6 "Dreams" - Pt 1

[[ NOTE: I'm slowly editing through this story. In case you come across something that has change, that is why. :) Depending on the direction, the story line in previous chapters may change some, as well! ]]

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Raina opened her eyes slowly, still feeling slightly dazed. She blinked her eyes a few times until her vision began to return—looking around, she asked herself, "Where am I?" She murmured nervously. Raina found herself in an unfamiliar room and on a bed big enough to fit four people. Looking down at her hands and body, it looked like her body but something felt different. Raina looked around the room, frantically, spotting a standing mirror. She staggered quickly towards it and gasped, staring at her reflection wide-eyed.

Raina recognized herself but her overall appearance had changed. Instead of her short hair, she had long, bright crimson hair. It was so vibrant that it left her in awe. Then her green eyes sparkled like the emerald stones that laid adorned around her neck. Raina noticed her skin was a little paler and her ears… "Oh my god!" Raina raised her fingers to trace the pointy ends of her ears. She screamed in surprised, touching her ears once again. "It's real! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" She panicked, looking at her reflection once more.

Raina practiced some breathing exercises to calm her pounding heart. To distract herself, she looked down at the dress she was wearing. It was a formal silk gown that felt absolutely elegant. A knock on the door echoed through the room, her body jumped with surprised. A young and petite woman walked into the room, timidly. "My Lady, dinner will be ready soon. Are you ready to be dressed?" She asked softly, waiting on her response. Raina was so confused but nodded her head, nonetheless, and smiled nervously.

"Please excuse my asking," the woman said softly, looking concerned. "Are you feeling alright My Lady?" Raina opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, then closing her mouth instead. She couldn't really tell her she is not who maid think she is…it doesn't even make sense to her in that moment. Instead, Raina smiled and shook her head. "Yes, I am alright. Thank you for asking," the maid smiled, seemingly satisfied with that answer. "All finished," the maid stated, taking a step back for Raina to look into the mirror.

Raina walked up to the mirror and gasped quietly at her reflection. The maid weaved her hair into a soft, loose braid, with pieces that framed around her face. Little dainty jewels sparkled within the braid, bringing attention to her already bright, crimson hair. Raina admired the emerald and gold, silk dress by caressing the soft material, gently. Raina noticed her face has regained a bit of color, thanks to the maiden's skill in applying some make up. "You are as enchanting as always, Lady Rosalie," the maid said sincerely with a smile.

Who is Rosalie? Raina wondered to herself. Realizing the maiden had been waiting for a response, Raina smile to the woman. So, the name of this body she somehow have taken over is Rosalie. This all feels like a fantasy movie or book. Raina thought to herself. "Shall I escort you to the dining hall?" The maid spoke up, watching her with concern at the odd behavior. Raina nodded her head gratefully. "That would be wonderful. Thank you."

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Raina's eyes gravitated towards the tall and grand ceiling of the dining hall. In fact, the whole place on the way was so grand and breath taking. "Ah, my sweet Rosie," Raina heard someone speak but she continued to look at the room in awe. "Rosie?" Raina turned her head towards a man looking straight at her. Ah, shit! That's right, she's this Rosie girl right now!

"I apologize," Raina said with a nervous smile. "I woke up all out of sorts, so please forgive me if I seem a little absentminded," she explained nervously, which seemed to relax the man standing in front of her. He was very tall with jet black hair with icy-like blue eyes. He smiled at her with the most dazzling smile, to which made her heart beat in her chest. "Cyrus," she whispered softly, to which he responded with a wide smile. How did she know his name? Raina wondered, feeling slightly freaked out. Is her memory mingling with this body's memories? If so, this might be a problem… Therefore, she can't stay in this world too much longer or she may never get back to her own world.

"Come my dear, shall we greet our guests?" Raina smiled, resting her fingers gently on the bent of his elbows. Cyrus rested his hand on hers with a smile on his face. Then with a nod, he led her towards a group of unfamiliar faces. They approached the group of strangers, to which Raina began to gain some recollection of who each individual was—thankful for Rosalie's memories in that moment. "Lady Rosalie. You look absolutely radiant this evening," said an older, blonde woman—Aunt Celia—as she recalled. She was a sweet woman but thrived on knowing the latest gossips about everything and everyone. And no one dares to call her out on it, as she is royalty—even if it was only through marriage.

"I can only hope to be as radiant as you Aunt Celia," Raina complimented her, which rendered the woman blushing with satisfaction; the woman was also notorious in fishing for compliments. Raina's cheeks began to ache from smiling so much while meeting other people in the room.

She must keep the facade going. Raina thought to herself. Until she can figure out what the hell is going on and why she's living someone else's life. Is this just a memory of the past? If so, what is Rosalie or the stranger in the forest gain from this? Raina tried to delve further into Rosalie's memories but came up blank. It seems something was sealing everything, aside for this moment.

"Are you certain you're fine dear?" Cyrus whispered in Raina's ears, sending a shiver of a tingling sensation to course down her spine and throughout her body. Was Rosalie reacting with her bond with this man or could she, Raina, be reacting to his voice as well? Raina began to feel her mind become muddled with confusion, finding it hard to discern which is a dream or a reality. With growing worry, all Raina could think about is how she can get herself out of this. But for now, she has to put up with appearances, as to not draw any unwanted attention towards herself.

Raina regained her composure, masking any doubts and emotion with a smile on her face. "Yes, darling. I apologize, I guess I'm not at my best this evening," she said softly, looking at his eyes. Cyrus' brows furrowed with worry but remained silent. He smiled warmly, bending down to place a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. He looked at her with sparkling eyes that held so much adoration. Raina blushed turning bright red, but unable look away from his gaze. Raina was mesmerized by those blue eyes. For what ever reason, she felt safe in his arms.

Cyrus' cleared his throat, his cheeks turning pink. The people around them looked at them with awe and some had averted their gaze from embarrassment. It was, rather, an intimate moment between the two. "Ahh, to be engaged and in love again," said one of the older woman. Raina's eyes widened. Engaged?! She sneaked a glance at Cyrus, whose speaking to an older gentleman. She's engaged?!

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