Chapter 2 - A New Beginning

Do you ever wonder what death feels like?

It feels... It feels like nothing. Aside from reliving your life in your mind, seeing everything flash before your eyes. That's all. I died full of regrets, mostly about not being able to protect my sister, Seraph. Thinking about her now just fuels my anger.

What did they do to her after I died?

Did they rape her? Torture her? Sell her off to some random creep? Did they dissect her and sell off her organs?

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Thinking about it enrages me. If only I were faster... if only I hadn't panicked.

If I could, I would massacre every one of them. Jail doesn't scare me, not at all, as long as I can make them pay for hurting Seraph. I wouldn't give them a quick, painless death but a long and painful one. I'd cut them up inch by inch, starting from the tips of their fingers, then their toes, all the way to their torso. Especially that damned bastard in black. I want to see his face cowering in fear.

But alas, I am dead. I can't do anything...

Ahhhh... As time goes by, I'm becoming more sleepy, and my consciousness is fading.

A dark void... envelopes my soul...

As I fade, a new life will emerge. I wonder...

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In a world full of vibrant wonders, teeming with danger and mysteries, where swords and magic rule, and where dragons, elves, dwarves, giants, demons, and humans reside there stood a grand manor in a certain country, within a specific duchy.

Inside that manor maids could be seen running around in the hallways, their expressions of worry etched into their faces covered in sweat as they darted from room to room, fetching cloths, water, scissors, baskets, or stools.

In a particular grand room, the cries of a woman in labor could be heard.

"Your Highness, Everything's going to be alright, just keep pushing with all your strength!" Atasha, the head maid acting as midwife, exclaimed urgently.

Her Highness pushed with all her might, her painful moans filling the room as she strained to deliver the child. The room was crowded with five maids, including Atasha and her assistants, all working in unison to support the delivery. Maire provided emotional support whispering soothing words to Her Highness, while Vier, Niel, and Thiel assisted directly. preparing the cloth and water, ready to assist in any way needed.

Given how much of a significance this delivery is all the maids coordinated meticulously under Atasha's guidance, knowing that mistakes could not be allowed.

After a hard, grueling effort by Her Highness, the infant was almost out. The head was visible, and with just a little more pushing, the baby would be born. Atasha continues to encourage Her Highness.

"The baby is almost out your Highness, just a little more and it will be over," Atasha exclaimed.

With three big pushes followed by three big painful moans, the baby has finally been born. Then Her Highness let out a big sigh followed by her heavy breathing trying to catch her breath

Atasha then cut the umbilical cord and tied it with a soft woven cloth to prevent further bleeding, ensuring the infant's safety. She gently handed the infant to the assistants.

Yet Her Highness cannot rest, because unbeknownst to us she is bearing twins.

Atasha then continues to encourage Her Highness to keep pushing.

After another grueling process, the second infant finally emerged, and Her Highness could now rest. The maids in the room collectively sighed in relief.

Atasha gave out her last commands to her subordinates for the day before they went back to their original duties.

"Vier, Niel would you kindly secure the young masters and then sanitize and clean up the room with your magic? And Maire and Thiel would you please fetch Her Highness fresh new clothes?"

"Yes, my lady." Vier, Maire, Niel, and Thiel respond in unison

The maids began to clean the room with their magic, while Maire and Thiel fetched and dressed Her Highness in fresh clothes.

After they finished their final orders from Atasha they left the room taking the twins to the nursery, saying their farewells to Her Majesty, and returned to their duties

"Your Highness, rest well. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call for us." Maire kindly stated to Her Highness.

Her Highness responded with a nod with a smile on her face.

Maire proceeds to gently close the door exiting the room.

Atasha grabbed the cleaned stool brought it beside Her Highness's bed and proceeded to sit on it accompanying Her Highness

"It's finally over," Her Highness sighed. "I still can't believe I birthed twins. Especially the last one, he gave me so much trouble, draining nearly all my energy."

"Indeed, Your Highness, I had trouble getting him out as well," Atasha remarked.

Atasha's first few words made Her Highness pout, her expression filled with playful dissatisfaction.

"What is it, Your Highness? Is something troubling you?" Atasha asked curiously.

"Atasha, how many times do I have to remind you? When we're alone, you can call me by my name," she said, pouting playfully.

"I apologize, Your Highness, but given our current standing, I can't address you so casually. As Head Maid, I must set an example for my peers and subordinates," Atasha replied, maintaining her formal stance. "And might I also suggest, Your Highness, that you adopt a more formal tone? You are a Queen, after all, not a common girl," Atasha added with a hint of gentle reprimand.

"That's harsh, Atasha. But you do have a point," Her Highness admitted, then added with a teasing glint in her eyes, "But besides that, I still want you to call me by! My! Name!"

"Now, now, Your Highness, let's not start this again. You'll strain your body," Atasha said urgently, concerned for her well-being.

"Uwaaaahhhhh! I won't speak to you unless you call me by my name! Hmph!" Her Highness cried out playfully, pouting even more.

Atasha sighed in defeat. "Sigh... Fine. I can't win against you, Zheirene," she conceded, yielding to the Queen's playful demands.

"See? Isn't that better?" Zheirene said, satisfaction evident in her voice.

"I suppose you're right. It does feel better. It's been so long since I called you by your name, Zheirene, since your coronation," Atasha admitted, a small smile forming as she allowed herself to relax, if only for a moment.

"Yes, indeed. I still remember how excited you were when you heard I was marrying His Highness, the Prince. You were so thrilled that you spent all night designing my wedding dress." Zheirene giggled at the memory.

Atasha blushed with embarrassment. "You still remember that, Zheirene? It's so embarrassing."

"How could I forget? You poured your heart, sweat, and tears into that dress. Knowing you did that for me, I could never forget it. I appreciate it more than words can say, even if the royal family had already provided a dress," Zheirene said warmly, her gratitude evident.

"Well, my mother beat me to it," Atasha replied with a playful and nostalgic tone.

"Of course, your mother is the royal seamstress, after all, and as expected before even the wedding is announced the dress is already prepared." Her Highness spoke light-heartedly

"It seems that I can't beat her," Atasha replied accepting her defeat.

After Atasha's playful admission, the room was suddenly filled with a burst of genuine, shared laughter. The tension from the labor had dissipated, replaced by the warmth of nostalgia and camaraderie. Zheirene's eyes sparkled with amusement as she remembered the old days, while Atasha's laughter, tinged with embarrassment, was a reminder of their long-standing friendship.

As their laughter gradually faded, the room seemed to transform. The intense urgency of childbirth had given way to a softer, more intimate atmosphere. Zheirene and Atasha settled into a comfortable rhythm of conversation, their words flowing effortlessly. The space, now bathed in the gentle glow of shared memories, was filled with the soothing essence of their deep connection.

As they joyfully reminisced about their past, the hours slipped away unnoticed. The sun had begun to set, casting a beautiful amber hue across the horizon, but neither Atasha nor Zheirene seemed to notice the fading light.

Their conversation eventually meandered to a natural pause. Though they had exhausted their topics, the sentimentality of their shared experiences lingered. They both felt a deep sense of relief and contentment, having once again reconnected as old friends. With the day drawing to a close, they decided it was time to rest, their hearts warmed by the memories and their renewed bond.

But before they end their conversation Atasha asks one last thing before she turns in for the day.

"Can I ask what name you will give to the young master's Zheirene?" Atasha curiously asked.

Hearing those words Zheirene's face began to soften, thinking deep in thought.

"Well, I'm not sure. After having to give birth a third time and to twins at that, I think I'm running out of names to consider. I've been thinking about this for a while, and I'm leaning toward the names Zara for the big sister and Zephyr for the little brother." As Zheirene spoke, her gaze settled on the big window to her right staring at the tranquil horizon, reflecting a sense of relief and anticipation for the future as she prepared to name her new children.

"Those names are pretty unique Zheirene, and your talent for naming is commendable," Atasha remarked her talent for naming

"You're flattering me." Zheirene giggles "But the feeling of having children, I'll never get tired of it not that I'm addicted to it but it's a new feeling every time, and naming them gives me this satisfying feeling you know?" Zheirene's words conveyed the deep emotional connection she felt with the process, her words imbued with a heartfelt appreciation for the joys of motherhood.

"Well I don't know the feeling but I think it is good to feel that way," Atasha replied smiling at Zheirene.

"It's because you're not married yet." Zheiren laughs

"It's because I'm devoted to you your Highness willing to sacrifice my desires for love just for you," Atasha replied as she began to leave the room. "I shall leave your Highness the sun is already setting, and I'll send the maids your dinner, you need to rest early so you can recover and have the strength to hold little Zara and Zephyr. Have a good rest your Highness" Atasha has spoken her farewells and has changed to her formal tone whilst smiling at her Highness Zheirene.

"I will," Zheirene replied back.

As the door clicked softly shut behind her, Atasha paused for a moment, casting a final, fond glance back at Her Highness. The tranquil room was now a haven of peace, a quiet sanctuary after the day's whirlwind of emotions and exertion.

The world outside had surrendered to the night, and the gentle hush of sleep had settled over the manor. Inside, the day's fatigue and the echoes of heartfelt conversations had given way to a serene stillness. Zheirene lay comfortably, her face relaxed and serene, a gentle smile gracing her lips. The satisfaction and relief of a day well spent were etched into her features, a testament to the joy and fulfillment she had found in the simple yet profound moments of connection and new beginnings.

The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle illumination over her peaceful form. As sleep enveloped her, Zheirene drifted into a restful slumber, her dreams filled with the comforting warmth of the day's memories and the promise of a bright future.

The manor, now wrapped in the quiet embrace of night, continued its tranquil watch over the sleeping world, holding within its walls the quiet beauty of a day well-lived and a night of well-earned rest.

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The sun had risen, casting its warm light over the world. The lively melodies of birds filled the air, which was rich with the fresh scent of morning dew. In the manor, maids moved cheerfully about their tasks, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the new day.

Inside the nursery, the sun's gentle rays fell upon the sleeping faces of the twins. As the light touched her eyelids, the eldest twin began to stir, slowly waking to the promise of the day.

For a brief moment, the warmth of the sun and the peaceful morning seemed to envelop Zara in a comforting embrace. But as her consciousness fully returned, a flicker of unease began to creep in. The light, once gentle, now felt harsh and intrusive.

Zara's infantly body reached it out its arms as if reaching into the light. Hmmmmm. What is that blinding light? Zara asked herself, curious as to what the light was. The last thing I remembered... we... were kidnapped, we tried to escape, and— Her thoughts, which had been drifting aimlessly, suddenly snapped into focus. The memories flooded back, and with them, a surge of fear. —and got killed...

As Baby Zara fully awakened, her body squirmed, her beautiful amber-colored eyes filling with tears. Unable to hold them back, she began to cry, clenching her small little hands overwhelmed by the confusion of being alive when she was so certain she had died.

I-I was sure I died... I got shot in the head. Wha— what is happening? Where am I? Whe— Where is my brother? Where's Santi?? Zara's panic surged, fueling her cries of confusion, her tiny voice growing louder with each desperate wail as fear and uncertainty took hold.

The room was filled with her loud cries, so loud that they could be heard outside the nursery door.

Maire carrying water and cloth, on her way to the nursery whilst happily humming in the rhythm of a song as she walked, and when the cries of Zara reached her ears her face became worried thus quickening her pace. She carefully yet urgently opened the door and closed it behind her. The maid placed the fabric and tub of water on a table and rushed to gently pick up Zara, comforting and calming her with her sweet and delicate tone.

"There, there, it's going to be alright, young mistress," Maire soothed in a gentle and caring tone, softly rocking baby Zara as she sang a tender melody.

Maire's voice was like a gentle breeze, her warm, soft hands cradling Zara's tiny, trembling form.

Zara settled down as she heard the calming, melodic voice of Maire. Though Zara had settled down, her confusion remained. Everything around her was foreign the room, Maire, and the situation she was in, everything was unknown to her.

Who is that? What is this room? Why is she big? Why does everything look so big? Why am I here? WHY WHY WHY?!? Zara's thoughts spiraled into panic, her confusion gnawing at her, yearning for answers.

Her body squirmed once again, and another loud cry emerged. Maire's efforts to calm baby Zara down were in vain, but she continued to try, seeming used to such predicaments.

"Uwah! Uwah! Uwah!"

"Oh dear, what made you cry so loudly, young mistress? It's going to be alright. You're going to meet your mother soon, so be patient. Everything is going to be alright," Maire said, once again trying to calm Zara down, gently swinging her left and right and singing melodic lullabies to Zara.

Who are you? Why is your voice so... soothing? Zara's thoughts began to settle as Maire's gentle voice washed over her, her panic slowly dissipating. Mother? I-I have a mother? Zara questioned, certain that her mother was dead. But our mother was dead. And crying? Me crying? Now that I've noticed, I can't seem to form any words—only hear cries...

Zara's thoughts paused for a moment, then snapped into focus as she realized something absurd had happened to her.

I-I'm an infant? Her thoughts settled on an uncertain answer. No, it can't be. I know what this is, but why did it actually happen? And should I not remember my past life if this happens? WHY? Why did I reincarnate?

Another surge of emotions washed over Zara, and tears began to grow at the corners of her eyes.

"Hic. Hic. Hic."

"Shhhhh, it's alright, it's alright. Whatever made you cry, young mistress, it's going to be fine. Maire is here to accompany you, and will always be beside you and your little brother."

But Maire's caring and soothing voice prevented it, Zara's clench loosened its grip her body fell into a relaxing state completely dissolving all her doubts and worries. Maire's words ensured the safety and confusion of Zara giving her a conclusion to her answer.

I got reincarnated... Hearing this maid-looking girl's voice and words saying that I have a mother and... A Brother... and after seeing this unfamiliar room I am certain that i got reincarnated as a baby. Zara concluded on her answer accepting the fact that she got reincarnated. It's absurd but that's all the conclusion I can make based on the evidence I've seen and heard.

This feeling, I don't know what this is. Reincarnation, having a new family that I never had in my past life, and not having my brother with me... it's overwhelming, and besides all of that, I wondered what happened to Santi. Did he also reincarnate? Is he actually gone? Zara's thoughts of her brother, thinking about him being gone disheartened her. Reincarnating without him seems pointless I can't imagine living a new life without him...

The maid mentioned little brother how can I an infant have a little brother? Or perhaps a twin brother? Zara wondered, her thoughts filled with a spark of hope. It's possible but I will not hope too much for it hoping that it would be Santi... Her thoughts tinged with hope and sorrow a bittersweet mix of emotions.

As Maire continues to sing her lullabies Zara's eyes begin to close slowly, and her eyelids become heavy.

I'm becoming sleepy, this girl's voice is making me drowsy, Is it fine to sleep amidst all of this? Zara questions herself feeling guilty of sleeping in her current predicament. I think it's fine maybe all of this is a dream a nightmare and we're in a hospital saved just in time... How stupid of me there's no way we were found and saved. But I guess I'll sleep this through, I'll think about it later...

Zara fell into a peaceful soundless slumber, letting her worries fade.

Maire gently puts back Zara to her crib, as if it were her daughter. She shifts her singing back to a melodic rhythmic hum to make sure she sleeps soundly, she then prepares the water and cloth she brought to wash the twins and sanitize them so they can meet their mother.

She turns toward the male twin, our protagonist, Zephyr, she gently picks him up and puts him on a table waist-high layered with soft cotton fabrics so as not to make the infant uncomfortable after that she undresses Zephyr then grabs a soft cotton-like fabric and then dips it into the lukewarm water in the small tub, squeezing the excess water off.

She gently wipes Zephyr with the warm wet cloth cleaning him, as a reaction to being cleaned the baby murmurs. Maire thoroughly but gently cleans Baby Zephyr wiping every impurity out of his body after that she dresses him in new fresh light breathable clothes blue in color.

After thoroughly washing him she gently puts him back into his cradle beside his sister's. Maire does the same to Zara after letting her sleep deeply.

After a process of washing and grooming the newborn twins, Maire sits on a stool and lets out a sigh of satisfaction a gentle caring smile evident on her face watching the twins sleep.

"They're so cute," Maire quietly remarked to the sleeping twins. "But the young mistress suddenly crying like that. I wonder what made her do so?" She curiously asks herself "Probably discomfort." She dismisses such worries with a simple answer "Oh well, the other maids should be here any moment"

Maire sat there waiting, accompanying the twins in case they woke up or cried, looking at them admirably captivated by their delicate beautiful faces. After a short time, the maids assigned to pick up the twins arrived.

*Knock, Knock* The maid knocked asking permission to come in.

Mien: "May we come in Miss Maire?" The first maid asked, named Mien.

Maire: "You can enter now." Maire permitted in a gentle caring tone.

*Clack*

Mien gently opens the door entering the nursery behind her another maid named Nelly follows both pushing a lavish-looking vintage Trolley for the twins to rest on while being transported to her highness.

Nelly: "Pardon us" Nelly spoke

As Mien pushed the trolly to the side she caught a glimpse of the twins, seeing them sleeping soundly she jumped in joy and excitement unable to contain her excitement seeing them for the first time 

Mien: "Wahhhh! They're soooo cute!" Mien exclaimed in excitement

Maire: "Quiet down Mien they are sleeping" Maire Exclaimed gently warning Mien

Mien: "Oh. Sorry, He he." Mien apologized for her mistake and laughed it off

Nelly approached Mien at the back and karate-chopped her in the head apologizing again for the mistake of her friend

Mien: "Ouch! What was that for!" Mien exclaimed

Nelly: "I am also sorry on behalf of her Miss Maire."

Maire: "It's alright you have just recently been recruited after all." Maire spoke gently.

Nelly: "No I insist" Nelly replied

Maire: "If you say so, I accept your apology." Maire gave in accepting their apology

Nelly: "Mien, you should apologize too" 

Mien: "I already apologized! and why did you have to hit me it hurts." Mien quietly exclaimed then playfully pouted at Nelly.

Maire: "Now, settle it girls you'll wake up the twins" Maire once again warned them. "So how are you girls? Are you comfortable in your new work environment?"

Maire questions the two maids whilst they prepare the trolly with comfortable fabrics and needed essentials for the infant as they visit the queen's chambers.

Mien: "Oh we are satisfied Miss Maire!" Mien replied in a playful tone. "Everyone is kind to us especially Lady Atasha though she is strict but I don't mind that and she's soo elegant and beautiful!" Mien excitedly exclaimed quietly trying not to wake the twins.

Maire: "I'm glad you're happy with your new workplace." Maire replied in a gentle tone.

Mien: "Yes I am!" Mien replied

Maire: "How about you Nelly?" Maire curiously asked

Nelly: "Same as her miss, I too am satisfied with the working environment" Nelly replied in a formal tone

Maire: "You don't have to be so formal Nelly we are both maids" Maire stated gently.

Nelly: "I insist Miss Maire, that is how I was trained even if we have the same position you have more experience than me so I must respect that." Nelly replied stating her reason as to why she speaks formally.

Maire: "Then I must compliment your teacher, he did well in training you and you are able to apply every basic as well." Maire compliments her for being diligent.

Mien: "How about me Miss? Aren't you going to tell me if I'm doing good?" Mien Playfully asked

Maire: "Well let's say that you're still far from being a perfect maid." Maire gently criticizes Mien

Mien: "Awwww..." Playfully becomes upset

Nelly: "Miss everything is ready, the last thing to do is to transfer the Young Masters into the trolly"

Maire stood up from her stool after hearing Nelly, then she asked Mien for assistance asking her to transfer the male twin to his designated trolly.

Maire: "Mien would you kindly transfer the Young Master to his trolly? I'll handle the young Misstress" Maire spoke gently

Mien: "Uh yes Miss" Mien replied in surprise, surprised that she is trusted to handle the newborn twin

Mien approached Zephyr's crib, then she gently reached out and carried the newborn and delicate infant to his trolly. Maire did the same to Zara

Maire: "Is everything good?" Maire asked ensuring that everything was ready

Nelly: "Everything is good Miss Maire" Nelly Replied

Maire: "Be sure to hold yourself back Mien because both of you are meeting the queen for the first time and Atasha will be there too." Maire warned both the maids

Mien: "I won't, Miss, because I'm totes nervous." Mien replied informally

Nelly hits Mien because of her tone

Nelly: "Watch your language Mien." Nelly strictly warns Mien

Mien: "I'm sorry, I'm just nervous ok, we'll be meeting the queen for the first time you know" Mien Stated.

Maire: "Let's go, we can't keep the queen waiting any longer."

Nelly and Mien mentally readied themselves, knowing what lay ahead. With careful precision, they guided the trolleys out of the nursery, following closely behind Maire. Each step toward Her Majesty's chambers heightened the tension between them, the air thickening with every soft footfall as they drew nearer to the Queen's presence.

With each slow step, they finally reached the Queens bed-chamber The two maids steeled themselves once again trying their best to not make mistakes. Maire fixed her uniform then she knocked 3 times consecutively and asked permission to enter.

"It is me, Maire, may we enter your Highness?" Maire spoke in a formal tone her face derived of emotions setting herself to meet her Highness

Then a muffled reply from Her Highness Zheirene follows "You may enter."

After receiving permission to enter, Maire grasped the ornate doorknob and gently twisted it. The heavy door creaked open, revealing the way to Her Majesty. As the door parted, a blinding light spilled into the corridor, flooding over Maire, the two maids, and the twins, bathing them in its overwhelming radiance. The air seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment, the light pressing upon them like a physical force, heralding the presence of the Queen herself.

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Between all that is happening, a thought emerges.

Hmmmm what is that blinding light?

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