When I heard the knock, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest, but I forced myself to keep a calm demeanour as I commanded, "Come in."
A man walked out of the massive wooden door as it opened. The man looked to be in his teens, and his face betrayed an impression of immaturity and lack of experience. His eyes were green, and his hair was brown. His skin was even paler than Evan's. He was clad in an unusual military costume, one reminiscent of the garb worn by troops in bygone eras. It includes a pair of bottoms, a top, and a golden jacket. He was also armed with a sword at the hip.
I watched him as he bowed and smiled at me. He greeted me, "Good morning, your royal highness; I have been waiting for you to arise in order to preside over the morning court."
A scowl formed on my lips as I glanced at him in amazement and confusion. My Inquiring mind wanted to know who this man was, "Who are you again?"
Anxiety and worry flooded the man's eyes, as his expression transformed.
"What are you saying, your royal highness? It is I, Robert, who serve as your assistance and knight. Your Majesty, do you need anything? Do I need to contact the imperial physician?"
As soon as I heard his name, I dove into the storyline to find out more about him.
Unfortunately, he was just a plot device to spark romance between the male and female protagonists. Evan's assistant, as he put it. He was also the only person Evan had that would do anything for him and was completely loyal to him.
When Robert was little, a slave dealer was going to sell him, but Evan rescued him just in time. Robert has given up all for Evan since then.
He also loathed seeing Evan, his master, miserable in love with the heroine, so he tried to break up the couple yet was unsuccessful and was later killed by the male lead.
I looked at the supporting male lead's love interest and sighed pitifully as he made the ultimate sacrifice for his unrequited love.
I said, "I'm good, Robert; I'm just confused because I woke up."
As he headed towards the massive wardrobe, he bowed and asked, "Your Royal Highness, would you like to bathe first while I get out your garments for today?" I nodded and followed him.
I nodded as I made my way to the washroom for a quick wash and change of clothes. As I passed by, I had a peek in the open closet and was stunned by the quantity of garments there.
I went into the bathroom without saying a word and undressed gently.
When I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was shocked. The six-pack abs, on the other hand, did come as a complete surprise to me.
I had no idea he had such a great upper physique; his six-pack is the only positive aspect of manhood for me.
I felt a surge of pride as I caressed the mermaid line; before, I had always wished for a man like this now I got a body for myself like this.
A sigh escaped my lips as I climbed into the tub. After everything I'd been through, all I felt was warmth and comfort from the water.
I submerged, shutting my eyes against the reality that I am dead and must feed off the flesh of others.
At that point, I was suddenly jerked out of my reverie. I heard a sob close by and struggled to open my eyes. When I did, a whisper said,
"Your Royal Highness!!... There is still hope for you, and His Majesty and Her Majesty care deeply about you; please refrain from committing the sin of suicide."
All of the yelling and crying was making my ears ring. I looked over at the man who was sitting sobbing next to the bathroom sink.
With displeasure in my voice, I brushed my wet hair and asked, "What nonsense are you saying? I just wanted to close my eyes and relax in the heat. I'm curious: "From what perspective do I look like I'm trying to kill myself?"
Robert's face was flushed with shame now. The words "Go out" came out of my mouth with a sigh.
"Your Royal Highness, I have already made an order for the garments for tomorrow's ball," Robert said, nodding his head as he went away but stopping outside the door.
As I scowled and rubbed my arms, I retorted, "What ball?"
There was complete and utter silence. I was uninterested and calmly waited for him to elaborate. I had been accustomed to being ignored at workplace,so it didn't bother me.
It seemed like an eternity before he spoke, but then he asked, "Your royal highness are you alright? You heard from me yesterday about the birthday ball for his majesty.
I glared and said, "I don't know, work has been crazy lately, don't you remember? I had you there with me, too."
I responded coolly while I tried to recall this from the previous owner.
"Oh yes your royal highness, it has been busy due to the celebration held for His Majesty's birthday since many envoys are coming from the neighbouring countries".
After drying off, I put on the bathrobe. As I emerged from the bathroom, Robert presented me with a new set of clothes, fit for a royal prince.
Robert said, "I will wait outside your royal highness." and then he left the room.
You may be wondering how I came to be dressed in such lavish garments since in my former existence I was not particularly wealthy. Why? Because I've already died.
I studied the reflection of the young, dashing man before me. His blond hair glowed in the sunlight like the divine radiance. All the life force could be seen in those bright blue eyes. The young child in the mirror looked nothing less than majestic in these garments.
They radiated it about us such that it appeared to be an integral part of his person.
Still, he accomplished nothing worthwhile in his life.
The truth is that the female lead would have paired off with the supporting male lead regardless of whether or not he was the main attraction.
The male protagonist overshadowed him to the point where he was barely noticeable.
I actually felt bad for this handsome man, who appeared to have it all but clearly didn't.
I walked out of the room with my shoulders back and a broad grin on my face, ready to take on the unknown.
I will do anything to stay alive, and I have no intention of giving up.