Chapter 5

Evelyn POV

Seventeen years ago, I, Amelia and Emma's mother, was not yet a parent. I had married into the Nota family, to my husband Mateo. Our home was in Mt. Frere, and from the beginning, it wasn’t a happy union. Mateo’s family never accepted me because I couldn't give them an heir. That burden crushed me every day.

Eventually, Mateo decided to take me with him to the Cape, to the ocean side. We tried everything—consulting traditional healers, praying at churches—but nothing worked.

One day, in a moment of anger, Mateo lashed out:

Mateo: “I’m tired of this, Limise. You can continue trying, but it’s not my problem. I can have a child. You’re the one who can’t have children. I had one before.”

Evelyn: “Alright…tata.”

I called him tata—father—because he was much older than me. And he was right. He had a child once, from a previous marriage. His wife and child had both died, and that’s when he married me. Our marriage wasn’t built on love, but on arrangements made by our families. Still, over time, we grew to know each other. We weren’t close, but we weren’t strangers either.

Then one day, while sitting alone watching the waves crash on the shore, a woman suddenly appeared.

She was beautiful, radiant, and smiling.

Stranger: “I can see you’re deep in thought.”

She caught me by surprise. I really was lost in thought.

Stranger: “I can help you.”

Evelyn: “Help me? How?”

I was tired and not in the mood for games.

Stranger: “I know your struggle. You want a child, don’t you?”

How did she know that?

Stranger: “I have a child. I just need someone to raise her. And there’s no one else I trust but you.”

My mind went blank. Who was this woman?

Stranger: “And one day, you’ll be rewarded.”

Evelyn: “Yes... I need a child.”

Stranger: “I’m pregnant. If you agree, this child can grow in your womb. I beg you.”

Evelyn: “But how?”

Stranger: “We’ll go to the hospital and make the transfer. You won’t regret this. I don’t have much time.”

Evelyn: “Alright.”

I didn’t hesitate. I wanted that child—desperately.

We went to the hospital. The procedure was done. I didn’t care about the risks or consequences. I was finally going to have a baby.

---

After the procedure, I had to stay in the hospital for recovery. I was overjoyed—this child would finally be mine. Mateo wouldn’t torment me anymore.

I must have dozed off. When I woke up the next morning, the woman—who had been in the bed next to mine—was gone. I looked around in confusion and found a paper with a pen next to it. The note read:

> “I’ve waited a long time for this moment. She is a royal princess, and I give her to you to protect her. My time is up, but I’ve known for years that this would happen.

This world is not the best place for her, but it will allow her to grow. Please protect her. When she comes of age, she will need to return to her people. They will need her.

Do not feed her sea animals.

For helping me, you will receive the greatest gift of your life. But even if you gain that gift, never turn your back on this one. Love them both equally.

When you leave this place, go to where we first met. You’ll find something there. But before using it, read the instructions.

— The Queen.”

I was stunned.

Nurse: “Oh, you're awake. How are you feeling?”

It was the nurse. I didn’t respond. She looked over at the empty bed.

Nurse: “Where’s the other patient?”

Evelyn: “I don’t know. I think she left while I was asleep.”

Nurse: “That’s strange.” (She rushed out in a panic.)

Then the doctor came in.

Doctor: “You have a visitor. Can he come in?”

Evelyn: “Yes, sir.” (I quickly hid the letter.)

The door opened, and Mateo walked in.

Mateo: “Evelyn, are you alright?”

He came to me quickly, placing a hand on my forehead as if he was checking for fever. I looked down.

Mateo: “Why are you here?”

I hesitated. I didn’t tell him the full story. I lied—told him I was pregnant. And he believed me.

He was overjoyed—like someone who had just won the lottery. I saw the light in his eyes, even though I knew... this wasn’t his child.

He stayed with me the whole day. I didn’t let him see my belly where I had been cut. I didn't even know the woman's name. But I was already bound to the child she left with me.

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