How long have I been asleep for? And where am I?
"Ow! My head." I groaned softly.
As I sat up on the oversized bed, I looked around and noticed how dark the entire room was. The lights were dimmed, while the smoke of burning incense filled the air with the soothing scent of lavender. Did someone take me to another room when I passed out? A sudden rustling and creaking sound coming from the darkest corner of the room made me jolt as I felt a sudden chill run down my spine.
"H-hello? I-is someone there?" I stuttered nervously.
Their heavy footsteps resonated in the silent room, as if a giant was approaching me. Before I knew it, I was already standing in the middle of the bed, glancing around frantically. My heart was pounding out of my chest as I noticed their shimmering eyes glowing in the darkness. I shuddered in fear yet again and slowly retreated as a million thoughts raced through my mind.
"It took you long enough."
This calm, deep and nonchalant tone sounded strangely familiar. The towering silhouette kept encroaching further forth until it completely emerged out of the darkness. Standing several feet tall before me was a man who seemed to have been meticulously sculpted by the hands of God. From the tip of his long red hair to the golden cross earring dangling in his ear, down to his very feet, everything was magnificently perfect.
"W-who are you? Why have you brought me here?"
My voice quavered out of control as I became curious about the lewd expression on his face until I realized I was only wearing a nightgown. I let out a loud gasp and attempted to cover my chest with my arms.
"I'm rather disappointed, princess. To think five years was all it took to make you forget me this easily. So much so that you went and conceived a child with another man."
My eyes must be deceiving me. I must have wanted to see you so badly that I finally hit my limit and became delusional. The man standing before me sounded like him, yet their physique couldn't be any more distinct. My heart led my feet down the bed and all the way in front of him as he loomed over me with a scowl on his face. I'm not dreaming, am I?
"Na-Nathan? Is that you?"
"In the flesh."
I had to stand on my toes in order for my hand to reach his face. He was warm to the touch, which means I'm not dreaming. All the feelings I've bottled up over the years came pouring out as I clung to him and wept. He wrapped his brawny arms around me ever so gently, and pulled me closer into his warm embrace. Until now, I thought we would never see each other again, but I was wrong. He came back to me as promised.
I missed you so much, Nathan.
+++++
The morning air felt invigoratingly pleasant as I woke up to the sound of the birds chirping outside my window. I must get ready for work. Goodness, what a strange dream I had last night. It was so vivid I could still feel his body's heat all over me. I must rid my mind of these impure thoughts right away. Where are my clothes? Why is my wardrobe empty?
"Ivy, Clover…it's time to get up for work." I called in a daze.
Did they leave without waking me? I was trudging around the room with my eyes barely peeled as I yawned incessantly until a few things suddenly became noticeably different. I paused as I widened and rubbed my eyes.
"Pleasant morning to you, princess." Said a familiar voice, standing in the doorway.
I jolted with a loud shriek as I staggered and fell on the floor.
"Ow! That hurt."
"She's awake. You may come in, Doctor Hayden."
What's happening? Does this mean last night wasn't a dream?
~A few moments later
"Well? How fares her baby?"
Baby? What baby? What is Nathan talking about?
"Pardon?"
"I was told she was with child." He scowled at the doctor.
What? Is that why he's been glaring at me this whole time? I've been over the moon, searching for his gaze all throughout the examination, but what? He thinks I'm pregnant!
"I regret to inform your highness that miss Fati is not with child, nor are there any signs of that ever being the case." Calmly informed Sir Hayden.
Oh dear. I should leave this room as soon as possible. She looks like a time bomb on the verge of exploding.
"If there is nothing else, your highness, I shall take my leave."
"Very well. Thank you for your services once again, Doctor Hayden."
"I too am leaving, your highness." She sighed as she stepped down from the bed.
"Where to?" he asked calmly as he leaned against the opened door frame with his arms folded across his chest.
"Where else?" she replied brusquely.
The tension keeps rising between the two. I must gather my things quickly and leave.
"Are you going back to that Tomario fellow?"
"As a matter of fact, yes!" she yelled in frustration.
"Since you seem to be convinced that I'm carrying his child. I'm going to make your dream come true, your highness." She roared while stomping her foot in front of him.
Miss Fati is either the most foolish, or bravest woman I've ever met. No ordinary person would ever dare to speak this way to a man nearly twice their size. It seems his highness isn't taking her seriously from the way he was smiling during their squabble. Wait-h-he's…smiling?
"I hate to break it to you, princess; but you are never to set foot in that estate without my company."
"Now then, I shall escort you to breakfast, my dear"
He offered his hand to her; however, she walked right past him with a pouting expression on her face as she stomped her way out of the door.
+++++
Fortunately, no one seems to have sustained any serious injuries from yesterday's fire. However, the entire annex was burned to the ground as the flames died just before touching the main building.
"I can't believe she's dead." sobbed Clover mournfully.
"We will never see her again. I don't want to be here anymore." cried Ivy.
"It's all my fault. I was there, and I couldn't do anything other than trembling in fear. I'm such a cowardly, useless friend."
As we sat near the ashes of burnt woods and rubbles covered in soot, we mourned Fati's death with all our hearts. She may be gone from this world, but she will forever be alive in our memories. For the rest of my life, I will always regret not standing up for you at that moment, Fati. I'm so sorry, my dear friend.
"What are you three useless muttonheads doing instead of working? Hurry on up and clean all this before her grace wakes up!"
"Yes, miss Edith."
"Good heavens! I can't believe I have to do everything around here." She grumbled angrily as she walked away.
+++++
The capital was caught up in the preparations for the victory festival, and the imperial palace was in total disarray, trying to organize the ball that was soon to take place. I couldn't help but lend a hand, as they needed all the help they could get. Following the ball will be the fighting competition that will feature a showdown between my brother and his childhood 'friends'. That is the event everyone is looking forward to.
"Mama!" exclaimed Cadhiel sitting in Ulissa's arms.
There was a bit of an awkwardness between us when we were first introduced, however the children warmed up to her rather quickly and we became somewhat close.
"You two look like a married couple." I teased with a smug.
Their reactions were so obvious that it made me giggle. It appears Leo is as much into her as she is, yet none of them seems to be aware. My brother must have rubbed off on him throughout the years.
"No need to be so tense. I was merely teasing." I chortled as I cleared my throat.
They both let out a sigh of relief as they awkwardly avoided each other's gaze. Their faces were completely red. I never knew he could make that kind of expression. Either way…
"This will take a while." I sighed as I walked away with Cadhiel.
+++++
"Are you still upset?"
From the way she's pouting, the answer is quite obvious. I'm surprised she even agreed to accompany me to the boisterous capital of Alkaraz.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect you in any way. It's just…"
My words tangled up in a knot as I struggled to convey my feelings. I've never felt this sort of pressure before, not even in front of the old man. Deciding which part of my feelings to lie bare is proving to be quite a hefty task.
"When I heard you were carrying someone else's child, I became furious. Then I worked my mind to understand your situation, however it still hurt, and I felt somehow defeated. As though I was toppled by an unknown enemy."
"You should have asked me directly instead of assuming it was true from the start." she sulked.
Even if I explain it to her in a thousand languages, I doubt it would get through the way I want it to. Still, she looks less upset than before. Should I try to sit next to her? Would that make her feel uncomfortable?
"Why are you looking at me like that, your highness? What is it you want?"
"You…I want…you, Fati." I blurted mindlessly.