What happened?
Questions flooded my mind, but my body felt too weak to grasp them. My head throbbed as if bombs were exploding inside it, and each breath came with effort. Whatever had happened before—I had no energy left to remember.
My mind was completely blank.
I opened my eyes slowly, wincing as sunlight pierced them like a thousand spears. As my vision adjusted, I realized I wasn't at home… or in a hospital.
The room was luxurious but outdated, like something from an ancient palace. A maid stood beside me, arranging a bouquet of flowers in a vase. When she noticed I was awake, she bowed.
Does she know me? But how?
Before I could speak—not that I had the strength to—she hurried out. Minutes later, she returned with a group of people. One, a man who checked my pulse, seemed to be a doctor. Behind him stood more maids, and beside me sat a man in regal clothing.
Who—?
He took my hand without permission, his face twisted in sorrow. I wanted to slap him, but my body refused to move.
The doctor murmured instructions to the maids, bowed to me (why?), then to the stranger, and left.
The man stroked my face. "Don't worry, honey. You'll be fine soon. I'm so glad you're back with us."
Honey?! My skin crawled. I'd never seen him before—why did he act like we were close? Before I could react, he kissed my forehead.
"Sorry, I can't stay. The Royal Council is waiting. I'll return soon."
Royal Council?! Rage simmered in my chest. Who did he think he was? What delusion was this?
Another maid entered with soup. "My queen," she said softly, "this will restore your strength."
Queen?! I'M NOT A QUEEN! I wanted to scream, but hunger silenced me. I let her feed me, too exhausted to resist. As warmth spread through me, my eyelids grew heavy.
For the first time, I surrendered—not to understanding, but to sleep.