It hasn't been so long since, I was left alone in this room.
Everything still felt as if the world was spinning on it's heals, and I was the centre of the chaos. It still didn't make sense the whole concept of "reincarnation" however the sooner I come to grasp that I am in fact dead, the sooner I can think of what the hell I should be doing.
Okay, think. I berated myself, scratching the crown of my head, which felt annoyingly silky smooth. Everything about this body is perfect. Maybe that's what scares me the most. I stood up to my feet and took a look at the mirror. I was visibly, good looking. A great physique, a dreamlike appearance. My blonde hair looked like fake horse tail hair; entangled and mess free. My "mother" - a word i'll still never get used to - already has expressed her detest in me. Although, I do not care to assume the relationship the previous owner had with that women had but it seems there has been years of distaste and jealousy woven in those eyes of her.
A dreaded knock came from the door, and I had to mentally stop my body from shaking rigorously.
"Come In." I clear my throat, waiting for the intruder to open the door. Out walked in a a young girl, looking the same age as me- well Eloise. I have to act like this girl, Eloise but how to act like a person that you barely know? I pondered to myself quietly, forgetting the presence of the girl.
"Madame, it's time for you to get ready." The girl, announced, trying to catch my gaze. Her eyes were a glimmering hazel, which lit up her small but petite face.
"Get ready for what-" I looked at her confused, she looked at me with the same reaction.
"Sire, did say you need to rest but - Madame Lilliana, insisted you were fine, I'm sorry to say." She sighed, breaking out of her formal stature. It was as if I was trying to solve a puzzle without the actual puzzle pieces. This was going to be hard. I'm all alone as well...
I sighed heavily. Taking my gaze off of her, lost in my own deep and complicated thoughts.
She suddenly came close to me. I stepped back a bit feeling a bit awkward that she had suddenly come so close to me. Reaching from her white apron pocket she brought up small leather diary, no smaller than a carton of juice. Fairly new, with a leather covering, i gingerly took it from her hands, confused as to why she would give it to me in the first place. She came closer to me, the smell of clean sheets came from her.
She whispered in my ear, " You told me to give this to you when you wake up, you said it was important so i kept it for you." She intently looked at me, before widening the gap between us.
"When your ready, ill be waiting outside for you to get ready in your gown." She had said making her way to the ajar door...
"Wait!" I called out.
She had turned around, and she looked at me with a pitiful look...
"It's sad that you wont be able to remember me as much, but I'm sure that book will refresh your memory. I'm Astelle, your personal maid, My Lady." She smiled softly and before I could ask her any more questions she was out of the room. I looked down, at the leather book in my hands.
»»————- ♔ ————-«
I took a seat on the antique bed, welcomed by the comforting feeling of cushion, I untied the strings and turned tot he first page. The cursive writing was almost to neat to read. My modern day handwriting, from what I can vividly remember, was far from this. I read the first page:
- This book belongs to Eloise Fois Brauche, if by any chance this book has been passed over to you, it means I have died and a new 'Eloise' has taken my place. -
Oh God, I thought to myself. "Taken my place" means this is a permanent fix isn't it? I read on:
- You must be thinking, "so this is permanent"
Unfortunately yes, Even though I would love to write all about my thoughts and feelings down in one place I simply cannot as I was given this one and only book. I pray to God this helps you in some way.
Your dead soul was called to this world for one purpose only. You have been given a chance to have a second chance at life. You see, both of us died unfairely, at the wrong time, with the people we gave all your trust to betraying us. God decided to give you a second chance, me on the other hand not so much. However, I feel as though I would be fulfilling my greatest wish to see my mortal body having another chance at life. It may be a bit selfish, but I want you to live as me. Live and see the world through me. Grow. Learn. Make connections. Choose your own destiny. Only then I can rest knowing that the blood spilt was not in vain.
I must warn you though, there is a reason my life was cut so short. My life has been destined since my birth to face hardships. You have inherited my cursed life and all I can say I'm deeply sorry you had too. -
I felt my ears tinge with heat as a read the words closely, i felt a great sorrow, regret, fear. I had felt bad that she had met her end so soon however the underlying beating of my heart made me feel sick to the stomach. A cursed life, she said.
- As you interact with this world and it's people my memories will bleed into your subconscious, therefore you will be able to see and recall the past like I had experienced. -
The words, Only then I can rest knowing that the blood spilt was not in vain rang in my head, I was not keen on finding out what had happened in the process of these happenings. Something, awfully terrible.
I turn the page to read on in cursive writing she had written:
- It's important that, you act like me, but that will come with time. It's good for you, I do not have many people who know me specifically, not at all actually to be honest. -
A pang of pity entered my heart.
- Let me introduce myself formally to you, My name is Eloise Fois Brauche, the legitimate daughter of the Brauche Household. My household are the known merchant's who work closely trading with royalty. From where your from, I believe it is umbrella'd in laments terms "Business". My family used to be complete however we are not like this anymore. My mother died during childbirth leaving my father who is now a sickly widower. Before the day of my 16th. birthday, he had recently announced his betrothal to my now stepmother. My stepmother. Watch out for her. She has always wanted me out the picture. My father, bless his soul cannot see through the ruse. -
I could take her word for it. From the animosity shown at first meet, it's safe to say she would want me gone and would gladly do it herself. Which brings me to the question. Maybe. She succeeded in that? I tightened my grip on the note book.
- It's the 26th of December, the day after my death. You are supposed to attend the Magnolia Ball, which is a Socialite Ball dressed up as a way to " sell" young girls to marriageable households. However in our case, it's specifically designed for us to married off to any sleaze ball stepmother can find. At all costs you need to avoid it. -
My heart sank. How was I supposed to do that? If that's the case I shouldn't be sitting here, I scrambled up my nigh gown hanging loosely on my skin. Does this Astelle know what's going on as well? I panicked a bit but decided to finish the rest of the diary entry.
- Remember. You can't trust anyone, not even Astelle. I may have trusted her with this book however, if threatened by the right people she will have no choice but to spill. She is my loyal maid and friend, but even I know her loyalty has limits as she has people she needs to protect. I can't tell you much more this diary entry is getting tediously long and I hear footsteps. I'm not here physically to help, however I am always with you by the grace of God. Keep this diary in the stocking if your hosiery when you wear your gown. When you make your escape keep it with you at all times and read a diary entry at each waning moon of each day that passes. Please for yours and mine sake, protect us. Keep us safe. When you escape the townspeople will take you as an orphan if you say so, stay hidden and out of sight of he nobility families. You are lucky as you have not been shown in public, today will be the first time, however once you reach the town square dirty your gown and switch the fancy attire. -
- Before I go, I ask just one simple request. I have been a virgin since I have been christened, I pray you keep this body of mine from the likes of a mans touch. Preserve it until the times comes where I may shed my maidenhood bare. -
- May The Virgin Mary Bless You.
»»————- ♔ ————-««
On cue I heard the door, rapture open. I let the information swirl in my mind for a few minutes before realising, Astelle had signalled me that it was time to go. She pleaded for me to keep her as a virgin, there was nothing more I wanted than for this. In a strange world, to be touched or even looked as that in any sort of way made me shiver. I wrapped the book up and tucked it into my gown sleeve. I related with her desperation, pitied her demise and felt angered at how we both had been put in this situation. So for us both, I will keep us safe. The only problem, how will I even think to escape in this unfamiliar place?
"Your dress has been picked out for you my Lady." She had announced, smiling quaintly. Okay, think and speak like Eloise. Eloise. Yes, she was a daughter of a noble, who would be taught to be polite and dainty speaking.
"Thank you kindly, Astelle, If you would lead me I will proceed in the preparations." I had gently said, straightening my stance to a more dignified standing.
She had simply smiled and with her hand motioned me out the door, I followed her aimlessly like a loss puppy.