“We’re so glad you’re safe! We were worried if the evil king have gotten you  - “ Emil sniffed. “We’re so happy – “ he added.

“Err….” I said. “I don’t know what’s going on, but – “ I said. “I’m not the princess.” I told them as I awkwardly scratched my cheek. It’s better to avoid some misunderstandings.

“Huh?” they said, shocked.

I awkwardly smiled and grinned as I looked at the knight before me. “I’m not…” I said when my gaze suddenly caught the sight of the sword glistening and hanging by the waist of the knight. I froze. Now, what? I thought as they stared at me. I felt a cold sweat streamed down my forehead. “A… ahahaha…” I laughed nervously. Shit! How do I get out of here?! I thought. They might kill me! I thought. “Ah!” I said, then touched my head. “Oww!” I cried and closed my eyes tight as I clutched my forehead with both of my hands.

“Th… the princess!” they exclaimed and suddenly panicked.

“Your Highness! Are you alright?” the knight asked, worried. “What happened?” he asked.

“I’m… I’m dizzy…” I answered as my eyelids dropped, hiding the gleam in my eyes. For now, I’ll just act as their princess. I thought. I’d not be the highest-paid and most in-demand actress for nothing! I secretly grinned evilly. I’ll taint my name if I can’t even do this! I thought. “I… I remember now… the evil king… ow!” I said and lowered my head as I act feeling faint. “I’m… I’m – “ I said, then fainted.

“The princess!” they cried.

“Your Highness!” the knight cried as he immediately but carefully carried him… princess-style.

Damn. So this is where the word ‘princess-style’ originated! When these frail princess faints and then were carried after! Heh. Just you wait! I’ll get the hell out of here once I find the way how to get out here! This world! I thought as my consciousness really faded.

-----

“Mmnh…” I groaned. “What happened?” I asked, sleepy. Heh! Of course, I’m just acting! 

“Your Highness! You’re awake!” the knight exclaimed after he saw me woke up.

I looked around. “Where… am I?” I asked. The room is wide it could fit five of my apartment room. Could this be…? My eyes slowly widened in realization. 

“Your room, Your Highness.” The knight answered.  

I sucked in a cold breath as I looked at the lavish room. I knew it! I thought. I took a deep breath to calm myself. “How long did I sleep?” I asked, though I already know the answer.

“About half a day, Your Highness.” The knight answered.

I grimaced secretly. That’s the most difficult task I did as an actress! I thought. And I haven’t even paid for that! “Oh.” I muttered.

“It’s okay, Your Highness. You could rest for today.” The knight told me. “I’ll inform the queen that you need to – “ he said.

I cut him off. “The queen?” I asked. “My… mother?” I asked as my eyes widened.

“Yes, Your Highness.” The knight answered.

Oh, my god! I thought the princess is orphaned! I thought and secretly grimaced. “Err…” I said. What to do? The queen is coming! “Where… where is she now?” I asked.

The knight suddenly gasped. “You like to ask for an audience… oh! Yes, of course, Your Highness!” he said and immediately rose from his seat.

“Huh?”

“How could I forget?” he knight muttered as if he is blaming himself. “I’ll call the queen immediately, Your Highness!” he said, then bowed. He immediately went out of my room.

“Wha… wait!” I said. Too late. “Shit! What should I do? The princess’s mother is coming – “ I muttered.

“I knew it.” I heard a voice said. I turned. “You’re really not the princess.” she said. 

Who could it be but - “Vice!” I exclaimed. She’s standing in the terrace.

Her face is stern. “I didn’t expect you’d deceive the people.” She said as she coldly glared at me. “If I should’ve known you’d only fool the people – “ she said.

I immediately cut her off. “Wait! Wait a minute!” I said as I got off the bed and walked towards her. “My name is Yelena! I didn’t know that’s also this kingdom’s lost princess’s name!” I said. “I didn’t mean to deceive them. If I told them the truth last night, they’d kill me – “ I explained.

“No. They would still believe you’re the princess.” She said.

“Huh?” I looked at her.

She sighed. She entered the room. “This kingdom has been yearning for the comeback of the princess for 20 long years.” She started. “You came back at the exact date when the princess was lost. You also bear the name of the princess.” she said, then went to a table. “And then…” she said and took a picture. “You also had the same look as the princess’s.” she said, then showed me the picture.

My eyes went wide with shock. “This is…me.” I said, looking at my face when I was a child.

“No. This isn’t you. This is Princess Yelena.” She said. I frowned. She looked at me. Her eyes are cold as ice. “Where did you come from, exactly?” she asked.

I looked straight in his eyes. “My country, America – “ I answered.

“Haven’t heard of it – “ she said.

“How would you know? Since your mind’s stuck in this place – “ I said, then stopped. I looked at her suspiciously. “How the heck do you know all about this kingdom?” I asked.

“I’m from here – “ she answered.

“Liar.” I said. “You’re not telling the truth – “ I told her.

“You’re deceiving them – “ she said.

“Why should you care? If I know, you’re also deceiving – “ I said.

She cut me off. “Enough!” she snapped.

“Huh? What’s going on here?” Emil asked. “Who are you?” he asked, then took out his sword before he pointed it to Vice.  

“She’s a guest.” I answered. “Right?” I asked Vice as I looked at her. Vice nodded.

Emil sighed, relieved. “Your Highness.” He said and bowed to me. “The queen has arrived.” He said.

An old woman entered. She’s emitting a noble aura. She should be. She’s a queen. I thought and saw her looked at me. Her tears fell. “Yelena…” she cried, then ran towards me and hugged me tight.

So warm… I thought. My tears fell. “M – mom…” I called, then hugged her back. I don’t know why… her embrace is so familiar… and warm. I sobbed. “Mom…” I cried.

“Yelena… it’s okay.” She said, rubbing my back. “Welcome home.” She told me.

My cry got louder. She just chuckled and more tears fell from her. “Mom…” I called.

She let go of me. “Yelena… listen. Your father – “ she said and sighed.

My eyes went wide. “What happened to him?” I asked, nervous.

 “He – “

The door opened loudly. A tall and handsome middle-aged man entered bearing the aura of a royalty. “Where did that idiot daughter of mine go?!” he asked aggressively.

“Ha!” I gasped. “What the – “

The king looked at me. “I knew it!” he said, then marched towards me. “You just ran away, didn’t you?!” he asked.

“Wha – “ I speechlessly looked at him, agape.

“Dear! Stop it! I know that you know that isn’t what happened!” the queen said. “She’s so young, barely a child, when she disappeared. How can she run away by herself?!” she asked. “You know that’s not it… she… don’t deceive yourself.” She told him.

The king sighed. “Sorry.” He said, and his tears fell. He hugged me. “Welcome home, Yelene.” He said and hugged me tighter.

The queen smiled. “Now, now…” she said when his cries got louder.

“My daughter…” the king called.

I smiled as my tears fell.