Chapter III

A overdue apology

Her memories felt heavy on my mind, like a weight was slowly dragging me down into a dark abyss. She abused these people, forced her concubines and husband to have sex with her and scarred them to the point of almost breaking. I want to hate her, but then flashes of her childhood appear and then I remember that she was just doing what she was taught. Her father basically abandoned her as soon she turned sixteen and forced her to marry. Her step mother and her siblings abused, tormented and ruined her mentally, emotionally and physically and all she could do was harden her small heart.

Sighing, I pushed myself off the bed and got ready. Now that we successfully connected I can almost feel what she feels. She's watching me, I can feel her presence right beside my heart and I clutch my chest almost as if I was holding her hand. I'm alone. If I want to survive, my best bet is to first apologize. It might not change anything but I want to use the excuse that my change in personality is due to my memory loss as much as I can. To do that, I need to change my appearance as well. I need to look softer, weaker, if they see me as threat this won't work.

Searching in the deepest part of her wardrobe, I found a soft baby pink dress. Slipping the dress on, I place the soft silk wrap around myself and slipped into white heels. Brushing my hair into a messy bun I pulled some hairs to the front and I was ready. Adding some oils on the soft skin, I look in the mirror.

"Oh! My lady, you're awake."

Looking at the maid, I lift my eyebrows slightly: Giving a more soft doe eyed look. Smiling, I walk to the short woman and she cover her face instinctively. Standing in front of the woman, I tap her hand and she look at me throw her fingers. "Excuse me, I'm hungry. Where's the dinning room?" I asked softly.

"I'll take you." The maid stuttered. She trembled in front of me and it made my heart hurt.

She guided me quietly to the dining room and my eyes couldn't help but drink in the beauty of the halls. Portraits, statues, and beautiful arch ways. Everyone avoided me, when we reached the door. I smile at the maid. Getting down to her height so we can make eye contact her cheeks turn a bright shade of red. "Come to my room later today. I want to show my appreciation for being so patient with me. What's your name honey?"

"My name is Annabelle my duchess."

"Well Annabelle, I'll need a friend in this big home of mine. Due to me losing my memories I've become quite lonely. I hope we can be great friends." I said patting the young lady she scurry away.

Taking a deep breath, the doors open and I step in. My husband and it seems all of my concubines was cheerfully eating with each other. It instantly got quiet and I sat down not sure on what to do or say. My plate came and my body tensed up. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't grab the fork.

The food might be poisoned don't eat it.

Looking up to see the men eyes staring at me, I take a deep breath and forced myself into grabbing the fork. "I'm not sure on why everyone hate me, I don't really remember any of you. But it seems I've hurt many of you, I apologize." I said looking at everyone I take a bit and I almost sigh in relief when I didn't drop dead. I quietly ate, and no one said anything. After finishing I excuse myself and leave.

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"My lady? I'm here." Anabelle said softly. Her red hair peaked through before her head. She reminded me of a bunny.

"Hey Annabelle, come here darling."

Walking towards me, I grab her hands and squeeze them. She didn't say anything and just stared in confusion. "I want you to get all the workers to come here. I want this to be secret from my husband and concubines. Just tell them that I'm having a fit and they'll just ignore me."

"May I ask why? Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

"No. I just want to talk to everyone for a bit. So can you please do this for me."

Nodding, Annabelle shuffles away and I look at my hands. Small and smooth, there's not even a cuticle out of place. I wonder if I'm doing this right, I'm not Aryla so I'm not sure on what she would do to get everyone to forgive her. But I'm in this body now, I have to treat this life like it's my own. I don't want to die a painful death like I did in my other life. If that means I have to throw away a bit of Aryla pride then I will do so. So I just sat, more and more people slowly trickled in until my room was packed to the brim. Anabelle rushing beside me, I slowly stand up still getting used to this body.

"Anabelle how many people are in here."

"Roughly ninety people my lady."

Walking towards them, the butler steps in front of me. Lowering his head he place his hand on his chest. "My lady why was we called, I believe we done everything perfectly this month."

"What is your name?"

"Pardon?"

"I'm asking you what's your name."

"Richard my lady."

"I want to apologize to you Richard, I way to apologize to everyone. I might not remember what I've done but it affected you all and I feel that I should at least show that I'm remorseful." I said Lowering my head.

"My lady! You shouldn't do this!" Richard said panicking.

"That's why I've called for everyone in private. I know that me asking for forgiveness publicly would make you feel pressured to accept it. When you leave this room, I acknowledge that you will not forgive me. But I just hope you all give me the chance to redeem myself." I said looking at everyone.