I'm drowning… I can't breathe… Haa... Haa... Air. I need air.
It's so dark here. I can't see anything… Where am I? Where…
"Find the reason why you were sent here.
Change the past, for it has been so cruel.
Do not suffer just like you did before,
And note that one mistake could end it all."
I can hear someone speaking. "Who are you? What are you saying? Where am I? Please… Tell me," I begged.
"Find the reason why you were sent here.
Change the past, for it has been so cruel.
Do not suffer just like you did before,
And note that one mistake could end it all."
"What do you mean by that? What are you talking about? I don't understand you!" I yelled. What is going on? I feel so confused and helpless.
"Remember these words well, Krishiella Mortcombe. I will repeat it for the third time," the voice said.
How does he know me?
"Find the reason why you were sent here.
Change the past, for it has been so cruel.
Do not suffer just like you did before,
And note that one mistake could end it all."
I immediately got up and found myself gasping for air. I closed my eyes tightly as I was breathing heavily.
Wait, it seemed bright in here...
I opened my eyes and was shocked to see a familiar place.
This is... the garden.
"Your Majesty, you're finally awake," said the head maid, Ellen. I was way too shocked to answer her. Is this a dream? Why am I here? I died, didn't I? "Your Majesty?" She looked at me with a confused expression as if she was wondering why I'm acting like this. "A-Ahh... yes," I said softly, barely audible.
"His Imperial Majesty called for you. I shall take you to His Majesty right away. It seemed urgent, Your Majesty," she said while lowering her head. I have no time to act shocked right now. A knight offered his hand to help me get up and I gladly accepted it. "Very well, take me to my Father," I said as I slowly got up.
She led me to my Father's chambers and when we finally arrived, I knocked gently on the door and waited for my Father's response. "You may enter," he said.
I entered my Father's chambers, leaving the maids and knights outside. I curtsied as soon as I entered and spoke. "You called, Father," I said as I walked towards him. "Krishiella, my daughter, will you please tend to your sick father?" He said in a very sweet tone.
Sick? The last time my father was bedridden was five years ago. How... How is this possible? "Oh yes, Father. Shall I bring you some food?" I asked and smiled sweetly. "I'd appreciate it very much if you do, thank you," he said and smiled back at me. "Please wait for me. I will ask the chef to prepare something for you," I said and curtsied before leaving his chambers.
When I got out of my Father's chambers, I told the maids and knights to leave me be and let me go to the kitchen alone. I walked as fast as I could, and when I was already out of their sight, my usual calm appearance changed and I found myself sitting on the floor.
What exactly is going on right now? Did I... travel back in time? Perhaps... did I get reincarnated in my 18-year-old body? No, that can't be it. I'm sure I died earlier. But... if that's not the case, then I don't know what the possible explanation could be.
For now, I should just do what I am told and adapt to the current situation and time. That's right... That's what I should do.
I went to the kitchen and asked the chef to prepare some fruit slices and tea for my Father. As soon as he finished preparing them, I immediately headed back to my Father's chambers. The knight knocked on the door because my hands are full, and when I heard his response, the knight opened the door for me and I went inside.
Just as my Father requested, I fed him and stayed with him for the whole day. I felt bad for not doing this before. When my Father got sick, I didn't bother taking care of him. I only went to his chambers to greet him and left right away.
This time, I'm glad that I'm able to do this for him. "Krishiella, is something bothering you? You've been acting weird," he said as he held my hand gently. "No, Father. I'm fine. Maybe I'm just a bit tired," I said and smiled a little.
"Go on, my Krishiella. Head back to your room and get some rest. It must have been hard on you to study so much in the morning and then take care of your father in the afternoon until the evening," he said as he smiled sweetly.
"I will, Father. Thank you for your concern. Please take a rest as well for your body is not in great condition. I'll be back tomorrow to check on you again. I'll be leaving now," I said and curtsied before leaving.
The maids and knights led me to my room, and when I finally arrived, I immediately laid down on my bed.
I can't believe it. This is real. I'm not dreaming.
I sat up and thought of the possible reasons why I've been given a second chance in life. Could it be because I've been a bad daughter? Or could it be... because of him?
Vaughn...
I felt my chest tighten as I could still remember his face vividly. His cold expression that never seemed to change, his jet black unkempt hair, his dark tantalizing narrow eyes, high nose, soft pink lips, and sharp jawline.
I looked out of the window and saw the beautiful stars in the sky. This is just like the night when I died.
Maybe... Just maybe... I've been brought back here to save myself from my death. It's evitable if only I knew the woman he loves and the person who killed her. And of course... if I can have his heart.
I shall change my fate and claim Vaughn Rosiello for myself.