Secret spy

The past is a curious entity, often viewed as a shadow looming behind us, something we instinctively try to escape. It's the collection of moments, decisions, and experiences that shape who we are, yet it can feel burdensome, as if it weighs us down. We often think of it as a closed chapter, a place we can never return to, filled with regrets and missed opportunities.

However, the past is not solely an enemy. It holds invaluable lessons and insights that can guide us in the present and future. Memories, both good and bad, serve as reminders of our growth, resilience, and the paths we've traversed. They can bring warmth and nostalgia, illuminating the joys we've experienced and the connections we've made.

When we reflect on our past, we gain perspective. The challenges we faced have equipped us with the strength to tackle current obstacles. Each experience, even those we wish to forget, contributes to our unique tapestry. Rather than running from our past, we can embrace it as a teacher, helping us navigate the complexities of life.

Sometimes, the echoes of our past resurface in unexpected ways, reminding us of our values, dreams, and the people who influenced us. These reflections can spark a sense of purpose and motivation, urging us to honor our journey and build a future that aligns with our true selves.

So, let us not fear our past, but instead acknowledge it. Let it remind us of our capabilities and the beauty of resilience. The past can be a guiding light, illuminating our present and inspiring our future. In doing so, we find that what once seemed like a burden can evolve into a source of strength and clarity.

***

It had been four years since Alicia had let go of the memories of Jake. She had grown into a beautiful, confident young woman, leaving her past behind and embracing the present, which had become more important to her than anything else. Today was no ordinary day her but her elder sister Selina's coronation which was about to take place, a day of celebration and joy for the entire kingdom. The air felt alive with anticipation, and Alicia's heart swelled with pride for her sister.

The soft light of dawn crept into Alicia's room as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She noticed the maids hadn't arrived yet, likely because it was still so early. The sun had yet to fully rise, and the world outside was quiet, holding its breath before the excitement of the day.

Alicia smiled softly to herself, she slipped out of bed and tiptoed down the corridor to Selina's room, the last one on the left upstairs. She wanted to be the first to greet her sister on this momentous day, to share this intimate, quiet moment before the world began to clamor for Selina's attention. The door creaked ever so slightly as Alicia slipped inside, her movements quiet and deliberate. She approached the bed where Selina lay peacefully sleeping, her chest rising and falling gently.

"Selina… Selina," Alicia whispered, leaning closer to her sister, gently nudging her shoulder. Selina stirred but didn't fully wake, turning to the other side and pulling the blankets closer to her.

"Selina, come on, wake up now," Alicia coaxed, a playful smile on her face. This time, she gave her sister a soft shake.

"Mmm… Alicia?" Selina murmured, her voice thick with sleep. "Why are you disturbing my peaceful slumber?"

Alicia giggled. "Because, my dear sister, it's your coronation day! You don't want to sleep through the most important day of your life, do you?"

At that, Selina's eyes flew open. She blinked rapidly, sitting up and rubbing her eyes as if trying to shake off the fog of sleep. The dawn light filtering through the curtains highlighted the slight panic on her face as she glanced toward the window.

"Why didn't you say that earlier, Alicia?!" she asked, her voice now wide awake, laced with a mix of excitement and urgency.

"I tried," Alicia teased, sitting on the edge of the bed with a grin, "but you were too busy with your 'peaceful slumber.'"

Selina huffed but couldn't hide the smile spreading across her face. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching before heading to the bathroom. Alicia watched her with a warm smile, her heart full. Today was the day Selina would officially become queen, a day they had both dreamed of for so long.

Selina disappeared into the bathroom, Alicia waited patiently, her thoughts drifting to the ceremony. She could already picture her sister standing tall in her regal gown, the crown gleaming on her head, ready to lead the kingdom.

Not long after, Selina emerged from the bathroom, a soft towel wrapped around her, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders. She glanced around her room, her brow furrowing slightly, she searched for her maid, Stella, but there was no sign of her.

"Have you seen Stella on your way in?" Selina asked, her voice laced with mild concern, she spotted Alicia lounging comfortably on the bed.

Alicia shook her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Nope, no one's up yet. Seems like it's just the two of us early birds today, which means I'm your personal maid for the morning," she teased, her eyes twinkling.

Selina raised an eyebrow, a gentle laugh escaping her lips. "Are you sure, Alicia? Don't you think it's too much? I can always fetch Stella now."

Alicia stood up, her face glowing with affection for her sister. "Nothing is too much for you, Selina. I'm more than happy to help on your special day. Now, stop worrying and sit down."

Without waiting for a reply, Alicia gently took Selina's hand and led her to the edge of the bed, guiding her to sit down. The warmth of the moment enveloped them, a soft bond of sisterly love and devotion hanging in the air like a quiet, comforting embrace. Alicia slipped away into the walk-in wardrobe, her gentle humming filling the room as she sifted through rows of delicate gowns and elegant dresses.

Selina's eyes followed her sister, her heart swelling with affection. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "You're always so good to me," she murmured, her voice tender with gratitude.

Alicia reappeared, her face glowing as she held up a gown the color of twilight, a deep royal blue embroidered with intricate silver patterns that sparkled like stardust under the light. "I thought this one would be perfect for today," Alicia said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "You'll look absolutely regal."

Selina's breath caught at the sight of the dress, its beauty overwhelming. She reached out, gently brushing the fabric with her fingers. "It's perfect, Alicia," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Alicia's smile widened as she spread the gown out carefully on the bed. "Good, now let's get you ready. The kingdom awaits its queen, and there's no one I'd trust more to take care of you today than me."

With delicate hands, Alicia helped Selina into the gown. The dress was an elegant masterpiece, floor-length with an off-the-shoulder design. The bodice was crafted from luxurious black velvet, fitted with a sweetheart neckline that accentuated Selina's figure. It cascaded into a voluminous skirt, the deep blue fabric shimmering like a galaxy under the moonlight, as if she were adorned in stars. A glossy black corset cinched her waist, completing the dramatic, regal look. As Alicia fastened the intricate laces and smoothed the fabric, the room filled with the sounds of quiet conversation and soft laughter, their words threading together memories of childhood, binding them closer with each passing moment.

Alicia moved on to styling Selina's hair, her fingers deftly working through her sister's dark locks. She blended straight, curly, and wavy textures together, creating a hairstyle that was both elegant and effortless, with strands cascading down her back like a waterfall of black silk. She worked, she smiled, taking extra care to make Selina look as radiant as possible.

Finally, Alicia reached for the makeup, lightly dusting Selina's smooth, porcelain skin with soft hues. She applied a touch of blush to her cheeks, enhancing the natural glow of her complexion. A swipe of rose-pink lipstick brought color to her lips, and with a steady hand, she defined Selina's brows with an eye pencil, framing her face with a graceful touch. She stepped back, admiring her handiwork, Alicia's breath hitched her sister was breathtaking.

"You look beautiful," Alicia said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "Like a dream."

Selina stood and turned toward the full-length mirror, her reflection stealing her breath away. The dress shimmered under the light, the delicate embroidery catching every flicker, and her sister's expert touch had transformed her into a vision of elegance. She glanced at Alicia, tears misting her eyes. "I couldn't have done this without you, Alicia. You've always known how to make me feel… whole."

Alicia stepped beside her, her hand squeezing Selina's gently. "You don't have to do anything alone, Selina. I'll always be right here, by your side. You're not just my sister, you're my best friend, my family, and now, our queen."

Selina smiled through her tears, her heart brimming with love. "And I couldn't ask for a better sister, or a better friend."

Alicia beamed, gently wiping the tear from Selina's cheek. "Come on," she whispered with pride in her voice, "let's show the world how truly beautiful you are."

"But you're not ready, Alicia," Selina pointed out, concern flickering in her eyes.

Alicia opened her mouth to respond, but Selina was already a step ahead. "Don't worry," she said with a playful grin, "I'll get you ready too, just like you did for me." With a gentle tug, Selina led Alicia toward the bathroom, giving her a light nudge inside to freshen up.

The bathroom was grand—far more spacious and luxurious than Alicia's own. Soft light reflected off the polished marble tiles, and the bathtub, deep and inviting, sat like a private sanctuary in the center of the room. Alicia stepped forward, her fingers testing the temperature of the water as she turned on both taps, adjusting it to the perfect warmth, not too hot, not too cold. The gentle steam rose, filling the air with a calming warmth.

Slowly, she undressed, folding her clothes neatly to the side, her bare skin glowing in the soft light. She dipped her toes into the water, savoring the instant relief before sinking her whole body into the bath. The warm water embraced her, melting away the tension that had built up from the long day.

For a minute, Alicia let herself sink deeper, the water soothing her muscles. The scent of lavender filled the air, the gentle ripples of water caressing her skin like a delicate lullaby. She closed her eyes, soaking in the stillness.

After a moment, Alicia reached for a sponge and the fragrant soap resting nearby. She dipped the sponge into the water, lathering it up before gently scrubbing her body, letting the soap wash away any lingering stress. Her movements were slow and deliberate, a rare moment of self-care. Once she was done, she rinsed the soap away, letting the water cascade over her, cleansing both her skin and her mind.

She ran her fingers through her hair, massaging shampoo into her scalp before rinsing it thoroughly, feeling refreshed and renewed as the water washed over her. Once she was finished, she stepped out of the tub, grabbing a soft, white towel from the rack. She wrapped it snugly around her body, then used another towel to gently dry her hair.

After brushing her teeth and rinsing her mouth, Alicia took a deep breath, feeling completely refreshed. She stepped out of the bathroom, the cool air hitting her warm skin as she looked around for Selina.

Outside, Selina was speaking to Stella, her voice soft but commanding as she gave instructions to the maid. "Please bring one of Alicia's nicest gowns. Something elegant but comfortable," Selina said, turning to Alicia's personal maid, Mandy, who was assisting Stella in selecting the perfect outfit for Alicia.