Jamila/Valeria POV:
I lay in the bedchamber, my head resting heavily on the soft pillows. Maybe it was all a dream, I thought to myself. Perhaps I'd simply drift back into my real life soon enough.
But, even this uncertainty was better than the cold finality of death…right? I was alone in the room as the girl had gone to fetch the Physician. As I reached up, I realized my—her—hair was uncovered, a sudden exposure that felt strange yet vulnerable.
But I was alone here, so perhaps it was alright. I took in the room around me, absorbing every detail. The room is an opulent space, bathed in warm, golden light. High ceilings arch above, adorned with intricate frescoes, while tall, arched windows draped in rich velvet let in streams of natural light.
Deep blue and gold tapestries line the walls, giving the room a regal feel, while ornate, gilded furniture—a vanity, an armoire, and a pair of armchairs—complete the setting. Every detail, from the marble floors to the delicate crystal chandeliers, speaks of luxury and timeless elegance.
The design was unlike anything I'd ever seen, more intricate and beautiful than even the grandest movie set. Rich, warm colors filled the space, and everything seemed to radiate quiet luxury.
"Wow, they're even wealthier than I imagined," I whispered to myself in awe. Witnessing it firsthand was the last thing I ever thought would happen.
'I'll go bring the physician!' The girl's earlier words rang in my ears.
I quickly sprang up and walked over to the largest wardrobe I'd ever seen, it's handles decorated with intricate gold designs that caught the light. The dark wood complemented the richness of the room, giving it an air of quiet power.
"There has to be something like a scarf in here," I whispered to myself as I searched, pushing aside elegant gowns and elaborate shawls.
A small paper slipped from a folded garment and drifted to the floor. I picked it up, catching a glimpse of the words written within:
"Like rain meeting the river,
I return to what I was."
I frowned, wondering what it could mean. Shaking my head, I tucked the note back and finally pulled out a thick, wine red scarf. Wrapping it around my head, I felt a small measure of relief, as if I could somehow blend into this strange life for a moment longer.
Crossing back to the four-poster queen-sized bed with carved mahogany posts, layered with silk linens and plush feather pillows., I lowered myself onto the soft, feathered pillows, feeling the ache of my body as I moved.
Just then, the door swung open, and a man entered—presumably the physician.
"Your Highness!" He almost shouted, his eyes wide as he bowed, looking as though he'd seen a ghost.If he was frightened, he had no idea what was going on in my mind.
I sat up straight, uncertain, my hands folded on my lap as I was turning into a nervous wreck. The girl from before entered, her head slightly bowed. She was followed by another man, dressed in royal attire.
His dark hair was neatly swept back, and his intense, piercing gaze locked onto me as he approached the bed.He looked slightly aged, lines of experience and worry etched into his features. He must be this woman's father, I thought.
Though, I couldn't help but notice—he was remarkably handsome.
Focus, you idiot, I scolded myself.
You're assessing whether someone is handsome when you don't even know where you are. Or… am I in heaven?Maybe I became a princess as a reward for some good deeds.
The idea made me smirk, though I quickly hid it as the physician began speaking, bowing respectfully to the man.
"This is a miracle, Your Majesty," the physician said with reverence. "Valeria?" the man asked, his gaze soft yet intense, his face visibly pained.
Oh so her name is Valeria? I thought to myself.
Panic flickering in my mind, I managed to respond, "Yes?" My words transformed his expression from worry to bright relief, he must have thought i lost my hearing or something.
"The fall must have left her with short-term memory loss," the physician offered, sounding hopeful. "With the right treatment, she should recover soon. The worst has passed, Your Majesty."
My "father" gave a solemn nod, then took my hand in his, his voice laced with raw determination as he sat beside me on the soft bed.
"Valeria, forgive me. I was not there to shield you from harm. That you suffered so—I vow to find the one who did this and see them pay twofold for their treachery." His gaze was fierce, wholly devoted to his daughter's safety, and a pang of guilt struck me. How would he bear it, I wondered, to know that his daughter's very soul had departed elsewhere?
Trying to sound natural, I nodded, then asked, "What happened to me?"
"We found you in the pool, beneath the balcony. Someone must have pushed you, but we have no leads," he replied, anger tightening his jaw.
"It's been a month since your fall. The royal physicians said you wouldn't survive, but I knew it—I raised a fighter." I forced a small smile as he pulled me into a tight hug, making me wince from a sharp pain in my back.
A whole month has passed? It felt as though I'd just slept and woken up.
As he drew back, my mind raced. If someone killed Valeria, pushing her from the balcony, was that why their souls got exchanged? Perhaps it had been confused as they both fell and were pushed by someone.
If I fell into the pool back, will I eventually go back to my world? These questions were endless. Once my father and the physician left, not without promising to make sure my needs were met, only the young maid remained, her head slightly bowed.
"What's your name?" I asked, watching as she shifted uncomfortably. I wondered why she did that, why she looks like she didn't want to talk.
"Taylor, Your Highness," she replied softly, still not looking up.
"Aren't you uncomfortable—"
"The Duke is here!" The Herald's announcement was punctuated by the sound of heavy footsteps halting just outside the door to the room I was staying in. I turned, my eyes fixed on the entrance as it opened to reveal a tall figure with strikingly red eyes.
Red eyes? I blinked, feeling an instinctive chill. What's happening?The sunlight spilling in through the window illuminated his fair skin, sharp features, and dark, carefully combed hair. His outfit was simple but elegant, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal the hint of muscle underneath—a presence both unsettling and fascinating.
He looks like he walked straight out of a dark romance novel.
Jamila, focus!
Suddenly self-conscious as I felt the scarf loosely draped around my head. It was odd that no one had commented on it yet. Trying to compose myself, I stammered,
"W-why are your eyes red?" The question sounded strange even to me, so I quickly followed with, "Who… who are you?"
His eyes narrowed briefly as they shifted to look at Taylor, who bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness," she said softly.
"The physician has informed us that Her Highness may be experiencing temporary memory loss." The Duke's gaze returned to me, his expression unreadable as he stepped closer.
I instinctively backed up, feeling the edge of the bed behind me and fighting the urge to bolt. "Please let this be a dream," I whispered. I loved reading romance novels like this, but I had never wanted to fall into one myself—especially not like this.
"This is definitely not a dream, Princess. So, get well soon, " he said, his tone edged with something I couldn't quite name. "Then, help us find the one who attempted to kill you."I swallowed, unsure of what to say, his words pressing down on me with a strange, heavy intensity.
Well, if I get to see him every day, I thought, trying to lighten my own mood, maybe staying here wouldn't be so bad.
I quickly banished the thought, focusing my gaze on the man in front of me.
"Has Princess Valeria truly lost her memory?" he murmured, a hint of mirth in his eyes as he took another step closer. Instinctively, I stepped back, but my foot missed its mark, and I felt myself sway. In an instant, he closed the distance between us, catching me before I could fall.
His arm wrapped around me, pulling me close with a steady, surprising warmth. I looked up, meeting those strange red eyes again, feeling both unsettled and inexplicably drawn in.
Realizing how close we were, I hurriedly pulled myself from his grip. "Thank you," I said, managing a small smile.He gave me a faint, misty smile in return, but there was a warning in his gaze.
"Be careful next time, Milady. You never know when you might slip and die."He straightened, his gaze softening slightly. "I came here to check on my bride-to-be upon hearing of your recovery. Seeing you well now puts me at ease." I gave a small nod, unsure of what to say.
But… Wait a minute, did he say bride-to-be?
"I'll take my leave now." With a brief nod, he turned, and that was when I noticed the man behind him, who bowed at me before they both left the room.
I don't even know his name yet, I thought. Husband-to-be, I suppose.
I sank back down onto the bed, feeling drained. To think I'm engaged to someone who looks like him, technically speaking, it's not me. I thought as I shook my head. Suddenly reminded of someone else;
Don't forget about Abdul Quadri, you fool. He called off the wedding first, idiot. Another voice said.
Taylor cleared her throat gently, drawing my attention. "His Highness is still upset about how you spoke of calling off the wedding," she said carefully. "So please don't take his words to heart, Your Highness."
The wedding was going to be called off? That was something else we had in common.
"Oh…" I replied simply, pulling my body to lay back against the pillow as fatigue weighed down on me. I hadn't even had a proper conversation since I woke up, yet I was exhausted.
My eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted off again into sleep.
~~~
"Argh! Alexander!" Alexander didn't slow down, his urgent hands rolled over her body, as he pressed his body down on hers.
"Valeria, say my name." He whispered to her ears, "Alex," she moaned out as his hands found their way to the middle of her thighs, he slipped one finger in erecting a sharp moan from her.
"Alexander!" Her breath shuddered, as she trembled underneath him.
"Hm?" He mused as if he didn't know the effect he had on her. He increased his pace doubling the finger, he captured her exposed nipple into his mouth, making her back arched against the bathhouse's white wall, he bit her nipple, as his fingers worked underneath her, making her yell once again.
"Alex… wait," she breathed, her heart racing as she gripped his arm, feeling the tension build in her body, like a spark-catching flame. But he held her steady, never breaking contact, until finally, her body shuddered, her breath catching in a sharp, electrifying release that left her trembling, her pulse echoing in her ears.
As her breaths gradually slowed, she felt a flush rise to her cheeks, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief.
"This is… this isn't right," she managed, her voice soft, lips still tingling from the closeness. She felt warmth rise within her, a thrill she hadn't expected.And just then, I opened my eyes, my heart still racing.
Was that a dream? Or… a memory?