Chapter 1
Jamie's POV
I can't move, but I'm aware of my surroundings. My eyes are closed, but I can hear voices around me.
I try to remember what happened, but nothing comes to mind.
I attempt to open my eyes slowly, and I manage to do so. At first, everything is blurry, but after a few seconds, my vision clears. The first thing I see is a blue ceiling. My entire body aches, so I can't move. After a few moments, I hear footsteps approaching.
"The Princess is awake. Faye, inform the King and Queen," I hear someone say.
"You can count on me, Doctor," replies another voice before walking away.
I sense someone approaching, and I want to warn them, but no voice comes out. I try to move again, but my body feels heavy and unresponsive.
The doctor-if they are a doctor-examines me, but I can't do anything as I'm still unable to move. My body hurts too much for me to even complain.
A little later, I hear more footsteps approaching. The door opens, and several unfamiliar people enter.
I don't know what's going on, but suddenly my head starts throbbing, like it's about to explode. My entire body aches even more, so I close my eyes and endure the pain.
"Fvck!"
A few moments later, the pain subsides, and I take a deep breath. It feels like something has entered my body, and suddenly, I remember everything-from the moment I decided to go to the mall to the earthquake and the cement falling from the ceiling. I even remember helping the child.
Given the severity of my injuries, it would be impossible for me to have survived. But what is this?
I try to move my body again, and this time, I succeed. Slowly, I sit up and look around the room. The first thing I notice is the worried face of an older woman. Despite her age, her beauty remains. Beside her is a man, whom I assume is her husband, as his arm is around her waist, comforting her. I close my eyes again as another unfamiliar memory floods my mind, bringing a sharp headache with it. I try to ignore it, hoping it will go away.
I touch my stomach as it begins to hurt. When I look down, I see a white cloth covering my belly. What's this for?
A woman who looks about my age, or maybe younger, approaches me with a glass of water. I hesitate to drink it, fearing it might be poisoned. Well, I'm immune to poison, so it shouldn't matter if I drink it. I feel relieved as I drink the cool water.
"Thank you, Faye," I say. Then I pause, surprised at what I just said. "F-Faye, right?" I ask. She nods with a smile.
How do I know her name? As far as I know, I've never seen this woman before or anyone in this room. But why do they all feel familiar? Am I losing my mind?
I hold my head as the pain returns. I decide to lie down again, feeling weak.
"Perhaps we should let the Princess rest for now. She has lost a lot of blood, and she's just woken up, so she needs to recover," I hear the doctor say. He speaks with the King and Queen-oh god! What King and Queen am I talking about? I don't even know them. My head hurts even more.
"Call me if you need anything, Your Highness. I'll be just outside your room. I wish you a speedy recovery," I hear before sensing everyone leaving. Once I'm sure no one is around, I sit up again and look around the room.
The surroundings are clean and well-lit. The walls are painted in a mix of white and blue, and a moderately sized chandelier provides light. There's a large sky-blue wardrobe on one side and a bookshelf filled with books.
"Wow."
It's beautiful, but this isn't my room, and it's definitely not a hospital. So, where am I? Whose room is this? Everything here feels familiar, but I don't remember ever being here. I scan the room again, hoping to spot my phone. I want to call Jackson or Mr. Kim to ask where they took me. They'll surely be thrilled to hear that I'm awake.
How many days or weeks have I been asleep? Considering the severity of my injuries, I'm lucky to be alive.
Instead of finding my phone, I notice a large golden mirror. Its surroundings shimmer, adding to its beauty.
"Maybe Jackson bought this for me again. He knows I love mirrors."
I approach the mirror to take a closer look, but instead of being amazed, I feel shocked and confused.
"Who is this?!"
I touch my face, and the woman in the mirror mimics my actions. She's beautiful, and yes, I'm beautiful too, but if you put us side by side, I'd admit she's more beautiful than me. She's wearing white pajamas with a white cloth wrapped around her stomach, just like me. I twirl around like a fool in front of the mirror, and the woman does the same.
I feel utterly confused. Suddenly, a memory of a conversation with Kara Mr. Kim's daughter-about a fantasy book she read comes to mind.
"Did you know, Ate Jamie? I bought a book yesterday at the National Bookstore. The plot is amazing because the main character dies, and when she wakes up, she's in someone else's body. I think it's called reincarnation? What's even cooler is that the new body has powers."
Died and came back to life in a different body. Could it be... No! That's impossible. That only happens in books. Maybe I really hit my head too hard, and that's why I'm like this.
I look in the mirror again.
"But what if it's true? Does this mean... I've been reincarnated?" I ask myself, pointing at the woman in the mirror. "As you?" I continue, pointing at the reflection.
I'm lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling as if it might answer my questions. My brain, as sharp as it is, still can't process what's happening.
I died.
I don't know if I should be sad about my death or just be happy because I've come back to life.
Jackson is probably crying right now. That guy is such a crybaby. As for Mr. Kim, he's likely busy with my funeral arrangements, as well as managing the businesses I left behind. I feel guilty because ever since my parents died, he's been the one taking care of me and my properties. And now, he's handling my burial, too. I hope Jackson helps him and doesn't just cry the whole time. For a grown man, he sure cries a lot.
I couldn't help but give a bitter smile as I recalled the memories we shared, along with Mr. Kim's family, who also became my family. I hope they don't take my death too hard.
I didn't realize I was already crying, so I wiped my tears away. I got up and started walking around the room. My stomach still hurts from the stab wound, but it's bearable.
Speaking of stabs... The memory of stabbing myself suddenly flashed in my mind. That must be what the previous owner of this body did. Her body came back to life, but she has already passed on, leaving this as my new body. Maybe that's why I remember things from her past and why people here seem familiar-because I'm using her brain.
Even though she's dead, I'm still using her body and brain. Memories are stored in the brain, so that's probably why this is happening.
I stopped walking when I reached the window. It was open, allowing the fresh breeze to flow in. I peeked outside and saw an incredibly beautiful view. I thought I could only see something like this in paintings or pictures. I was even more amazed when I saw plants floating in the air. There was also a small river that looked familiar. Don't ask me why.
At this time, I should be at the company, attending endless meetings, signing papers, and my favorite-annoying Mr. Kim.
New body, new life. It hurts to think that I've left my old life behind, but I have to accept my new one. Even though this is no longer my body, I'm still Jamie Quinn-the woman cursed to be strong to survive in this cruel world.
I spent the entire day resting. Faye only came in to bring me food. So far, my new life is going smoothly, though I'm still confused about what's happening.
Later that evening, Faye came in and asked if I could walk because the King wanted me to join them for dinner.
Wearing the blue dress I found in the closet, I
stepped out of the room. Faye was waiting for me outside.
"Good evening, Your Highness. You look beautiful," Faye greeted. I just smiled at her and started walking. I'm not comfortable with her yet. When you've been surrounded by enemies in business from a young age, you're bound to have trust issues. Given the fact that one of our bodyguards killed my mother, it's understandable.
After walking for a while, we reached the huge door that the guards opened upon seeing us. I was greeted by the sight of a long table filled with food. My stomach growled at the sight.
Faye helped me to a seat next to Aaron. He's about the same age as I was in my past life-23. Well, I'm 16 now and the younger sister of these men, so I have to call them "Kuya" (older brother). Ugh!
Even Jackson, who's five years older than me, I sometimes called by name. But I have to maintain the polite and well-mannered personality of this body's previous owner.
We began eating in silence. The King sat at the head of the table, with the Queen to his left and Aaron to his right. Next to the Queen was Asta, who was sitting beside Arthur.
I guess the memory of Astrid's suicide is still fresh in their minds-Astrid being the name of this body's previous owner, which will now be mine.
I wonder what they'd feel if they found out that the old Astrid is gone and a stranger is now living in her body. Should I tell them? Imagine the horror on their faces if I suddenly said:
"Hey! Astrid is dead, and Jamie is the new owner of this body. Ha ha ha."
It seems too absurd. Maybe I'm going crazy.
They had already finished eating, but I kept indulging in the various dishes on the table. It was delicious, so why stop? No one had told me to, anyway.
"Astrid, dear," I heard the Queen say.
"Yes?" I replied, still munching on grapes.
"Are you feeling better? Is there any pain? Just let me know, and I'll call Dr. Kuroo to check on you," the Queen asked, her concern evident. I paused and looked at her.
"Mommy..."
To Be Continued...
Chapter 2
That's exactly how my mom used to worry about me. A small scrape from playing, and she'd act like she was having a heart attack while calling our family doctor.
I cleared my throat before answering. "I'm doing well now, Mother." I hesitated to call her "Mother" because in my past life, I only ever had
"Tsk," Asta, who was sitting across from me, interjected. Thanks to Astrid's memories, I already know what kind of person this guy is-completely opposite to his physical appearance. Sure, he's handsome, but his attitude is awful. "If you're feeling better, why don't you stab yourself again? This time, make sure you die," he sneered.
'Oh, Asta dear, if only you knew that Astrid did succeed in killing herself and that the person in front of you isn't her anymore.'
Too bad, I'm no longer the Astrid who would take all his harsh words. I was about to respond, but the door opened, and familiar faces walked in. Thanks to Astrid's memories, I recognized them all.
'Well, hello there, Royalties. It's a pleasure to meet you in person
I don't know whether to laugh or what, but... Ugh! Why is it like this?
"Farrahko~"
"Stop it, Asta. If I lose my patience, I'm really going to fry you."
That's it! That's the reason why I'm trying not to laugh. Who would've thought that Asta, who always talks tough to his only sister, is actually a certified lover boy?
Ever since these so-called Royalties arrived, Asta has been acting like a completely different person. He's been clinging to Farrah-the princess of the Pyrovia Kingdom-like a leech.
Earlier, the King and Queen asked how I was doing, even giving me some comforting words before they excused themselves to rest. And so, here I am, left at the dining table with these newcomers, who are now eating.
I found out that they had already been here since morning. I didn't see them because I spent the whole day resting in my room, while they were touring the kingdom's territories. They've just returned, and they're staying the night so it'll be easier for them to head to the Academy tomorrow, where they study alongside my so-called siblings. The Aeris Kingdom is the closest one to the only Elemental Academy in this world.
Their vacation is over, and they need to return to the Academy tomorrow. In Astrid's memories, she was supposed to go with them to retake the so-called preliminary exam.
But Astrid could never pass because she had no powers! What do they expect from me? Hello? I'm a stranger in this world, so I have no clue about this powers thingy.
I wanted to go back to my room since I'm done eating, but... I want to take the round cake in the center! I want to bring it to my room so that when I get hungry in the middle of the night while thinking about my plans for this new life, I'll have something to eat!
Back when I was still alive as Jamie, I couldn't eat much because I would gain weight easily! Aside from being the CEO, I was also the face and body of my company. My pictures and videos were everywhere-on social media, plastered on billboards, or shown on TV to advertise my business. I was like a model for my own company, so I had to maintain my figure and appearance! I couldn't afford to be too full during training either, because I might just throw up.
Now that I have a new body and no reputation to maintain, I can eat as much as I want! Hopefully, this body won't gain weight easily. As for my training, I can't do it yet because my stab wound is still fresh.
The Royalties are currently eating. When they arrived earlier, they greeted the King and Queen but went straight to the dining table. We met, but they didn't even bother to greet me. It's like I'm invisible here.
There were six of them-two women and four men. Based on Astrid's memories, there should be seven of them. One man is missing.
Including my three siblings, there are ten Royalties from various kingdoms. I'm not included because they don't consider someone like me, who has no powers, as royalty. They didn't even greet me earlier.
Right now, yes. I've accepted that Astrid's old life is now my new life. There's nothing I can do since I'm already in her body. If there's a scientific explanation for what's happening to me, I still don't know what it is.
I've been sitting here for a while now, watching over the cake I'm planning to take once they leave.
"There. Take this too. And this. Eat all of that, okay? You know I don't like it when you're hungry." I heard Asta say. I saw him putting all sorts of food on Farrah's plate, while she looked helpless.
It's still hard to believe that Asta has this side to him. I thought only hurtful words came out of his mouth. The others seem used to it, so they just let him be.
This isn't in Astrid's memories because whenever the Royalties would visit, she would lock herself in her room. If their paths crossed, she would immediately avoid them and retreat to her room.
I turned my attention back to the cake, but it was too late. It was gone from its spot. I checked the plates, and I saw that the cake had already been cut and placed on the plates of the twin royals-Prince Walter and Prince Warner from the Aquaria Kingdom.
'My cake...'
They're eating the cake now while I just sit here, dumbfounded. I should've grabbed it earlier and run away.
I noticed someone sitting next to me, and when I looked, I saw Arthur with a concerned expression. He probably noticed the look on my face, as if I had just suffered a business loss.
Among Astrid's three siblings, Arthur is the only one she's close to. He's the only one who shows her any care as an older brother.
"Why do you look like that? Is there something wrong? Are you in pain?" He asked question after question, making me feel like I was talking to Jackson 2.0.
'Astrid was close to him, so I guess it's okay to be vulnerable with him, right?'
I pointed to the cake the twins were eating and looked at him with teary eyes, like I was tattling.
"You want cake too?" He asked with a smile. I nodded in response. He chuckled and gently ruffled my hair. "I didn't know you liked cake. Before, you always asked me to buy donuts." He added with a smile. I didn't respond. "Don't worry, there's more cake in the kitchen. I'll have them send it to your room later."
"Really? Wah! Thank you!" I said happily and hugged him, which surprised him.
I may look childish right now because of how I'm acting, but I don't even know why I suddenly feel so comfortable with Arthur. He really is like Jackson 2.0. Jackson was the only one I ever showed my childish side to. You can't blame me for being childish sometimes, because from a young age, instead of playing and enjoying my childhood, I was in the training grounds, learning how to fight.
I let go of Arthur, who still looked shocked, and noticed that the Royalties were now focused on me. Uh-oh. Like Arthur, they seemed surprised too.
The reason I think they're shocked by my behavior is, first, Astrid used to be so shy and timid that they've never seen her act like this. Second, I spoke English! The old Astrid only ever spoke pure Tagalog when talking (except for borrowed words like cake, donuts, etc.). She grew up feeling inferior because of her lack of powers, so she only used Tagalog as a sign of respect.
I heard Arthur chuckle softly, so I looked back at him. "I guess I've been too focused on studying lately that I didn't realize you've developed this side of you."
"Maybe she stabbed her brain too, and the doctor didn't notice," someone butted in.
"Asta." I heard someone, probably Farrah, scold him.
"Here's your cake. Make sure to finish it, okay?" Arthur said as he handed me a box with cake inside. We were standing by the door-he even escorted me to my room to help me out.
"Thank you, Brother."
It felt strange calling him kuya (older brother), considering I was older than him as Jamie, but now I had to.
He smiled and ruffled my hair. "I was really worried when we found you by the river with a stab wound in your stomach. I thought we'd lose you. I'm glad you're awake. Don't do that again, okay?" he said. I couldn't reply-after all, I wasn't the one who tried to end their life. It was the original Astrid. "Rest now; you'll be coming with us to the Academy tomorrow." He ruffled my hair again before leaving. I went inside, placed the cake on the table, and lay down on the bed.
'Serves you right.'
This is my first night as Astrid. So far, things are fine, but who knows what's coming in the next few days. Especially with tomorrow's entrance exam looming. I don't feel anything unusual in my body that might indicate I have powers. I was reincarnated into someone with no powers-how complicated.
The other Royals are in their rooms here in the palace. Nothing much happened earlier, aside from Asta's annoying interference. They eventually got over my dramatic entrance and continued eating as if nothing had happened.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 3
Jamie/Astrid's POV
What am I supposed to do tomorrow? I'm sure I won't pass since I have no powers. Maybe I should just leave, go live in the mountains, and have a peaceful life.
'Really, Jamie? That's your best idea?'
Ugh! I must be going crazy.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
I stopped my train of thought when I heard a soft knock coming from my closed, transparent window. I looked over but didn't see anything except a branch.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
I jumped a little when I saw the branch move-it was the one knocking on the window. Maybe it's just the wind. I stared at it closely and noticed something stuck to the branch. Curiosity got the best of me, so I stood up and went to the window. I hesitated for a moment, thinking something might pop out, but eventually, I opened it. What could go wrong, right?
A piece of paper? And a small bottle? What's this?
I grabbed the paper and the small bottle, startled as the branch pulled back. Wow. It returned to its original position. I thought it was just the wind moving it, but I guess not. Maybe someone controlled it? But who? It's not impossible in this world, since magic exists here.
I glanced outside, but there was nothing unusual. It was dark, so I closed the window and walked back to the bed with the paper and the bottle in hand.
I unfolded the paper and read what was written.
"I'm glad to know you're awake. Drink the contents of the bottle I gave you to help your wound heal quickly. Don't worry; it's safe to drink. –N."
That's all it said. I looked at the small bottle and shook it gently.
Should I drink it? A part of me wants to believe that the note is true-that my wound will heal if I drink this. I'm not really worried about poison since, as I mentioned, I'm immune to most toxins. Part of my training involved ingesting poisons because someone once laced my food during a business deal. I really thought I was going to die back then.
What could go wrong? Whatever.
I removed the cap and slowly drank the contents of the bottle. It was a bit bitter, like crushed leaves.
I waited for something to happen, but nothing did. Maybe it's a scam. I'm still alive, and as for my wound...
"Huh?"
I unwrapped the bandage around my stomach and was shocked by what I saw. The wound was gone, not even a scar remained.
I know this is a magical world, but I'm still amazed that my wound vanished just like that. It was throbbing earlier, and now not even a trace is left.
Magic, huh?...
It's already midnight, and I still can't sleep. I've been tossing and turning in bed, only ending up with wrinkled sheets. I already ate half of the cake, and I'm full, so now I'm out of things to do.
I suddenly remembered something and got up, putting on my slippers. I quietly left the room and walked down the long hallway. Luckily, I didn't get lost, thanks to Astrid's memories.
I moved like a ninja, avoiding the Royal Guards patrolling the area. After a few minutes, I finally reached my destination.
I was greeted by a fresh breeze and fireflies dancing around the riverbank. It was night, but I could still see the crystal-clear water, illuminated by the moonlight.
This is where Astrid ended her life. I never got to speak to her, but I carry her heart and mind, so I know what she felt. Her burdens were too heavy, and I understand why she chose to end it all.
Even I have thought about ending my life. When my parents died, it felt like half of me died with them. Thanks to Jackson and Mr. Kim's support, I overcame that darkness and used it as inspiration. I learned everything I could to protect myself and the people around me, something I couldn't do for my parents. But now, I can't protect anyone anymore.
"You're here... again." I was jolted from my thoughts by a voice. His tone was so cold it sent shivers down my spine. "Are you planning to kill yourself again?" Aaron asked. He was standing right in front of me.
"What?! Of course not! Can't I just be trying to tire myself out so I can sleep?" I retorted.
He just stared at me seriously, making me scowl.
Why is this old guy here? He's ruining the peace of the place.
If Asta seemed like the next demon from hell, Aaron was like he was conceived in ice by the queen during her pregnancy. His gaze was cold, his face always serious, as if he didn't know how to smile. In his dealings with Astrid, it was as if she didn't exist. He didn't yell at or scold her like Asta did, but he wasn't as caring as Arthur either. To him, Astrid was just air.
I was currently sitting on a large rock by the river, picking up small stones and tossing them into the water. Aaron stood nearby, hands in his pockets, staring at the clear river.
Among the siblings, Aaron had the best chance of inheriting the throne. Not because he was the eldest, though. Here, it didn't depend on whether you were the firstborn to inherit the throne. Every child of the king had a chance to prove they were worthy, whether they were the eldest or not. Even Astrid could inherit the throne, if only she were as strong as her siblings.
Neither Aaron nor I said a word. I don't know why he suddenly appeared here, but now I couldn't enjoy the scenery with him lurking like a ghost. I didn't want to leave, though. Hello? I was here first.
"Mary had a lover then, he went out to sail again
And when he left her dead and gone, she had nothing to hold on
Mary wants to run away, she no longer wants to stay
Girls like her wait in the dark for someone who will save her heart..."
by Belle Mariano to ease the awkwardness. We looked like a couple having a lover's quarrel, and we weren't even speaking to each other! And he's my brother-this frozen guy! Astrid's voice was surprisingly beautiful. If Jackson were here, I'd brag to him about my new voice. He looks like a monkey eating powder when he sings.
"So now you suddenly know how to sing, huh? Is that what you gained from stabbing yourself?" he said.
What a harsh guy. Can't I sing just to lighten the mood? I shot him a nasty look and rolled my eyes. Let him wonder why Astrid suddenly knew how to act like a brat.
By the way, there's no trace of a stab wound on my body anymore. Thanks to whoever gave me that medicine. I wonder who it was. There was only an initial 'N' written on it. Why would they give me the medicine, though? Are they a stalker? Maybe they want a sparring partner?
I kept my eyes on the river but could still see Aaron in my peripheral vision. He moved his hand, and suddenly the wind grew stronger. Surprised, I looked at him, and he was now holding what looked like a transparent ball-an air ball!
Seriously... Did he come here just to show off his powers?
I clapped my hands as I looked at the rock across the river. It cracked when Aaron threw the air ball at it earlier.
"That's amazing! Do it again! Hit that one!" I said excitedly, pointing at another rock. I'd never seen anything like this before in my life, so I wanted to see more!
"No..."
I pouted at his response. I finally made a request, only to get turned down. Why did he even show off if he wasn't going to do more? Should I flying-kick him?
"You should try it," he said, which made me frown even more. Was he serious?
"What do you mean, 'you should try it'? I don't even have powers, remember? Why don't you just do it? You're being such a tease," I said. He turned to me with a serious look. Well, excuse me for not being serious.
"You can't pass the exam tomorrow if you can't release your Element. I know it's inside you. Now, give it a try."
He really was serious.
I didn't know what had gotten into him, coming here to talk to me in the middle of the night and telling me to "release my Element."
In the 16 years Astrid lived, she had tried countless times to release this so-called "Element" but had never succeeded. That's why she was labeled "The Weak Princess." And now he was telling me to try?
I stood up and faced him. It was just a try. There was no harm in trying, right? Who knows, something might come out, and that would be cool.
"Close your eyes and concentrate... Imagine that something inside you wants to break free."
I did as he said and closed my eyes. I imagined that something wanted to escape from me. I focused hard on what I was doing, picturing something coming out of my hand, like his.
After a few moments, it felt like... something was pulling at me. I could hear Aaron speaking, but I couldn't understand his words because of the heaviness I felt. My eyes remained shut, and the force pulling at me grew stronger. I also felt the sudden rise in wind.
I didn't know what was happening until I gasped for breath and collapsed to the ground, someone suddenly grabbing my hand. It was like I had just escaped the heaviest thing in my life. Before I could completely fall onto the grass, someone caught me. My body felt weak as I opened my eyes. I saw Aaron's concerned face as he supported me.
'What just happened?'
"Astrid, are you okay? Hey."
I let myself breathe for a moment before attempting to stand. My body still felt weak and heavy, but luckily, Aaron helped me up. It was his fault, after all. I couldn't help but laugh a little when I saw his face. His serious expression was gone, replaced by worry. If Astrid were here, she'd probably be delighted to see her cold brother looking concerned for her.
I wasn't sure if I had released the Element he was talking about. If that was the Element, it sure was hard to bring out.
"Can you stand?" Aaron asked when I let go of his support.
"What do you mean, Brother Ah-Ah-Ron? Of course, I can-"
I didn't even finish my sentence before I suddenly felt faint. My body couldn't take it anymore, and I lost consciousness.
To Be Continued...