6 CHAPTER SIX

The next couple of days passed by in a blur because l was afraid of confronting the situation in front of me. How was l supposed to face everyone who thought of me as a witch, they probably wanted to kill me. A shudder ran down my spine at the absurd possibility. The only person l have been in contact with is Rose as she brings me all my meals. My mind has been racing with all the different possibilities that just couldn't be anything more than absurd. The chances of me being related to the supposed late queen just didn't make any sense to me.

A knock sounded on my door and it didn't take a lot for me to figure out that it was not Rose. The woman didn't have the decency to knock anymore rather she would just badge into my room. I didn't have the heart to call her out on her actions considering this wasn't even my home. Whenever she would notice my discomfort, she would just brush me off and tell me l had nothing to be ashamed about of because we were both women. "come in" l called out to whoever was on the other side of the door. The door knob twisted slowly giving off a creepy vibe. The door opened and the sound of heave footsteps contrasted the quietness of my room.

" hahaha, I see you took my advice and..." the words died on my lips as l raised my head and saw who stood before me. Although l knew it wasn't Rose, l couldn't think of anyone either than her at my door. I wasn't sure if anyone around the castle knew of my existence. My heart started beating at a thousand octaves as my fear of the man crept in.

"I see you and Rose have taken a liking to each other" he said as more of a statement that a question. I stared at him blankly because my brain refused to comprehend the situation in front of me.

"The doctor said it would take a few days for your memories to come back and l would like to know of your progress so we can take you back to your home" he said in his monotone voice.

"I'm afraid nothing has come back to me, although l had a strange encounter with a strange man at the market" l replied

"strange encounter?" he asked

" He called me Queen Manila" l said with slight discomfort. Master stared at me for the longest time, l could see a flicker of confusion in his eyes before clearing his throat and leaving me to the emptiness of my room.

Rose barged in a minute later carrying a tray which l can only assume is my breakfast. "I'm surprised you were able to wake up without my assistance" the woman who has started becoming more of a mother to me spoke.

"I had company" l said smugly. This caused her to raise one perfectly shaped eyebrow in my direction, it seemed as if she was mocking me.

"I won't ask, but l think it's about time you get out of this room. Maybe l could show you around the castle" Rose said. Her idea didn't seen like the worst.

Nodding my head in her direction, l willed myself to get off the bed and make my way to the bathroom. I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth. Wrapping a towel around my body l caught a glimpse of my face on the mirror and turned cold at the stark contrast between me and everyone else around me. My dark skin glowed under the bright morning sun. The droplets of water from my hair added to the allure. My short kinky hair was a bright red colour that brightened my skin. My upturned eyes were a brown colour that had golden brown specs whenever in a bright place. My aquiline nose blended perfectly with the rest of my facial features. A round face, high cheekbones and full lips.

This was the first time l had seen my reflection since l had woken up. Making it into the the room, Rose was seated on the bed reading a magazine. She stood up as soon as her eyes landed on me and she excused herself to give me privacy. Throwing on a pair of grey sweatpants that fit snuggly around my thighs and behind. My derriere was protruding through the pants, I paired the sweats with a white tank top but my well-endowed breast were very visible. Throwing on an oversized white t-shirt, l hoped to appear more 'modest' . I walked to the door and Rose and l fell into a comfortable stride around the many corridors of the castle.

The outside looked serene. Flowers littered a huge section of the west wing castle grounds. A little further down laid a beautifully decorated water fountain, the water cascading majestically. I felt a feeling of peace envelope me. Home. We walked away from the little haven and to the castle stable. Mountains surrounded the castle as if acting as some sort of shield. The castle was grand seemingly three stories high, white and copper paint nestled itself on the castle walls. The east and west wing seemed deserted by beautiful nonetheless. The entrance of the castle was arched with glass doors that opened in the middle. The foyer had a feeling of a museum, paintings hung on the walls and between every painting stood a make belief knight. A million passages led to various parts of the castle and a bit further stood the grand glass staircases that parted in the middle and formed an 'S' shape. It is truly a sight for sore eyes.

Rose left my side to finalise the arrangements for lunch and l took this time to go back to the library. The only living beings in this castle seemed to only be the guards, the help, Rose and Master. The feeling of loneliness always crept up on you in the most unexpected ways.

The library stood in all its glory and my eyes watered a bit at the glorious sight. I walked around the different shelves until l found myself in the history section. Before l could process my actions, the secret doors opened to reveal the staircase. Looking around, l made my way up the stairs into the secret room. It looked as breathtaking as the first time l laid my eyes upon it. The door was surprisingly unlocked and l walked into the office. Skimming my eyes around, picture frames littered the walls. One of the pictures stood out. I walked to the frame and in bold letters were the words Queen Manila and King Saphier. Upon closer inspection of the power couple, the striking resemblance l had with Queen was undeniable.