“A new earthquake record has been recorded. It is the Terresa earthquake.”

I found myself drifting in front of a huge television where people stopped to watch. It was in a big city.

“Officially just under ten thousands of deaths have been reported while more than thousands of people are missing and that is only officially,” the news reporter continued, taking a deep breath, “Even famous influencers, celebrities, models, majors,and many other people have died.” her voice shook and a tear rolled down her cheek.

The crowd said nothing although they were sighing in grief, and the atmosphere was heavy. They continued watching the live broadcast.

“Excuse me,” she got a tissue from her co-worker and carried on. “Here are the current photos.”

Many famous building’s before and after showed up. Parliaments, towers, schools, hospitals, houses and cities. She was calling out the highlighted victimes from each one of them.

By this time, the pedestrians shared each others warmth and shoulders. Even the cars stopped as they got off their cars.

The Loreal Academy showed up. It was destroyed, although part of the emergency exit building miraculously survived.

The reporter started reading out the names again. Please let Callista be alive, I pleaded.

“And the last official death, but not least, our most favourite child model and actor, Ambrose Callista Amargo.” she finished letting out a sigh.

The crowd gasped in disbelief and grief but not only for Callista. There were many people, especially kids who had a long life waiting for them, were dead.

I sighed, tears rolling down my cheek as I continued watching the survivors talking about the earthquake. I hated how the reporters asked about something so bad and traumatizing. Can they not?

“Next, we have the Euse academy where many athletes have graduated and...” her voice became steadier. “Miraculously, the people here and the school didn’t suffer as much damage as the other countries and the surrounding area for some reason. There aren’t many casualties. It is now used as an emergency shelter.” she took another deep breath. “As their only death victim, Cressida Reyna Amargo, and according to her friends she was a distant relative of Ambrose. Moving on, we managed to interview one of the victims and a friend who was with Reyna ‘till her last moments, of the Euse Academy.”

A video took over the screen. It was Joa! I was relieved to see his face, alive and well but the look on his face was devastating. Guilt build up my throat. He looked like he'd been crying for hours. Chares and the others stood around him, patting his back looking down.

He seemed to be telling the reporter my final moments.

“I don’t know how she did it but,” he sniffled, “While she was pushing the wall, I unlocked this thing and the floor just opened and she told me to go.” Joa closed his eyes. “And then I jumped.”

The crowd fell more silent although there wasn’t much difference. The cars by now really stopped to watch what the crowd was looking at.

“I’m sorry guys...” I choked.

The video went back and the announcer’s face came back up. “So please, donate food or any supplies to help the people who are suffering now,” the announcer said.

“Your Majesty!” said a voice. My vision shattered.

I sat back up, touching my cheeks. The pillow felt wet and my cheeks were wet.

“Were you having a nightmare, Your Majesty?” Sara asked.

“It’s alright.” I said, although it sounded like I was convincing myself.

“If you say so,” Luckily she didn't ask more questions. “We have to get you ready for today!”

I took a quick bath and freshened up. It was more or less rare for a noble to soak up two days in a row unless they were newlyweds.

While Sara was brushing my hair and the other maids were picking which suit I should wear. I stared blankly at the table, shocked by the present in modern life. Then I realized this was my chance of asking her a question.

“Sara.” I said. “Sara, did you perhaps enter my room last night?” I studied her face in the mirror.

“I haven’t your majesty. Did anyone enter?”

“Maybe. But it might've been a dream.”

Sara seemed to be telling the truth. Plus the leading voice I heard yesterday felt more mocking than a gentle voice. Then who were they? I had to be careful with the other maids as well then, just in case.

“Your Majesty, it’s done.”

I checked myself in the mirror although there wasn’t much to check. Not bad. They did my hair in a normal ponytail with some small ringlets around my face. The suit was actually well… suited and comfortable although looking forward to watching the competition under the blazing hot sun. I should wear something lighter and easy to wear. I sled the dagger in the secret pocket in the suit. I looked one more time at my own reflection, and I walked out of the room.