The Emperor's Bride

"Why is there a rabbit on my bed?" Anastasia asked as she woke up. "It's your pet" Hannah said. Anastasia scratched her head. "I don't remember having a pet" Anastasia said.

There was a knock on the door, Adeline entered the room. "Hi... How are you feeling?" Adeline asked. "I'm feeling better, I think" Anastasia said.

Adeline sat beside Anastasia. "Is she yours?" Adeline asked pointing at snowflake. "That's what I was told"

"What's her name?" Anastasia looks at Adeline then at the rabbit in her hands. "Snowflake" Hannah cuts in. "She's beautiful" Adeline saids in awe.

"Why do I feel like I know you somehow?" Anastasia asked. "That's because we are close.... Where close... It's complicated" Adeline said.

"Did we have some kind of misunderstanding?" Anastasia tilts her head as she asked. "Something bad happened... I didn't know how to face you. I left the country because... Because I knew my presence only caused you more harm" Adeline said.

Adeline sniffs snowflake. "I shouldn't have left without saying anything but I... I just had too. When you appeared at the duchess's mansion, I felt guilty all over again. You fell off a cliff because I ran away" Adeline said.

Anastasia felt her head ache so bad. She saw flashes of images in her head, like memories she could no longer hold unto. "Is... Is she alright?" Adeline asked in worry.

"My head hurts..... Make it stop!!! I can't take the pain any longer!!!!" Anastasia held her head. The door flew open, Azriel entered the room. He looked like has been through a war with a powerful demon.

"Guinevere" He said, his voice was hoarse. He tried to suppress the pain so Anastasia could bare it a little. Luke, Charles and Rose entered the room.

Azriel went to Anastasia and hugged her tightly. "Shhh... I'm here" He said in a suiting voice. "I keep seeing pictures... I.. it is killing me" Anastasia sobbed loudly.

"It's fine, your brain is trying to remember the past. You don't have to remember everything all at once... Take it one step at a time" Luke said. Azriel carried Anastasia as he sat on the bed.

"Take deep breaths" Rose said. "I know it's scary but you just need to relax" Luke said. "I'm sorry... It's my fault. I caused this... I seem to cause her harm. I think I need to leave the castle wall" Adeline said.

"No sweetie, this has nothing to do with you. She's just..." Adeline cuts her off.

"Guinevere is in this pain because of me.... I don't know why I seem to hurt her no matter how hard I want to protect her. I thought leaving would make a difference... Now I don't think I know anymore"

Rose hugged Adeline as she trembled uncontrollably. "Guinevere just has problems remembering everything right now. Just give her time" Rose said. Adeline sniffles but nods regardless.

Azriel rests his head on Anastasia's hair. "You smell nice" Anastasia whispered. "What do I smell like?" Azriel asked.

"Like alcohol, ginger, honey and a hint of expensive wine" Anastasia said. "I see" Azriel said. "Alright, I'll take Adeline to her room. We would leave you guys" Rose said.

"But Guinevere isn't feeling well... We can't leave her by herself" Adeline said. "Your uncle would handle everything" Charles said. Rose practically dragged Adeline out of the room.

"Excuse me" Hannah said as she left the room. Luke gave Azriel a quick nod before leaving with Charles. "How are you feeling?" Azriel asked.

"You make me feel safe" Anastasia said. Azriel held her tight, Anastasia buried her face in his chest.

In the afternoon. Anastasia went out for a walk, She carries snowflake while Hannah walked beside her. "It's a beautiful day" Anastasia said as she played with snowflake's fur.

"Guinevere I've missed you" Luna said. Hannah looks at Luna in surprise. "Do I know you?" Anastasia asked. "So the rumors about Guinevere losing her memories are true" Luna whispered to herself.

"Don't be silly, we are best friends" Luna said. "Best friends" Anastasia said trying to taste the words but it tasted like ash.

Anastasia used her thumbs to clean the bottom of her lips. "You're giving villainess vibes. I don't think we're anything close to that dear" Anastasia said calmly.

"You're wrong, we were close growing up" Luna said. "You said it yourself, were close. Which means we were never close. Now I have something important to attend too" Anastasia left leaving Luna burning in embarrassment.

Hannah took Anastasia to a quiet field for picnic. Anastasia inhales the fresh breeze, she exhales slowly. "This is amazing" Anastasia said. Hannah gripped the hem of her dress in fear.

"Is anything the matter?" Anastasia asked Hannah. "No... I mean I can't help but wonder what happened to you when you disappeared with the dragon"

"Dragon? Do they exist?" Anastasia asked. "Yes, magical creatures exist here" Hannah replied.

"Well I don't remember any dragon... I only remember having dreams where I lay on a cold ground. Someone kept screaming at me and hitting me. He yells Anastasia countless times as he includes so many inappropriate names" Anastasia paused as she hugged snowflake tighter.

"Two men raped me mercilessly... Countless times... I remember screaming, crying and begging them to stop but they hit me even harder.... Then I keep seeing myself kissing someone, he holds me like he was scared of breaking me" Anastasia said.

Hannah fell silent. "Perhaps it's just a bad nightmare" Anastasia said calmly. "Yeah, but it's best you don't tell anyone about your nightmares" Hannah said.

"Alright... Ahhh by the way do I have a family" Anastasia said it not in a question, like she already know the answer. "Yes" Hannah replied.

Anastasia placed snowflake on the ground. "What's for lunch?" Anastasia asked. Hannah placed the food in the plates and juice in a cup.

"You feel like someone I trust... I don't know how to explain it but it's like you know me more than I know myself" Anastasia said. Hannah gave a faint smile. "Because I am your handmaiden" Hannah said.

Anastasia hugged Hannah causing Hannah to freeze in shock. "I don't know if I say this often but I love you. I am grateful for everything you have done for me" Anastasia said. Hannah hugged her back. "It's my pleasure"

Later in the evening, a maid gave Gabriella a cup of tea. "I know this is disrespectful to ask a guest of the emperor but I humbly ask that you help me give this tea to lady Luna. She would be upset if I don't bring it to her"

"Alright I'll do it" Gabriella took the tray and went to Luna's room. She knocked gently on the door. "Who is that?" Luna asked. "It's me" Gabriella replied. Luna's maid opened the door and entered the room.

The next morning, news reached the emperor that Luna was poisoned and she's seriously fighting for her life. Azriel called for every living thing living in the castle.

"Your Majesty, we have a witness who wants to testify" Zain said. Azriel waved his hand lazily. A maid came out, she went down on her knees. "Your Majesty I was forced to... to do it..." She said.

"By who?" Luke asked. "By lady Guinevere" the maid said. Gasp filled the room, Anastasia who had no idea what her real name is just sat down blinking blankly when everyone stared at her.