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I have to leave. I can't stay here any longer. I'm not the intuitive type, but I'm also not the kind of person to feel hostile toward those who are nice to me.

I was silent all day, reading my book quietly and hoping that Callum would leave, hopefully for good.

As soon as I heard footsteps, I lay down and pretended to be asleep. When he opened the door and walked in, I kept my eyes shut. As soon as he left, I got up, tiptoed outside, and looked around to make sure he was gone. I sighed and was about to leave when I heard a voice calling me back.

"Where are you going?" Callum asked. Panic surged through me. What should I do?

I turned and yawned. "I… I just woke up and wanted to go for a walk. Are you going somewhere?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied, and I nodded.

"I'll go for my walk now," I said, turning to leave.

"You shouldn't go out; some knights might be around," he said, and I nodded.

Knights… that's it. I could tell them I'm from Garhian. They wouldn't dare do anything to me if they know I'm not from Erries. I'd mention that I'm related to the king of Garhian and get myself out of this country before anyone could think of a way to keep me here any longer.

"Knights," I mumbled, and turned to go back inside.

…

After about thirty minutes, I walked out and headed towards the forest paths. I walked for a long time but didn't find any road leading to a city or any people around.

When I heard the sound of a twig snapping, I hid immediately. I didn't care to find out who or what it was; I had to be cautious. Peeking out, I saw horses and… knights.

I rushed out to catch up before they left. I just hoped I wouldn't regret this decision.

"Wait!" I called, and they turned. Their eyes widened when they saw me. One of them jumped down and ran to me, scanning me with a look of relief.

"Your majesty, are you hurt? Are you okay? Let's get you back first," he said. Your majesty? What? What's going on?

"I'm…" I tried to speak again but was lifted onto one of the horses. "Wait, I didn't…"

"We'll get you home safely, your majesty, don't worry," the leading knight said with a reassuring smile, but I was left confused.

Am I dreaming? Why are they calling me 'your majesty'? If this is a dream, then it's a cruel one because I really thought I had escaped safely.

"Please, who are you?" I asked.

"That's not important, your majesty. We don't need any rewards; we are only doing our duty," he said, smiling with eerily sharp teeth.

"I think you have the wrong person. Please let me down," I said, but they continued on their way, ignoring my pleas.

You have the wrong person, for crying out loud.

…

I stayed quiet for the rest of the journey. I was placed in a carriage after leaving the forest and was taken to another place… not just any place, but the palace. I was wrong; these knights really do send any lady they find to their king. I should have known better.

"I'll just tell him that I am a distant cousin of the king of Garhian. He won't take kindly to anything happening to me, even though I've never met him before," I said to myself, trying to make myself feel better. I looked around the throne room, contemplating how much it would hurt if I jumped from the window—if I could even manage to climb out.

The door opened, and I turned. Before I could make out the person's face, I was grabbed.

"What…" I could barely speak.

"Lilien," an unfamiliar yet familiar voice said. I pushed him away, feeling more confused than I had in months.

How does he know my name? Did I tell him my name? Did I tell those knights my name? I don't remember telling them.

"Do you… do you know who I am?" I asked, stepping back. His eyes widened in shock. He sighed and turned around, holding his head.

Okay, my story just took a dramatic turn. I need to write this down. This is a twist I did not expect. The king actually knows me, but how? Why the sudden hug? Did Callum run from the king because he was trying to force me into marriage? That makes sense. I feel so foolish.

"Lilien," he called, turning to look at me. I stepped back again, feeling even more suspicious.

I shouldn't have gone to those knights. But why did they keep calling me 'your majesty'? I don't know anymore.

"I'm Kael," he introduced himself. If we knew each other, he wouldn't need to introduce himself. He doesn't seem to know that I don't remember him. If we were acquainted, he'd have reacted differently.

"And you know me," I said coldly.

"No matter what I say now, you won't believe me," he said with a sad expression that gave me a strange feeling in my chest.

That's true; I can't trust him, but I'm still curious.

"Lucy isn't here now. You'd believe her and not me, right?" he said. My mind took a moment to process this information.

"Lucy?" I asked.

"Don't tell me…"

"Lucy's alive?" I asked as tears welled up in my eyes. "She's… she's alive?" I sank to the floor, holding my mouth. "She's…"

Wait, what if he's using my weakness to manipulate me? But what if she really is alive? Then I was right to leave.

"Lilien," Kael called, but I raised my hands and stood up. Don't be a weak female lead, Lilien.

"Where is she?" I asked, holding back my tears.

"She left a few days ago. She's in Erries, but she doesn't stay here," he said, and I nodded.

I didn't say anything more, but the moment I walked into 'my' room, my jaw dropped.

A three-shelf mini library. Forget my suspicions; I could be bought with this. Give me this, and I'm yours. Just kidding.

"Your majesty," I heard someone call from behind me. I was staring at the collection and didn't want to be disturbed.

I turned, feeling embarrassed. The woman in front of me held her mouth, as if she were about to cry.

"I was worried when you suddenly went missing. Are you hurt? Who did this? The kingdom turned upside down trying to find you. Where were you?" she asked. Why were they looking for me?

"W…" I hesitated, unsure if I should ask, but I said, "Who are you, please?" Her expression changed.

"Not again," she said, crying. Not again? This isn't the first time I've lost my memories? What is wrong with me? "I'll… I'll prepare a bath," she said, looking down.

Wow! I am an interesting female lead; I forget people around me easily. Does this mean Callum was lying?