Celeste ~
I awoke to the scent of fresh lemons and instantly sank in the soft bedsheets. I blinked a few times, unable to believe what my eyes were tricking me into seeing. Above me hung an ornate chandelier embellished with countless crystals, glinting in warm shades of morning sun that filed in through the huge porch beside the bed in which I was laid.
The view outside overlooked an entire city, encompassing the numerous busy roads, sky-high business buildings, and luxurious apartments. These were lined adjacent to the creamy shoreline of the cerulean oceans. The sight was breathtaking, and for some particular reason, the first thing I wanted to do was to dive into the waters. I reluctantly crawled out of from the blankets, resisting the urge to sink into the fluffy bed, and headed straight to the bathroom.
Looking into the mirror, I could not identify the lady in my reflection. The emerald eyes staring back at me were absolutely gorgeous, but they were not at all familiar to me. I moved my gaze down to my waist, and noticed it was slightly bruised at the side.
Then it hit me.
It was planned.
What could be better than to launch an ambuscade during the Queen's most vulnerable state, when she's in so much pain that she can't even think, and when she can't make out what's in front of her?
That must've been when their sorcerer wiped my memories and stranded me in the caves above the city. Then how did my soldiers find me? Had they been secretly betraying my reign? But then again, they spared Evelynn's life, and that was more than anything I could ever ask for.
But couldn't they have prevented my partner's death? Evelynn would be murdered by anyone who discovered that she wasn't a pure blood royal if she were raised in the whale kingdom. If the only human who loved her and had the capability to provide her a safe life in the human world had died, that would leave me with only one option.
And it wasn't a sweet one either.
My suicidal trance was abruptly interrupted by a triad of knocks on my door.
"Won't be a minute!" I yell, hurriedly dressing from a pile of clothing neatly folded on the bathroom counter. Where was I again?
"No worries Miss. Breakfast is ready to serve just two turns from your room." A feminine voice spoke. Footsteps were faintly heard outside the door as they echoed away, fading into the distance.
Everyone turned to me as I entered the dining hall. This place was huge and everything was extravagantly expensive from the high ceilings to the vintage wallpapers. I was greeted by a lovely lady by the name of Julianne Jacqueline and introduced to her husband Jarrod Jacqueline shortly after. They spoke with genuine smiles and I couldn't help but wish I hadn't burdened them. They happened to be travelling on a private jet over the snowy mountains where they found us.
I couldn't keep track of how many times I repeated my words of gratitude but it didn't matter. What mattered to me the most was that Evelynn was now in safe hands. I felt my heart flutter at the joy of envisioning Evelynn growing up as a happy girl in this palace. But I also felt the pain of having to leave her here, growing up without knowing who her birth mother was.
It was the only choice, after all any mother would only wish the best for their child. Having her by my side would be selfishly sacrificing her to the species-biased people just for my momentary happiness.
Jarrod cleared his throat, bringing my attention back to the conversation.
"I regret to inform you, Madame, that your husband has unfortunately passed away." He spoke, with a soft expression.
I didn't know how to respond now that it was confirmed.
"Are you alright?" Julianne asked, and when I didn't answer, she gently tugged at my arm.
"Y-yeah." I replied in a small voice, afraid it would betray me. I had to keep up the humane facade, although I was nowhere near human. My mind was a swirling hurricane threatening to spin me into darkness at any moment. I kept my eyes open, ignoring the flickering edges of my vision, and I was glad I did because I knew I wouldn't have been able to comprehend what was coming next otherwise.
"We're sorry for your loss and share your condolences. The doctors who visited last night have confirmed that nothing could've be done to save him. In fact, he had already died within the last 48 hours.", Julianne explained, "It's a pity that you and your family haven't been rescued earlier, but the good news is that your daughter is completely okay. She's just a little exhausted from the lack of proper nourishment out there in the mountains. Don't worry, she should be fine within a week."
"I'm really grateful that you and your husband have graciously saved me and my daughter nonetheless. I wish I had a way to repay you but by staying here, I'll be only attracting unwanted attention. Thank you Mr and Mrs Jacqueline for your offers to provide me a temporary home here, but I must decline." I began, but Julianne cut me off.
"A lady like you should not be alone on the streets. We will not be buying-"
"I should not be asking this but it is my only option left: Could you take in my daughter? As I mentioned previously, I bring nothing but trouble. Even Evelynn isn't safe with me." I blurt out, feeling my eyes water from the thought of having to leave my child.
"Are you sure about this decision, Celeste?" Julianne asked once more, with wide eyes.
"Yes dear. And would you do me one little favour? Please don't let her know about this. I don't want her to ever have to get into the mess that I am in. All I want is for her to live a prosperous life." I answered earnestly, as another tear slipped through.
"Alright then. We'll raise her as if she is our own daughter and do our very best to keep the secret." Julianne reassured me, as she attempted to coax me by giving me a warm hug.
"And as for me, I know a place." I said as I pulled away from the hug with the best smile I could offer to hide the guilt of me leaving them without them knowing where I meant.
**
A shimmering silver tail splashed against the waters, disappearing into the deep blues and greens. The hidden world was to fade into a little-known myth for the next sixteen years. The seagulls cawed and the crashing of the waves continued, palpitating their rhythmic beats restlessly.