Chapter 3 The Royal Consort

NYTI Chapter 03: The Royal Consort

As the morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the palace's towering spires and intricately adorned facades, it was easy to imagine the opulence and grandeur that once filled its halls.

"Is the temperature just right, Your Majesty?" a maidservant asked the Royal Consort.

The Royal Consort gives her a quick glance, yet her quick glance seems to have made the handmaiden stop breathing for a short time. The Royal Consort's piercing gaze held a power that could silence even the most confident of individuals. 

"It's fine," the Royal Consort replied in a sophisticated demeanor. With a subtle nod, she confirmed that the temperature was indeed perfect, her regal presence never faltering. The maidservant exhaled with relief, grateful for the opportunity to serve such an awe-inspiring ruler.

The maidservant quickly averted her gaze, feeling a mix of awe and intimidation in the presence of the Royal Consort. The room fell into a hushed silence as the Royal Consort continued to survey her surroundings with an air of regal authority. 

Several maidservants tend to her needs as she bathes. Their delicate hands carefully pour scented oils into the water, creating a fragrant and luxurious bathing experience fit for a queen. The soft sounds of their whispered conversations and the gentle splashing of water create a serene atmosphere, further enhancing the Royal Consort's moment of indulgence. 

"You can all leave. I'll call if I'm done or if I need anything."

The maidservants exchanged looks, and despite some lingering uncertainty, they quickly bowed and left the room, leaving the Royal Consort to enjoy her bath in solitude.

As the maidservants left the bath house, they started to murmur and start chit-chatting with each other. They whispered about the Royal Consort's peculiar behavior and speculated on the reason behind her request for solitude. Some wondered if she was simply tired and needed some time alone, while others suspected that something more serious might be going on. But the main topics of their talks are about the Royal Consort's noticeable changes in attitude and demeanor, changing the surrounding aura around her.

"Don't you think that the Royal Consort seems to be somehow different since that happened?" one courtier asked, pointing to a recent incident that had shaken the palace. There was an attempted murder against the Royal Consort. Thankfully, she was saved in time. It was like heaven was saving her—the traveling, peerless physician attended to her, ultimately saving her from death.

Another courtier nodded in agreement and added, "That's true; the Royal Consort has replaced her once-aloofness and detachment with an air of warmth, making her more approachable."

"Her Majesty has become apprehensive and often in a daze for quite some time," the courtier continued, mentioning that the attempted murder had left a lasting impact on the Royal Consort's psyche. It was evident that the incident had taken a toll on her mental well-being, causing her to frequently lose focus and appear lost in thought.

Meanwhile, the Royal Consort was left all alone in the bath house. She relaxed in the warm water after checking to see if they really had left. She couldn't help but sigh as she caressed her temple. 

How did this happen? She saved a kid who was about to be hit by a car, and the next thing she knew, she was in a completely different place. What happened in between was a mystery.

As she pondered over the events, the Royal Consort couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled within her. The abrupt disappearance and unfamiliar surroundings had left her bewildered and questioning her own sanity. She desperately yearned for answers, hoping to unravel the enigma that had turned her life upside down. As she tried to piece together the events that led to her sudden displacement, the Royal Consort couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something supernatural was at play. The incident had left her questioning her own sanity, as if reality itself had been distorted in some inexplicable way. She didn't have any knowledge at all.

She takes a deep breath, looks up, and soaks herself deeper in the hot bath in the wooden bathtub.

The steam enveloped her, creating a sense of tranquility as she tried to make sense of her sudden displacement. She closed her eyes, hoping that the answers would come to her in this moment of solitude. 

Is it something like regression? It doesn't seem like it; she is in a ssranger's body after all. Is she back in old times? It doesn't seem to be the case; the place and language don't seem familiar. Moreover, the scenery doesn't seem to be something that can be seen on Earth, like the cherry blossom trees that bear cherries. Is it even something that is literal on Earth? These thoughts raced through her mind, causing a sense of unease to settle in. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had been transported to an entirely different realm or dimension, one unlike anything she had ever known before. The unfamiliarity of her surroundings only deepened the mystery, leaving her with more questions than answers. 

She was drowning in her own thoughts. Could it be that the presence of a parallel universe really exists? Is it possible that her soul transcends time and space, ending up in someone else's body? As she pondered these existential questions, a sudden gust of wind blew through the air, causing her hair to whip around her face. It felt as though the universe itself was trying to provide some sort of answer, but she couldn't decipher its cryptic message.

The more she delved into the possibilities, the more her curiosity grew, fueling her determination to uncover the truth behind this inexplicable phenomenon.

She closes her eyes as she gets lost in her own thoughts. She just woke up in a different place and in a different body. The fact that she was surrounded by strange places and trapped in a heavy, never-ending sadness overwhelmed her. It's like a dark cloud that hangs over her, making everything she sees and does seem dull and lifeless. Even the exciting new things in this unfamiliar city look gray and far away, like she's viewing them through a thick fog.

Each day, she tries to find her way around this new place. She misses her old life and the things that used to make her happy. She longs for the familiar laughter of friends and the comforting routines she left behind. The foreign languages and customs in this new city only make her feel more alone, like she doesn't belong here.

Breathing in the air here feels different; it's heavy, which makes it even harder for her to find joy. She feels like a stranger, like the person she used to be is slowly fading away. The things she once knew and loved seem so far away now.

Unwavering sadness crushes her spirit as she tries to fit in and make sense of this strange new world. Just getting out of bed in the morning feels incredibly hard, and each step she takes is like trudging through a never-ending desert of sadness and loneliness. She can't help but yearn for her old home and the sense of belonging she used to feel. It's like a heavy weight pulling her down into a pit of sadness.

It has been a few months since she woke up in a different body, and she has been longing for some belonging. The world around her somehow slowly takes a toll on her sanity, longing for her usual world. She was immersed in her own dark world, staring out the window at the sky. The vivid hues of the setting sun seemed to taunt her, bringing back memories of a beauty she had long since forgotten. She couldn't get rid of the feeling that she was imprisoned in an endless nightmare and yearned to return to her previous life.

Then, one day, while she was staring at the sky, she saw a dove flying. The sight of the dove brought a glimmer of hope to her heart, as if it were a sign that there was still a chance for her to find solace and peace in this chaotic world. Its graceful flight reminded her that there was still beauty and freedom to be found, even in the darkest of times. It sparked something in her in an unexplainable way. bringing light to her life. Since those days, he has tried to stand back on his feet and try to find something out. She tries to find answers to her questions.

She can feel someone shaking her; she slowly opens her eyes and blinks as her sight adjusts to the brightness. Confused, she looks around and tries to understand what is happening. As she took in her surroundings, she was reminded that she was in a different world once again. 

"Your Highness?" a familiar voice called out as she sighed. She looked at the person speaking. It was Alicia, her handmaiden.

"What happened?" she asked, and she felt like her body was physically exhausted. What did she just witness? 

She witnessed someone's life as if she were just watching a movie. It was the life of a noblewoman who shouldered her father's overwhelming expectations. With unending ambition, her father shaped her into the image of his ideals. Her upbringing featured rigorous education, yet societal norms often underestimated women. Her unwavering determination and indomitable spirit set her apart. As she matured, her beauty equaled her intellect and grace. She married someone, and their love flourished. However, it seems that the world has other plans. Their marriage, once a perfect alliance, crumbled as Xian's ambition overshadowed his love. In a heart-wrenching betrayal, the woman's heart shattered as Xian plunged a dagger into it. Their shared love seemed to evaporate, leaving a tragic tale of ambition. 

It was a love that was tainted and met a tragic end.

"Your Highness, is something the matter?" Alicia calls out as she sees tears flowing down her face.

The Royal Consort gave her a quick glance. 

"Yes? Nothing. I just remembered something," she answered.

Alicia's eyes widen a bit, feeling a bit puzzled, but nonetheless, she smiled and responded, "Your Highness, your eyes are filled with tears," she informed her.

"Oh!" The Royal Consort exclaimed as she wiped her cheeks and felt the liquid. "It must be the dust in the air," she chuckled nervously, trying to brush off Alicia's concern. But deep down, she knew that her tears were because of the memories of the body that she possessed.

The Royal Consort quickly composed herself and changed the subject, diverting Alicia's attention away from her emotions.