marry earlier but had to convince quite the number of people beforehand¡­


    Luckily, the year had gone by awfully fast and Genevieve was now no longer a maid and had learnt how to become a lady, with much help from his mother. Through hard times, they had finally gotten to this stage, of being accepted and happily now taking that leap into matrimony where they can become a family¡­The family that Nathan had pictured¡­


    Sebastian tightened his hold over Davina and kissed her head.


    When they had purified the Princess and taken back the bracelet, they had the rest of their lives to live. Their house was already fixed and with all the tries they had, Davina had finally gotten pregnant about four months ago.


    It was hard not to show how gloriously happy they were, especially Sebastian!


    He longed to always be with his Davina, always be loved by her and always love her in return.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Now that Nathan was able to move on, Davina couldn¡¯t wait to see more of him and Genevieve. She wanted their friendship to continue!


    When the two newly weds came out from where they had made their vows, Davina led Sebastian to the carriage that Nathan and Genevieve were supposed to leave in and got in secretly.


    Waiting upon the arrival of her friends, Davina smiled happily at Sebastian.


    He pulled her closer to him and waited as well¡­Since she cared so much about these two people, then so would he!


    Upon entering the carriage, Genevieve was stunned and didn¡¯t move from the entrance, she let out a small sob after a moment and then went straight into Davina¡¯s arms. ¡°You! You never said¡­¡±


    Nathan then stepped in, seeing this sight.


    Davina pulled away from Genevieve and then smiled at Nathan, ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    Nathan could only nod and then cuddle her back when she went into his embrace. The girl he used to love.


    ¡°Really?¡± Genevieve asked happily.


    Davina nodded, patting her tiny bump.


    ¡°Ah! Nathan!¡± Genevieve said, tapping him on his leg.


    Nathan put his hands over hers and then looked at Davina, ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    Sebastian finally said something, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Davina then looked at him and laughed, ¡°Sebastian is happier than he shows, he¡¯s holding it in!¡±


    Sebastian turned and stared at Davina, as she was right, he was so damned happy!


    ¡°Well, I wish you all the best baby.¡± Genevieve said, lightly tapping Davina¡¯s stomach with her free hand.


    ¡°Mmm, the last baby I looked after was the Princess of Eden.¡± Sebastian admitted.


    Davina looked at him, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡­You¡¯re the real Princess.¡±


    ¡­Silence filled the carriage, as it slowly got closer to its destination.


    Davina frowned¡­


    She was a duplicate for the Princess¡­But in fact¡­Wasn¡¯t that person¡­A duplicate for her instead?


    THE END OF DUPLICATE!!