Celestira sat up abruptly, her breathing rapid, and with a gasp, she started to cough violently.
A voice she did not want to hear reached her ears.
"Oh, my dear sister—someone bring her some water."
"Yes, your ladyship," a maid answered.
As Alicia continued to pat Celestira's back, Celestira unconsciously slapped her hand away. She can't help but feel that this touch reminded her of how Alicia gripped her neck-that same touch of hatred.
Rubbing her swollen hand, Alicia still continued, "Celestira, do you know how worried I was? It's good to know you are finally awake."
Her gaze dripped with concern, but Celestira wasn't falling for it. What Alicia said to her before her execution was more than enough to open her eyes.
Whispers spread among the maids:
"Why does she have to be so rude?"
"Yeah, Miss Alicia was just trying to calm her down."
"Miss Alicia is so sweet, still not getting angry after such rude behavior from Miss Celestira."
"I agree, I agree!"
Celestira groaned, thinking, I can hear you.
After finally calming down, she looked around the room.
This is my room… before I went to the palace after getting engaged to Prince Frederick. But… what am I doing here? Wasn't I drowning in the water?
Celestira stood, only to clutch her head—it was throbbing.
Looking at a nearby maid, she asked, "My memories are all over the place. Could you tell me what happened?"
The maid fidgeted nervously with her fingers before stammering, "O-oh, your ladyship… you see… a week ago, you were returning from the library. Because of the heavy rain, the carriage lost balance, and you fell into Lake Misili."
The very name sent shivers down Celestira's spine.
That was the same lake I was drowning in before I woke up.
She stumbled back, supported by a few maids. The maid continued anxiously, "We all know how cursed that path becomes after it rains, your ladyship. It's such good news you've finally woken after a week's coma."
Celestira's thoughts swirled.
What in the world is going on?
The head butler, noticing her shaken state, said, "Let's give our ladyship some space." Then he bowed to her. "Your ladyship, the doctor will come in an hour. Please ring the bell near your bed to call us if you need anything."
Celestira nodded, and once everyone left the room, her mind began racing.
What's going on? Did Alicia rescue me and bring me back to the mansion? But what was that carriage the maid was talking about?
Now that I think about it… the head butler and Alicia—they both looked… young.
A strange feeling overcame Celestira. She rushed to the mirror, and what she saw in the reflection shocked her to the core.
This is me… but younger.
She hurried to check the calendar.
23rd day of the Imperial Calendar, Year XXX.
Celestira's eyes widened in disbelief. She had traveled ten years back in time.
Back to when she was fifteen.
To be continued...