Midnight Royale

Chapter 5: Who are you, what are you?

I stared blankly at the hall where the crowd was dancing. Bright lights, elegant suits, and the ladies around seemed to be glowing because of their ball gown.

I couldn’t help but frown. There is a lot of decorations around the hall and I can’t help but pinch myself to wake up from this dream. It feels like a fantasy!

But this is impossible. It's like I'm in a history book where the prince and vast castle have existed! I’m sure this is just Farrah’s bullshit! And I can't wait for her to stop because she ran out of money.

I hope it's just like that. But as the fun lasts, I can’t help but think that this is real— the strange magic and all.

In the middle of the hall, there was the throne of the king and queen. While Lazarus and I were just on the side, watching the soldiers fight with swords as a performance. It was a show and part of the fun.

I looked around and still couldn’t believe everything. There is no way... That this is all real!

"Focus on what you're watching, princess," Lazarus called when he noticed that I was no longer watching or focusing on the show.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

"Why should I follow you? Who are you?" I respond angrily.

Lazarus didn't expect what I asked. He was dumbfounded for a second before regaining himself back.

He turned to me with a sharp look. "You don't know the person you've studied for a long time? You almost gave up your life just to find out who I am..."

My mouth hangs in disbelief. I don't know what the hell is he talking about—but who the hell study a person for their whole life?! What a waste!

"If you think pretending stupid to me will work, you're wrong princess. Stop your card because I won't believe you." He insist.

How was I able to take a sit beside him?! What a conceited tug! If only I hadn't been surrounded by guards or people are not looking at us, I will left him alone!

Why did he even drag me here if he's only going to offend me?

Lazarus talks like he has power over everything and anything. He is proud and confident. Arrogant and feeling cool. That's how he speaks and it irritates me so much!

I was stunned for a moment and watched the sword fight in front of me. I don't feel like watching that. Then the gown is uncomfortable! The corset is too tight!

"For the next performance, Floral Varona is here for a music using her piano!"

I was surprised when the woman slowly came out with a large piano in the middle of the grand hall. She was like ashes that gradually cleared before my eyes!

My eyes widened and I rubbed them to see what was happening. How did she suddenly get there?!

Fancy applause ensued because of the woman's grand entrance. I also stood up and applauded.

"Marvelous!" I applauded loudly because I was impressed with that effect. You can think it was magic!

The woman in front of me is beautiful. She looks like an angel because of her white dress and golden hair. But when our eyes met, she glared at me!

Lazarus took my hand and stood up as well. What does he want? Why is he touching me?

And why is his face approaching mine?!

"Sit down. It's embarrassing. Act with elegance," Lazarus whispered with a smile on his lips.

My knee was weakened because of his face. It was too close and perfect. If only he is not getting on my nerves! I wondered what he was going to do!

Floral's playing has already begun. Earlier, I wanted to get out of here and play outside. But when she started playing the piano I was stunned. Finally, my interest!

I also dream of playing like that. In front of many people. It's a pity I didn't study well... but I was able to play the piano a few. I think that is enough to thank.

“I want to play too,” I said into the air. Floral knows her piece.

“You don’t know how to play piano,” Lazarus said with finality.

My forehead furrowed. "How can you say I don't know?"

"You're not playing or unaware of anything else..."

I was stunned by his insult. The thickness of his face to say that!

"What do you know about me? ”I sneered on him.

That’s when Lazarus turned his head to me. He seemed surprised at what I asked, but his expression also changed quickly.

"I know everything about you," he said confidently. I hate him so much!

I was stunned. The arrogance!

"You don't know me." I insisted.

"You will be my wife." He fought back. Like being her soon to be wife is an excuse!

I just laughed. "As far as I feel, you're not interested in me."

"All right! You played then!" He is annoyed. I am glad he is! "Don't waste my patience, Genevierre..." his voice dropped again and he looked around.

Lazarus observed the place if anyone was looking at us while he is scolding me.

Hah! This man's behavior is really ugly!

"I will play!" I got up and waited for Floral to finish playing.

"Genevierre, don't embarrass yourself..." Lazarus sighed in annoyance.

I laughed. I will not embarrass myself! Lazarus should be ashamed of himself once he sees me playing there!

"You don't know anything about me, Lazarus... So don't tell me..." I stood up myself confidently.

Lazarus clenched his jaw and closed his eyes tightly. I do not care about him. After all, I'm already here, why don't I use this gathering to show everyone what I have?

The people around applauded loudly. There I became alert. I'm next!

"Wait!" I shouted when Floral finished playing. From the heavy gown, I tried to get to the center by running.

The heaviness! This gown is annoying to carry!

Everyone looked at me. I was a little embarrassed, but I looked at the woman who was staring at me in surprise.

"Can I play too?" I ask her.

She frowned. "But you don't know how to use it..."

"Trust me. I know." I insist.

"Dear princess! Do you know how to play that thing?" question of an old man. I think he is the king.

"Of course!" I answered casually and grinned.

The old man seemed surprised at my answer.

"It's that real?! Can I hear?! I didn't know you could play!"

I smiled and nodded. Because of the old man's order, the woman seemed to have no choice but to agree because the king wanted to see me play. I am glad!

I sat in front of the piano. I was suddenly nervous. This is the only day I had the chance to perform in front of a lot of people!

Finally.

My fingers glided elegantly to the piano keys. My hands seem to have themselves and produce the music effortlessly. I poured my energy and heart into the performance. That's what I'm sure of.

I am not mistaken, because when I finished playing, I was greeted with a round of applause.

After I played, everyone seemed very satisfied with my performance. People from the right and left praised me.

"Good, dear princess! It's true what they said! You're just hiding your talent!"

I was shocked. I didn't hide my talent. But happy to hear that compliment. "Not really..."

"The king rejoiced at what he saw!" The queen approached me.

Is this true?! The king and queen complimented me! This is so satisfying! Even this is just a bullshit or a weird dream... The compliment felt so real.

"Where did you learn playing the piano? Your parents didn't tell us about the talent..."

I winced and didn't know what to say. I would have said that I was not the Genevierre they knew but the two elders said goodbye to me because they are called by the other guests.

The woman who lent me her piano raised an eyebrow as she approached me. I was about to thank her when she started to talk first.

"Where did you learn that complex tune? Did you mean to grab attention and show off?"

The smile disappeared from my lips. I thought she is kind and cute! But I guess, it's really the quote; don't judge the book by its cover!

“I’m not flaunting,” I deny.

She laughed and stared at me.

"If you think Lazarus will like you because of that, you're wrong!" She hissed before leaving.

What's wrong with that woman?

The ease of feeling to be able to play like this again. Everything seems like a dream to me.

My eyes searched for Lazarus after the play — but I couldn't find him.

The celebration was over, but I never saw the Prince they were calling.

It doesn't matter. I don't even care about that man! Maybe he was embarrassed because I proved him wrong? Ha, I guess his pride was shattered!

I am now in the bedroom and the court maids are helping me remove the decoration on my body.

Now, I feel so light and comfortable! Finally!

"Dear princess!" The helpers greeted me warmly. "We didn't know you had that kind of talent!" They are talking about the piano.

I winced. "Because I'm not your princess ..."

They just laugh and didn't take me seriously. "Dear princess! Don't be silly!"

I sucked it up instead of answering back. When will all this end? I can't keep up with them anymore. I'm too lazy to fight them about how I am a different person from their Princess!

They also wanted to go to the bathroom with me earlier — but I stopped them. It's embarrassing! I'm not crippled or anything but they wanted to take care of anything!

I was surprised when the bathroom was still full of flowers and candles. The fresh and fragrant smell of warm water was still here. I smiled in delight

The pain in my body disappeared when I dived into the water. The zest to feel!

I was wearing a thin, satin dress after coming out of the bathroom. I do have any bra again and it feels nice. I also didn't want to wear it because I was going to sleep anyway.

Gone are the women around watching, I stretched my body once throw myself on the bed.

"Princess, we're going to turn off the light!" The man outside shouted and the surrounding became dark.

I had the chance to play the piano today—and my heart feels full.

I almost forgot that Farrah was bitxching on me. How can I find a way out of this place?

Out of curiosity I got up and looked at a heavy curtain. I haven't opened it yet — but I'm sure a window is there.

When I stepped on the cold marble I walked over there and pulled back the thick curtain.

I was surprised when the high glass door greeted me. There was a veranda there which I loved.

I entered there and saw the whole area. The cold air hit my skin which made me happy.

It looks like an old town. I gasped and gradually lost the smile.

This is not bullshit. This is real. I am not in my own time!

"Why are you still awake?"

I was shocked when someone whispered in my ear. I quickly walked away from Lazarus who suddenly appeared just behind me!

"Where have you been?!" I leaned back to the side.

Even though the night was dark, I could see the man's grin.

"Why don't you know?"

Why does he suddenly appear?! Where did he enter and I am not aware of his presence?! Why is my place like this? The place looks very old! A victorian era!

But how did I get here!? Is it because of the heavy flow of water? I asked to die! I didn't ask the good Lord to take me back in the past!

"What are you doing here!? Go away!" I scold him.

"Don't you love me approaching you? What happened today?" He said arrogantly and slowly approached me.

I forced myself against the wall.

"Aren't you pretending? Do you want me to do something to remind you of everything?"

He looks playful and will do something bad to me. My heart was pounding in nervousness.

I was shocked when he pulled my hand to get closer to him. Because of that, I crashed into his chest.

"What?!" I shouted in fear.

His cold hand glided in my back. I cannot get away from him because of his grip.

He looks serious.

"Who are you?" That's what he asked. "Because the Genevierre I know it's not like this..."

"Why!? What is the former Genevierre doing to you?! Let me go!"

I tried to pull away but he held my waist. It was already cold in the air — his body was even colder! Oh my goodness! Is he a corpse!?

"You don't know me. I thought you were just pretending..." He whispered. He is like talking to himself. "But just so you can remember... This is what I'm going to do."

Before I could speak he went to my shoulder and put his lips there! He started to move his lips and I was paralyze in disbelief!

"Stop!" I shouted angrily but before I could get loose again I felt something painful there.

He stabbed me using his mouth... A small pang. I felt he inject something in my neck. It was just a short moment, but it felt like... a sharp bite.

Lazarus raised his head and grinned. I was dumbfounded and scared. What is that?

"What? Do you remember already?" He teased.

My forehead furrowed.

"W-What ... Are you?"