I was surprised she knew I had fallen from above. I was still in shock—and yet, she struck me. But I ignored it. I tied my hair back tightly and whispered, "I just want to go home."
As soon as she heard me, she paused.
"There is someone who can help you," she said calmly, then began walking again.
"Who is he?" I asked, unable to contain the desperation in my voice.
She simply pointed to the distance.
I followed the direction of her finger, confused. "What do you mean?"
She gently patted my head. "Our king. Maybe he can help you."
I frowned, unsettled. A king? Why would a king help someone like me—someone not even from his world?
"No," I said finally, shaking my head. "Your king can't help me. He might even want me dead."
She laughed softly. "Our king is not so merciful," she said with an unreadable smile.
That didn't comfort me.
Still, what other choice did I have?
I looked at the horse nearby, its chest rising slowly, as though even it was exhausted by this world. Could this king really help me? I had no one. No answers. And no other way out.
So I followed her toward the palace.
The closer we got, the more alien it felt. Soldiers in strange armor guarded every entrance. This was not a world that welcomed outsiders.
My thoughts were interrupted when one of the guards stepped aside and opened the heavy door for Isabella. I stared, stunned.
"You…" I whispered, looking at her in disbelief.
She took my hand without a word and led me inside. The palace glimmered with light and silence. Every hallway echoed like it remembered secrets.
I had so many questions.
"What is this place?" I murmured. "How did I even get here?"
Isabella just smiled and said, "Be patient. You'll get your answers soon."
She stopped outside a grand wooden door and knocked. A voice from within called, "Come in."
She pushed the door open and led me inside.
My breath caught.
"You…" I gasped, eyes locked on the man standing in the center of the room.
Isabella tilted her head. "You know my brother?"
"Your brother?" I turned to her, stunned. "He's your brother?"
The man stepped forward with a calm, steady gaze. "Yes," he said. "We've met before."
His presence was strange—familiar, yet foreign. He reached out his hand. "I'm Gabriel."
Even his name felt like it came from a storybook.
I pulled my hand back instinctively, uneasy. My heart raced, sweat lining my forehead.
Gabriel glanced at Isabella. "Go rest," he said softly. "I'll speak with your friend."
Then, turning to me, he said gently, "Let's get you some fresh air."
I didn't want to accept his help—but I could barely stand. I nodded.
We stepped outside. The cool air was a relief.
He walked quietly beside me. And then I asked the question burning in my mind:
"Who are you?"
He smiled. "Me? I am the king of this realm."
The way he said it left no room for doubt. He didn't need to prove it—his presence alone was enough.
I couldn't stop myself. "If you're the king… can you help me get home?"
He paused, thoughtful. "Perhaps. But the creature who brought you here—your horse—it's still sick. Until it recovers, neither of you can return."
My chest tightened. My eyes filled with tears.
He noticed and added gently, "Don't worry. It's being treated. In two days, it should be well again."
Two days. That didn't sound so bad. I let myself exhale.
He raised a hand, summoning a group of attendants—men and women dressed in fine fabrics.
"Prepare the best guest room for her," he ordered. "And make sure she eats."
The staff hurried away. I was still staring at him, trying to place the feeling in my chest. He felt too familiar. And then, foolishly, I blurted:
"You've been to my world, haven't you?"
He looked at me with surprise, then nodded.
"Yes," he said softly. "I've spent years there. Even now, when I miss it, I visit—just to watch a movie or walk through a park."
There was something about the way he said it… like he meant every word.
I followed him to the dining hall in silence. The food was unlike anything I'd ever seen—rich, colorful, strange.
Afterwards, he walked me to a grand room and stopped outside the door.
"This is your room, young lady," he said. Then he smiled. "Rest. We'll talk more soon."
As he turned to leave, a strange thought crossed my mind.
"Can I call you… Meter Gadde?" I asked suddenly, not even sure why.
He gave a crooked smile. "That's an odd name," he said. "But sure, if you like."
He didn't ask where it came from. He just accepted it.
I entered the room, and gasped.
It was stunning.
Silk sheets, glowing lanterns, a bed like a cloud, air scented with something soft and unfamiliar. It was the most beautiful room I'd ever seen.
Without thinking, I lay down.
I hadn't even changed clothes. I didn't shower. I just… collapsed.
And sleep took me like a whisper in the dark.