A Twist of Fate

Evaine

I didn't really think about reincarnation before. Although I've read about it, I never entertained the thought of being reincarnated, I didn't even know if I wanted to live another life. But on that day, when the sky turned scarlet, my only thought was "I want to see you again, Grey..."

Grey.

I found it funny how a mere librarian from the palace was able to befriend her own king, it weirdly felt like something straight out of the books that I would endlessly read. But one day, King Grey, or just Grey as he would eventually insist, strolled at the lonely palatial library, probably tired and exhausted from all his work. And he just sat there, and somehow, it was the moment when my cheery somewhat extroverted side decided to make an entrance and approach him. We struck up a conversation and the rest as they say is history.

He came whenever he had free time on his hand, and instead of reading, the library silence was interrupted by our constant chatter. Or more likely, my endless monologues and rants, Grey usually just sat beside me, offering a small smile or a laugh every now and then, as I narrated my day or the book I was reading or the new story project that I was interested in. Sometimes, he'd also talk about his own work and lament about the boring meetings.

My favorite days were Sundays when he had a bit more free time for himself, and he would use it instead to spend time with me and listen to my nonsense. Often, we ended up going on secret picnics in the garden for lunch. It felt nice.

Actually, it was more than nice.

It felt like one of the fairytale books I used to read when I was little, like a date with a prince. But he was a king. And like every maiden from the stories, try as I might, I couldn't help but like Grey. In a mushy romantic way. But can you blame me when his handsome royalness would often sit beside me and would patiently listen to my boring talks? Or when he would bring some pastries just for me because he thought I might like them? Or those times when he would read the books I suggested and would give me an almost too detailed book report? Or maybe that one time when he rested his head on my lap – my damn lap?! Can you really blame my poor heart?

Though I knew, nothing would ever come of my feelings. He was a king, I was just me, an awkward librarian. Still, it didn't stop me from daydreaming, from hoping. And there were moments, too many for my own liking, that I dared to hope.

But it all ended when he suddenly died. And he was gone before I could even tell him how much he meant to me.

But maybe... In this other life, I will. Maybe, the universe was kind enough and I would meet a reincarnation of Grey in this place. Maybe, in a twist of fate, we would eventually bump into each other and rekindle our friendship.