The night was filled with a whirlwind of memories invading every moment of my restless slumber. Momentary scenes of holiday's, children laughing and a forest so vast and seemingly endless, played in my mind. Violently ceaseless and mercilessly flashing vision's of countless faces and places of such grandiose made me feel anxious and alarmed at the same time. I felt as if I was spinning in a pool of hot water and someone had just pulled the plug to my blissful ignorance.
Only stopping on a couple kissing, the tall man bent slightly holding the woman seemingly tenderly. She was not resisting him and hand her arms draped delicately over his shoulders as far as her little arms could reach. The woman broke the kiss only to look at the man with a confused look . Her eyes appeared to get heavier and her body went limp as the man picked her up and placed her is the bed. He bent over her and whispered something that I couldn't quite hear.
" I will.....when this is over.... my love." The man speaks gently.
The vision ripples and fades and... wait is that my apartment building?
I jolt awake sitting up in a flurry of sheets, the ornate little pillow thudding on the floor. My breath is ragged and skin clammy. I swallowed hard and had a sudden urge to bathe. Throwing my legs over the edge of the bed. I slide onto my feet and just stare at the fireplace.
A soft knock came from the door and a frail lady dressed in a maids dress steps in.
"OH, my lady! Your awake! I've prepared the bath for you." She rushed over, by the looks of her. She must of been in her 40's, thin and healthy.
I cleared my throat and nodded, " Yes, that would be amazing."
A whisper in my ear of a memory of her and I in a garden of various flowers.
Varna... aren't these flowers turning out splendidly?
Yes, your majesty..
I snap back to the present with a bewildered maid in front of me, worry etched all over her face.
"Varna?" I almost whisper.
" yes your majesty," Varna huffed a sigh of relief.
We then walk to the bathroom and my jaw dropped for a moment at the vaguely familiar room. My eyes taking in the spacious round room, with white walls and gold pillars. I look down at the gray and white marbled floor. The tub sat in the middle of the with short steps next to it. The tub was like a carved blue and brown gem. Big enough for two people. A cart sat next to it with towels and a fresh gown.
Varna helped me out of my clothes next to the tub, leaving me in a soft pink chemise. I looked at her and saw no dress. It had vanished and she chuckled softly. She helped me up the short steps and into the tub. The water smelt of honeysuckle and salts. It was the perfect temperature and I just eased into the water groaning with satisfaction.
Varna lowered her head to stifle a giggle, placing a hand over her mouth. She set to work washing my hair and scrubbing my back. I cup a handful of water and wash my face. I inhaled deeply after the water rushed back to the tub. It smelt like home and my eyes stung with the oncoming tears. Like it has been too long since I've been here.
"How long was i gone Varna?" I tilt my head back as she scrubbed the top of my head.
She was silent for a moment and cleared her throat.
"Three years and 5 months, mi lady." She finally spoke, her eyes brimming with tears.
Looking at the ceiling, I could see the sky through the glass dome. Still morning, but bright enough that no lights were needed. I sighed and Varna rinsed my hair out.
"All done mi lady," she popped and lifted a oversized towel for me
I stood up a little reluctant to leave the water. Grabbing the towel and drying off with it. Bending over and wrapping my hair up in the towel. When I stood up again I saw Varna covering her mouth again wirth an amused look on the face.
"You may have three wishes!" I announce and folded my arms over my chest.
There was a pause....
Then, unable to contain herself, started laughing.
Joining in myself, we were gasping for air.
After a moment, when we caught our breath, I placed my hand on my belly and let out a yelp of fright. I was dressed in a flowing light blue dress with a gold bodice. All joy from the previous moment was gone, leaving me feeling violated all over again.
"Some how that is new to me," i swished my skirt side to side around my legs. The fabric nearly feeling like nothing in my grasp. Wiggling my toes, I felt that she's were in place as well.
A soft knock came from the direction of the bedroom. My head snapped up and loudly said, "Enter!"
The words soundly oddly familiar coming from my lips. I hear the door click open and I walked out into the parlor only to see Jake again. His eyes landing on my waist and slowly up to my face. I catch a glimpse of my face and was stunned into silence, makeup was done to perfection in soft pink and a berry color on my lips. My hair half up with a golden tiara on my head with four golden leafs and crystals, like drops of dew, here and there.
"Now now, don't stare too long. Or we'll be late." He was wearing a dark blue tux with gold accents on the collar and cuffs. Hair perfectly coiffed. He offered his arm and smiled at me
I smiled absentmindedly and felt heat rising in my cheeks as I looped my arm in his. He placed a warm hand on my hand on his arm.
"Shall we?" I said finally and he blushed a little across him nose. And we departed without another word.