CHAPTER 2: Two Worlds Colliding
1243 Words
"Eira, do you realize how absurd your proposed bill is? Who in their right mind would suggest a law prohibiting sudden wars?" Her aide, Ina, visibly frustrated, couldn’t help but express her exasperation.
"Come on, Ina. You know that something needs to be done about this. Have you seen how frequent wars have become lately?" Eira replied with a hint of nonchalance.
"Of course, I am aware." Ina retorted.
"Then why do you find it so ridiculous?" She inquired.
Ina’s frustration was palpable. "Eira, you're no longer a child. I trust you understand the implications of your actions. You're not merely opposing one country; you're challenging the very nature of human conflict. This could endanger your life." she argued.
Eira’s resolve did not waver. “So what? Just because it is human nature does not mean that the innocent should suffer because of others' greed. Ina, the lack of precedent does not preclude support for this bill.” She defended passionately. “I want to make a difference, Ina. I am not content with what I have done yet.”
Ina’s expression hardened as she absorbed Eira’s words. "Success so far does not guarantee future achievements. Eira, despite your current position, you remain insignificant in the grand scheme of power," she said coldly before departing.
“Ei... ra... Eira.” Someone was calling my name repeatedly. My closed lids slightly opened as I glimpsed a child's hand reaching toward me.
"Sister Eira, sister, wake up!"
The sharp sting of a slap jolted me from my slumber. As my vision cleared, I found myself staring into the mischievous grin of a girl, her long, straight white hair cascading like silk around her pale face. Her gray eyes gleamed with an impish delight, a stormy silver that seemed to see right through me. She stood tall for her age with an air of effortless elegance, the faintest flush of amusement coloring her porcelain skin.
Despite the delicate beauty she possessed, there was no mistaking the spark of untamed spirit in her gaze.
She was impossible to ignore — a presence that demanded attention, as relentless as the rising sun. And today, it seemed, her amusement came at my expense. Behind her, a cluster of servants hovered nervously, their gazes flickering between us, awaiting what was to come.
“Oops, I didn’t mean to, sister.” Hera hurriedly hid her hand as I tried to sit up.
“Good morning, Hera,” I greeted my sister, ruffling her hair.
“It’s afternoon already, sister,” she rebutted. My hand flinched as I reached out to pinch her cheek.
“Alright, good afternoon then, my lady.” She laughed merrily at my response.
“Good afternoon to you too, little Duchess!” She greeted me back, and I smiled, seeing her so happy. Right... Who would have
thought that this child would soon have her entire world destroyed?
The guilt I feel for inhabiting the body of her older sister is deeply rooted in my heart, and now, witnessing her innocence once again, it just amplifies.
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I soaked in the bathtub as the servants attended to me, while Regina waited silently in the corner of the room with a book.
"Ina, postpone all of my engagements for today. I wish to spend time with my family," I commanded, eyes closed.
"I have already done so," she replied simply.
I opened my eyes to meet her gaze. "When did you do this?" I inquired.
"The moment you failed to wake up at the scheduled time. I apologize, my lady. I assumed you were tired and thus delayed your schedule," Ina said, bowing to apologize.
"You don't need to apologize, Ina. Instead, I am extremely pleased that you anticipated my needs," I replied with a smile, sinking back into the water with contentment.
I closed my eyes to reflect on the dream I had once again. For several months now, I have seemed to witness my previous life like a movie with no sequence. If there were moments that resembled my past life, I would dream about them, as I did yesterday. My conversation with Regina had evoked a memory I once shared with my aide.
What is the significance of these dreams? Do they recur to prevent me from fully embracing this world? Does it want to keep reminding me that I am but a lost soul? What about my body? What happened to it?
“My lady, you have finished your bath.” My thoughts came to an abrupt stop with the reminder of my lady in waiting, Zhianne Adilios, a noble daughter of a family that served the dukedom.
I stepped out fully n***d while Zhianne attended to me.
The servants moved with practiced grace around me, their hands swiftly arranging my attire and accessories. As they finished with their work, they drifted from me and made me stand before an ornate mirror, where my reflection radiated an ethereal beauty.
My hair, a cascade of dark indigo resembling the celestial night, was expertly braided with delicate silver ribbons interwoven, shimmering like stars. The braid fell gracefully over my right shoulder, accentuating the contrast against my flawless, alabaster skin.
While my eyes, a captivating shade of gray reminiscent of the moon, sparkled with an inner light.
The servants dressed me in an off-shoulder gown of pristine white, the fabric like a flowing liquid silk. The gown was intricately adorned with delicate lace and shimmering beads with layers of tulle creating a voluminous skirt that floated around her like a cloud. A matching set of accessories featuring a crescent moon design and a pair of white satin gloves completed the ensemble.
Looking at my reflection, I marveled at the transformation. I had always known that this person was beautiful—more beautiful than I, even if it was just a slight difference in eye color. Yet, this was beyond the work of art. Taller than most of her peers, with a body that was semi-developed, she was exceptionally striking.
However, I was merely going to receive my parents. Was such effort truly necessary for my attire? I glanced at the servants, who looked at me with stars in their eyes, clearly in total admiration.
“My lady, you are absolutely stunning,” one maid complimented.
“Indeed, my lady! Anyone who claims you are second best must be blind,” another added.
“Thank you. However, I will not be going anywhere; I will simply be greeting my parents upon their return,” I said awkwardly as I
looked at them.
“We understand, Little Duchess. We do not expect you to leave, but with your birthday approaching, it is only fitting to prepare you splendidly. It won’t be long before you reach the age of qualification for dukedom,” Zhianne reminded me.
Indeed, I would soon be turning sixteen. Alongside my birthday would come the death of the Grand Duke and Duchess of the North.
This would also mark the time when Eira inherited the title of Duchess.
I glanced at my reflection once more. This was the fate of the dukedom; I had to face it.
“My lady, it is time to head downstairs. The Grand Duke and Duchess are bound to arrive soon.”
“Very well. Please ensure my sister is called down as well,” I replied, turning away from the room to meet my parents for the first time.
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