The Normal to Abnormal: bookshop of Secrets

Chapter 4: Waking up

After taking a brief respite, a man of significant distinction and respectability enters the room. His excitement is palpable as he rushes towards Stella with open arms, eagerly anticipating her arrival. He greets her warmly, expressing his delight at seeing her again. Stella politely asks for clarification about who Princess Ophelia Grey is. She emphasizes that her name is not Ophelia.  As Stella embraced the person who seemed to exude an air of royalty, he suddenly stepped back, a look of confusion etched on his face. In a surprise, he exclaimed that she bore an uncanny resemblance to his beloved daughter, leaving Stella feeling both intrigued and slightly unnerved by the unexpected revelation.

Stella politely asked if she could briefly check her appearance in the mirror. She wanted to make sure she knew what she looked like. She was permitted to take a look at herself and was surprised by her appearance, which had changed significantly. However, her height and spirit remained unchanged. She then proceeded to explain to the king who she was and how she had ended up in the book. The king listened intently to her story and showed a great deal of interest. He was shocked about how she got into the book, presuming that it was magical, and he offered to help her in any way he could. She graciously accepted the king's offer and thanked him for his kindness. They engaged in a conversation where the king inquired about Stella and her background. Stella spoke generously about her family, particularly her grandmother, Ophelia, showing a deep appreciation for her heritage and a clear admiration for Ophelia. It was evident that family held a special place in her heart. Throughout our discussion, our main objective was to provide the king with complete and relevant information to stay informed, particularly if Stella's visit goes beyond the expected duration. He aimed to equip himself with the necessary knowledge regarding the matter. His priority was to ensure that he remained informed and prepared. If Stella was to stay longer than intended.