Secret Existence

Presque Vu

The calm whispers of water briskly rushed on by and the wind swooshing through trees is all that could be heard in the stillness of the room. A warmth gathered by the fireplace and small whimpers faintly released from the figure twisting on the bed. The stone sold walls bind the gold columns that ran through the ceiling. There were paintings everywhere; on the wall and on the ceiling. In the center, however, there held a king-sized bed draped with fine silk and linen canopy. The room was only illuminated by a single candle so as to help create a peaceful atmosphere for the figure which inhabited it.

           Suddenly, my eyes fluttered open to take in the view of the room. It was familiar yet not at the same time. It looked as if it were made in the medieval period and I couldn’t help but look around at the design of the décor around me. As if I wasn’t confused enough, I looked down at myself; who was clothed in a thin nightgown and a green and gold looking robe around it. My hands were lathered in jewelry, so was my neck by the feel of it.

           A gasp escaped my lips and I flew off the bedding and ran to the full-body mirror I saw earlier. My eyes are no longer teal but shimmering emerald green and my skin looked much paler. The glare of something caught my eyes and instantly I turned to see a half-made sculpture of a woman which held a pretty necklace. This necklace was heavily embezzled with jade stones.

            My attraction to this necklace was proving too strong. I found myself inching closer and closer to it. Until… There I was enamored with it and had no hesitation to lay it around my neck. I looked so pretty in it and I like how it brings off my assets. I was glowing and my reflection smiled at me through the mirror.

          All of a sudden, I was pulled back by an imaginary force, my breath stopped and I watched as the green glow took over my eyes. Swift clips of the red moon, blood, lips meeting, people crying and unknown creatures passed through my vision. There I saw the hands grabbing at my neck again. I also saw a figure being strapped to some sort of bed with tubes all over them and a mass of armies fighting mercilessly against each other.

             BAM! The gold doors went opening and closing rapidly. Frightened by this, I heaved over and panted heavily; trying to regain normal breathing. Soon I saw two built guards with spears rushing in, then bowing. Afterward, a man in a purple linen suit came rushing in. Mr. Heineman? At least, he looked a bit different with shoulder-length hair and one could see his defined muscles because of his well-pronounced fitness.

              Later, I recognized a group of females with different cleaning supplies and their heads low as well. They all dressed in long gowns and a headpiece tied under their chins. I moved to sit on the bed while still eyeing everyone present. I watched as the man stepped forward until he stopped and look down at the green sequences lined off on the carpet around the bed. Then he kneeled on one knee and eased up again.

“Her Majesty, welcome back.”  I nodded unsure of what he meant.

“You were in a coma for years, and we thought you’d never open your eyes once more. We see it is not so, hence, the maids must prepare you to lift the burden of the befallen in hope. I will allow the maids to attend to you first.” He spoke while not directing eye contact then bowed while shuffling out of the room with the guards.

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            I stood in the middle of the room with a red, flustered face about me. The maids had bathed me after many refusals of such a request. However weird it was, I saw the fear in their eyes when I resisted each time. Thus, they did and here I am watching them compact my body with three layers of apparel; with the additional undergarments. The material of the dress was smooth and soft textured to the touch and the essence of the blue, green, and white mixes of patterns was absolutely beautiful. I found myself smiling in the mirror while being adorned with cosmetics.

               The final touches of jewelry to match were put on and the head-maid, I learned of escorted me out the huge, golden doors and onto a neatly carpeted corridor. My eyes widened at the intricacies of the architecture that this place held. From the grandeur of the curved stairs, the carved gold columns, paintings, and the beauty of the opened rooms, it was all breathtaking.

              As I was ascending the stairs, armored guards bowed at a ninety-degree angle and marched purposefully at the sides. They too followed in the procession. I was again joined by the man and he held my arm above his and led me out to a balcony. There I looked down at the hustle and bustle of people and animals going to and fro, then directly below was thousands of people who were chattering and gallivanting about.

“Cease!” The man roared and I was surprised at the crowd’s obedient response of complete silence. “Behold, Queen Ilitia has been rescued from the darkness which held her. Indeed our queen cannot be conquered. Rejoice! All hail Queen Ilitia!

“ALL HAIL THE MOST GORGEOUS, ILITIA; DESCENDANT OF THE GODS. SHE SHALL REIGN AND LIVE FOREVER!”

    The crowd chanted in a chorus while falling prostrate. I stifled a breath at this behaviour, nevertheless, I signaled for them to rise. It was as if it were a natural reflex or involuntary response. I knew exactly who did it though.

“Tonight we shall celebrate, for our queen is once more!” The crowd cheers and I watch as they were being directed out the courtyard by a mass of men in armor; flowing into the busy streets.

“Her Majesty, please if you may, your family awaits you in the throne room.” I simply nodded and followed as he led the way. Before I could go, I caught a glimpse of a piece of material flowing behind the building across from where I was. However, I paid it no mind walking and glancing at all the paintings, sculptures, and magnificent art pieces lying around. I felt a pull on my train and my head snapped around to view a maid bowing and apologizing. A smile faintly crossed my lips with a nod, notwithstanding the glimpse I caught of the scolding face of the head-maid at the young maid.

        This is definitely a totally different time and contextualization of circumstances. There is no doubt about it.