A morning full of spring's breeze, gleaming with the piercing rays of the rising sun, riched with the pleasant chirping sounds of the birds, compelled me to wake up from my slumber. Just like a child, I try to shut myself in the quilt as I wished for my sweet dream to continue.
But in the next moment, a thought ran through my mind, and once again the reality as harsh as it could be whacked my face hard. It made me sit straight. I looked around to find myself all alone in the sun-lit room.
"Brother! Brother! Where are you?" I call out to him as I walk past the door.
"Good morning! Eve! You are finally up." came a familiar voice out of the room.
"Morning! Brother! When did you wake up? I couldn't hear you leaving my side." I say.
"How could you hear me leaving, when your snoring made your ears unable to hear anything else," he says with a chuckle.
I give a good smack to his shoulders and say "You! Don't tease me early in the morning, Otherwise, I would.......
"Alright! alright! I won't tease you anymore." He interrupts me.
"Anyways, what happened to the young boy from yesterday?"
I inquire.
"He is perfectly fine. His wounds are recovering at a very high speed. I have never encountered such a person in my life before. I guess he will be wide awake by now. Would you like to check up on him?" says Miss Ann upon entering the room.
"Thanks a lot, Miss Ann! We are truly grateful for all of your efforts." I reply.
"There's no need for the thanks. It's my job to cure people. However, I must admit that if it hadn't been for you two saving him on time, he would have been dead by now." she says.
We thanked her again. Then, a shrill sound echoed throughout the room.
"Mother! Mother! The boy has woken up." Miss Ann's daughter shouted.
"Ohh! Looks like it's time to greet our honored guest." Miss Ann says with a chuckle.
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Boy's POV:
"Ahh!" My head was spinning around like a merry-go. I tried to open my eyes but miserably failed. I could hear the mumbling, brushing my ears from not far away.
I try again and force my eyelids to let go of their stubbornness.
A vague and blurry figure runs before my half-opened eyes. I try to muster up all the strength that my weak body could offer to unleash myself from the grip of the soft, comfy bed.
At last, the goddess of bravery smiled upon me and gave me the power to break the restraints that were holding me back.
"Mother! Mother! " a voice yelled, leaving my ears pierced. But then it vanishes in the air.
Upon opening my eyes, I found myself in a small but vibrant room. Coming through the opened window, the blazing light was too blind for my eyes. A cool breeze enveloped every corner of the room.
A loud creak ran throughout the room as the door opened. I could discern the arrival of three or four people.
"How are you feeling? Young boy!" whispered a voice.
Before my very eyes, was standing a woman, a child, and two young boys in knight uniform.
"I am feeling much better. Thank you! I say.
"Well, that's good to hear. If you feel any discomfort, just let us know. We will do our best to facilitate you." she says.
"I will take you up on your offer. But firstly, let me pay my thanks to you who saved my life." a fizzy voice came out of my mouth.
"Ohh! My! You could tell that I was the one who saved you. However, there's a little misunderstanding here. I indeed treated you but the ones who saved you from the brink of death are these two people, Isis Evens and his sister Evelyn Evans. So, you should thank them too." she lets out.
"Sister!" I screamed in my head. "How could my eyes deceive me? Is it because the pain made my senses dull?"
I take a closer look at the girl standing before my very eyes. She was wearing a knight's uniform, well-suited for her gallant demeanor. Her cerulean eyes were ocean-strong, swimming with the warm sun-lit current. Her bloody red hair was jigging in the spring's toddling breeze just like the burning flames of fire, but barely reaching the nape of her neck.
"Now, I know why I mistook her for a boy." I thought to myself.
"Ahem!" a voice echoed, intending to give me wide berth.
I abruptly turn away to hide my blushing pink face. I clear my throat and say:
"I apologize for the rude conduct. Because of my dull senses, I mistook the young lady for a boy. I deeply regret my actions. I will accept any punishments you decide,"
Laughter broke out in the room. I could not comprehend the reason behind it. Regardless, I could sense the piercing gaze upon myself.
"Don't worry! It's not the first time she was mistaken for a boy." he chuckles. And then go into silence and suddenly speak out.
"All matters aside, firstly, tell us who are you, where did you come from, who attached you and how did you end up near the shore."
At last, the long-awaited moment came. I was bombarded with a load of questions. It's not like I never expected it to happen, but the real thing was way more intimidating than I imagined.
"Now, how should I evade those questions?" I thought to myself. "I guess I can't turn back now?"
I look down and sigh.
"I am Zen Auriel, the crown prince of Euphoria. I was ordered to inspect the Dukedom of North, with my knights. However, on our way back from the inspection, we were attacked by a group of assassins. I guess I was their target since they kidnapped only me. Firstly, they imprisoned me and when I didn't do as they said, they thrashed me with the wrought-iron sword. I guess that's when I lost consciousness and before I knew it, I found myself in this place, safe and sound." I explained everything in a single breath.
The room turned into dead silence.
I raise my head and notice the rolling tears of Lady Ann, widened eyes of Miss Evelyn, and the stunned face of Sir Isis.
It made no sense to me.
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