Returning Home

As I stirred from my peaceful sleep, a sense of peace enveloped me unlike anything I had experienced in this strange world. For once, the night had passed without any unsettling occurrences.

This was a rare respite from the bizarre events that seemed to plague my existence here.

"A pleasant noon, My Lady."

I almost jumped from the bed when someone, a feminine voice, spoke. The room was still dimly lit that was why it took me a moment to recognize a woman standing on the foot of my bed.

She was fine-looking, her smile plastered on her face. "Do you want me to open the curtains for you?"

As I sat there, still in a state of recovery, I simply nodded shyly in response. She turned towards the window and began opening the curtains one by one, allowing the bright sunlight to flood the room.

Once all the curtains were open, she turned back to me, her smile warm and genuine. "Prince Ludwig ordered me to change the curtains with better quality in your room last night, My Lady," she explained. "You won't be disturbed by the sun in your sleep."

Her words surprised me. How did she know about my sensitivity to sunlight? "You can read minds?" I asked, my astonishment evident in my voice.

She simply smiled in response. "No, My Lady," she replied gently, her voice soothing. "You speak aloud."

I nodded dumbly, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck. "Wait," I stammered, my thoughts racing. "Did you just say Prince Ludwig?"

Her expression mirrored my confusion. "Yes, My Lady," she confirmed.

I shot up from the bed, nearly losing my balance in the process. She steadied me with a concerned look. "Prince?" I repeated, doubtful. "Like Prince? Prince Ludwig?"

Her confusion deepened. "Yes…"

"Prince," I echoed, my hand gesturing awkwardly through the air. "As in Prince with a crown and kingdom to run kind of Prince?"

She nodded patiently, her expression now akin to someone humoring a child. I sank back onto the bed, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. I had just realized that I had been shouting at their Prince. 

"I'm dead," I muttered under my breath, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach.

How had I not considered that possibility before? I mean, it had been two castles I'd set foot in since meeting Ludwig. Heck, I could even feel the air of power around him. Despite all that, I never entertained the idea that he could be a prince. But his demeanor, his presence—it all fit. But prince of what? Of beasts, monsters, ghosts?

"Do you have a problem, My Lady?" the woman asked, noticing my sudden silence.

"My Lady?" I echoed, rubbing my temples. "Is there something I'm missing?" I scanned the room, half-expecting to see someone else there with us.

"No one else, My Lady," she replied earnestly, following my gaze with her own.

I was even more perplexed now. "Whose 'My Lady' are you talking about? Me?" I pointed to myself, seeking clarification.

She nodded, confirming my suspicion.

"But I'm not 'My Lady.' I have a name. Louise," I insisted. "Please address me as Louise Anderson."

"I'm sorry, but I can't, My Lady. You're Your Majesty's guest," she explained, her smile unwavering as if that answered my query.

Before I could protest further and explain that I wasn't a guest but rather someone Prince Ludwig had purchased in an auction, she gently took my hand and guided me towards another door.

"Wait," I protested weakly as I allowed myself to be led. "Where are we going?"

"You have to clean yourself, My Lady," she replied calmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"But wait..." I started, but she was already obediently following through with the order, and I found myself unable to protest any further.

She insisted on assisting me with my bath, claiming it was her duty to guide and watch over me. I nearly choked at the idea, uncomfortable with the thought of someone observing me as I undressed, even if it was another woman.

Eventually, I managed to persuade her to let me bathe alone, albeit with the condition that the door remained open the entire time.

It took me at least an hour to finish my bath, being cautious and meticulous with my skin, still haunted by the memories of my previous traumatic bathing experience.

When I emerged, the woman presented me with a white dress. She moved to help me put it on, but I insisted once more that I could manage on my own. After all, I was not disabled. 

Once I was dressed, I turned to the woman and asked, "What's your name, by the way?" 

She stood still, silent for a moment, then finally answered in a soft voice, "Leaf, My Lady."

Leaf was fair and lovely, with a slender body, rose-colored lips, a narrow nose, and mesmerizing lavender eyes. Her brownish hair cascaded in curls down to her waist, giving her an ethereal appearance.

Suddenly, a soft knock sounded at the nearby door, and it swung open to reveal four other women, each as beautiful as Leaf, entering to clean the large table.

They brought with them an array of food that I had only dreamed of tasting: cakes, roast beef, steak, fresh fruits, breads, desserts, and more. The table was laden with such abundance that it could have fed my entire family for a month.

As I sat there observing the lavish feast, I couldn't help but wish my family was there with me. Elizabeth, in particular, would have been overjoyed to see such an abundance of food. The thought of them made me feel a pang of sadness, and I missed them dearly.

It had been a few weeks since we were last together, the longest we had ever been apart.

Leaf spoke softly, almost pleading. "You can eat now, My Lady," she said.

I smiled at her suggestion. "Why not join me? I don't think I could finish all of this alone. It would be a shame to let any of it go to waste."

She hesitated, shaking her head and explaining that it was not allowed.

"This is an order," I insisted, and finally, Leaf relented, joining me in the feast.

I soon found myself feeling uncomfortably full. My belly ached a bit, not accustomed to such indulgence. It was truly a miracle for me to be eating so abundantly. Back home, even having three meals a day was considered a luxury.

I walked around the room after insisting that Leaf help with cleaning the table. I couldn't just lie around. I still had to train my muscles and move. Leaf noticed my restlessness and asked if there was a problem or if I needed anything.

"No, no, Leaf," I reassured her. "I'm just trying to digest the food. It's a bit heavy."

Leaf's lavender eyes sparkled with an idea. "Why not we go to the Garden, My Lady? There, you can stroll freely. The space is wider, with fresh air. Well," she added with a hint of sadness, "it might not be as flourishing as before, but it's still better there than here."

I found Leaf's idea appealing. It was tedious to remain cooped up inside all day. However, Ludwig's voice suddenly echoed in my mind, causing me to bite my lip as I recalled the earlier events. I blushed at the thought.

Of all the individuals to encounter in my weakest moments, it had to be Ludwig! Prince Ludwig, to be precise. He must have deemed me utterly useless. I couldn't even handle a spoon properly.

"I really like your idea, Leaf, but…" I hesitated, feeling a bit disheartened, "Alexa told me not to venture outside."

Wincing, I realized I wasn't sure if Leaf knew Alexa at all. We had entered through the castle's rear, and I hadn't seen her since. I had no clue if she was even from this realm.

"Prince Ludwig actually mentioned earlier that I should accompany you wherever you wish to go if you ever grow weary of being indoors," Leaf interjected, breaking my train of thought.

I arched an eyebrow. "Really?" So I can go? I can go home? Now? I thought.

Leaf nodded in affirmation.

A surge of happiness flooded through me. I rose from the bed quickly and dashed towards the door, with Leaf following closely behind.

"Where's the way out?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder.

Leaf pointed to the passage on the left, and without hesitation, I hurried across.

The intricate carvings in every corner of the walls were striking and captivating, unlike the first castle, which lacked any comprehensive designs. Flowers adorned every corner, and expansive, well-crafted vases adorned each side.

I pushed myself to run as fast as I could, with Leaf chasing after me, calling out, "My Lady! My Lady!" 

Startled, I nearly leapt out of my skin when Leaf suddenly appeared in front of me. How did she move so quickly? She had been far behind just a moment ago.

I was reminded that despite their human features, they were not normal beings.

After recovering from the shock, I resumed moving, though not running as before. My feet continued to work hard as I pressed on, determined to get out of there.

"Where are you going, My Lady?" Leaf's voice was growing fainter. "That's not the way to the Garden."

I didn't look back and continued walking until I was outside. I was no longer inside the castle, but instead of celebrating, my heart sank when I saw towering walls surrounding me, more than a kilometer away.

And if the walls weren't enough to deter me, knights emerged from every direction, arrows blazing on their backs, silently aiming their bows at me.

How was I supposed to return home now?