The Engagement was anullled...as expected.

Chapter 5: Amnesia

   It was morning.
   I laid on the mattress for a moment before sitting up, head cleared of the dream from last night, thrown to the back of my head.
   I lightly landed my feet on the floor and walked to the windows, opening the curtains to free the sunlight. Warmth shone. Yet, my heart was unbearably cold.
   I've reverted to a state of no emotions. It has always happened after that nightmare appears. It's a defense mechanism to forget what I felt during the dream.
   How did I feel when I woke up?
   How did I feel when I was in the dream?
   How did I feel when I met my parents who didn't love me?
   I don't know.
   I've forgotten. Momentarily.
   It doesn't last long. Only for a day.
   I change into appropriate attire before heading out of my bedroom towards the kitchen to find breakfast.
   [Kuro. Shiro. Would you like something to eat?]
   In my head, their yawns are loud and clear, ready to respond simultaneously.
   [[Chicken]]
   Why do they agree with each other when it comes to food but when it comes to significant matters, they start bickering like brats?
   [[Because he's annoying]]
   Please don't read my mind.
  
   As it was still dawn, the house was still quiet. The servants were quietly doing their work. None of them looked my way and focused on their duties. To them, I am just a guest that would disappear soon.
   From the kitchen came multiple aromas of deliciousness. Nostalgic and refreshing. I took a step in and the clean workspace for creating delicacies greeted me like an old friend.
   I spotted the chef, Carol, with her curly hair and stern upturned eyes, it made her look like a criminal. Of course, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
   Carol turned and her eyes widened with surprise before grinning joyfully.
   "Look what we have here. You're all grown up now. And you're looking quite pretty too."
    The proper reaction to her comment would be to blush and say thanks. However, my facial muscle paralysis is working quite too well at the moment.
   "You are still going strong."
   "Of course! I'm the head chef! What do you expect?! I still have it in me!"
   I wasn't going to point out that she just called herself old subtly. She has no way with words. Of course, her cooking can be considered magic.
   "Do you have an chicken you can spare? Also, a cup of chamomile tea and some porridge would be nice, please."
   "There is some in the storage. Breakfast for ya' will be coming in a few minutes."
   She points to the closet of dried food before returning to the stove to check the temperature and taste.
   "Oh. I forgot to tell ya'. Welcome back." Carol sports a toothy grin and winks at me as I head towards the closet.
   I pause for a moment before saying "Thanks for everything Carol."
   I slipped through the door and jumped down the stairs with agile lightness and at the end, a cellar of dried meat and food neatly categorized laid in boxes and hung from the ceiling.
   I unhooked some dried smoked chicken and cut it into several pieces and wrapped it neatly in a paper bag.
   I trekked up the stairs to the kitchen and a tray of porridge and a cup of tea was on the counter. Carol winked at me with a thumbs up and I nodded.
   "See you later, Carol," As I carried the tray to my room.
_______________________________________

   "Shiro, Kuro. Breakfast is here," I called when I opened the door.
   "Yahoo! You took way too long, Rose," Kuro happily accepted.
   "Hmph. What a precocious kid. As expected of his pea sized brain," Shiro complained.
   Thankfully, they didn't start another fight with Shiro's provocation. I would have a major headache if they started again.
   I sighed and busied myself with the warm fragrant porridge and and the delicious tea.
   I wonder if I should hire Carol as my personal cook. She's the absolute best when it comes to cooking. Although, she might complain about her work hours and hands. Shiro and Kuro have infinite stomachs. I doubt that I have enough money to pay for everyone.
   At this time, in the kitchen, Carol sneezes. "I wonder of someone's talking about me?"
    A sharp rap-tap-tap sound came from the window and I turned to see a mechanical bird with a scroll in its beak standing on the window sill.
   I slide open the window and I flutters in, landing on my desk. I took out a gold coin and gave it to the bird as it dropped the scroll in my hands. With a gulp, it disappeared in its beak and flapped its mechanical wings, setting off back towards its owner.
   I closed the window and pulled the curtains to hide the sunlight. My hands untied the strings and it unrolled, neat letters following the page.
   [Dear Rose,
        Currently, for some reason, news from the capital has been slow as if something has been blocking it. You should be careful as you investigate.
                               Your Friend,
                                            Theo.]
   My heart beats slowly as I contemplate on the matter. As I thought, the capital wasn't stable right now. The political battles shouldn't be affecting the commoners and yet...there was this sense of unrest. Our stay, might be longer than I thought.
   "Shiro, Kuro, we might have to take some extra precautions for the matter. It seems like currents are pulling me here as well." I fell on my back on the comfy bed but it didn't soften my worries.
   Shiro and Kuro came to my sides and licked my face before settling themselves in a satisfied position.
   [You don't have to ever worry. We will always be by your side.]
   I close my eyes and quietly say,
   "If I ever forget, make me remember."
   [[Of Course.]]