Chapter Two: Broken Memories

Chapter Two: Broken Memories

The First Night

I didn't sleep that night. How could I sleep surrounded by so many mysteries?

Aizen sat in his corner like an elegant statue, even in sleep, looking polite and disciplined. As for Sebastian, he fidgeted in his chains, whispering names I couldn't understand, as if he were experiencing a nightmare he couldn't escape.

"Sebastian," I whispered in the dark.

He opened his eyes immediately, as if he hadn't been asleep at all. "Yes, miss?"

"Tell me about... about Shaw."

He was silent for a long time, then heaved a deep sigh. "Mr. Shaw... was too kind-hearted to rule such a cruel kingdom."

"Was?" My heart stopped for a moment.

"No, he's still alive," Sebastian quickly corrected, "but... the man I knew died the day they arrested you."

Jumbled Memories

The next day, pieces of memories began to creep into my mind like shards of broken glass. The sound of deep, warm laughter...

A large hand wipes the tears from my face...

A voice says, "Don't be afraid, Georgina. I'm here."

I wake from my swoon to find Aizen wiping my forehead with a wet cloth. "The memories are starting to come back?"

I nodded weakly. "Only fragments... but it hurts."

"Pain is normal," he said gently, "You've experienced not only the death of the body, but also the death of the memories. The new soul needs time to merge with the old memories."

"The new soul?" I stared at him. "How does she know?"

He gave a sad smile. "Because the real Georgina wouldn't have asked about Mr. Schue. She knew all about him."

An Unexpected Visit

That afternoon, footsteps echoed in the corridor. These weren't the ordinary guards' feet—these were the feet of someone important.

Aizen and Sebastian stood up immediately, even if the latter was in chains.

"His Highness Prince Edward," Aizen whispered.

A tall man entered, with shining golden hair and cold blue eyes. He was dressed in royal finery, but his face was as hard as stone.

"Georgina," he said in a calm, measured voice, "I'm finally awake."

I didn't answer. Something in his gaze made me shiver.

"I know you're wondering about my brother," he continued, as if reading my thoughts, "Dear Sho... he still won't eat until he's assured you're okay."

"Where is he?" I asked, barely audible.

He laughed dryly. "In a much worse place than here. But don't worry, you can see him... if you agree to my terms."

The Deal

"What are your terms?" Sebastian asked sharply.

Prince Edward looked at him with contempt. "Servants don't speak in the presence of royalty."

"He's not just a servant," I said with a force I had no idea where it came from, "he's family."

The prince raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Interesting... The old Georgina wouldn't have stood up for anyone."

He turned directly to me. "The condition is simple. I want you to tell Shaw that you no longer love him. To ask him to renounce his claim to the throne and disappear forever."

My heart clenched. Although I didn't remember the details of my relationship with Shaw, the thought of betraying him made me feel sick.

"And if you refuse?"

He smiled wickedly. "You will watch him executed before your eyes. Slowly. And painfully."

The Impossible Choice

After the prince left, silence fell over the dungeon.

"Don't do this," Sebastian said, his voice cracking. "Lord Shaw would rather die than see you lie to him."

"But if I don't, he will!"

"And if you do, his soul will die," Aizen chimed in softly, "and the man I loved will disappear forever."

"Loved him?" That word made my heart dance painfully.

Suddenly, I remembered something...

"I swear to you, Georgina, no matter what, I will protect you. Even if it costs me the throne of the entire kingdom."

It was Shaw's voice. I knew it now. A voice full of love and determination.

Decision

"I want to see him," I said firmly. "I'll agree to see him, but not to tell him I don't love him."

Aizen and Sebastian looked at me in surprise.

"Rather, I'll tell him the truth. I'll tell him that I'm not the Georgina he knows, but... but I want to be her."

I stood up despite my weak body. "And if Prince Edward wants a toy, I'll give him one he won't forget."

Sebastian smiled for the first time in a long time. "Now... now I begin to see the real Georgina return."

Preparations

That night, Aizen and Sebastian concocted a simple plan. They knew the castle well, and they knew Edward's weaknesses as well.

"The prince is arrogant," Aizen explained. "He likes to feel superior. Take advantage of that."

"And most importantly," Sebastian added, "remember that Mr. Schue spent three months in total seclusion. He will be weak, but his heart is still strong."

I looked out the small window of the dungeon, where the moonlight was timidly filtering in.

Tomorrow, I would see the man Georgiana loved. The man I might learn to love, too.

But most of all—tomorrow, a new game would begin. A game from which Prince Edward would not emerge victorious.

Continued in Chapter Three...