(Part 2)

The guards were much more cautious in how they treated me but still did not act according to my station. They settled me in a room and sent some maids in to draw my bath for me. I noticed a standing mirror and walked up to it to see how pitiful I looked. Perhaps with the rags and bloody head, it may be understandable that the viscountess, what was her name again, Ruby, yes...no...Emerald...what a strange name, perhaps she couldn't recognize me in my state. As I looked in the mirror I felt a chill run all through my body. It became hard to breathe my chest hurt, and my eyes bulged. I was not myself! What had happened? Whose body was this? For it was not mine! How could this be possible? The shock was overwhelming. My legs gave out. I sat there by the mirror shaking and dazed.

Several weeks had passed. I had learned that I was at a great house in the kingdom of Alengore. How I got so far from my kingdom I could not fathom, but they had treated me well enough. Although, nobody believed my story. I couldn't blame them. I would not have believed myself. I tried explaining things but nothing made sense, to them, nor me. How could I tell them what had happened when I did not understand it myself?

There was a knock at my door. "Enter," I said. I still felt like a king, even if I didn't look it.

"Edward. We must talk." It was Emerald. For the first time, she was alone.

"Yes?" I wasn't sure how to respond but something about her demeanor was different. Emerald paused as if thinking hard about something. I chose to let her take her time. Several moments passed then she hesitantly said "I have come myself to help you escape. I don't understand what is going on but chaos is afoot. Instead of responding to my carrier pigeon a retinue from Darnian has come to my house. They are demanding to see you at once and escort you back to the kingdom for questioning. I am not saying I believe you, but something isn't right. I can help you escape...but we must move quickly.

"I thought about things for a moment. "If they are my people I should probably go with them. We have been at war and my kingdom needs me. I'm sure with enough time we can figure this out. While I appreciate your concern I assure you my people are loyal to me. Please take me to them." I began to head for the door.

"Wait..." Emerald looked heavy-hearted. "I have ordered everyone to not tell you anything, in case somehow you are who you say you are, but your kingdom has fallen. There is a new king now. A king not of your line. Please, we must go quickly, my servants can only stall for so long. To make matters worse...you are reported to be dead. I can't believe I'm saying what I'm saying, referring to you as the dead king Edward...but we must hurry!" As if summoning the chaos herself the clang of swords and screams rang in the distance.

(Not sure if I can pick up a part 3 cause this one got away from me. I guess I'll see if anyone wants one)