A solemn, sweet melody from the citharas enveloped the palace. One signal from the chamberlain and I glided through the silk curtains, toward the grandiose hall.Poise. Calmness. Confidence.Three things I've learned from the mistress of imperial performers. The years of practice taught me the perfect stance, moves, and all the gracefulness I needed.Dancing for the royal court's entertainment has been my life ever since I reached puberty. I've long accepted the life fate had offered me. This is my fate. To be a slave, to be caged in this palace forever.The Kingdom of Eravia is where the mages rule. It was where my mother lived throughout her life. She was also one of those less fortunate people who was born as a slave, but not as unfortunate as the commoners, for she was a royal entertainer with imperial privileges. But to me, it wasn't privileges. All those years, I couldn't bring myself to enjoy whatever the palace could offer me. It felt as though I was always chained, someone wh
A disturbing noise woke me up in the middle of the night. I thought it was only a dream, but when I realized I was having difficulty in breathing, I moved my heavy eyelids at once to open my eyes.Smoke. I could smell smoke. And the noise outside... it seemed like people were shouting, panicking.It didn't take long before I realized what was happening. The smoke was suffocating. There must be a fire outbreak in the palace!My eyes widened in horror, terrified for myself and for everyone else inside the palace. It's just a few days after the royal occasion. How could this happen?I hurried down my bed and went straight to the door, never minding what I was wearing. I don't think I have the luxury of time to change my long nightdress with something more decent.My legs shuddered to a stop when I saw how thick the smoke in the hallway was. For a moment, I was afraid of going further. I could feel it. I could feel the heat from the fire. I could feel the burning. It was near.Sure, it wa
"Oh!" I reacted with horror. I forgot about that! I looked around, panicking, and was about to find a place anywhere out of the public's sight, when I felt something over my shoulders.I turned and my eyes widened when I saw who was standing tall beside me, putting a black cloak over my shoulders.Even he was meters away when I first saw him, it's impossible to not recognize him, nor mistake him for any other man. His crystal clear, pitch black eyes were like no other. And how could I forget how he looked at me that day?"Wait... your eyes," the man muttered in a low baritone. "Perhaps, are you from-""I-I beg your pardon, sir. Thank you for the cloak but I have to go..." Before he could move an inch, I turned away and walked as fast as I could.What if he recognized me? Will he bring me back to my kingdom? And where am I even? If that man is from Eravia, then does that mean I'm still around the kingdom?No, you're not. I guess we're in Solterra, Raja interrupted my haywire thoughts.
I didn't go through a proper education, but if I categorize my knowledge, I'm far from illiterate. I know it's very impossible for a mage to have the ability to summon dragons. Even the spirit mages-the ones considered as the most powerful in Eravia, has considered that ability beyond their power. So how could a mere slave like me do that?Since you're a mage? Then maybe you're not a pure-blooded mage like what you believe."But my mother said my father was a mage. What you're saying is impossible."I don't know everything about you since I was just awakened recently, but if you were able to summon me, then one thing is for sure, you are not a pure-blooded mage."Just a minute. I... summoned... you? I didn't summon you."Yes, you did. Unconsciously. Usually, people who has that ability can summon their dragon spirits as early as five years old. But since you weren't aware that you have the ability, I woke up late. You facing death and life situation was the trigger."I still don't und
I don't understand. Every element knows how to recognize their masters, and so does fire. What did that mean?The palace will collapse anytime soon. You should be out by that time. Hurry now, Ophelia.I have so many questions but the voice was right. I should leave the palace first before I get buried alive."Is this really true? Fire won't burn me?" Though I can see it in my own eyes, I found it strangely fascinating that I couldn't believe it. It's too surreal and impossible. I mean, no one in Eravia can do this kind of sorcery-if this can be classified as one.Move now, Ophelia, the voice demanded.Without further ado, I leaped towards the blazing stairs. I was doubtful at first, scared that the spell or whatever magic is happening to me has a time limit or something like that. But all the uncertainties were washed away when I felt something different in my body. The heat coming from the fire brought me the kind of warmth I never thought I'd feel in this kind of situation. It was a
"I don't have any ability, though.""Why is that so? If you're a mage, you can at least do a bit of sorcery. No offense intended, but that alone is not something normal.""I know. That is why I have to see my father so he can explain everything to me.""Let's just hope for the best," she said gently and opened a door."Here you go. I will send a servant here shortly with some clothes you can use. The chamber is clean and you may take a bath to clean yourself. I suggest you take a rest after. You can start helping me tomorrow.""If only I could only let you see how grateful I am... Thank you so much, Thiara."And for the first time in my entire existence, I found a friend. Three weeks later...Holding a tray of food and drinks, I went to serve the customers. With my more or less three weeks of staying here, I grew accustomed with the things Thiara taught me. She was glad of my coping up. I was, too. To see people everyday is like a breathe of fresh air. To finally witness how the outsi
I looked around the interiors of the tavern. I never had seen one before this, but I've read and heard about it before. It was forbidden to go outside the palace so the only thing that can connect me to the outside world was-books. Reading became my some sort of hobby to ease boredom and to somehow marvel around different things through imagination. It was the only thing I could do.The woman who introduced herself as Thiara, looked symphathetic and horrified as I went in detail with the story I've made up. She seemed really kind so I felt a little guilty telling her those lies. I just really pray that the deities would spare me for that. After all, I do not have ill motives against anyone."You've went so much hardships, Ophelia. I cannot imagine going through that alone!""Thank the heavens I was lucky enough to survive," I said."I could not agree more. Here, eat. You must be hungry all this time," she encouraged as the servant brought us a tray of food.My mouth watered as I smell
Two lucky girls were chosen by the two princes to be their dance partners. I heard how every single girl sighed the moment it happened. But not so long, they found each of their partners and everyone else were dancing.Why don't you try to dance? Raja broke my silence. I was just around the corner, watching how all of them are enjoying the night.You were invited by seven men but you rejected all of them. Do you have plans on standing there like a statue for the next few hours?Indeed, Raja, I answered him sarcastically. Why do he have to ruin the moment with his sarcasm anyway? I'm silently enjoying the view here.Of course, you enjoy watching them. But have you ever thought how would it feel to dance with people?That silenced me for a moment. I was about to part my lips for a retort when I heard a baritone voice from behind, making me froze in an instant."Would you mind to dance with me, lady in sea-green dress?"I couldn't move. Even if a part of my mind is telling me that it mig
"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