Royalty

Layla Lightborn's/ Cassiopeia Silvermoon's POV

Out of the blue, Carlisle kissed me – a tender and sweet moment, yet utterly perplexing. It felt like being swept into a storm, but the 'why' remained elusive. Caught in the kiss, I grappled with a dilemma: Should I go with the flow or hit pause?

I was not Cassiopeia, and I was not even sure who she was. Should I intervene and spill the beans about this whole soul reboot situation? Would he believe that I've been reborn? I could barely believe it myself.

The room held its breath, mirroring my uncertainty. The kiss transformed into an odd moment teetering between the known and the utterly mysterious. I stood there, entangled in this strange connection, wondering if the already perplexing situation was about to escalate.

And yet, as much as I wanted to stop, Carlisle's lips were undeniably soft, and his warmth drew me in. Hesitation and confusion gripped me, making the decision to pull away all the more challenging. His hands found my hair, and I found myself clinging closer to him. His wild scent was intoxicating, and already, I wanted nothing more but to drown in it. 

"Oh, my Cassie," he said in between kisses, "I have missed you so much."

I kept my eyes closed. I wanted to savor the moment. However, it was mostly because I did not know what to tell the Duke, or how to react. Maybe, if I play along whatever is happening, I will finally really wake up and know that this is just a dream.

Carlisle continued to kiss me, his hands now roaming down my body. I could feel the tingles coming from them as his touch electrified my skin. I knew I shouldn't be doing this. I knew I should be trying to figure out what on earth had really happened, but here I was, enjoying his warmth, basking in the love he was willing to give me. 

Or maybe, I was trying to run away from the pain. 

I winced inwardly, and my wolf stirred. The memory of Magnus's rejection still hurt. It twinged with every beat of my heart, but I could not afford to be drowned by it again. Pushing away all the memories of my previous pack, I kissed Carlisle deeper. 

My tongue met his. And for a moment, I thought I would be disgusted by the idea of kissing a stranger.

But he wasn't totally a stranger.

I knew his face, I knew his name, before I even saw him. I did not know why, but as I roamed my fingers across his back, I realized something. 

Cassiopeia's memories.

The jumbled images in my head, those strange faces of people I did not know, those things I have not yet seen but could remember. They were Cassiopeia's memories. It was as if my mind and hers were fused into one, and I had access to all of them.   

And this was all the work of the Moon Goddess. I knew it. In my heart and in my bones. I knew she had blessed me with this. My second chance at life. My second chance at love.

As we pulled apart, I felt a bit frustrated, wishing for more. Yet, I could only gaze at his flawless face, wishing for a different set of circumstances.

Carlisle smiled at me, his eyes still teary. "I'm sorry about the accident," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I feared the worst, my love. The thought of losing you... it haunted me."

Images surged within my head, a flood of memories from Cassiopeia's life. The car accident on the way to the Capitol played like a horror movie, the scenes so vivid that I had to shake my head to banish them. The injuries were severe, making it seem impossible for Cassiopeia to survive. The pain in her body, the wreckage – it was almost too much to bear.

Carlisle noticed my distress and asked, "Is something wrong?"

I quickly assured him, "No, nothing's wrong," offering a smile as I reached for his face. Oh, Goddess. His skin is so soft. 

Concern still etched on his face, he questioned further, "Are you sure you're okay? Any injuries or pain?"

I shook my head. "I'm fine, Your Gr-, I mean, Carlisle."

"Are you well enough to move? Would you like to rest a bit more?"

With a reassuring nod, I said, "I've rested enough."

His smile returned, and he nodded, saying, "Come on, my love. Let me show you to the court. They're all excited to see you back on your feet again."

I stared down at my nightgown, perplexed by the choice of attire. "In my nightgown?" I queried, seeking clarity.

Carlisle's response was a warm, reassuring smile. "It doesn't matter what you wear. You're beautiful," he uttered, a sentiment that painted a delicate blush across my cheeks.

Cassiopeia, the woman whose life I seemed to have slipped into, was undoubtedly fortunate to have such an affectionate man by her side. Returning the smile, I instinctively clutched the folds of my nightgown and nodded at him.

As we left the room, Carlisle's hand enclosed mine, guiding me through the opulent corridors of the Duke's castle. The air exuded a sense of regality, from the intricate designs gracing the walls to the richly adorned tapestries that told tales of the Duke's lineage. Overhead, chandeliers bathed the surroundings in a soft, golden glow, adding to the overall majesty of the castle. As we passed by, the guards offered respectful bows, acknowledging our presence.

We continued to walk, leading us to the courtyard—a vast expanse that buzzed with activity. My eyes scanned the unfamiliar faces, yet there lingered a sense of recognition, a residue of Cassiopeia's memories that danced at the edges of my consciousness. 

The surroundings were a spectacle of grandeur. Towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings framed the courtyard. Vibrant flowers lined the pathways, their colors bursting forth in a riot of hues. The sound of water gently trickling from a nearby fountain added a soothing melody to the atmosphere. The courtyard  also had well-manicured gardens and carefully paved pathways.

Faces turned toward us as we approached, curiosity and welcome evident in the gazes of the assembled courtiers. I could feel the weight of their collective attention, a mix of scrutiny and admiration, as they witnessed my return. Carlisle, ever the gracious Duke, turned to address the small gathering.

"My beloved Court, I would like you to welcome again my dearest wife,"  he announced, his voice resonating through the courtyard. "Duchess Cassiopeia Silvermoon is back."