I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, each singing their very own melody. I could feel someone tugging my comfy blankets, so I pulled them back.

"No, I don't care if I'm late for school. Just give me five more minutes, mom." I mumbled as I cover myself, snuggling like a cat back to sleep.

"Mom? I apologize, young miss, but I'm afraid I am unable to be your mother." A raspy voice answered regretfully.

She's right. She definitely doesn't sound like my mother.

Then... Who is this woman?

"THIEF?!" I rose up from my bed, staring dumbfounded at the old woman in front of me.

Her wrinkly face turned pale as she hurriedly waved her hands as polite as she could muster. "Oh no no no! You must have forgotten about me, young miss! I'm the maid personally assigned to assist you during your days here at the palace!"

I kept staring at her, confused. Suddenly, a clang of heavy armor strutted inside the room. Two soldiers, medieval-looking ones, came in and inspected the scene.

Soldiers?! With all the armor and shields and—

...Swords...

I instinctively grabbed onto the blankets tighter, as if hanging on to dear life.

"We heard a scream with the word thief, so we came to see what was going on." One of the soldiers spoke up, "Perhaps this old woman had been trying to steal from you, taking advantage of your slumber, young miss?"

The old woman immediately went paler than before. Eyes filled with tears, she knelt down and clutched onto the side of the bed.

"Please, young miss! You must not like me for I am of old age and move slower than the others, but I beg of you to not let these soldiers take me to the dungeons!" she implored.

"Your actions are serving as a huge disrespect to the young miss! Do not force her to do things as you please!" the soldier began to hold onto her arms, dragging her to the cold marble floor.

Hey! You shouldn't treat an old lady like that!

I tried to compose myself, despite the panic bubbling within me. This was no time to be the typical not-doing-anything cliché character.

"Let the poor old lady go. You're treating her so pitifully." I demanded with a statement full of authority from within.

Huh? Why do I speak like this?

"Y-Yet you said—" the other soldier reacted.

"I was simply surprised to see her standing next to the bed, so I screamed without thinking. It was a mistake on my part."

The soldiers' grip on her loosened up. She sighed with relief and bowed down to the ground. "I am deeply grateful, young miss! Forgive me for my actions! I shall never wake you up like that ever again!"

"There's no need to apologize!" I told her, rubbing her back to make her feel better.

I looked up at the soldiers. They stood there patiently, like trained hounds ready for command. "You may go. And don't ever touch a harmless citizen like that without my permission as long as they are within my range of sight."

"As you wish, young miss!" all of them stomped their feet and straighten their back in complete unison as the orders were given. They then smoothly exited their way.

I looked at the frightened old woman. I felt sorry. It was my fault after all. "I apologize for screaming at you like that. What was your name again? I might not be fully awake yet."

This might be one of those dreams Lisa teased me last night. I'll just go along with the flow. I should wake up to the real world soon enough.

She bowed at me as she introduced herself, "My name is Gertrude, young miss. I am honored that you chose to humbly apologize."

I gawked at the room spread right in front of me. Wide windows, grand floor, huge canopy bed, a dangling chandelier—everything seemed to sparkle, oozing royalty. This is definitely not my bedroom.

This is something like a princess would sleep in.

Maybe I was the Musician after all?

No, something's not quite right.

"Gertrude, may I ask you a few questions?" I requested as I looked back at her.

Actually, there are a lot of questions spinning around my head right now and want to just bawl my eyes out and pinch myself to wake up.

"You are welcome anytime, young miss. I shall answer with the best of my abilities." She said upliftingly, a warm smile drawn on her timeworn face.

Okay. You can do this, Rosette. Just stay calm.

After taking in a deep breath I carried on, emancipating a query, but I had to make it look like I belong here. "I s-seem to have temporarily forgotten where I am, especially this lovely bedroom. Do I own this fancy interior?"

Great. Stuttering exposes my lies. Also, I am not used to this weird way of English.

Luckily for me, Gertrude doesn't seem to mind. As she promised, she actively answered my question. "Oh no, young miss. You must at least remember that you are a special guest of the kingdom, which is why the Royal Family personally picked out one of their best rooms for you to stay in."

"So... This room is only for a temporary stay?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

Gertrude nodded. I released a small breath of disappointment.

So I'm not the Musician... This means...

"What do you mean with a special guest? Am I considered to be part of nobles?" I continued my questions, a long list of them is waiting.

Gertrude looked at me, perplexed as to why I appear to be acting like I don't know who I am. And technically, that's true.

She rests her palm against my forehead. "Is everything alright, young miss? Perhaps you have a mild fever?"

"It's j-just the effect of sleep. Happens m-most of the time, for I am such a forgetful person." I denied, shaking my head in disagreement as I made up an excuse. It's a good thing she finds my stuttering the least strange thing about me.

"I see. You were a commoner once, but now you make money out of painting portraits of gentries and nobles. A talent so gifted, it caught the attention of our kingdom."

The way she said it makes it sound like I'm not from here. I should ask her in a tone of familiarity so she wouldn't suspect.

"Ah yes, I miss my kingdom. I-If I recall it's..."

"The Kingdom of Duva. It's the neighboring kingdom King Eldred made alliances with to keep peace between our boundaries." She finished my sentence like I expected her to.

Bingo. So it is true. I am the Painter.

"Ah yes, n-now I remember! I am from that kingdom called Duva and the kingdom here r-requested my presence so I could p-paint the Royal Family." I concluded, hoping it sounded right.

Please let my hunch be correct. Please let it be correct. Please. Please. Please.

Gertrude nodded, satisfied to see me regain my temporarily lost memories. "Yes, young miss. I hope you don't forget it this time."

"Don't worry. I won't. You have my word." I reassured her.

Because once I wake up, I'm so gonna tell Lisa all about this crazy realistic dream.

"Are there no other questions, young miss?" Gertrude inquired, clasping her hands together tolerantly.

"N-None, I am quite content with my mind refreshed now, thank you." I gratefully answered with a smile.

Who is the Musician? Could they perhaps be one of the Royal Family within this castle grounds?

The Revolution? Has it not started yet?

I want to know. My curiosity is scratching through the walls of my head.

I was brought back from my thoughts when I heard Gertrude's voice. "Well then," she rubbed her palms, as if readying herself, "I've brought breakfast. Let's get you prepared for the welcoming later, shall we?"

"Welcoming? What welcoming?" I furrowed my eyebrows at her.

"King Eldred would like to formally welcome you into the Kingdom of Grand and introduce you to his Royal Family. You should look beautiful at such an important meeting." She said, like it was the most basic rule to be followed.

"O-Of course, I just got here, correct?" I went along with the flow, acting like I have everything under control. In which I do not.

"Indeed, would you like me to inform you about the Royal Family while I dress you up, young miss?" Gertrude suggested, grinning excitedly.

"That would be lovely, thank you."

With a snap of her fingers, three other maids approached the scene. After I ate cinnamon buns with bittersweet handmade coffee tended from the Royal Gardens, one maid carried my tray back to the kitchens.

The two maids stayed to assist Gertrude with the magnificent gown the Royal Dressmakers created for me to wear.

"Wow..." I commented as I stare at a stunning gown before me, pure creamy-white with elegant long sleeves sewn so delicately, I was afraid to ruin it. Matched with golden embroidery and a nice lace around the neck, the skirt was puffed and formed to perfection.

I've never worn such a grand dress before.

"I'm wearing that? Don't you think it's too beautiful for someone like me to wear?" I pointed at myself, feeling stiff.

Gertrude blinked at me, a bit baffled with my words. She then chuckled warmly. It reminded me of my mother's, and soon I felt a rush of homesickness.

"But young miss, you are beautiful. The dress fits you perfectly. No need to fret." She encouragingly pats my head and made a heartwarming smile.

I blushed at the flattery. "Thank you, Gertrude."

She smiled at me and stood up after applying her finishing touch on the dress. She then exits her way outside the bedroom with the maids following her steps. "May you receive blessings for your kindness, Miss Khaleesi."

The door closes, and I am left alone with my thoughts.

Khaleesi? Is that my name? Is that the Painter's name?

I look around the room one more time. I see my luggage and papers scattered at the table by the window. They were all sketches of nature, of palace architectures, and of village streets.

I'm still not waking up. What am I supposed to do now?

Suddenly curiosity urges me to explore once again. My past life ready to be uncovered.

"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to tour around the castle grounds before I return to the modern era." I spun to the mirror, eyeing the dress they gave me. My chest was slightly exposed. Embarrassed, I tried to raise the top a little.

That's when I noticed it.

My birthmark... it's gone...

"T-This is interesting... So the theories are true...which means I might face my death all over again?" I gulped, still processing all the possibilities I could grasp on.

Maybe this is an opportunity for me to solve the mysterious disappearance of the Painter.

I tried to remember what I studied about in History last night...when the Revolution started...when it all bloomed into History's pages.

I glanced at the ancient calendar. "Today's February 6th of 1789. The Revolution started on May 5th of 1789, which means I have like, three months left." I paused, trying to calculate the time interval. "But didn't The Painter start The Revolution? What if I change History? No way, it's too dangerous to risk."

With a heavy sigh, I break my thoughts. "What am I doing? It doesn't really matter in the end. This is all just a dream anyway. I'll wake up soon, and Lisa's gonna tease me for getting all hyped up."

I stare at the door in front of me. "Might as well carry on with Plan A then. Take a quick and peaceful tour and figure out a way to wake up."

Sounds fun!

No, not really.

I began to make my way across the marble floor, the door swishing open, ready to see a whole new world unravel upon my very own eyes.

I tried my best not to scream at the sight in front of me. A hallway filled with glittering gold of statues and chandeliers makes me conscious of the heels I'm wearing, checking to see if I dirtied the floor. Maids and butlers scurried about, carrying plates, cloth, and other necessities.

As I walked through the hallway, they all bowed before continuing their daily chores. Because it's a habit of mine, I bow back. They all smile at my mannerism. I tried my best to look as professional as possible, strutting on the shiny floor. But truth is, I am internally screaming.

I gathered my thoughts, recalling the information Gertrude told me about the Royal Family.

So based on what Gertrude told me, King Eldred Grand is the ruler here in the Kingdom of grand. He has seven sons, all talented in many areas, especially music.

Which means... One of them is the Musician...

The question is... Who?

I turned to a corner leading to another long hallway. A familiar figure stands a few steps ahead of me.

Oh well, there's no harm done is asking, right? Maybe this person can tell me more details about the palace?

"Um, pardon me, can you tell me about—"

This time I held in a gasp, I covered my mouth to stifle a scream.

T-This person... It's...

"JEON JUNGKOOK?!"

Yep, I tried my best, but I shouted in his face.

Unlike my bewilderment, however, his eyes show no recognition at all. He blinked at me in extreme befuddlement as he eyes me from my princess gown up to my not-so-princess face of complete shock.

"Jung... cook? I'm sorry, but I think you've mistaken me for someone else." He raised his brows, showing an interested smile.

Stupid Rosette, why did you have to scream like that? Of course, he's not Jungkook! He's him but the PAST him!

"Prince Jacque Darryl, the King has asked for you to prepare for the Welcoming. He would like it if you'd do the honors of informing your brothers too." A maid interjected, causing me to whip my head at her as my jaw dropped open.

And he's a PRINCE. Screaming at his face, accusing him of someone else, AND lowering your reputation? GREAT JOB.

"As the King wishes. I'll be on my way soon." His gaze went back to me, and I could feel the sweat dripping down my back.

"You must be my family's new painter? Please excuse me for my clumsiness. I didn't expect to meet you here." He pointed out, exuding an atmosphere of noble charm.

"Neither have I. The mistake was on my part." I sheepishly grinned.

Prince Jacque smiled—the same smile I saw when I got to know him for the very first time.

I felt my face warm up.

"What's your friend's name again? Jungcook? Please do tell him that I think he's got a very unique name." He added, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.

I couldn't help but giggle. "I'll be sure to tell him that, thank you for your flattery."

He keeps gazing into my eyes, and I can't help but almost succumb to it. He looks like he wants to talk to me more about something. But what?

"Jacque! I'd been searching for you everywhere!" someone called out. We all turned our heads to see who made such a dignified and earnest voice.

Hey, that guy's familiar too. He's also one of the Music Club members Lisa told me about. I think his name is Kim Seokjin, a senior Lisa mentioned.

Oh well, seems like this will be our first meeting then. If this guy's here, I should expect to meet the others here for the very first time. But I should wake up soon so maybe I might not be able to meet them all.

When the guy got close enough, the maid gently put her hand onto my back and made me bow with her.

Why? Is this another prince? Wait, are the members all princes?! If that's true, then I have to find The Musician among the seven?!

BREATHE ROSETTE. BREATHE.

"This is the Heir to the Throne. We should pay him respect at all times." She said it with a low voice, so only I could hear.

The Heir noticed me and dipped his head politely. "Don't think too much about my status. I am still a prince after all. My name is Eugene Brancen. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Painter."

"Oh no, the pleasure is all mine." I shyly touched the nape of my neck out of nowhere.

He smiled with such a handsome regal face. "I hope you enjoy your stay here in the palace. My brother and I must best be on our way to another important business. We'll formally get to know each other soon."

He puts out his hand in front of me.

"No need to fret now, young miss, take his hand." The maid placed her hand on my back yet again, ushering me towards him.

"O-Oh! Right..." I let out my hand. Prince Eugene elegantly raised it with his and soon his lips reach the back of it.

I hope they don't notice the blush on my cheeks.

"Well then, see you later, miss." Prince Eugene said as they bid goodbye.

The two princes then started to walk away. I was about to leave too, however, I stopped when I heard someone humming a very familiar tune.

Hey that's—

"Humming that piano piece again? I hear it more frequently these days." Prince Eugene remarked.

Prince Jacque let out a sigh before he answered. "Yes, well, I'd been playing it on the new piano for the past few days. I just can't seem to stop playing."

"It's the same for all of us, dear brother. We all love that song."

Prince Jacque pursed his lips, hesitating, "About that incident, I'm really sorry for—"

"Let's not discuss personal matters here in a public area, dear brother." Prince Eugene cut off his sibling in a gentle tone, all while evading his eyes.

Incident? Personal matters? What ever do they mean?

Ugh, I am so curious about everything.

"I guess I should walk around outside. I need fresh air." I muttered my frustrations away, heading towards the back of the castle where the woods await.

The leaves crunched beneath my feet as I walk around the forest a few feet away from the back of the castle. It's nice to see lots of nature for a change.

The birds sang, the leaves danced, the trees swayed with the wind, leaving the silence far from the forest chambers.

What a nice dream, everything feels so real.

"So based on what I've seen throughout this dream, everything is still connected in some sort of way. Like the seven princes are the seven Music Club members." I keep on rambling, "And me being The Painter."

I really want to figure this out. Did the Painter backstab the Royal Family by leading a revolution? They seem like nice people though. I don't see any reason why I would want to betray them...

Unless something terrible happened, and I'm only seeing the surface, not what's under it?

I shuddered at the thought as I recalled my reoccurring nightmares. Someone killed me, I want to know who.

Maybe the Painter did make enemies with the Musician. Maybe the Musician wanted to kill me because I led a Revolution. Maybe History was right all along, and my heart wasn't.

I really want to know. I want my heart to stop denying the truth. After all, what's written in the books is the truth, right?

I continued to walk in silence, sick of thinking of the same questions again and again.

Third Person's POV

At one of the deepest parts of the forest, a man dressed in elegant formal attire lurked behind the tall trees, carrying two daggers in his hands and one hidden at his waist. He was a prince—and a dangerous one.

He patiently waited in the shadows, like a predator ready to plunge its claws onto its prey. When he noticed that his targets were taking a very long time to arrive, he sighed and leaned on the tree he was using as camouflage.

"Ugh, this was supposed to be a duo mission with Agustus. He's probably playing the new grand piano as always. He never lets me play whenever he uses it first."

"He's probably playing that piano piece again." He starts to reminisce about the past, about the old piano back at the palace, and how the piece was played.

Like a forgotten movie, he remembers his mother's soft delicate fingers guiding his small trembling ones. Tayden Pharrell, darling... he could hear his mother's soothing voice, this is how you play it.

"Lent et Douloureux..." he whispered back at the wind.

Before he could continue recalling the memories however, he heard the sound of footsteps crunching dead leaves and fallen twigs. He grabbed his twin daggers and gets ready for the attack. The footsteps get closer.

Any second now...

He catches a glimpse of the target and paused.

It turned out to be a young lady, wandering around in the woods. A blink and one would almost believe she was a forest nymph waking from a heavy slumber, seeing the world change before her. He watches her as she continued walking, staring at the sight upon her very own eyes that sparkled like the cosmos lived deep within.

Her face was pristine, filled with extreme wonder and curiosity as sunshine kissed her fair skin. The wind teasingly played with her long hair, having it trail after her like a light veil. He couldn't help but gaze at her while she looks around. There was something about her that seemed...

"Peculiar..." Prince Tayden exclaimed under his breath.

A peculiar girl that disturbed his peculiar heart.

He wanted to keep watching her, but suddenly he heard the sound of horses fast approaching towards their direction. Before he could grab onto her, they've already arrived and he couldn't do anything except hide.

Rosette's POV

I heard the sound of horses, hooves clicking over the forest floor. When I turned to where it came from, I see a group of rugged men. It wasn't long before they noticed me too.

"Oh? What's a pretty young lady like you doing out in the woods all alone?" a man of intimidating presence stopped in his tracks, revealing a toothy grin. He eyes me from the bottom of my gown up to my chest and face as I felt disgusted.

"The woods are dangerous for a small and weak woman like you, you know~" he sneered. His group snickered as he continued to stare at me with a lick of his lips.

WEAK?! HOW DARE HE CALL ME THAT! WELL I OUGHT TO—

...He's right. I can't do anything at the moment. I'm a small girl against a group of wild men on horses. I am weak. I just want to get out of here—out of this dream.

I'm willing to do anything, just so I could escape.

I tried to remember how most of my dreams ended, how I most likely got out.

That's right, every time I woke up, it was all because I faced death.

Which means...

I spread my arms, much to their confusion. With a heavy breath, I told them. "Kill me."

Third Person's POV

"Kill me."

The way she said it with such a serious tone, she really meant it.

The peculiar girl turned out to be straight-up insane.

"What on earth is she thinking?! Has she gone mad?!" Prince Tayden couldn't believe the scene happening in front of his very own eyes.

Meanwhile, the men blinked at her in extreme bewilderment, they undoubtedly never met a pretty yet mad woman before. They exchanged long perplexed stares. "W-Wait, you're serious?" one of them asked, baffled.

The girl nodded. Her behavior was indeed concerning. It was as if she wasn't from this world, as if she was born in the 21st century.

The men nervously glanced at each other—even their leader looked flustered with the sudden request. He belted out deranged laughter, "You're quite the strange woman, aren't you? Don't worry, we'll take good care of you as long as you follow our orders."

Prince Tayden remained hidden in one of the tall trees, closer to what was happening, "What are you doing, you fool, run away so I can start getting rid of these pathetic humans."

But the girl didn't move, for she was scared and her body doesn't listen.

"Look, you're interesting and all, but we have other plans. Invading the Palace of Grand is much more rewarding than an insane woman." The leader waved his arms as if shooing her, not giving her the slightest care.

"You're invaders... of the Palace...?" Rosette stifled a gasp.

"Yes, which is why..." The man unsheathes his sword, pointing the sharp tip if the blade right at the girl's heart.

The prince noticed how her eyes widened as she clung to the hem of her gown, a new and much intense fear planted into her being.

"I should wake up a-any second now... Why am I s-still here...?" she trembled, her eyes were wild and confused, darting back and forth.

"See? The ramblings of a madwoman." He shook his head, unenthused.

The tip had reached her chest, where her birthmark had once been, it was her destiny to die against the blade. The blood trickled down her pale skin, like the crimson drop of red paint on a blank canvas.

She closed her eyes, afraid to see the sword go through her chest. She was prepared to accept her fate.

"Farewell, young lady." He lifted his weapon, ready to attack.

Any second now and she will feel the strike—the cold iron inside of her. Her body trembles at the thought.

But she'll wake up after that... Right?