Temple

Your death gives me nothing but joy, my Queen. Die… die for me. Vera, just die…

I gasped for air as soon as I snapped my eyes open, sitting upright with my hand across my chest. I had a lot to think about last night and I didn't know how I fell asleep. And now, I awoke from such a terrible dream.

A dream… more like a nightmare, a memory of my last moments as Vera. I closed my eyes as I stabilized my breathing, breaking out in cold sweats as Joseph — that rascal's face lingered in my head.

"Ah, goodness…" I whispered, wiping my forehead with my arm as my lips and throat felt parched. "What time is it?" 

I looked out of the window, seeing it was just the crack of dawn. Seeing how early it was, I collapsed on my back once again.

"I guess I just have to live with these recurring nightmares for the rest of my life," I murmured as I finally calmed my racing heart down. Just then, I narrowed my eyes as my gut feeling told me someone was here.

I used to sleep with one of my eyes opened, but being in this body had desensitized my senses. Still, I could still pick up when an arrow was coming at me, or someone came into my room.

For a moment, I didn't move and kept my eyes closed. I tried to sense another presence in the room, and fortunately, there was no one. 

'But somebody definitely sneaks in while I was sleeping.' I bit my lower lip as my eyes glinted. Who could it be? No, that wasn't the right thing to think.

I should be blaming myself for not waking up. The person who snuck in here would be revealed if I awoke. 

'Just another month of complete rest, and I think I can start training this body…' I nodded in determination, having this strong feeling I must recover this body's strength as soon as possible. 

I was uncertain if this feeling was because I was curious about the secret of the Ross Family, or I was just obsessed with having strength. Either way, an ability to defend myself was an asset. This story was not a fairytale where a handsome prince would come to save me, after all.

'Everything is easier said than done.' A deep sigh slipped past my lips as I thought of this body.

Marsella's body was too weak — I underestimated how weak it was. Although I could now withstand a night stroll, I was certain lifting a sword now was impossible. 

"Patience, me. Patience." I chanted in a whisper, telling myself that I wouldn't get strong overnight.

I may do everything from scratch, but I was starting over with years of experience. For now, this body must recuperate, and maybe I would use my charm on Yves so he could help me train. I knew Yves would come in handy in the future. I just had to keep my sweet image in front of him until I erase the word 'no' in his vocabulary.

With those thoughts in mind, I finally convinced myself to relax for now. I still had another three months in this mansion. Surviving in here until I start my crazy romance with the Grand Duke was my top priority.

"I wonder which kind of dress would suit me best on our first date…" A gleeful grin resurfaced on my face as meeting my fiance was coming. The thought of it alleviated my mood, excited to meet him in person.

Would he be wearing head armor like usual? It couldn't be, right? Would I finally get to see his face? Goodness… my fiance was full of mystery and I was looking forward to what kind of surprise he would give me.

"Does he prefer cute and innocent? Sexy? Smart one?" I spent my morning thinking of which look I must go for the first impression. 

My fiance should really treasure me and give me his treasury since I was that precious. I didn't even prepare like this when I first met that dimwit Joseph, so it was safe to say this was a new experience for me too.

***

With Marquess Ross' permission, Tani assisted me to shop for a good dress for myself. Yves tagged along, which I thought for the better, so no one could stop my extravaganza.

"Brother, can I have this one?" I pointed at the dress on the mannequin. "Will it suit me?"

Yves crossed his arms, tilting his head to the side. "Just get whatever you want, Marsella. I don't know which suits you or not."

This guy wouldn't get married, I thought. He could at least pretend to use his head for imagination!

"But, wouldn't father…"

"Father wouldn't say a word about this, and even if he did, you have me." Yves stood proudly, almost sparkling, while flaunting our family's wealth.

But well, this was the reason I agreed he could tag along, anyway. So I smiled brightly. With Yves backing up my shopping spree, I would fill my closet. And so I shopped, suppressing my greediness for wanting everything I see.

We procured dresses, all types of accessories from head to toe, heels, and just about anything. I didn't get to buy everything, but I got everything that caught my eye. Spending someone else money was truly the best!

****

After my 'little' shopping spree, we headed to the temple, as per my request. Fortunately, I was in the good graces of my dear brother Yves that he agreed.

"Why would you want to go to the temple, Sella?" Yves asked, startling me. Did he called me with a pet name? 

I gazed at him as Yves perched across from me in the carriage. "To pray?"

"Aren't you a little religious, my sister? You went out last night to pray, and now, you want to go to the temple to pray as well?" he raised a brow, obviously not hiding his suspicion.

"Well, I'm marrying the Grand Duke, and praying for my life as hard as I could, is the only thing I can do." I lied with a straight face.

I couldn't tell him I wanted to ask how I, this rotten soul, was returned to life and was thrust in this body, right?

Yves remained silent before glancing at Tani, who was sitting beside me. It seemed he wanted to say something, but kept it to himself and just cast his eyes towards the window.

"Is that so?" he said with disinterest, piquing my attention at his sudden shift of mood.

'Yves seemed he really didn't want this marriage. Was it really because he didn't want me to disgrace our family?' I could not help but wonder, but oh well, I would just have to ask him some other time once I gained his full trust.

And so, we traveled to the temple in a familiar silence. Little did I know, a visit to the temple would be so much eventful than I thought.