Chapter 11- This must be a dream

I slowly opened my eyes. I slept well. It seemed that I fell asleep for a long time. Did I say to wake me up after an hour? What time is it? I should prepare myself for the banquet.

I sat on my bed and pulled the rope, but, huh? Strange, I don't recall this place. Where am I? And why am I wearing this kind of dress? This is odd. Am I dreaming? Did I wake up in another dream of mine?

I get up from the bed and walk around. This room is beautiful. There are ornaments that I am familiar with. I am sure that is it from the Empire. I went to the window and take a look. The place looks familiar. The atmosphere feels familiar, but where am I?

I went to the door and slowly opened it. I am not sure, but my heart is beating louder in my chest. Just as I opened the door and stepped outside, two unfamiliar faces of the knights are in the doorway. They both looked at my way when I opened the door. Both of their eyes grow big as if shocked to see me. I, too, wondered with their reactions felt the same. The first thing that came to my mind was me being captured by the enemy, but when I look at the Siegel of their uniform, I was sure that it was of our Empire, the Yin-Yang symbol with the dragon and Phoenix and a shield and sword.

"Who are you?" I asked immediately after recovering from the shock. "I don't recall your faces."

"T-the Empress. T-the Empress is awake. Oh my God!" One of the knights said that piqued my confusion even more. What does he mean? Before I could ask, one of the knights run as fast as he can while the other one was trying to compose himself in front of me.

"Hail to the Yang of the Empire, My Majesty." the knight bowed his head as he greeted me.

"What's going on? Where am I? And who are you?" I asked continuously. I was too confused as to what's going on. I looked at the face of the Knight seeking answers, but his lips were closed tight.

"I am sorry My Majesty, but I am in no position to answer your first query. But you are currently at the temple of the Empire. I am the Roy Randel, the Knight assigned to guard the Sacred room of Your Majesty." The Knight looked at me apologetically. I bit my lips out of frustration.

Sacred room? Temple? What's going on? I think this is not a dream, but why I am here and not in my chambers? Did I fall asleep again for a long time? The last time it happened was I was asleep for the whole day. Was it?

"Sir Roy, can you at least tell me, did I fall asleep for a long time?" I wanted to know, so I looked at him expectantly.

"Y-yes My Majesty." he hesitatingly said which confirmed my suspicion, yet seeing the face of an unfamiliar Knight, I got the feeling that there is more to it.

"And how long did I fall asleep?" I followed up. 1 week? 2 weeks? A month, perhaps enough to put me in a temple? It seemed impossible, though. I laughed at myself. I was exhausted, however, I am sure my body is healthy. My body is fine, at least that's what I keep telling myself.

"My Majesty, today should mark the 50th year of your Slumber." What? This Knight is jesting, right? I looked at him seriously, feeling the anger slowly creeping.

"Are you aware of the punishment once you caught lying at the Imperial Family Knight Roy?"

"Yes, My Majesty, I am fully aware," he answered with honesty and sincerity.

"And why are you spouting nonsense in front of me now? Do you think I like your humor?" I asked, trying to control the anger in my voice.

"My Majesty, my conscience is clear, and I am telling the truth. We are now in the year 750 since the founding of the Empire. The last war we had was won by the Great Emperor Van in the year 700." The knight explained and unfortunately, I can't trace any lies in his face.

My chest tightened with the unexpected news, however, the more I look around trying to falsify his claim, I could almost believe the truth behind his words. It can't be it's true. I must be dreaming.

"My Empress... Yuna, you are really awake." said the voice from behind. I abruptly looked around. The voice is familiar, but it seemed strained. I looked at the face of the person behind me. He looked familiar, but he is way older than I recall. No way! I silently denied. This is just a dream! This must be a dream!

The man in question walked closer to me. Even though he looked older, but he still had the dignified presence in him, just like the last time I saw him on the day he arrived back from war. But why? Why? What is happening?

"I know you have lots of questions, but let's calm down first," he said while grabbing my hand which is shaking uncontrollably. I gasped at the difference between ours. He pulled me back to the room I came in and settled me on the chair comfortably. Tea was served by the maid who looked bewildered seeing me the first time, but immediately hide the expression she shamelessly showed. I inhaled the relaxing aroma of it, trying to understand what's going on.

"It's been 50 years, but you still look the same My Empress. Welcome back!" said the man, Emperor Van, my husband.