"Hello, ladies. I'm Celestina, the mistress of the court," said by an elegant woman probably two decades older than I am. I was thankful that she arrived. Her presence eased the tension earlier."I will assist the Crown Prince in molding each one of you, so that when time comes, the chosen lady has all the knowledge of what are the duties of a crown princess.""That would not be hard, Mistress. All of us are from noble families who studied right etiquettes since childhood-oh! Pardon, Ophelia. I forgot you are not a noble lady like the rest of us," Lady Lilian, the daughter of the first minister, said softly but lethally.I heard soft chuckles, only cut off by Mistress Celestina's voice."You are just a commoner. Am I right, Lady Ophelia?""You are." I'm not ashamed of my status. Why would I be? At least I am far from being criminal."All right. We are all clear. Ladies," she looked at the others, eyes strict. "She is here because like you, she was also chosen by the Crown Prince himse
The day dragged so slow with all the lessons. Demitri was not around till the night because he got an order from the King to do something outside the palace. So I just planned to tell him about my plans the following day.The whole palace was quiet busy the following day. Most of the servants were on the hall, preparing the tables, decorating the walls like there is an upcoming event."Good morning."I almost had a heart attack when someone suddenly spoke behind me."Apologies if I startled you," Demitri said as he went to my side. We are now both leaning to the bannisters above the huge hall."I thought you would not be around till next day?""Do you rather want me to leave?"I snorted. "I'm just curious but it doesn't mean I prefer you not around."A mischievous smile played on his lips."Does that mean you want me around?""Of course, so we can continue our business. I want nothing other than that.""Tss. Very cooperative," he mumbled which I heard but didn't understand."What?""N
"What about Mistress Celestina? She would scold me-""Don't worry about that. I'll talk to her later," Demitri promised and led me to another secret passageway again."Where are we going?""On my private place. Just wait and see."After entering another door for the nth time, I can already see the blue sky outside. And there was a very nice smell everywhere. Freesias?"We are at what part of the palace?" I asked, my eyes fixed at the flowers beside the stone pathway."East. This is the Crown Prince's garden. No one is allowed here aside from the royal family.""Then why did you bring me here? Do you want me to be beheaded for trespassing in a private place?""There's an exception. Of course if the prince himself brought someone here, that won't be a problem.""Sure. Unless someone would see us going in such a private place.""Why would you be scared? If ever people would know that we are spending alone time together, that won't be a big deal since you are here in the palace for a cert
I sighed when I was finally out of everyone's eyes. After having the meal, I excused myself for bathroom but I went to the garden to have some air. However, just when I thought I finally had my peaceful time alone, someone talked from behind that startled me."Why do you keep on startling me, Demitri?" I asked in a low but firm voice."Are you mad with me?" His careful voice calmed me. How would I be mad with him if he's asking that way? Such a wicked prince."You shouldn't have done that, you know?" But anyway, if I'm planning to be the temporary fiancée and crown princess, I should get used to that, right?Indeed, my lady.Always supportive when it comes to Demitri, aren't you, Raja?Just supportive to what is the best for my lady."Apologies if you didn't like that. I just can't help but ask. You seemed to lack appetite earlier."Which was not because the food was bad or didn't appeal to me. It was because I was intimidated eating with all those royal people around."Never mind. As
We were back in the palace just when the sun was about to set. I went straight to my chamber while Demitri said he will go find His and Her Majesty to tell him about his decision-which is actually fabricated by yours truly. I was kind of uneasy thinking what would be the reaction of his parents but based on their personalities, I don't think it would be bad. Still, I couldn't help but worry a bit. They are his parents after all, so whatever they say would certainly matter.The next morning, I was awakened by a few knocks on my door and it was honestly disturbing. I slept late last night thinking of the complication my plan has made, and here's Emily, disturbing my very, very short sleep."Just get inside, Emily!" I yawned and rolled to my bed, hugging my pillow again.If there is one thing I like being in the palace is that the bed is impossibly soft and comfortable that once you are lying on it, you will never want to get up.Moments later, I haven't heard the door opening up, which
I turned my head towards the newcomer. His air and appearance clearly screams his status. I think he's the same age as Demitri or Prince David. And by the looks of it, he must be related to Prince Javier considering that they resemble each other."Hello, Your Majesties," Prince Evan paid respect to the King and Queen. "It has been a while since we last met."The King chuckled. "As you grew up, the more you resemble your father."Prince Javier chuckled too. "Thankfully he is not as rebellious as me when I was on his age."Oh. So this Prince Evan must be the son of Prince Javier and Princess Leticia."Only that I have problem with him sometimes when it comes to girls," Princess Leticia said.Prince Evan faked a cough. "Please don't embarrass me in front of Uncle and Aunt, Mother.""Do you think that is not my problem too?" the Queen smiled. "David and Martin-"Cough. Cough.I looked at Prince David and Prince Martin. Are they all right? Seems like they have some respiratory problems."H
"May you be blessed a happy life together, son and daughter!" The King said to us after the rites which made me more anxious than ever. Can you imagine? His Majesty himself just called me daughter! I can't believe all of this is really happening."For the kingdom's longevity!" the King shared a toast which was answered by everyone."What happened to the other ladies? I don't see them anywhere," I whispered to Demitri."They were sent home early this morning. I gave them invitations for today's event but I guess they don't want to come."My jaw dropped. "You insensitive son of a witch. You sent them home that early and even gave them invitations? Tell me. Do you even have a heart, Demitri? They must be hurt because they were not chosen. What you did was like adding salt to the wound!""First of all, I'm not son of a witch. My mother is a pure blooded earth summoner. Second, I thought they would see my invitation as a form of apology.""Form of apology?" I hissed. "You really don't know
"I'd definitely do that!""And while we are on the journey, I'm the superior. You will follow everything I say. Do you understand?"That doesn't seem very right, but I think I have to give it to him for now?"All right. It's clear to me.""No buts," he added.I grimaced. "Fine!""Hate it? Why don't you just stay in the palace and wait for me to come back instead?""And I will die in curiosity of what's happening to you out there. Can you imagine those sleepless nights being alone and worried sick? Thank you very much, but I certainly don't want that for myself."His eyes narrowed. "Such a hardheaded lady.""I won't be Ophelia if I don't insist my point. If you're planning to live with me for the next couple of months, you should get used to this attitude of mine.""I think so too," he replied quickly and before I could react, I already felt his soft lips against my forehead.It was very quick but enough to scatter my thoughts and make my heart leap in both shock and anxiousness. I eve
"You know what, darling? It makes me a little sad that I have to pass you on to another man. I had barely known you for a few days, but here you are, getting married very soon." Father laughed. "But do not get me wrong. It is okay to marry. I am fine and I am also glad too that there was someone like Ares who was there for you when I was not there. I will always be thankful to him, and I support your marriage with all my heart. And I think I know what could hush my little sadness away. You should give me grandchildren as soon as you are married.""That will not be a problem, Your Majesty," Demitri responded to the latter part of Father's speech. I looked sharply at him but he only stared back at me with gentle and loving eyes. How could I not love this very adorable man, anyway? Anyone in my shoes would certainly break her principles in order to be with him just like what I did. Loving Demitri is worth it. He is all worth it. And I am so lucky to have him as my man who would love me t
Raja slowly vanished and returned to a red smoke. It then went back to my necklace, and all I was able to do was watch the last trace of him vanish in thin air.‘Raja, are you there?’ I asked through our mind link, hoping that he’s just in the necklace and still could talk to me.But his response didn’t come. Not even his usual growl when he doesn’t feel like answering my question or when I’m doing something stupid. All I hear was silence. Empty silence that made me feel so cold inside.“Your annoying pet is now sealed, dear Ophelia. He can’t interfere my business anymore,” Ren said evilly.With tears in my eyes, I tried to talk to Raja again, but there was no answer. He was really sealed into endless sleep and I don’t have the least bit idea how to awaken him. Even King Arthur and Queen Romina thought that there was no way to awaken David. They said that the seal can only be broken by the one who did it, but in this case, I doubt if Ren would do me such favor or I could force him to.
I leaped and attacked Ren aggressively. Raja followed my move, probably thinking that he should finish Ren off before I lay my hands on him. But to my surprise, the hall’s floor turned to ice and I heard another growl, from an unfamiliar dragon this time. An ice dragon went in and attacked Raja. I saw how Ren smirked with satisfaction etched in his eyes, so I figured that the dragon must be his.“Surprised, sweetheart? You see, I am also a dragon summoner. The two of us are the same. We fit for each other. I guess it’s what they call destiny?”“Destiny, you fool! What did you do to them?! Where is Demitri?!” I yelled and lifted my hand in the air. My blazing sword appeared and I held onto it tightly as I sauntered forward.I lashed my sword in the air, creating waves of fire, but he blocked it so fast with his wind blades.“I heard you are pregnant? One month? Two? It’s not visible yet so I wonder. I suggest you should just kill that child. Its father is dead, after all. You can bear
I adjusted my posture before following Raxon to see who was knocking. I was somewhat uneasy because of what just happened."Hi Rax!" It was a beautiful woman, maybe on her mid-twenties. It had a big smile but when it came to me the look suddenly disappeared. Raxon's admirer, huh? Maybe, they are close. It just went in and went straight to the room."Katrina."She looked at him again and smiled sexily. He openly glared at Raxon's body which I almost felt. The fool, on the other hand, doesn't seem to care if anyone sees him naked."I heard you were coming, so I went right away."I couldn't escape the fact that her breasts were almost bulging because of the clothes she was wearing. I was overwhelmed with irritation. Just when I'm on the verge of leaving them, Raxon held my waist. I notice the sourness of the woman's face because of that."Yes. We want to take a vacation for a while. By the way, this is Amara. My fianceé." Katrina's mouth dropped open, obviously startled. Even I was also
"I've seen you a few times at social events, but I always lose the chance to talk to you. Well, you look so stiff and distant. Looks like you don't want to get close .." He chuckled. Not interested of talking with him, I just smiled a bit."Are you ---""Amara." His words were drowned by Raxon's voice. I turned around. Standing with an authorative stance, he looked at me darkly. His forehead was furrowed, as if someone didn't like what he saw."You done?"He nodded once. He came closer to me and offered his hand. I immediately reached for you and stood up."Who is he?" He was looking at David. Eyes were cold, nothing can be seen but indifference for the person in front."Is he with you France?" David, now also standing. I nodded slowly."Raxon Bermudez, right?""Yes.""David Ardiente." It reached out its hand. But Raxon just glanced at it and then turned to me as if he had no intention of accepting it."Your clothes are already sent in the villa. You should change." My eyes almost wid
I was greeted by facilitators entering the seminar venue. I saw many acquaintances before. Mommy's friends were even there. Even though the smile was formal at me, I could see the judgment in their eyes. I understand it. It's been like that these years."It's good that your business is up and running, hija?" An older woman with a cunning look smiled at me. Her air wasn't friendly at all."That's good. Tito Demitri's expertise in business was a great help.""Oh! If so, it's true that you're marrying the second successor of Salamedas?"What?Even before I could recover, another elder approached. I never had a chance to answer the question because they had a new topic. I just excused myself and found a chair.The seminar was held in a five star hotel. My plan would have been to just book there so I wouldn't have to travel. But Kirk's offer is also okay. I really need to reduce the cost especially and more will be needed in the factory. So it's reasonable.There is a little more program b
Whatever happened to us then is no longer with me. It's been eight years. The amount of things that have happened in my life. And I can't almost remember how it felt. All I know is, I was so hurt when he left me. I was also very angry. But maybe because of too much problems, I eventually went numb and forgot about it."Uh, good afternoon. Are you the owner of RM Tower or just an assistant?" I asked first.He didn't look shock when he saw me. It was as if he was expecting that. Of course, for sure the agent mentioned my name! But why didn't the agent even say the owner's name? And I didn’t even ask?"I'm the owner, Miss Escareal.""Oh ..."It is not impossible that he acquired properties within those people."I'm sorry. The agent didn't tell me and I didn't ask. So ... order first?"I called the waiter."Sorry. I ate my lunch first. I hope it's okay with you," I said formally."It's fine."Even when the waiter was on the side, his gaze remained on me. If not lang the waiter laid the m
After talking to the principal, I left his office. I took a deep breath and turned down the pathway out through the row of doors. One more turn and I saw who was waiting for me at the corridor.Frowning and frowning, Zach kicked the plastic bottle at his feet. His hair was a bit messy and there was still a stain on his uniform. He was staring darkly at the bottle, looking so pissed. When he looked up at me, his expression softened and he straightened up."I'm sorry about it, Tita."I approached and adjusted the folding of his collar."I told you, didn't I? I don't want you to get into a fight, Zach. You shouldn't have punched that kid.""But I was pissed!"I stared at him."About what? Because he teased you about being an orphan?""No. I'm not pissed about that because that's true. I'm pissed because he called you crazy!"I sighed."And you know that I'm not, right?"He averted his gaze. "Of course."My life felt like hell after Ate Diana's death. I can't talk. I can't eat. I didn’t e
"It's you. You're too uptight. It's just your job that you're always doing so you don't know what's going on around you," he laughed."You're going to a seminar next week, right? Let's leave Manila together. How many days have you been there?""Three days or four. Maybe I'll talk to the agent for the property," I said."Are you going to a hotel? I have a condo. It's big and has three bedrooms. You can sleep there if you want."My eyebrows rose."In your condo? You mean, where do you bring your women? No thanks. I can pay for my hotel. I might get sick there.""Woah. It's serious! I don't bring them to my condo, Drey. I'll book a room, you know. I'm the one who's feeling good after all?""For all I know, you just have a plan for me."His jaw dropped and laughed hysterically. Of course that's just a joke. All these years, Kirk was with me and I am aware of his pure intentions.Back then, I never thought we would be this close because I really didn’t like him. But I found an unexpected f