Her Name is Not Dejah

Chapter One- An Epiphany

Epiphany- a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something.

It was a disorienting feeling, such as when you arise from a deep slumber and feel as though you've stayed in a state of some sort for eternity.

As though a weariness you could not shake hid all sense of time and truth. Shadowy rings clouded her vision, masking her surroundings into a dazy blur. She sat upon a satin cushion that supported her many layers of cloth, all sewn by a prudent hand. A wave of harsh revelation rippled through her spine, making her fix her serene posture.

In such a way that made them seem to await, her gloved hands spread palms up upon her gown. The girl's breath was caught in the back of her throat, and an intense perplexity had stolen her speech. When she managed to find her voice to demand the gravity of her situation, she found herself at a loss for what to ask.

Where- who am I?

Breathe, she reminded herself. She could remember that, easily enough.

Remember what brought you here.

And yet, where was here? The girl failed to recall what her name or title was. It had been mere seconds ago she had awoken to a new position, along with a new identity. She was only aware of three things at this moment- nothing with any connection from a past she could set in her mind.

One. The vehicle she rode in was in motion, jolting with every small contact made with the gravel on the path. When the coach lurched right, she rocked on her sides, shoving into the side windows. The girl could guess that she was headed towards some grand event with such a fancy way of traveling. A carriage furnished with upholstered cushions and matching walls spoke substantial worth of a being. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears until it overlapped the sound of grinding earth. Breathe, she reminded herself once again.

Her laced hands trembled in her lap. They were on the verge of banging on the decorous windows with all the strength in her new body if she could not maintain a calm demeanor.

Observation number two– the ceiling of the automobile bore a rather large rip. She could discern the angry tear evidently when she tilted her head to the ivory ceiling. The coach seemed to be in pristine condition, and unless a wild animal had gotten loose inside, there was no explanation for its existence. The puncture tore through the first layers of fabric but was not deep enough to welcome the cold air inside. However, the revealing scar allowed a slight chill to send a shiver through her body.

Three. There was a beautiful lady of the same height on the opposite cushion. She was in the process of dabbing her eyes with a silk handkerchief. The lady wore the same gown as she did, in the same tint of gold. The very same hair ornaments she bore, down to a matching pair of heels.

Hesitantly, she looked into her reflection in the mirror.

Identical faces, too.

High cheekbones and arched brows. Her skin was flawless, the shade of pearls. Her dark hair was placed in a braided crown. Gold, real gold, rested on her collar. The face of a high-born, she mused. The only trait that separated the girls was a beauty mark just below her lashes. She placed a gloved hand on her cheek. Her cosmetics were done expertly. What a sight.

"Dejah."

She nearly jumped out of her skin at that. Her head snapped at the woman in front of her.

The lady whom she shared a resemblance with was staring at her in disgust. The expression appeared natural to her. She placed her handkerchief gently into the deep folds of her dress. "Are you planning on smearing your foundation with your gloves? All that work for nothing." The woman's eyes narrowed. "And what is with that look of confusion on your face? Or is that part of your act?"

Her act?

'Dejah' cleared her throat, folding her hands back into her lap. "Do excuse me for forgetting, but where are we headed?"

The lady stared at her blankly. And after a pause, she snickered. "Is that a challenge?"

"I... pardon?" Dejah could not have been more confused.

The nameless woman gave her an ugly look before saying, "You wish for me to humor you. Of course, we are both very aware of where we are headed. Yet you want me to clarify to assure yourself we are on the same page. Am I correct?"

Dejah didn't understand a single word that came out of the woman's mouth, but she nodded as if she had been figured out.

This seemed to please her.

"We are expected to arrive at twilight for yet another ball hosted by Lord Kyan of Aqelar. However, this isn't like the usual monthly party he throws. Word has it his family is now in possession of a valuable herb that could change the nation's entire economy. This stupid shrub can increase Aqelar's rate of explorations, overruling us."

A plant with the potential to expand the marketplace? The idea sounded plausible enough, so Dejah tapped her fingers on her seat as if waiting for her to get to the point. The girl noticed this and smirked.

"You and I both have a palace layout hidden in our gowns. I will do my part to distract the Lord himself, whatever it may be. You boast of being better at stealth, so you will be the one to find the herb in the room marked on the layout. Since it is a masquerade ball, he won't be able to tell the difference between us. Only one of us has accepted the invite for tonight." She pointed at herself. "Me. Lord Kyan expects only one of us to arrive. Everyone already knows you are too busy for balls, anyway. If anyone finds you sneaking around, you claim to be me. As soon as you find what we are searching for, you use the planned escape root. I will stay longer to not draw suspicion."

The woman smiled proudly at herself before falling back into a frown.

Dejah's head was spinning from all the new information, yet she managed a curt nod.

"Perfect."

The coach abruptly halted, nearly hurling the two ladies against each other. They heard the shuffling of hooves, then feet. The door unlocked, revealing a short man wearing a tailored gold suit. He held a lantern to illuminate the night behind him.

"Lady Dabria," he announced, extending a hand for the other woman to take. She accepted with a refined air. But before leaving Dejah to hide for another hour, she reached her hand into the pocket of the carriage.

A pair of gold sequined masquerade masks. Dabria slipped on her own and handed the other to her. She looked radiant in her costume, and Dejah couldn't help but wonder how she looked in hers. "Dejah." The girl's voice was stern.

"As my twin, I trust you won't dishonor our family." And with that, she shut the door, leaving Dejah in complete darkness.

Author's Note: This is my first original story ever, so kind criticism would be very much appreciated! Thank you for reading my story :) I will be publishing more chapters if I get enough views. If all goes to plan, I will update up to three to four times a month.