Universally, Princess

Chapter 3: New Beginning

Some months had passed.

I've been staying in a bedroom without going out. I only spoke to Grace, who brought me food and frequently checked up on me. As days became months, I felt a bit more comfortable talking to her although I did not talk much. She reminded me of Lily, home. 

My parents occasionally visited me to see how I was doing. They've been trying to at least make me leave the room.

I couldn't. These past few months, I've laid awake at night questioning everything about who I was until sleep would eventually take over me. I wouldn't even eat or drink.

After my parents had explained everything and I passed out, Grace had brought me to 'my' room. This room was big, had its own bathroom, and windows that faced the village.

The room had a big canopy bed with an intricate rug underneath it. The tall white pillars of the canopy bed had very light pink curtains. To the sides of the bed, a nightstand held a crystal looking lamp on top. At the center of the room, a large white chandelier that held pastel pink crystals hung from the ceiling.

A fireplace helped keep the room warm. 

In front of the fireplace were two luxurious loveseat sofas and a round carpet between them with a squared coffee table in the center.

The tall arch windows in the room allowed the moon's glow to light the room.

Even though it was snowing, the village seemed so warm from afar. It was like looking at a painting or one of those miniature Christmas villages. I couldn't help but spend hours looking at it in silence, a contrast to the lively town.

Admittedly, this place looks like it came from a fairytale, and I actually received good news, in a way. My parents and I have finally reunited, and Esla is my cousin.

But why do I feel so empty?

Will I ever return to my normal self?

Back when I had officially spent two months here, my parents felt that it would be a good idea for me to familiarize myself with this place by reading some books that Grace would occasionally give me.

Looking outside had become one of my pastimes when I wasn't reading. I placed a chair by the window and spent my days looking out.

If aunt Lily saw me now, she would be so worried. My eyes always looked sad and I had gotten paler.

I began to read extensively so I could find answers. Maybe that would tame my mind.

A soft knock on the door grabbed my attention.

That must be Grace.

I turned my attention to the door and saw her enter with my dinner.

"How are you feeling?" She asked as she placed the food on a table close to the chair I had placed by the window.

"Fine." I gave a weak smile.

She talked for a bit as I ate. She would sometimes tell me stories about her life here.

After eating, she would accompany me for a bit before leaving to go sleep.

As I sat by the window looking out, I saw some children playing in the front garden. They laughed without a care before one of the workers scolded them. Although they weren't as loud, they still joked and ran as they played. It made me chuckle, before realization hit me.

These past few months I felt lifeless. Ever since I got here, everything had felt like a long dream, until now. That laughter was real, it was like a wakeup call. I want to laugh until my cheeks hurt again. But I cannot do that if I rot away in this bedroom.