Enigma

Statistics in a bathtub

I expected the Siqi to leave me here to die. But still, turning around and not seeing them hurt my feelings... kinda.

As I'm sitting in the obscenely long sofa, inside the monstrosity of a living room, I can't help but wonder what it was like for Lucia when she lived here.

My musings are stopped by a throat clearing.

"So, you're from another world?" asks a frowning face that might have been beautiful if I didn't know about his 'behind the mask' face.

"That's right." I said briskly, I really shouldn't be behaving like this but when he broke the protagonist's heart, he broke mine too. I was rooting for the i***t.

"How did you get here?" he asks, clearly not wanting to believe anything I said but knowing that the Siqi won't lie.

"How the hell am I supposed to know? I just woke up here."

He blinks, "You slept there and woke up here..."

"I might have died there. I wasn't the healthiest baby on the universe." I'm really trying not to pout.

"You'll be staying here?... Deity?" he asks with more than a little annoyance.

I narrow my eyes at him, "Yes. I hope you don't have a problem with that, but even if you do, just deal with it."

I'm clearly not making a good impression, but he purses his lips and rises, "It'd be an honour. Talika will take you to your quarters."

I don't wait for him to change his mind and put me in the stables so I rise and follow Talika, she's as beautiful as described in the books. Short but fit, long curly blond hair tied back with colourful ribbons and eyes so brown, they're almost black. She curtsies with her magical grace that sends her skirt billowing and leads me away from the heartbreaker.

"Your room is prepared, my lady. Is there anything particular you require?" she asks in a voice surprisingly bold for her tiny frame.

"Uhh- you can call me Skye." I say trying to remember what I'd need here, "Ah- I need pants or something comfortable. Not dresses if you don't mind."

The poor girl looks scandalized, "Pants? My lady Skye?" she flushes red. Her pale hands clutch at her dress skirt.

"Yes. I know that the fashion of ward Eracia isn't exactly practical. Too much focus on wasting your fabric. But at least for a night suit, I'd need something loose and short." I say kindly but firmly, "Or I'd have to sleep in my underclothing." I say as an after thought.

"I'll find you a shirt and some pants." she hurries to say, "I'll bring the seamstress after a while to get you clothes that you desire."

The pixie girl hurries away to do something and I don't waste time in undressing and getting into the bath.

Thankgods for modern technology in alternate universes. I pick up the shower gel and rub some in my hands.

As I'm rinsing away my grime and dirt, I make a list of all the things that I need to remember and all the people I know as powerful, because this is a world without the police petrol or 911. And threats are everywhere.

Ellis Nahato: Royal. Conniving, selfish and in need of a therapist. Has too many issues that messed up his judgement with the protagonist. Power- 8.5/10, can manipulate the elements, strength in earth. Liege of ward Eracia, one of the primary wards. Currently weak after loosing most of his battle force, but can be deadly in a hand or arms combat. Can be manipulated, or could be, I don't know how the war effected his personality, no povs from him. I could best him, but still need to be careful.

Talika Goodwill: Half pixie, kind but superb liar, lied to Ellis about many things and helped the protagonist. Power-6/10, can summon birds, eagles can peck your eyes out. Pretty scary, but sweet when unprovoked. Maid in the palace of Eracia. But works like an assistant, so is privy to personal details about the ward. I always wanted to be her friend, I have the chance now.

Hannes Kafio: Half mage, where's he? Good guy, felt compassion for protagonist and tried to help her, but is extremely loyal to Ellis. Almost died in war, Ellis saved him with the help of protagonist's new friends. No povs from him either. Power: 8/10, manipulates noise, don't mess with him if possible. Friend and accountant of palace Eracia. I'll have to be wary.

I come out of the bathroom in a towel and discover undergarments and a really big and gauzy shirt beside a silk pajama pant. Both are white and I'm swallowed by them.

I turn to look at the mirror and pause.

That's not possible, is it? To look the same and yet so different that you don't recognise yourself?

I didn't lie when I said I'm not the healthiest baby, I wasn't. And my body carried proof of that.

I've always had high cheekbones and full lips that complement my slightly hooded, large almond eyes. But my once abundant smile turned into a grimace with the pain I carried and my skin was never complement worthy.

Now though, gone are my sunken and bloodshot eyes. Gone is my dull skin and hair.

My lips are a deep pink, my complexion olive, but rosy, my honey eyes still look bigger than necessary, but they're a brighter colour with flecks of magenta and purple that I didn't have before. They look as if hiding a galaxy behind them. My hair has never looked healthier, it's still voluminous and auburn but the strands are straighter than ever and shinier. I look healthy, pampered and happy. I look like I do infact belong in a fantasy.

"Lady Skye?" Talika poked her head through the door and blushed, "I brought the seamstress, I was wondering if you'd like your measurements taken."

I smiled at her and opened the door wider, "of course."

After I explained my designs to the patient but curious seamstress, I was invited to join his majesty for dinner.

I denied.

I might not be sick anymore, but sleep is something precious that I never compromise. Dinner will be another anxiety inducing event and I'd like to avoid it. I'll see his royal ass at breakfast.