Chapter 2 A New me

My body ached and I could barely move. It was as though I was trapped in a cage while my body was stuffed with thorns.

It was painful, having to witness my death. That push cost me my life.

Blood drooled from my head as I could see my past life flash past me.

I could hear their voices. They seemed tensed over themselves, not over me. It was so obvious they wanted me out of the way and this was the best they could get.

"Let's decimate her..."

"No, we'd burn her, the cops would never know."

My eyes weren't moving but stagnant, watching them. He cuddled her in his arms, trying to keep her calm as she seemed scared.

I would have survived if they had taken me to the hospital on time.

They left me in my subconscious state for two hours, if I'm not mistaken, celebrating my death and having sex right in front of me.

If I were ever given a chance, I would swear to revenge and make their lives miserable. I'd take everything he'd ever loved.

Everyone is involved in this scheme.

Their voices began to fade as the last I could recall was seeing myself in my own pool of blood.

But then, it felt as though I was drowning in a vast sea and something like a figure was swimming towards me.

I couldn't see it clearly, but it was a masculine figure, his hair covering his face as he stretched his hand at me.

***

"Queen rossa?"

"Queen rossa..."

Distinctive voices ring in my ears as my body vibrates. I felt warm and something heavy was suppressing me.

Florescent lights hit my eyes and I was baffled. Hastily, I spurred my eyes open, only to be greeted by strange faces.

I was frightened of scrutinizing the bizarre environment I was in. It felt as though I lost my way.

It took a while for my vision to become lucid. I realized I was surrounded by maids, doctors, bodyguards and some women who were dressed in royalty.

It was quite puzzling, and I wondered if I was in heaven. I was on a large bed, in a magnificent room, but something wasn't right.

Fatigued, I tried to rise from the bed to sit upright and try to connect my memories.

Where was I? Who were these people worshiping me and...

"Oh, thank God! "The empress is awake!" a voice thundered, and I shuddered, confused, as they had all bowed before me.

The last time I recalled, I was dead and now, I'm here, on a bed with these strangers referring to me as someone else.

This must be a dream.

I touched my body, my face, inhaled softly and pinched my skin as if I were truly alive.

I was wearing a linen gown which felt heavy on me.

That was a relief. I survived, but how?

"The emperor is here!" Another voice thundered and quickly, everyone turned in their direction to the door.

Their heads bowed as they arranged themselves in orderly. Something wasn't right. How did the emperor get involved in all of this?

There were questions that no one could answer as I was trapped in them.

I was jinxed as I fluttered my eyes at the door. He hadn't even walked in, but the people in this room were trembling.

I could hear his footsteps, so close. I was the only one staring and when he came at full length, my jaw dropped.

His appearance was authority itself. He possessed a latent, leonine power and walked with purpose and authority.

The catwalk loved the way he moved. His stern look made me freeze.

He was fair, almost pale white. His unfathomable, golden brown eyes contrasted exceptionally with his light-toned face.

His eyes were as deep and expressive that you could get lost if you stared long enough.

His face had that faraway look in it which cannot be described in words.

None of this was real! I was literally staring at the emperor of the country!

"Emperor olive?" I muttered and quickly, one of the women close to me forced my head to give a bow.

I can recall some rumors about him. They were vile and spoke of how cold and cruel he was.

"Leave" he ordered coldly, and I heard retreating footsteps. When I raised my head, he was the only one left.

My body shook as his eyes sent cold running down my spine.

I gulped hard. If this was an illusion, then I'd never want it to end. From my observation, I was the empress, his betrothed!

It all makes sense, this was a second chance to set things right, but I wasn't expecting to be an empress or get stuck with this emperor.

"Why did you take your life? You should have stuck to the promise."

To be sincere, I flinched when he spoke. His voice had a way of sending chills running down one's spine.

He was the emperor after all, but it was so unbelievable that I was staring at him!

I didn't want to mess things up, by acting as though I knew nothing. Whosoever body I possess, her memories would come lurking in.

"I didn't take my life, I dare not, remember, you own it" I said, staring into his eyes. I could tell he seemed stunned at the way I spoke casually to him.

"Is it because of your lover? "You got separated from him" he began, his tone suddenly low and intense.

He took his seat opposite me, crossed his legs and then glanced at his watch. It seemed as though he was keeping to time.

I heard he was a man of few words and didn't engage in talk, but we were discussing.

All I did was watch him like a hawk as I was trying to understand the whole scenario.

I narrowed my eyes at him. Does this body have a lover? It was so complicated that I became speechless.

He leaned his face forward with those intense eyes, and I was lost. My heartbeat fasted and I gasped softly.

"You should be aware, Rossa, that your present and future is me." "Everything you do is under my watch, I command it and for that lover of yours..."

I inhaled soft