My Prince From Another Time

Prologue - Part 1

Elena's POV

Repeated huff and puff...

This is very tiring. How did I end up being chased by these mysterious men? What did I do to make them run after me? It doesn't matter now, focusing on maintaining this speedy pace of mine is the only key to get out of this. Their fearsome looks clearly denote that letting me go is not an option for them plus my stamina is almost running out pressing it harder on my end. Thinking of a concrete solution might be hard to extract out of my mind while having this nerve-racking situation thus it leaves me no choice but to try at least. The bustling setting of this place could be very useful so I am going to use it to take advantage and make myself disappear out of their sight.

Nice timing!

My eyes get a visual perception of quite a few people not so far despite the difficulty and there's also a clothes store nearby. I've got to put up their usual mantle by snatching it away from that shop. With a tactic of blending myself into the crowd, buying some time to elude from this kind of jeopardy would be a breeze. It shouldn't count as a crime because as far as I know, this country's citizenry mustn't include me and I do not even belong here to begin with. Perhaps time travel is the one responsible for this unaccountable incident but is this really possible? Is this world the real thing? If this is not a dream, why the h*ck did it happen to me? Out of all the people around the globe, why me?

A plan of returning their stuff materializes inside my head together with my dearest apology to be given after I escape from my pursuers. Doing this will regain my moral as a human thanks to my good conscience. Although that oversized-looking mantle is kinda old-fashioned, probably this is one of the trends in this current time, I shouldn't be picky as survival within this outlandish place ought to be my priority as well as avoid getting into troubles and vice versa since I've been miraculously transported into this strange world by an unknown occurrence and have no idea when or how will I come back to my supposed timeline. My hope of going back is attainable must come to reality or else I'll be stuck here for the rest of my life.

The time prior to this peculiar encounter...

The radiant shine of daylight accompanied by crystal clear sky along with a marvelous sight of cirrus and cumulus clouds run through the very core of my eyes right after I head out of my house off to work, a nice kick-off to start my day. Being a punctual type of person is the precise definition of me, so running an errand before going to my workplace is my typical thing. Taking a walk at the park close by used to be my initial move sensing an ample amount of comforting blow of fresh air that is now gently bouncing off my face rejuvenating myself to reach up my usual state. The invigorating ray of light from the sun touches down to my skin re-energizing every inch of my strength compensating this little body of mine from a long exhausting day yesterday. Not to mention this day would be the same so charging myself up and consuming uplifting vibes around this vibrant environment would be necessary to boost my performance up to its extent.

Heading to my next destination heightens the pace of my strides as my heart keeps on pounding an unsteady rhythm. My little friends might be waiting for my arrival now so I get a quick purchase at the convenient store to buy their favorite snacks.

I've finally arrived at my destined location and a group of plumy critters travels directly to my front right after I sit on a comfy bench with my eyes gladly watching them approach near me. These adorable bunch of cuties give me a hard time resisting their overloading cuteness and successfully make my rigid mouth into a quirky bright smile in no time. They are mostly pigeons and sparrows, bringing them munchies such as chips and breadcrumbs every day becomes a part of my daily routine as they give me the feeling like a dog with two tails especially when I feed them using my bare hands. The ticklish sensation of having their beaks pecking at my palm rouses my happy stimuli to the point that a teensy sound of laugh comes off my mouth which is very uncommon of me. Moreover, the musical-like synchronization of their chirps and coos, hitting a very good spot in my ears, is more than enough to stir my heart up and make my whole day. Oops, praising them shall not go overboard otherwise my scaly buddies living under the public fish pond that is right behind me wouldn't lie idly and might splash water on me out of jealousy. I get off the bench and move my feet to their habitat. Round-famished mouths surfacing on the water greet my approach then I toss a sufficient quantity of crumbs into their small pool as a token of appreciation. As the same as my feathered friends, they never cease to give immense satisfaction. Observing passersby around this hectic society while being accompanied by my little companions is my favorite solitary time of my day.

For me, animals are too worthy for us to have. All they need are food and shelter, profound understanding from humans, respect for their environment, and a bit of endearment from us. They don't possess the intellectual capability to go beyond their instinct so thoughts such as ill-intention, vengeance, betrayal, and other complex urges that we have do not exist in their brain. Unlike my own race, they won't desist their mischievous acts and heinous deeds until they satisfy their personal gains. Wanting to get more than enough even if it means harming the people around them. They tend to discard anyone who is no longer of use. Making you attach by showing sincere feelings and affectionate actions but at the end, after some circumstances and turn of events, they just leave you behind without stating any reason and completely vanish out of your world. That's how humans are, this is exactly what that person in my past did to me.

“Tsk,” I grit my teeth and shake my head as I try to avert recollecting those harrowing memories that keep flooding back in my mind. Seeking solace against this infuriating evocation from my old days would save me from restoring the pain. I have to think of something else to build peace of mind.

“Elena? Is that you?” A known voice strikes through my ears breaking my inner peace. I reshape my face into its normal form as I roll my eyes to the source of that sound and it turns out that she is Claire, a workmate of mine. An average woman with chestnut brown hair, honey-colored eyes, unexceptional body curves, eccentric attributes, and most of all, the most irksome girl who bothers my privacy at all times. The only one who talks to me every time she sees me and speaks informally as if we have that “kind” of intimacy. We're not that close and I scarcely communicate with anybody even at work so I can't think of some reason for her to be in contact with me. I mean, what's the benefit of having me as her talking buddy? She's quite getting on my nerves, always disturbing my cozy moment while reposing my stress in a relaxing setting like this. I can't help acting a normal response since provoking someone's feelings is not my intention and never will be.

“Right timing, we still have plenty of time. I haven't taken my breakfast yet, could you accompany me for a treat? I'll cover anything you want.” She requests and blinks an eye at me.

“I'm afraid that I have to turn down your offer,” I respond in a cold manner while switching the course of my look downward indicating that I being down is off at the moment. She must find someone else rather than me as I have no regard to entertain her time.

“Sorry, I won't take 'no' for an answer.” She drags my hand with a naughty grin and cheerfully brings me to a small cafeteria. Running away and breaking free of her grasp is no-go. In terms of physical strength, I'm far behind her.

A sunny side up with vegetable salad and two rashers of bacon is served onto our table. I got no interest in getting a ration from her food nor letting her order a big meal for me since I'm already full so I ask her to just get me a cup of latte to refuel my spent energy from being with her.

“Let's cut to the chase, what's the point of this? What is your real aim?” I query, displaying a sober face after taking a sip of my coffee.

“What do you mean? It's just a friendly treat, don't get worked up. I just want to get close to you.” She replies with a broad beam.

“For what reason? You don't have anything to gain from me.”

“Is there a need for an explanation when creating a firm relationship with my associate? You're one of my workmates, so it's only natural for me to try to be on good terms with you. It will establish effective communication between us in case we work together as a team in the future.”

“Well, there's a hidden motive behind my action of befriending you, but I won't tell it. Bleh...”

“Fine, but don't expect me to act in accord with your wishes. Just want to make things clear, I will never reciprocate any of your actions or accept you as my friend. Also, don't you dare to be a sore in my eyes. I hate those who actively waste my time.”

“Of course, haha. You don't have to be so formal, at least try to be more casual next time, ok.”

Tsk, what's with that smile? She always flaunts it in front of me. How annoying.

“Anyway, let's change the topic here. Since we still have time to spare, would you like to have another tour with me? There's a museum that has freshly opened last week. It's near us so I wonder if we could check it out after we finish our meal.”

“Even if my answer is no, you'll still force me to go with you so what's the point of asking my say?”

“Hehe, you're right.”

What the h*ll have I done? Turning her down in the first place should basically be my response but now I wind up tagging along with this woman. Whatever, there is still some other time to push her away.

As what is likely to happen, we are now in this ginormous museum filled with a vastness of historical things. I could sense in the air the intensity of past events. Drastic hardships, pointless sacrifices, cold-blooded treatment, unjustified bloodshed, and a never-ending battle between life and death. The basis to strive, the will to survive, and the indelible wish to descry the light of tomorrow. Sad to say but all of these are now a trace of forgotten history. We may fail to remember the origin of today's life but the memories will still be carried on by these nostalgic objects for us to look back and remind the reason why we are living such a suitable life nowadays. It's unimaginable how they overcame that atrocious era where all the leaders and kings were fighting to death, thirsty of expanding territories, acquiring grand opulence, and getting the highest supremacy while neglecting the needs of their people whose in the verge of downfall. We are lucky that the generation we belong to is not that cruel anymore. However, what's the difference between now and then? Although we attained a much organized and righteous system of ruling, those human desires will stay firmly and never fade.

“Elena, come over here! Quick!” Claire's medium-pitch voice enters my ears from afar.

“You will not believe what I found, hurry!” She shouts in surprise as I walk at a hasty pace.

“Make sure that it is worthy of my attention. You ought to know that every tick of the clock matters to me.” I apprise then I turn my watch to the mystifying painting on the wall where she is pointing.

My body quivers in utter shock. My eyes dilate fully wide as goosebumps conquer my skin. I can't believe this person existed three hundred years ago.

“Wow, this is driving me nuts. How is this lady in this portrait look exactly the same to you?!” Claire questions full of wonder.

“I...”

“You have a keen eye,” a feminine voice breaks my silence from behind.

I swivel my head around and a queer lass pops up in our sight that is standing before us.

“Oh, my bad. Did I scare you guys? I should introduce myself first. I'm a curator here and the one in charge of educating the public. If you have any questions in your mind, feel free to ask them.”

“W-wait... I-is this for real?!” She leans over me after realizing that I and that woman resemble precise similarities in outside appearance.

“This is truly unbelievable as if I'm being haunted by a ghost! You are very lucky indeed to have such a remarkable face. Cherish that gift of yours.” She articulates filled with stupefaction and draws her head back.

“Is this really that special?”

“Yeah, it's out of the ordinary. Even me would like to have that too if I had the chance.”

“Why is that?”

“This lass is not just your typical girl from the seventeenth century. Although this hasn't been confirmed yet, rumors floated through generations that this lady in front of us played a big part in the aristocratic hierarchy. In other words, she might belong to the highest peerage of her age.” This curator imparts while having an intent look at the painting.

“As of now, her identity remains unknown. Further investigation of her background and origin is unachievable since there are no solid grounds to distinguish her exact status.”

“But one thing is for sure, her memory will forever rest in the hearts of the people who once beheld the greatness of her existence. Who knows, maybe she erst brought the glory into their land of chaos.” She adds with an outspread beam manifesting on her lips.

“Glad to hear that we have such an upstanding individual in the past. Anyway, let's get moving. I'm looking forward to a portrait of a prince to be found here. Can you tell us where we can locate it?” Claire eagerly asks.

I knew it. This girl has got some ulterior motive, that's why she insists to go here. Hays, I'm indeed become a fool by allowing myself to fall into her stupidity.

“Of course, follow my steps. I'll lead the way.”

“Thank you.”

I've squandered too much of my time here. Making an excuse will help me to get away from this dull trip. But for some reason, while we are closely approaching this so-called “prince”, an inexplicable feeling circulates thoroughly inside me. It hinders my body from taking my departure as if the control is getting out of hand. Why? I don't understand. What is it there for me to see? Is it that significant to me?

A sudden change in the atmosphere transpires. A shiver runs up my spine while I dumbfoundedly gaze at the image of that man. My head starts to twinge with my vision slowly evanesces as my ears hear a soniferous bell chiming inside my mind. The clarity of pitch elevates every short amount of time and stays long enough to withstand my bearing capacity. I close my eyes and cover my ears, hoping to diminish the loudness while my heart begins to pulsate to its fastest beat.

I-I can't hold it anymore... I'm... going to pass out.

* * *