When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the blue sky. I blinked a few times, trying to process my surroundings. I tried to sit up and found out that I was laying down on the ground. This was so confusing. Where?
I looked around and I was in some kind of forest? I looked at my own outfit and gaped at it for a few seconds. It wasn't my clothes! I was wearing a white one piece and a pair of golden sandals. My shoulders were exposed given that I was wearing a sleeveless one piece and never in my life I would wear such feminine outfit. I was usually wearing my lab coat. So this was very foreign to me.
I had a golden bracelet around my left wrist with a shimmering green gem. Also, there was something glaringly like an engagement ring placed on my left ring finger. That was not it, right? I had a more pressing matter to care about. I couldn't figure out how I ended up in a middle of a forest when I knew that I was supposed to lie down on the floor of my lab. I ran a hand through my hair and noticed that I somehow had a hair accessory. It was what kept my long brown hair braided neatly.
"What's going on?" I said to no one in particular. "Is this a dream?"
I stood up from the ground and almost screamed when I felt a pain shot up from my ankle. It felt like a sprained ankle. That hit me. It wasn't a dream. How could I feel pain in a dream? I supported myself using the nearby tree, trying to calm down my frantic heart. This was so confusing!
I decided to move. I wouldn't get any answer if I just stood there. So, I walked carefully away from that place. I limped my way through the forest. Soon, I heard noises not far from where I was. It was as if the sound of the market? I heard people shouting prices and items that they sell. However, I've never heard of such items before.
"Sikfella, one silver a piece!" I heard a man shouted. What?
"Buy one free one! Yettelda is in season now!" A woman yelled.
"What the hell?" I said, utterly lost. Did I end up in a foreign country?
I emerged from the forest and got a full view of a bustling city. They had massive white buildings with pillars, the streets carved in a beautiful motive, classic style carriage moved along the streets without horses but they did have a coachman sitting in front, as if driving the carriage. What? I saw people with weird outfits, some even got cat ears, dog ears and I saw a bunch of children with rabbit face ran around the vendors selling things I've never seen before.
Did I get into a cosplay event or something? That was the first thought that came to me. That was the only explanation I had to make sense of everything I saw. They spoke the same language as me but I didn't think I'd ever seen a place like this. If I was in a totally different country, surely, I would've recognised this place. However, I have never seen or heard of a place like this anywhere. Where the hell was I?
"Ms Resse! Are you okay?" Someone, a total stranger, suddenly addressed me. I looked at him weirdly. "Ms Resse, it's dangerous to go on your own!"
"Er, sorry?" I was so lost. He casted a cautious look at me as if afraid that I would yell at him or something.
"Ms Resse, I've been looking at you for a while. I'm just worried something bad happened to you." He told me. Why did he act like he had known me all along? I never met him before.
"Who are you?" I asked promptly.
"Ms Resse, I.. I apologise if I offend you by my presence. Please, I'm just doing my duty as your personal guard." He replied, doubling my confusion. The more he talked, the more questions I had.
"Where.." Before I could finish, a bunch of people dressing in an unfamiliar uniform surrounded me and gushed over me.
They talked to me as if they knew me and I knew them for a while. They kept asking why I ditched my personal guard and went on my walk alone. They were even overly concerned when they found out that I sprained my ankle. Despite all of this, I noticed how all of them avoided looking directly into my eyes as if scared that I might curse them or something. I couldn't say or ask anything especially when they surrounded me like that and I had to follow them to somewhere they called 'Royal Palace.' Huh?
My jaw almost dropped when we arrived in front of a massive building that they called the Royal Palace. It was the combination of white and gold with pillars, similar to the buildings I saw in the city. Guards with tridents as weapons were seen guarding the gates. I've never seen such a thing. Guards usually had a gun with them? Right? What? Tridents? That was weird.
They assisted me to walk as we entered the hall. What I saw inside the palace was more enchanting. Murals lined up along the walls, chandeliers hanging on the ceiling with blue fires. Golden pillars and sparkling white marbles as the floor. This was way too luxurious and too beautiful. My head was getting dizzy with all of this.
"Ms Resse, you look pale. Let's hurry to the medical bay." One of them insisted. I wanted to shout at them to shut up and explain everything to me.
However before I could do so, the double doors at the end of the hallway opened. All of these people suddenly backed away and lowered their heads. I looked at the figure that just walked into the hall. A relief washed over me when I saw a familiar face. Evi walked over toward me. Her small face, straight blond hair and bright blue eyes were still the same but she was wearing a very beautiful dress. Her outfit reminded me of the outfit a royalty would wear in the classic. However its style wasn't European, more like.. Greek? What was going on? She had a golden tiara on top of her head. The aura she emitted was nerve wrecking. Almost like she was the supreme ruler of a kingdom.
"You have me worried." She spoke, looking intently at me. I went speechless. "Where have you been?"
"Evi?" I tried to speak. She smiled warmly and reached to take my hand. It wasn't foreign for Evi to hold my hand but the delicate touch she gave me was definitely unfamiliar. I noticed that she had the same ring on her left hand just like the one I was wearing.
"Resse, I apologise. Because of me, you are hurt." She continued and moved closer to me. She didn't even acknowledge all these people around us and she only focused on me. It was making my heart beat faster. I didn't know that Evi was capable of making me nervous like this.
"What are you saying?"
"I have been busy with our marriage preparation and realised a little too late that I was neglecting you. I'm sorry, Resse." She lifted her left hand while her right hand continued holding my hand. She cupped my cheek, caressing it gently. I had goosebumps all over me from her touch. I had no idea what was happening. More importantly, marriage?!
"Will you forgive me?" She asked softly. I went speechless, especially when I realised the way she looked at me. Evi would never look at me like that. She leaned in closer to my face. She was only inches shorter than me and could easily match up with my height with only a little tiptoe. She closed her eyes and her lips touched mine. I froze, my mind went completely blank. She leaned away a few seconds later, smiling gently.
"Will you forgive me?" She repeated. I felt like she would kiss me again if I denied. So, I nodded, forgetting how to breathe for a moment. What was Evi doing?!
"Thank you." She smiled even broader. She looked down at my feet and frowned slightly. I looked at my sprained ankle and the bruises were showing. I didn't feel the pain anymore. I was too preoccupied with that kiss she gave me.
"Do you want me to carry you?" She looked back at my face. I was confused. Evi was weak as a twig. There was no way she could've lift me up. I shook my head. I didn't trust my voice, so, I couldn't speak. "Really? That looks painful."
"It.. It's fine.." I stammered involuntarily. I knew it. I couldn't speak properly yet.
"Alright then, come. I'll treat you." She exhaled softly. She went to my side and wrapped her arm around my hips, supporting me as I walked. I felt thankful for her aid.
We arrived at what like a balcony, overlooking a very beautiful garden and mountains at a far distance. My jaw almost dropped at the scenery. I couldn't help but wondering if the scenery was a green screen or a very believable painting. She made me sit down on the bench and then get down on one knee to inspect my sprained ankle.
"W..wait-" I blurted out when she touched my leg, lifting it gently. She looked up and smiled reassuringly at me.
"I'll be gentle. I promise." She told me. I believed her immediately and nodded. She carefully took off the golden sandal and put her fingers on my ankle.
I was confused. Did she want to give me a massage or something? I thought the way to treat a sprain ankle was with an icepack or something. I didn't see any first aid kit with her. Then, everything was answered a moment later when a sudden golden light shone from her fingers and the bruises on my ankle magically disappeared. The uncomfortable pain was gone and I felt a cold sensation from the light. My eyes widened and words failed me. She let out a relief sigh and gently put down my foot. She turned to look at me.
"What's wrong? Is it still painful?" She began to worry.
"How.. How do you do that?" I asked.
"It's a royal power, Resse. It can't be learned." She answered. What?
"Do you want to watch the race? I'll ask the maids to bring us snacks and drinks." She sat down beside me, despite all the other space on the bench. She hugged my arm and rested her head on my shoulder. She intertwined our fingers together and I couldn't help but feel how romantic it was. Sitting close to each other while looking over a beautiful scenery. This was a romantic setting.
"Race?" I echoed.
"Yes." She nodded. Then with a snap of her fingers, something appeared before us. Fishes.
Those colourful fishes were floating in the air, they were swimming or flying in a circular line which was marked by a black thread? I went speechless again. Was this a hallucination? What was going on? I leaned forward, to take a closer look at this weirdness. Evi lifted her head from my shoulder and mimic me to watch the race as she called it.
"Is this normal?" I questioned.
"Hm, Sparkly is slow today and Spring is in the lead. It is not usual." Evi commented which making no sense to me.
Then, someone came and placed drinks and snacks on the table. I didn't know any of the snacks. They looked like biscuits. But, biscuits weren't supposed to glow like that right? The drinks were clear. At least that was normal water?
"You still look pale. Are you alright?" She spoke, looking at me, concerned.
"I.. I'm just.. Confused." I said and looked down on our intertwined hands. She was making me all nervous with this skinship.
"Is it the wedding jitters again?" She guessed. I couldn't comprehend that. Marriage? Our marriage?
She grabbed my chin gently, making us faced each other. I stiffened up at this proximity of our faces. I felt like she wanted to kiss me again. Her bright blue eyes looked into mine attentively as if seeking answers. My heart felt like it was going to explode.
"You're nervous." She deduced correctly. I nodded slightly. She smiled warmly.
"I understand. I feel nervous too." She said kindly.
"Evi.. I.." I started but that look in her eyes stopped me. There was a huge part of me telling me to not ruining this moment by telling her that I just got here.
"Hm? What is it?" She tilted her head a little as she continued looking at me. Her hand was caressing my cheek gently.
"You.. You look beautiful." I said the first thought in my mind. She giggled cutely and I saw blushes appearing on her cheeks. I never saw Evi reacting like that. If I complimented her looks, she would always grinned smugly and annoyingly posed in front of me like a model and demanded that I praised her more. This Evi was so different.
"After my heart are you?" She grinned at me. I didn't know it was possible for my heart to thump faster after hearing her saying that. I subtly leaned away and grabbed the cup. I couldn't look at her anymore. My heart was going to burst.
"Maybe we should go to sleep early." She said suddenly.
"Huh? Sleep?"
"Yes, you're not into the race and you're clearly tired. So, let's sleep early. I'll have the maids to serve dinner in our room." She stood up and pulled me up gently. I couldn't get used to her being this gentle. This wasn't the usual Evi. Maybe I should start assuming that she was a different Evi instead?
She led me to the room. We went through multiple corridors and stairs which made me aware that this place was massive. I would definitely get lost easily in this place. I get to see more of the interior. This palace was so beautiful and fancy. I did notice, everything here had Greek influence. What was this place?
The room she mentioned was big. There was a king size bed, walk-in wardrobe, huge bathroom, full body mirror, bookshelves and even a mini lounge with a coffee table and armchairs. I couldn't help but wonder whether this room belonged to a princess or something. I noticed the personal touch of the occupants in this room. There were photographs lining the nightstand by the bed. Pictures of some people I didn't know.
"Do you still remember how the picture was taken?" Evi asked, looking at the last picture to the left. It was a picture of us, holding hands and looking at each other's eyes. There was a very beautiful waterfall behind us. I knew for sure I'd never seen a picture of us like that before.
"Hm.." I didn't know how to answer her.
"We were supposed to face the camera but you kept on looking at me." She smiled and took my hand then placed her lips on it. I forgot how to breathe. "We decided to keep the picture because it's just so cute."
"Y..yeah." I stuttered. I looked away from her because if I looked at her making that kind of expression at me, I didn't think I would be able to last long. It was possible to faint from this, I guess.
"Alright, let's take a bath and eat dinner, okay?" She squished my hand gently and then let go to go to the bathroom. I let out a sigh of relief when she finally walked away from me. I finally could breathe properly. That was dangerous. I couldn't understand why I was reacting like this.
I walked up toward the window to look outside. I saw the same garden from the balcony. The sky was darkening. It must be way past sunset. I looked at my hands and my mind kept on drifting to how Evi had been holding my hand. That was weird. Something stopped me from asking questions. Maybe because it was Evi. The only person I knew here. Was it? She was acting differently though. My head hurt from too much thinking and confusion for the day. This must be a hallucination. I ate that unknown plant after all. This must be the side effect! Yes. Definitely. Once I get a good night's sleep, everything will return to normal.
"Resse? Are you joining me?" Evi called. I stiffened up. Joining her?
"Yes?" I turned around and her head peeked out from the bathroom, looking at me expectantly.
"Come here and join me in the bath, will you?" She spoke as if it was a common occurrence between us. Evi and I showered together a few times but it was only when we were kids. I didn't think much of that, however this was different.
"I.. Erm, well.." I couldn't speak properly. Evi sighed and walked out from the bathroom. I almost gasped loudly seeing that she was only wearing a towel. She was so shameless!
"Come here, you." She said affectionately. She took my wrist and pulled me to the bathroom.
The bathroom was huge. The bath tub could probably fit 5 people at once. I stood there stupidly, and didn't know what to do. Evi filled up the tub with hot water and prepared all the necessities. When she was done, she turned to me and slightly bewildered that I was still standing there.
"Well, aren't you going to strip?" She questioned with a smirk. Blood rushed to my face and my heart was beating so fast. I didn't think I was ready for it. "Or do you want me to help you with it?"
"I.. No! I.. I can do it myself." I said hurriedly. She chuckled a little and turned away to face the bathtub.
I looked around and came face to face with the mirror at the sink. I was still me. That was my face. Well, except my hair was put in a braid with an unfamiliar hair accessory. I have Hazel eyes which I inherited from my grandmother. What was going on here? Where was I?
I took my time getting undressed. Evi seemed to understand that I was embarrassed to be stared at. She didn't look at my way but busied herself by pouring flower petals into the tub and putting some kind of soap? I grabbed a towel and wrapped my body with it. Getting my hair undone was tricky.
"Need help?" Evi offered. I silently nodded.
She approached me and stood behind me. She skillfully removed the hair accessory. It was like a thread. I've never seen such a thing before. My hair fell loosely over my shoulders afterwards. I gasped when she suddenly wrapped her arms around my hip from behind. She placed her lips on my barren shoulder. I refused to acknowledge that as a kiss.
"No matter how many times I look at you, you're always so beautiful.." She whispered softly. I got goosebumps all over my body. My face was turning all red again. She chuckled and then released me. "Let's get in."
She took off her towel and I quickly looked away. I've never turned my head so fast in my life like that. She wore nothing and she was okay with it. I heard her movements until she settled into the bathtub. That was my cue to know that it was safe to look back.
"Oh my.." I uttered under my breath. The sight before me was something I was never prepared for. I wanted to pass out. Was there any medic to take me away from here?
"Resse?" She called, looking at me in bewilderment.
"Yea.. Yeah." I could feel my hands trembling as I tried to take off my towel. This was just a hallucination! Hallucination! As I tried to convince myself.
My face got even hotter when I took off the towel. I didn't dare to look at Evi again. I speedily got into the tub but I missed my footing and almost fell but Evi was quick to catch me. Her arms were around my body securely. I wanted to faint. This was too much!
"Are you okay?" She looked very worried. I nodded bashfully. She carefully helped me into the tub and finally removed her arms from me. If she held me much longer, I felt like I would run out of oxygen because I forgot how to breathe.
"You're clumsy today." She smiled teasingly.
I looked away, trying to focus on the calming effect the hot water provided me. The water smelled so good. Like a combination of multiple flowers but I couldn't distinguish them. I felt refreshed somehow. I relaxed my tense muscles and leaned my back against the tub. It had been a very stressful day for me.
Evi slided next to me. She rested her head on my shoulder. It took a whole of me not to flinch when she put a hand on my thigh. I kept my head straight, trying not to look at her. She was naked and I tried not to make a big deal about it. I've seen Evi naked before but this was the first time I was feeling nervous like this. It was so hard to stay calm. I didn't know why I couldn't calm the heck down. I felt like my heart was about to burst.
That was probably the longest bath I've ever taken in my life. I changed into a nightgown that Evi affectionately suggested for me to wear. I felt like it was impossible to say no to her request. She had this aura that made me very obedient toward her. I've never felt this way toward Evi before. The dinner was served in the room and we ate in silence. I didn't know how to start a conversation after everything.
"I'll take a day off tomorrow. So, let's go walk around the city, shopping and visit the cake shop you like." She told me. "Then we can probably go on a cruise at the river and have our lunch there. What do you think?"
"Yeah, sure." I said easily. She grinned happily. I focused on the food. This was very weird food. Was this some type of fish? I couldn't tell. It wasn't the best but I could bear with it.
After that, we laid down on the bed together. I purposely laid down on my side, facing away from her. I hoped that I woke up from this very vivid hallucination. I tried to sleep because I knew it was a very long day for me. I wanted to wake up the next day and everything went back to normal again.
My body stiffened when I felt her arms snaking around me, hugging me from behind. Her lips touched my neck, sending shivers everywhere. I didn't dare to move an inch. I could feel her breath on my skin. This was too much, my heart was going wild again.
"Goodnight, Resse.." She wished sleepily. "I love you.."