Dreams or memories

When I opened my eyes I saw red and pink sky staring back at me and the thrashing sound of the ocean. The beach was empty, the sun was rising in the east rather than setting in the west. Something felt funny as I looked around aimlessly at this empty beach.

I wasn't sure what was going on, but I didn't seem to mind this moment as tranquility. I sat in the sand and was enjoying the moment of peace to myself. I closed my eyes and inhaled the sweet salty air.

"Lady Viola, why are you here so early?" I heard a voice from behind me. I was startled and turned around suddenly. There was a young man hard to see in the palm trees behind me. "Are you alright?" He stepped forward carefully.

"Yes, I am alright," I replied with ease. I looked closer at the man and saw his bright blue eyes and dark wavy hair. His skin glistened lightly with sweat through his servants' uniforms. There was a sigma of a blue jay. It felt familiar and I relaxed a little. "You are a servant of my father's house, no?"

He nodded his head at me. "Yes, I saw you leaving early this morning, and well, there would hell to pay if I didn't find you and bring you back before they awaken truthfully,"

I chuckled at his honest statement. I was taken aback but in a good way.

"I have never once had someone swear in front of me, let alone someone who works for my father's house. But yes, you are right, there is likely hell to pay," I laughed as I followed him back.

As I stepped into the trees I came back out onto the beach suddenly holding his hand. I stared back surprised as he giggled and pet my head. I blushed, still confused about what was happening, and looked at the waves crashing into the sand as I felt his grip tighten as he turned his attention to me.

"Viola, I am sorry for causing you so much pain. I never should have followed you here that day, but, I cannot deny any longer what we have," He took a deep breath while holding my hands and kissed them gently.

"We have each other, and that is what I want. Not His Majesty, you, my dear Leo," I replied almost as if I was watching a play. Before I could see what would continue I was being shaken awake. The shock scared me as I jolted up to my feet to address the situation, only to see His Majesty kneeling on the ground with a worried look in his eyes. He almost seemed like he was fighting back tears.

"What happened darling? You were sitting with me only to fall so suddenly and not wake up no matter what I tried," He cried to me. His voice sounded as though he was close to anguish, I took a breath and brushed the sand off, unsure what to say next. He got up and grabbed my hand tightly.

"Viola, speak to me please," He pleaded with me. Surprised at my him using my name for the first time I shook my head trying to clear it. Everything was all foggy and mixed up.

"The ocean was bringing back something. I don't know if I was dreaming or not. I am sorry for worrying you," I diverted my eyes as he drew me close. He took a deep breath and calmed himself now that he understood what was happening.

"Let us go then," He said matter of factly.

"No!" I exclaimed. I saw he was surprised at my outburst. Frankly, I was too. But I wasn't ready to quit and sit in my chambers for another day unable to experience the natural world until he felt like letting me out, which probably won't be for a while now that I have blacked out again.

"No, please. My memories are slowly coming back and, and," I was still trying to gather myself. I don't remember ever feeling this shaken up before. "I don't want to go back just yet. Please, let me enjoy the sunset with, you, at least?" I asked awkwardly. I saw the worry hadn't left his eyes but he grudgingly agreed to my selfish desire as he lightly sat me back down on the warm sand.

I let out a sigh of relief at being able to continue this refreshing air once more. I calmed down my nerves and got my composure back as His Majesty refused to divert his gaze from me.

"Kache," I spoke softly, afraid that I may upset him more. He seemed surprised but replied with a simple "hmm?"

"I have just become your mistress the day I fell into the coma. Why did you keep me?" I asked him, still keeping my voice soft. My curiosity was getting the best of me, but I felt so confused about this life I was living. Why would anyone want me if I was so weak like this?

"Why wouldn't I? I know you do not remember but," he took a deep breath he finally looked away from my face and into his lap. "I was always in love with you. No matter what happened so of course I would help you in any way possible. I-I hope you will give me a chance, to win your heart," He spoke with such sincerity it amazed me. He is someone I cannot understand so easily.

For once, I felt him being genuine with me, and it would be beneficial for me if he could continue. Trust is a powerful thing. I placed my hand on top of his head and stroked his hair delicately. For once, I didn't feel so much disgust in myself that I had to swallow it. I feel confused about everything. He was shocked this being the first time I showed him any affection, but he didn't pull away either. We stayed like that together watching the sunset until finally he told me it was time to return and I agreed, still unhappy I had to return to my cage.

When we finally arrived back at the Mistress's palace I was struggling to walk again as my body ached from the exhaustion of the day. Kache picked me up again to carry me to my room as I struggled to look for potential clues in my surroundings. He took out the key with the gold gemstone again and brought me into my room as he laid me down on the bed to rest.