New rules

"Darling, do you not recognize your own room?" He asked me. His face seemed almost happy at my confusion. This unsettling feeling was only growing as I shook my head no. The nurse still by my side gently pet my head and looked at the man.

"Your Majesty if I may." She said, trying to hold back the fear in her voice. Why is she so afraid?

"You may." He calmly replied.

"Lady Viola has hit her head as well as her entire body when she fell down the stairs. Her head was particularly hurt in the front. She may be confused for some days. There is no way to tell when she may return to normal." She explained. I nodded, understanding why my body was throbbing with pain and my feeling split in two. I had fallen down some stairs supposedly.

His Majesty took in a deep breath and sighed. I held my breath as he tightened his grip on my hand.

"Is this an accurate presumption my darling? Do you not remember much, if anything? Speak honestly." he asked me, looking deep in my eyes as if he wouldn't trust my answer.

"I am afraid not Your Majesty. I have no familiarity with this place, with the name "Viola", or even," I paused, afraid to finish the sentence.

"Even what?"

"Even you, your Majesty. I apologize" I looked down at my lap in fear. There is no knowing his reaction.

"There is nothing to be sorry for. It is unfortunate, but I can help explain some things to assist you in hopefully regaining you memory. Nurse, please give us some privacy". He changed his direction to her. She immediately got up, curtsied, and left our presence, shutting the door behind her. Leaving us completely alone. His Majesty got up and sat close to me on the bed. I felt some relief at his reaction, but worried to be left alone so soon.

"Your name is Viola Lennizu, you are from a noble family who lives here in the northwestern palace in the Northern empire. You are also, my mistress." He smiled at me as he got closer to my face. My stomach twitched in fear. His mistress? That means, I have to satisfy this man's needs? I did my best to hide my fear. He continued, "You are not allowed to leave the Northwestern palace, or to talk to any people except for your nurses and lady-in-waiting Livian from the Ponce family. I come to visit oftentimes in the evenings after finishing my work. Do you have any questions?" He looked at me with seriousness.

"Your Majesty, I appreciate you explaining to me my life. However, I must ask. What is it, we usually do in the evenings?" I asked nervously, shaking slightly but trying to control myself.

He laughed as he answered, "you shall find out soon enough" he twirled my hair, "however, I will give you some time for a adequate recovery, in the meantime, we can continue each other's company through walks in the palace. I can take you to your favorite pond tonight. Does that sound nice?" He asked me, not allowing me to look away.

"Yes, Your Majesty-"

"Kache" He cut me off. "Call me Kache, or my love".

"Yes, Kache," I held my breath, "that sounds lovely I look forward to your presence this evening." I bowed my head as I felt his kiss my head. I wanted to draw away but I didn't. Why on earth am I so repulsed by his touch? I wish I could remember but I knew I had to endure this or who knows what would happen. He didn't mention if I have any family members remaining. Typically, I could remember mistresses aren't welcome back to their families or eligible for remarriage to anyone else. How did I end up here?

"Till tonight~" He left me without another word, seemingly pleased. The door was shut and I was completely alone. What kind of mess am I in?

I attempted to stand again, with some more success and I went to call for the nurse.