บท 3: Melissa

''Wah-wah,'' the soft crying sound of a child echoed in the room, reaching my ears and pulling me from the depths of unconsciousness.

A peculiar sensation of perplexity came over me as I cautiously opened my eyes to the surroundings. I discovered myself in the body of a newborn, a tiny, delicate vessel that couldn't possible hold my previous life's memories and experiences. My thoughts were confused by confusion as I attempted to understand the truth of my predicament.

But then, I was greeted by a heartwarming sight - a beautiful woman beside me. Her eyes were an enchanting shade of pink, a rarity that captivated my gaze. Her long, curly hair, black as the night, cascaded down her shoulders, and despite the tiredness etched on her face and the sheen of sweat on her brow, she wore a warm smile as she cradled me, a tiny baby, in her arms.

The warmth from her gentle touch enveloped me, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of love and happiness emanating from her. It was a feeling so familiar, one that I hadn't experienced since my time in Seoul. Memories of my mother flooded my mind - the way she cared for me, protected me, and loved me unconditionally. She, too, had held me in her arms with a tenderness that made me feel like the most precious thing in her life.

The person holding me, their mysterious smile still lingering, continued to speak in a language I couldn't understand. As I strained to peer into the woman's eyes, I could see her lips moving, as if whispering something significant.

''My dear Melissa, I've been waiting for you for a long time,'' she said, her voice melodic and enchanting, echoing in the vast white realm.

Her words sent a shiver down my spine, the weight of their meaning escaping me. Who was she, and why had she been waiting for me?

Despite my confusion, I couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty. With each smile that graced her lips, she seemed to exude a divine aura, and for a moment, I felt privileged to stand before a person of such celestial grace.

''My dear, you are so cute,'' she cooed, her eyes filled with fondness as she gazed upon me.

Her praise warmed my heart, and I blushed at her endearing compliment. But amidst the overwhelming emotions, questions surged to the forefront of my mind.

'Who is this lady? and where the hell am I?'

************************************

In that golden afternoon, the sun cast its warm embrace upon the regal palace, illuminating the opulent halls adorned with intricate tapestries and glistening chandeliers.

The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement, for within the walls of this majestic abode, a momentous event was unfolding.

''Your Highness,'' my voice echoed urgently through the opulent corridors of the palace, the resounding click of her heels resonating with each determined step. With a sense of purpose, I swiftly made my way to the grand office of the King, where the weight of responsibility and authority bore down upon me.

Breathless, I found myself standing before the majestic doors, adorned with intricate carvings depicting the kingdom's rich history. The polished wood gleamed under the warm glow of chandeliers that illuminated the room with an ethereal radiance. The air was thick with anticipation, the anticipation of a momentous event unfolding within the royal chambers.

Pushing open the doors, I entered the vast expanse of the King's office, its walls adorned with priceless paintings and shelves lined with ancient tomes of wisdom. The air carried the faint scent of fragrant flowers, carefully arranged in ornate vases that brought a touch of nature's beauty to the otherwise regal setting.

Before me stood the majestic figure of the King, a commanding presence that demanded reverence and respect. His regal attire, adorned with intricate embroidery, emphasized his status as the ruler of the realm. His eyes, a deep shade of emerald, flickered with curiosity and a hint of excitement as he looked towards me, eager for news.

''The queen has given birth to a Princess, Your Highness,'' I announced, my voice steady despite the rush of emotions within me.

A glimmer of joy lit up the King's face, and he wasted no time in issuing his command. ''Let's go, get me there.''

Without hesitation, I turned on my heels, leading the way with the swiftness of a loyal servant. The royal retinue followed, their footsteps echoing in harmony with mine as we embarked on the urgent journey to the chambers where the queen had brought new life into the world.

The halls we traversed seemed to stretch endlessly, adorned with tapestries that depicted the kingdom's heraldry and the bravery of its warriors. The echoes of history whispered through the grand halls, each footstep carrying a sense of purpose and honor.

As we approached the royal birthing chambers, the air was filled with an air of anticipation and excitement. The door was adorned with delicate carvings of blooming flowers, symbolizing the birth of a new era in the kingdom's lineage.

''Yes, Your Highness,'' I responded with utmost reverence, her voice reflecting the gravity of the moment.

Together, we rushed towards the room where the queen lay, her aura one of strength and grace even in this vulnerable moment.

The room was filled with soft candlelight, casting a warm glow upon the queen's face as she cradled the newborn Princess in her arms.

''Congratulations, Your Highness,'' I said, my voice filled with heartfelt sincerity, as I offered my respects to the Queen and the tiny bundle of joy that had just entered the world.

The King's eyes shimmered with a mixture of pride and tenderness as he approached the queen and their newborn daughter. ''She is beautiful,'' he whispered, his voice tinged with awe.

A tender smile graced the queen's lips, and she gently extended a hand, inviting the King to share in the precious moment. ''Indeed, she is,'' she replied, her voice soft and filled with motherly affection.

As I stood witness to this extraordinary sight, my heart swelled with admiration and awe. It was a moment of profound significance, one that would forever change the course of the kingdom's history.

In the embrace of their love, the King and Queen welcomed their newborn Princess into a world of promise and hope, a world she would shape with her very existence. The weight of responsibility, of nurturing and guiding the future of the realm, now rested upon her tiny shoulders.

And so, amidst the grandeur of the royal palace, the circle of life continued its eternal dance, as the past intertwined with the present, and the future lay before us, waiting to be written in the annals of history. The birth of the Princess heralded a new chapter in the kingdom's story.

I stood there, a witness to the unfolding of destiny, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for being a part of this momentous occasion. The kingdom had again been blessed with a newborn Princess, and the promise of her future burned bright like a guiding star, illuminating the path ahead.