Agad na natigilan si Tala. She took a loud gasp and quickly looked back. There she saw the same man who announced the arrival of the King earlier, standing just a few steps away from her. The man was around his father’s age, has wavy hair and carries the same air of arrogance like the rest people there. There’s no doubt, the man was a noble too.He gazed at her for a while, before he smirked. “I know who you are. And I also know you’re not supposed to be here.” She balled her fists tighter, the man and his choice of words ticked her instantly. “I’m Viscount Romanos, Ms. Sandejas, the leader of the royal guards. Allow me to escort you back to your room before it’s too late.”She scoffed. “I am not going with you. I am here for my son. And I am not leaving until I see him,” pagmamatigas niya.“The King forbids you to see him.”“Really? The King invited me to be here as his very own guest.” Sandaling nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito. “That’s right, Viscount. The King himself wanted me to b
“It’s nice dancing with you once again, Knoxx,. Just like the old times,” Genevieve said as they sway to the happy music performed by the four-stringed quartet. Knoxx flashed his forced smile. “The pleasure is all mine, My Lady,” aniya, mabilis na sumulyap sa mesa kung saan naroon ang kanyang mga magulang at anak bago ipinagtuloy ang pakikipagsayaw sa kapareha. He secretly shook his head, willing the worries of the past 24 hours away and forcing himself to be there in the dancefloor… with Genevieve. But there’s nothing that he can do to keep those awful thoughts at bay. His worries and fears keep on drowning him, they all have since last night. Last night. Last night was one of the longest nights he had in his lifetime. It was supposed to be an ordinary night. He was already waiting for the shifting of the guards to get Tala when Genevieve’s attendants asked for him. Apparently, she had another nightmare about his family’s mysterious enemy. She was pretty shaken up that the doctor
“What’s this about?” the King asked as soon as he entered the private room near the hall where the party was taking place. Knoxx’s eyes instantly went to Lord Byron, who was only a few steps away from his uncle. Hindi nagtagal, sunod na pumasok sa silid ang kanyang mga magulang, with clear confusion written on their faces. “What’s this all about Knoxx?” his father asked, pinaglipat-lipat pa ang tingin sa kanya at sa hari. “Where is Atlas, mother?” he asked, dismissing his father’s question. “Why, with Ander of course,” his mother replied, still confused. “Just tell us what is happening, Knoxx. The party has not ended yet. It is rude for all of us, the hosts, to leave and let the guests be by themselves—“ “Lord Byron, please leave the room,” mabilis niyang putol sa mga sanay’ sasabihin pa ng ina. The courtier gave the king a confusing look. Subalit nang marahang tumango ang hari, tumalima rin ito sa utos niya. Paglapat na paglapat ng pinto sa pintuan, agad siyang nagsalita. “Tala
Tala groaned as pain registered on her head and arm as soon as she regained her senses. She fluttered her heavy eyes open only to be greeted by darkness and silence. She took in a deep breath and the air smelled heavily of trees, the damp earth and dust. Her clouded mind cannot process any reason why she was there. All she knew was that her head was throbbing and her right arm hurt!She tried moving, pushing herself to sit on wherever kind of ground she was laying at as quietly as possible. Nang tuluyan siyang makaupo, naghintay siya ng ilang sandali upang masanay ang kanyang mga mata sa dilim. And when her eyes did get used to the darkness, she realized she was in some kind of an old and dusty cabin.Her brows furrowed—trying to recall the last bit of memory she had before she ended up there. Then, her heart quickly hammered against her chest as soon as she recalled the moments before she lost consciousness.Wala sa sarili siyang napahawak sa kanyang leeg at pumikit. She was drugged
Knoxx was praying and cursing at the same time as he walked on the unfamiliar forest grounds. The last time he has been there was when he was still in gradeschool. He and his brother used to accompany their grandpa there when he hunts. After he almost fell on a horse during one of the hunting games, his mother forbade them to go anymore. Hence, he had never set his foot there for ages. He held the flashlight on his hand tighter, pointing it to a dark corner of the forest, kagaya rin ng iba pang mga kasama niya sa kanyang likuran na naroon upang hanapin si Tala. Initially, it was just him, Luis and Red, who were scouring that forest. However just a few minutes ago, Viscount Romanos’ private bodyguards arrived to help them with the search. The Viscount didn’t really warm up on him since he was younger. He had always been strict and disciplined in his ways. A man who knows no fun, that’s what he and his cousins used to call him. But now that he has extended his help for his cause, even
The door to his room in his private cottage at the countryide opened and Knoxx was instantly his feet, walking over towards the royal physician whom he had summoned there as discreet as possible. The doctor gave him a small bow before he spoke. “I have already examined your wife, Your Highness. Aside from several scratches on her arm and fingers, and a slight sprain on her left foot, I do assure you she is of her best health,” said the royal doctor.Relief instantly washed over him at the news. He originally planned to bring Tala back to the palace but Tala refused to go back to the palace and be seen in that distraught state by their son. And who is he not to grant her request? When even in such desperate times, she still thinks of the welfare of their son. So he drove for almost half an hour away from the palace to that small cottage he owned. He did not bring any servants. Just a few of his men, who would guard them until Tala would feel better. “I tried tending to her wounds bu
Genevieve closed her eyes and forced herself to moan as King George pumped his length inside her. Though the king is only in his late 50's and would still be a looker for some, thank the heavens for his royal bloodline, it disgusts her every time she had to be intimate with the King. But she knew she had to do what she needs to do. She's already too far gone and retreat is not an option anymore. When Knoxx did not marry her because of his stupid marriage to that mysterious commoner, she thought everything they had all worked hard for for years will be pushed down to the drain. But when Knoxx remained almost unmarried, with no signs of the crown an heir, she was instructed to pursue him... again. Charm him, like what she does with other noble men who wants her. But Knoxx has always been unfazed by her charm—not even her presence. So when she had succeeded in moving to the palace, she knew 'she', the one who is behind all of the chaos within the royal family, would want to her to up h
Naalimpungatan si Tala nang maramdaman niya ang pagdampi ng malamig na hangin sa kanyang katawan. Nang iungap niya ang kanyang mga mata at napagtanto niyang wala siya sa kwarto niya sa palasyo, agad na tinambol ng kaba ang kanyang dibdib nang bumuhos sa isip niya ang mga alaala ng nagdaang gabi.The cabin, the mysterious man, her escape and… her rescue.She slowly looked at the other side of the bed where she was on. But a little bit of disappointment rose inside her chest when she realized that she was alone. She clearly remembered last night that she asked Knoxx to sleep beside her for his presence gave her comfort but...Maybe he left the minute she slept, she thought.Marahan siyang bumangon. Pain instantly registered on her foot and back but it was bearable. Her injuries would probably more painful should she have not taken the pill the doctor had given her last night.She bit her lower lip as she recalled the very moment Knoxx found her in the woods. She had never known home for
Tala slowly gave her reflection on the mirror a once over. On her was a black silk dress; an exquisite diamond necklace Knoxx had given her on their anniversary; and of course her favorite pumps produced by her very own brand, Stella. She tried, but she cannot help herself but smile. Why wouldn’t she, life has been so good to her for the past two years. After that heartfelt reunion she and Knoxx had at her parent’s house in Manila, she officially became Mrs. Stavropolous, again, that very same day. After her parents and the rest of her family came back from their quick tour at Asteri Island, that is. Hindi niya alam na sa buong panahon na asar na asar siya kay Knoxx dahil hindi ito nagpapakita sa kanya, pasimple na pala nitong hinahanda ang kasal nila with the help of her Auntie Sam and her parents. Yes, her parents did a great part on the display of ‘sea-of-roses’ inside their house. Her father proudly admitted that himself right after the wedding. Knoxx then had decided to move h
Tala's heart instantly hitched, turning around as quick as she could. And there she saw him, under the bright morning sun, just a few steps away from her, the prince who’ve swept her off her feet since their crazy wedding night, Prince Knoxx Iossif Stefanos Stavropolous. She quickly gave him a once over and he never disappoints! Her prince is as handsome as ever. He grinned, making her eyes roll in fake annoyance. Agad siyang namaywang. “Why are you here? And where are the people of this house? What did you to my parents, Knoxx? And Atlas, where is my son?!” sunod-sunod niyang tanong sa mataas na tinig. Knoxx gave her a heart-stopping smile, making her want to rush to him for a hug. But she stilled herself. She must not let logic falter now. They must talk. They must. “You don’t have to worry, mi bella. Everyone’s safe. And regarding your question, I came here to explain—“ “I already know everything. Everything,” she said, cutting his words. He paused and stared at her for a whil
“Arise, shine, Star Princess!” anang pamilyar na tinig ng Mommy ni Tala na siyang nagpagising sa kanya. She gently opened her eyes and the warmth of the morning sun coming through the big windows of her bedroom greeted her. Pasimple siyang nag-inat at umayos ng pagkakahiga sa kama. She saw her mother arranging another bouquet of pink Ecuadorian roses on the vase on top of the bureau inside her room. “Another one?” she asked, gently pushing herself to sit on her bed. Her mother smiled. “Yes, princess. Your husband doesn’t miss a day,” anang kanyang ina bago muling ipinagpatuloy ang pag-aayos sa mga bulaklak. Husband. She still can't believe that the arrogant prince made her go through all the tears and heartaches for nothing. Knoxx is still her husband or so her father had told her. These days, her parents are openly discussing about Knoxx, especially her Dad. And she is more than relieved to know that despite his absence, Knoxx is slowly making his way through her parents' hearts.
Knoxx heaved a sigh as he stared at his phone, recalling the brief conversation he just had with Tala. Talagang ayaw pa rin talaga siya nitong kausapin. Well, with his wife’s temper he knew that the whole ‘getting-back-together’ plan he had in mind would surely be a feat. But that doesn’t mean he is giving up. He’s just… being considerate given Tala’s condition.Olivia had given her last night an earful of dos and don’t’s when it comes to dealing with pregnant women. At totoong nakinig siya. He clearly remembered how his bratty princess of a cousin reminded him over and over again that pregnant women must always have things their way. And that’s what he just did. Hopefully, that by giving in with Tala’s wishes for now, lumamig na rin ang ulo nito sa kanya at tuluyan na siyang kausapin pagbalik niya sa Pilipinas.Pagbalik niya sa Pilipinas.He sighed and put his phone back to his pocket. Pagkatapos niyon ay pinagmasdan niya ang royal ring sa kanyang palasingsingan. His Majesty gave it
“Yes, Genevieve seduced me and I gave in. I allowed her to fool me and get the better of me. I-I’m sorry,” said King George, still lying down on his hospital bed. Makahulugang nagkatinginan sina Ares at Knoxx, sharing the same gleam of anger in their eyes towards their enemies who had made them suffer for years. Kararating lang nila mula sa Pilipinas at doon sila sa ospital dumiretsong magkapatid. At first Knoxx was conflicted to leave Manila. Bakit hindi, inaayos pa niya ang gusot sa kanila ni Tala tapos aalis siya? If it wasn’t for his mother’s persuasion to go home, baka nagpa-iwan na siya. But he’s glad he did go home. Because if he didn’t, he would’ve missed the clan’s meeting and his Uncle George’s confession. Yesterday, they were informed that his Uncle George had already opened his eyes. But the doctors didn’t allow any member of their family to talk to him just yet. They had to make sure that the King’s condition is stable and that he is ready to receive visitors. It took a
“Ano pang tinatanga mo d’yan? I told you to leave, haven’t I?” gigil na singhal ni Tala kay Knoxx. She really cannot believe he’s inside her room right now, and lying on the bed with her, her very own bed! Nasa baba lang ito kanina a, kasama sina President Tuazon at Ares. Paanong naroon na ito agad sa kwarto niya? Pinaakyat na lang ba ito ng mga kaanak niya nang gano’n-gano’n lang? Imposible. Her Dad hated Knoxx’s guts noon pa. And she’s sure her father, hated Knoxx all the more after everything that has happened between her and her ex-husband. So how in the world was he there inside her room—comfortably sitting on her bed looking more handsome than she remembered? She tried to get her wits straight as she questioned herself. But all she could ever think were all the awful—morbid even- thoughts on how Knoxx ended up inside her room. She groaned inwardly as panic and anger instantly rose in her chest.Pagdating talaga kay Knoxx, ni minsan, hindi umayos ang huwisyo niya. Tumikhim si
The dinner was filled with formal talks about business, leading a country and current events. The topics were of his interest but when Atlas finished his food, Knoxx excused himself to spend more time with his son.They were by the receiving room, playing a race game on his son’s IPAD when Joshua approached him again, asking him to step inside the library. Agad siyang nagpaalam kay Atlas at nagsimulang maglakad pabalik sa library. He glanced at Ares who was walking towards the lanai with the rest of the Sandejas family and President Tuazon. His brother grinned at him and gave him a thumbs up. For what, he does not have any idea. Pagdating sa loob ng library, agad na nagsalita ang Daddy ni Tala. “There are three things you must know before we move forward from here. First, I hate you. That won't change even after a million years. Second, I still think you don’t deserve my daughter nor my grandson. Understand?” “I understand, Sir. And the third?” Sandali siyang tinitigan ni Joshua.
Knoxx had been in many difficult meetings and negotiations his entire life. He had been exposed to such since he was younger for he’s been born a leader, one who's supposed to see beyond the mist—composed, level-headed, sure with just about everything. But right there, in front of Tala’s parents, Knoxx felt like he has just been thrown in the water when he doesn’t know how to swim. Nangangapa siya at halos hindi niya alam ang sasabihin. If he’d be honest, his knees were shaking like a fckin leaf. Well, he should be. Noong huli niyang makaharap ang mga magulang ni Tala, nangako siya na iingatan niya ang mag-ina niya. And the events that had led them into that situation clearly proved, he had not been taking care of his family like he promised. He doesn’t even want to lie either or appear to be all righteous in the midst of the chaos. Because at that point, he knew, alam na ng mga magulang ni Tala ang mga nangyari rito sa pananatili nito sa Maritria. He cannot deny any of it. So he wan
“I dont’t know what got into your head and created trouble inside the hospital. Sa pagkakaalam ko, malinaw ang pagkakasabi ko kay Quint na galit sa inyo ang mga Sandejas,” sermon sa kanila ni Kylie habang ginagamot nito ang sugat ni Ares. Naroon sila sa isa sa mga treatment room sa emergency ward. A different doctor, a resident he presumed, was attending to Knoxx and dressing his wounds. “Bakit ako ang pinapagalitan mo? It was all Knoxx’s fault! I had warned him dozens of times—Ouch! Dammit! That’s hurts, Dr. dela Vega!” reklamo ng kapatid niya, panay ang ngiwi habang patuloy si Kylie sa pagdampi ng antiseptic sa sugatang mukha nito. “And it will hurt more if you’d continue complaining, Prince Ares!” gigil na sagot ni Kylie, patuloy sa pagdiin ng bulak sa mukha ng kapatid niya. Ares complained again, louder this time. Knoxx huffed. Why can’t his brother keep quiet? Hindi ba nito nahahalata na sa bawat reklamo nito, siya ring pagdiin ni Kylie sa mga sugat nito? Quint’s cousin surel