Curse Reverse

Veronica

The man escorted me out of the room. He took my hand very gentlemanly, for he knew I was still regaining my energy.

As I stepped out, I looked around the unfamiliar place. The walls were made of brick and stone. The whole floor was cas covered with expensive and fine-weaved maroon carpet. Huge paintings with artistically-carved golden frames hanged from wall to wall. This place must be a palace.

What caught my attention was one of the image who appeared to be a portrait of a family with familiar faces. A man with tan skin, wavy brunette hair and eyes so bright with a shade of light tawny brown. Beside him was a woman with rosy white complexion, and bright golden hair that shone, flowing down to her waist. Her eyes were deep cinnamon brown in color. Her smile was sweet, so motherly and pure. They were so beautiful.

The woman was craddling a todler with wavy baby hair of blonde shade and eyes light brown. A slightly magentalic red cloth covered the babe's body.

While I was gazing at the painting, faint images started to appear on my mind. They were like flashbacks that were haste fast. My head suddenly started to ache. I removed my hand from the man's hold, tilted my head down, and slowly massaged my temples with both hands. My face appeared sour, being in pain.

"Are you alright?", the man asked concernly.

Seconds after, the pain went away eventually.

What on earth just happened?! Maybe those were just hallucinations caused by hunger and restlessness. I decided not to mind.. for the mean time.

We proceeded to our destination. I walked slow-paced, and so did he. He lead me to a stone-made staircase. He took his first step down and assisted me as I followed him. He watched my every step cautiously. He was very chary of me as if I were a child or a precious jewel that needed to be heeded.

The stairs wasn't very long. After a moment, I could already see its ending as a bright light shone from the end. I started to hear festive noises, people chattering, and instruments playing coming from downstairs. Seems like a banquet.

At last i've reached the end. Bowing my head and looking at my feet, I took my last step from the stairs and unto the floor. The moment I did, I heard the noise stop. Slowly and slight nervously, I raised my chin to see the scene.

My eyes looked around. With a flustered expression drawn on my face, I glanced back at the people staring at me. There was a group of people, probably noblemen in the area. Some looked puzzled, suprised and mostly awestruck.

"The princess has returned!", one man stood and screamed. Followed by joyous cheers and laughters from the crowd.

"Is it really her?"
"Of course. Look at that golden hair, just like her mother's."
"She has her father's eyes!"

Chattering and reactions continued from the people.

"What?..", I whispered confusely.

The noise was once again stopped when a loud sound of a horn blew. It caught everyone's attention.

"The King has arrived.", announced the man who blew the horn.

In awe, my eyes were fixed at the man standing firmly. He had grayish brunette hair, a beard, and light brown eyes with wrinkles. He looked like the man in the portrait but has aged around his 40s or 50s. Everyone bowed before him.

"Veronica..", he murmured as he walked towards me.
"..my little girl."

His eyes welled up in tears as he embraced me so dearly. I had no memory of this person. But some part of me recognizes his presence.

The king released me and wiped away his tears. Snapping himself back into reality, he exclaimed, "Let's feast!" The people cheered once again and continued their dine.

The man escorted me to the royal table where the king sat by the end. He pulled me a seat by the right side of the king's. Palatable meals, drinks and desserts flowed all through out the long table.

"I apologize, your highness..", i spoke.

He seemed restless with what I addressed him.

"But you seem to misunderstand the situation. I am not Veronica."

"Then who might you be?", inserted the man with the blue cape.

That was obviously a very answerable question. But then..

"I-ah.. I am.." I was unable to remember. Their looks were fixed on me, waiting for a reply.

"Let's call it a day!", inserted the king to break the ice. He then turned to the man saying,
"Let her rest, take her outdoors or anywhere she wants. Give her anything she wishes. Let my daught- ah.."

"Veronica.", I answered. They were surprised.
"I need a name.. Veronica.", i added.

The king smiled as he whispered, "Thank you."

He turned to the man and gave him a nod, signaling his dismissal. The man stood and escorted me out of my seat once again.

"Excuse us, your majesty.", he bowed before he took me through the exit.

***
We were by the entrance of the castle not so far from the banquet hall. The man whistled and a white horse rushed towards him.

"Neigh, Josephine!", he petted his horse.
"If you may, milady." He fixed the saddle and offered me to ride. So i did.

"Wait.."
"I beg to have your name.", I asked.

He paused and stared at me with his deep azure eyes that turns cerulean blue when touched by the light of the sun as he smiled and answered..

"Blue."

I nodded. He then mounted as well.

"Where would our destination be?", he asked.

I paused for a while and thought of a place. But the only memory that was less obscure in my mind was..

"The woods."