Volume 2 Chapter 14- I feel a Presence

I am cursed. The realization hit me like a block of an iceberg submerging me at the bottom of the cold and dark sea. I feel suffocated with the reality presented in front of me. How did this happen? Why I am the only one left with this familiar but unknown environment? It took me years since I woke up and talked to Van, to realize that this is not a dream. I went along with the flow at first, not sinking fully that I am living in a different Era. I feel like throwing up.

After I woke up, I was reinstalled as the Empress of the Empire. I was not able to meet Van until the day of his last breath. He was already weak the time he visited me and on his way to the villa prepared for him to take a rest together with his family. Apparently, while I was asleep, he fell in love with my friend and lady-in-waiting Sarah and became the one and only concubine of the Emperor. They had a son and a daughter named Rey and Sabina respectively. Rey became the retainer of Dukedom as his choice while Sabina became the princess and the first in line to lead the Empire after me. If I get remarried and bear a child, my child will be the successor instead of the Princess.

I was able to meet and talk to Sarah in private after the re-installment of the crown. She poured all her heart out and asked me for my forgiveness. The truth, I never felt any contempt that she became the concubine. She must have been through a lot and was struggling to survive. Her position was vulnerable to any attacks, but thanks to the Emperor, who deeply fell in love with her, she was able to live happy and contented.

"No Sarah, I should be the one to apologize for all the burdens I caused. It is not your fault you both fell in love. I am thankful that you both take care of each other and had a lovely family of your own. Please lift your head my dearest friend. I am always thankful for the support you have shown me and for taking good care of the Emperor and the Empire while I am in my deep slumber."

"My Empress..." Sarah uttered with teary eyes. She still looked beautiful, even though she aged. I could still see the young Sarah I was with 50 years ago. My heart was truly happy seeing her face. I wanted to cry, but I swallowed my tears. I could see that my friend will also leave me soon. The passing of her husband took a great toll on her body. The loneliness was slowly eating her up.

"Can you give me a hug my dearest Sarah?" I smiled while lifting both my arms. It was not proper to do it as etiquette suggests, but I can't let this chance pass by especially that I might not be able to do it again. My heart aches thinking about the future. The people I knew were starting to leave me.

Sarah's eyes widened in bewilderment. She hesitatingly moved forward and accepted to lean on my arms. Her old stature and warmth reminded me how much time passed with them and me. She cried on my chest for a long time.

"I waited for you to wake up My Majesty. I keep waiting. I keep praying that you wake up soon, especially when the Noble started another chaos. I was so afraid that they will do something with you. My Empress, thank you for waking up. Thank you for granting my wish to see you before I pass the world of the living. Thank you, My Empress! " My loyal subject poured her eyes out.

"I am here now. And please don't say that. We still have a lot to catch up, right?" I, too, feel like my heart is going to burst seeing how Sarah cried. My heart was starting to feel lonely and empty.

When she calmed down, we took a seat in the parlor while drinking tea.

"We were lost when you did not wake up. It caused a big commotion to the Empire when they heard about the curse. The nobles caused an uproar wanting to take advantage of what was happening, but thankfully, we were able to uphold them thanks to your researches, making the Empire more progressive." she started to narrate what happened the moment I fell into a deep slumber.

While I was asleep, the research team that I secretly made came forward to the Emperor telling him the technologies I am developing with them. Those ideas were inspired by the dreams I had during those times so I tried to copy it. It was almost done and be presented before I lost consciousness.

I was surprised at first when I saw those technologies being used that was why I was convinced that I am still dreaming, however, when I saw the reports and records from the past 50 years, I realized that the projects I secretly conducted and founded became a success. They even modified the features of it and became convenient for daily living.

After a long talk, Sarah bade goodbye and promised to visit me with her children.

It was a long day. I entered the bedroom after a relaxing bath prepared by the ladies-in-waiting.

"Please take a rest My Majesty." They all bowed their heads and went outside.

I am tired, but I am not yet sleepy, so I turned on the lampshade beside my bed and pulled out a book. Somewhere in my consciousness is nagging me making me a bit restless. I wonder what's making me and it makes me feel hasty. I can't concentrate on reading so I closed the book and turned off the lights. I closed my eyes, but I feel a presence beside me. I slowly turned my head to confirm my suspicion.