The setting sun

Little Livian spent our time brainstorming the best things to do while I wait for recovery. I may be planning on escaping, but I need to appear that I plan to stay in my position, and having allies will help me through this time. Especially if I have the Empress carefully observing me, waiting for a moment to strike me down to ensure she wins His Majesty's heart. It may be delusional, but how we choose to fool ourselves is something we must be wary of due to the exceptional power it has.

There was a knock at the door again. I looked out of my barred window and saw it was still early in the afternoon, too early for His Majesty to see me. I answered the door and a small woman, no taller than 4'10 stepped in with a bag full of measuring tape and scrolls.

"Greetings Lady Viola, Lady Livian. I am the imperial dressmaker sent over by His Majesty for you. I hope we can find you some pieces to your liking," She smiled shyly. She was so cute as I nodded politely. Little Livian got ecstatic at the opportunity for something new for me and help me stand and be measured every which way imaginable. She did most of the talking with the designer about what is in season.

"Because fall is coming soon, we should choose something more warm with long sleeves, but we can leave open the bosom on a few pieces to be more eye-catching," She winked at me adorably. I couldn't help but laugh some. I followed her lead on the advice for the most part.

"Finally, what colors do you prefer my Lady?" The dressmaker asked me.

"Blue and yellow," I replied. It came so naturally, that I didn't even have to think of it. I saw Little Livian smile in approval. It must be why my room is so filled with these colors, they are my favorite colors. The dressmaker smiled and nodded, she curtsied and was on her way. The dresses would take some time before they arrived, but will be lovely once they do arrive. Summer is close to ending.

"How long was I asleep for Little Livian? How much of the summer have I missed?" I asked, realizing I never got an exact time.

"You fell down the stairs on July 24th and woken up on August 10th. Just over two weeks. His Majesty visited you every day briefly to check on you and assigned you Nurse Nevi as your personal nurse against the advice of his counselors. They felt you didn't need such one-on-one care, but he did anyway," She explained.

"Why is that?"

"Most of the imperial advisors are from the Empress's homeland of the Southern Islands of the empire. They tend to agree with her on most things," She explained, biting her tongue so obviously again.

"Ah, well that explains it," I responded. A great thing to know, more political enemies that will make it difficult for me to be able to receive fairness in this life. I am sure if His Majesty doesn't have their full support then I have little chance. However, they don't seem to be able to stop him, therefore, they have little control over his actions at least. That explains why the nobles reacted so shocked when they saw us together last night, they must be following the examples set by the imperial advisors. I see why Nurse Nevi warned me that this palace is vicious.

I looked out of my window and saw the sun was already preparing to set. I sighed knowing I must prepare already for an evening with His Majesty again after an exhausting day. I felt my body tremble at the thought I may not be able to reject his advancements again as he was already asking for my lips on the first day I met him in my mind. That and he shows no care for me as he kisses my forehead and cheeks as it pleases him.

"Come, my Lady, let us prepare for tonight," I nodded. I have no choice in this matter but at least it will be a short time that I am here.

I followed Little Livian's directions as she helped me get ready for the evening date. I stayed quiet the whole time she was preparing me. She ended up dressing me in an A-line flowing white dress with a golden ribbon around the waist.

"It is tight at the waist a little bit," I said finally. She quickly adjusted it and I could breathe a little easier. My body was still beyond sore and every breath still was difficult to manage but it was undoubtedly easier than when I first awoke. My muscles remembered how to move again easily without screaming in pain which is the best relief I could have asked for.

As she finished dressing my hair into a beautiful braided updo, I looked in the mirror at myself closely. It feels strange, to see myself not remembering my own face. I may remember some important moments with people in my life now, but it still isn't my life it feels like I saw, but almost like I was watching another's life.

"Are you alright My Lady?" She asked with concern as she placed her hand on my shoulder. I grabbed it softly and pet it gently.

"Yes, I am just still confused about this world. You have helped me so much you have no idea," I smiled at her. It is such an amazing feeling to have a sister. I may feel as though I don't her, but this feeling of love I have for her is undeniable, despite not being related by blood. It will hurt much to leave her side, but it will undoubtedly hurt her more as she remembers everything about us, while I know so little. I looked down, wondering if an escape is the right thing to do no matter how selfish I desire it. I am starting to understand how I found myself in this position instead of running away when I likely had a better chance before my ceremony.

Before I could lose myself deeper into my own thoughts, there was a knock at the door as nurse Nevi entered.

"Goodness, you haven't drank your green tea all day my Lady, please stay hydrated," She lectured while handing me my pills. I felt suspicious again though I trusted her. I couldn't help but feel she may be forced to do something she wouldn't want to do. I saw there were now two of those round pills I observed yesterday.

"What do these round white pills do Nurse Nevi?" I asked innocently.

"They help with your memory. We doubled the dose as to help it regain faster. Come now take your medicine," She hurried me along and with her intent glaze I couldn't fool her easily, so I placed the pills in my mouth all at the same time and grabbed the glass of water she handed me. I swallowed but kept the pills hidden under my tongue and cheek. I let out a fake cough and spit them out into my handkerchief covertly as both of them rubbed my back.

"Truly I am fine, thank you both," I smiled at them. I cannot believe that worked. I took another sip of the water as another knock came. Undoubtedly His Majesty has come to get me again. To let the birdie out of her cage. He opened the door uninvited again.

"Darling!" That familiar face rang from behind me.