Time and Destiny

Chapter 3

Nova

It was a painting.
Not just any painting, the person in the painting was me. Pale skin, wavy chestnut brown hair that reaches the waist and green eyes. The princess is an exact copy of me, wait that's the opposite, I'm the exact copy of the princess.

Ok now I'm officially screwed. How did I get into this mess? This all doesn't seem like a coincidence at all. My head was spinning cause too many unusual events had happened in the last 24 hours. At the bottom of the canvas something was written. It was a name written in neat writing.

Sebastian Miller
Who is this guy? My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. I quickly put everything back in place.
"Your Highness, I've brought food for you as per the Queen's orders"
"Please come in" I replied.

A woman, dressed in maid clothes entered and curtsied before placing the tray of food on the table, curtsied again and left. That might be hard to get used to. I did eat the food brought in because I needed every bit of energy to get out of here.

Time passed, I don't know for how long I was sitting near the window processing all these stuff which was happening, I heard a knock again. I didn't bother to reply.

"My Princess, I came here to assist you in getting ready for dinner. It's the Queen's orders, so please let me in" said a cheerful voice.
"Come in" I replied
She was a maid too. But she was much younger, probably around my age. She smiled at me and curtsied.
"I'm glad you came back, your Highness. We were so worried."
I just gaped at her, not knowing what to say. Her face fell into sadness.

"Is it true my princess? Don't you remember any of us at all?"
"Um no I don't, but we can start over. Hi, I'm No- er Isabella, nice to meet you" I smiled.
"I'm Jane, your chamber maid. I used to take care of your chambers, as well as help you get ready and groom your hair, your Highness"
"I'm sure that's not necessary. I can groom myself" I said
She was shocked and said "No princess, this is my duty. I cannot let you do that. I may get banished for forfeiting my duty"
"Ok then, get on with it"
"Very well, your Highness. First I'll escort you to the Bathhouse to get you cleaned up. In mean time I will pick out few gowns for you to choose. Lastly, I will groom your hair"

I nodded and followed her out of the room. She led me to a corridor, there were paintings on the wall, huge windows with heavy curtains, artefacts of gold and silver, a lot of rooms and guards in every nook and corner. We reached a door which I assume was the bathhouse.

Jane opened the doors and led me in. As soon as I stepped inside, amazing scent of lavender and vanilla invaded my nose. The inside was a spectacular view. The shelves were filled with bottles of perfumes, cleansers and essential oils. In the middle of the room was a big hot spring bath pond. I was in awe.

Jane prepared the bath and said,
"Your Highness, I don't want to interrupt your moment, but you should hurry. There isn't much time left for dinner. The king doesn't appreciate tardiness"
"Alright then, What if someone barges in here while I'm naked?" I asked innocently and grinned.
She laughed and said "Your Highness, this whole west wing is yours. There are guards on all entrances, so don't worry Princess, no intruder can enter"

Oh! If this place is heavily guarded it would be more difficult to escape. This is going to be a tough job. I need to think of something.
"Thank, you Jane. I'm grateful for your help"
"Its my duty, your Highness" she curtsied and left.

I quickly undressed and got in the bath. It was so relaxing. The wonderful scents around me calmed me. After spending a good amount of time in the bath and cleaning up thoroughly I got up and wrapped myself in a robe.

I walked back in the direction of the room where I was before. The corridor was empty except for the guards who stayed still in their position. It was quiet, so quiet that I could hear my footsteps as I walked. I entered my room and walked towards the closet where Jane had laid out 5 outfits for me to choose. They were fancy gowns of lace, silk, satin and velvet having rich colours. They were beautiful but it wasn't my usual taste.