IVY'S P O V
I looked at Lady Lysandra dumbfound, let me get this straight. I died, and for some insane reason, I'm now in some Lady Ivy's body who also died after falling off a balcony. Me, Ivy Reed, the world's best assassin, the night reaper, Death's Empress is now in a pathetic lovesick lady's body. Are you shitting me right now.
"Lady Ivy?" Lady Lysandra called after receiving no response from me the first time. "Do you think she lost her voice." Lady Isolde whispered to Lady Isabeau. "Water." I said, my voice coming out raspy. My throat was dry, really dry. How long was this body asleep for?
"Oh, my apologies my Lady, let me pour you a glass." One of the remaining girls in maid outfit said as she quickly poured me a glass of water and help me drink. I downed about four cups before my thirst was quenched.
Shortly after, a maid I recognized as Anya walked in with a man I recognized as the family's physician. Everyone gave way to the physician as he approached me. "What time did she wake?" He asked the ladies. "A few moments ago." replied Lady Lysandra.
"Pardon me, my Lady." He said as he gently grabbed my wrist to check my pulse. He then placed an orb on my palm, it glowed green then blue. He picked it up and stared at it closely before clearing his throat. "Well, it appears that Lady Ivy's wounds are all healed. Did you perform healing on her while you were here Lady Moonfire?" he asked turning his attention to Lady Lysandra. "No, as you know, I'm not yet good at using my healing magic I wouldn't dare try to heal Lady Ivy's wounds with my mediocre healing skills." She was lying, how do I know? you may ask. Well, it's because one of the skills I picked up as the world's best assassin was lie detection. But why would she lie, about not being able to use her healing magic, did she just not want to heal Lady Ivy? I thought they were friends.
The physician did a few more checkups with a look of disbelief written on his face. "I've never seen anyone with the ability to heal this fast. But unless my examination is wrong, of which I highly doubt, it's safe to say that lady Ivy will make a complete recovery after a bit of rest." Everyone seemed surprised at the news, and some even seemed unhappy.
"oh, so she's fine while the victim is still bedridden. Looks like the devil really does look after his own." a tall and lean man, with fiery red hair and a sharp, gaze walked in. His features were finely sculpted with high cheekbones and a strong jaw. He had a confident, almost regal bearing that commanded attention, dressed in fine clothes. I recognized him as crown prince Lucius Embercrown, my jackass fiancé.
For a man who just heard that his fiancé was awake and surprisingly fine, he sure didn't look happy. "Your highness." everyone bowed to acknowledge his presence. He turned to me with an expectant look on his face. wait don't tell me he expects me to stand and bow as well.
"Forgive me your highness for being unable to show proper etiquette but my body is still weak." I said, weakness clear in my voice. He scoffed, "Sure, I wouldn't want anything to happen to my fiancé when the wedding is in 3 days." he announced. The wedding was supposed to be in two weeks' time, why did he move it? The physician quickly said, "Your highness, I know I said that the Lady will soon make a full recovery, but she needs about a week of rest."
He stared at me for some time, his face showed clearly that he didn't give a shit, "She looks well enough. Make sure she's fine in three days." He said then walked out leaving the room silent as everyone was at a loss of words. "We knew the prince never liked Lady Ivy but isn't this going to far." one of the maids whispered to the other. "But, she did push Lady Irene off the balcony. It's surprising enough that he's still going through with the marriage." said the other. "Shhh, she might hear us." whisperer the former.
The three ladies looked awkwardly at each other before Lady Lysandra cleared her throat and said, "It's good to see you're recovering fast, Lady Ivy. We would like to stay longer but it's getting late." with that the three ladies walked out. The physician, with a sad expression turned to Anya and told her what meal she should ensure I was eating to help with my recovery. "I really hope you get well soon my lady, I'll do everything in my ability to ensure that you do." with that he walked out.
From Ivy's memories, the physician has always been a kind man to her making sure to do his job well even when the patient is her.
When everyone left, Anya, the only one who remained fell on her knees at my bed side with tears in her eyes. "The crown prince is so mean to you." Anya is a sweet girl. she's been by Ivy's side since they were both eight. Even when everyone hated and talked bad about Ivy, she would always defend Ivy saying that her lady was just misunderstood. The funny thing is, even though she was so good to Ivy, Ivy was never kind to her.
"Please my lady, don't marry him, there's..." she quickly stopped herself when she realized what she just said. If I were the original Ivy, I probably would have slapped her and handed her a punishment for uttering such words. But I'm not, and honestly, girl is giving such good advice. The original Ivy must have been an idiot for being mean to this sweat girl. "P-please forgive me, I misspoke." I smiled at her, "No it's fine, you're just looking out for me." She looked taken aback by my response and a little scared. "My lady, are you okay, did the fall mess with your head." she placed he palm on my forehead as if to check my temperature. This made me laugh, "I'm okay Anya, it's just that... falling off the balcony made me realize that I have to cherish what's important to me and not pay heed to what isn't." I say after calming down from my laughter.
She looked relieved to hear that, "But... are you really going to marry the crown prince? He doesn't even love you." I smile sadly at her, "This marriage was blessed by the king himself, if would be rude to call it off on the basis of love." I explained, she seemed to understand but didn't look happy. I sigh, "For now can you get me something to eat, I'm starving." She immediately got to her feet, "Oh, right I have to bring your food.
She rushed out and after a few moments came back with a tray of food. After my meal she helped be bathe and change clothes.
After freshening up I sat by the window going through Ivy's memories and discovered that girl didn't know much about anything. When she discovered that she didn't have any attributes of magic, she didn't bother to study anything. The only studying she did was studies involving being the crown princess and Queen. Girl's world revolved around being the crown prince's wife.
"Anya, can you bring me to the library. I want to pick some books to read as I stay cooped up in my room resting."
If I'm going to marry a jackass, the best I can do for myself is gain the power of Knowledge. So, in the three days before the wedding, I'll read as much about this world as I could.
"No, my Lady. You're still weak. if there are any books you'd like me to bring, just tell me and I'll bring them to you." She replied. I thought for a while, and yeah she was right, I don't think I would make it far if I walked on my on. "Okay, then just bring me all the books about magic, the kingdom's economy and constitution..." Anya stared at me like I was speaking a foreign language. "My Lady, are you sure you didn't hit your head hard? Should I call the physician?" I laughed lightly, "No, I'm sure I'm perfectly fine. Just get the books you me."