CHAPTER 4
PurposeㅤAS MERLIN debunked the idea that the previous princess of Izquierdo kingdom was only fictional and was only created to spice up the history of Griego family’s tragedy and of her possible death, Lucas discovered that the spell ‘Hymn of the Moon’ may only sound lame in the ears of those who have not paid too much attention to its details. It turns out that it is something more than a boring spell and it actually deserves its seat as one of the forbidden magics out there.
The mere fact that it is a protective spell made things bland but with the added reality of its capabilities – which is to surpress one’s identity to hide the object it was casted upon – Lucas understood why the spell requires a heavy sacrifice. Still, processing all these information may have taken a toll in his mind.
“That better be not a joke,” Lucas uttered almost breathlessly.
Merlin blinked, amused that despite he had laid out what he knew about the lost princess to fill in Lucas’ curiosity, the prince still had the guts to take every information with a grain of salt. Meanwhile, Lucas noticed that Merlin fell into deep thought, presumably from how he reacted. Because while he came here to satiate his curiosity, now he’s taking every bit of information he can accumulate with a grain of salt.
It did not take long when Merlin chirped. “Isn’t Princess Selene a charmer? You haven’t met her but she piqued your curiosity. I can’t really blame you for taking interest over her mysterious disappearance.”
But how is that related to the doubt which Lucas had thrown Merlin? He actually expected the wizard to provide some back up details to support his claim.
The second Lucas realized that couldn’t hold back the frown that had been threatening his visage, he let his expression take over to convey the message he’d been itching to express. Merlin seemed to realize it, thus, the wizard let out another chuckle. However, it sounded hearty this time.
“Prince Lucas, you seem to be very demanding. I’ve shown you my memories, I wonder if that isn’t enough proof?” the wizard asked before he settled on his seat, “I can’t show you the king nor the queen’s point of view as I do not own them.”
Lucas pressed his lips together and realized that he had been shown some bits of Merlin’s past. He and Jonas travelled from the past through Merlin’s memories and watched the tragedy befall upon the once powerful and influencing vampire nobles – Griego. He had seen how the previous prosperous and proud Izquierdo kingdom fell apart as well as the deaths of its previous rulers before the land was entirely dominated by the Demelza family.
But why is it that he cannot grasp upon the ideas?
“Pagpasensyahan niyo na ‘kung makikisabad ako sa usapan,” sabad ni Jonas na parehong nakapagpatigil sa kanila ni Merlin, “pero Merlin, wala ka bang pruweba na ginamit nga ni Reyna Erina ang Hymn of the Moon? Iyong mga ipinakita mo sa ‘min ni Prinsipe Lucas, mga alaala mo lamang iyon nang matagpuan mo ang dating Reyna.”
“Fufu. I knew that you’d press me even though I’ve shown you what is there to see.” Merlin let out a low and a somewhat sing-song chuckle. “Alright. Let me show you my memories again. Make sure to pay extra attention to the elemental traces left by the spell.”
Lucas prepared himself to see Merlin’s memories once again. This time, when the wizard snapped his fingers and showed them what he saw on the night of the tragedy as well as of how he found the former queen’s ashes, Lucas immediately noticed elemental orbs around the cave she sought refuge. His forehead creased at the sight and he tried to seek answers through the wizard’s memories but that was all he could see – nearly transparent elemental orbs which hovered around the queen’s ashes.
“Those elemental orbs are the traces of the Hymn,” Merlin soon explained as soon as his memories popped like bubbles from Lucas and Jonas’ minds, “apparently, the other two forbidden spells don’t emit such beautiful yet dangerous orbs, rather; they emanate destruction around the place where it was casted upon. Only the Hymn leaves such traces when it’s complete.”
Mestikulosong ngumisi si Merlin bago muling sumimsim ng tsaa. The wizard hummed in ecstasy once the liquid touched his lips. Sa mga oras na ito, hinihintay ng mahiko ang mga bayolenteng reaksyon ni Lucas ngunit sa paglipas ng sampung segundo, wala pa rin siyang naikokomento.
Samantala, nanatili ang mga mata niya sa mahiko. Tatawa ba siya o ano? But no, everything sounds convincing – although, the doubt in Lucas had never left – what else is there to believe if he’s speaking to Merlin, a witness of the queen’s sacrifice and the princess’ disappearance? Sa ngayon, pilit na lamang niyang inirerehistro ang mga impormasyong nakalap sa isipan, pagtagpi-tagpiin hanggang sa makuntento siya’t maisarado na ang conspiracy theory na ilang buwang inaasikaso.
Nandito na ang sagot sa harap niya, e. Sinabi na lahat ni Merlin sa kanya.
“The rebels don’t know what happened to princess Selene but they are more than aware of the queen’s death,” Merlin says through a sing-song voice as a hum of content escapes his lips once he sips on his tea again, “those stupid mortals probably made up a story regarding her enigmatic disappearance. Who knows? But the Demelzas...”
Sumandal siya sa backrest ng kinauupuan at inabantayanan ang pagpapatuloy ni Merlin. Nanatili ang mga mata niya sa mga pagkain at tsaang nakalatag sa lamesa, wala sa isip ang kumain at sa halip ay ang makinig dito.
“The Demelza family isn’t stupid,” pagpapatuloy ni Jonas sa sasabihin dapat ni Merlin dahil tila ba wala itong balak na kumpletuhin ang sasabihin.
Kahit si Lucas, napahimig sa pagsabad ni Jonas. Tama. Hindi sila tanga. Siguradong noong magkunwari ang mga rebelde na napatay din nila ang prinsesa, nagpadala sila ng pupwedeng magpatunay noon pero walang ebidensya. Isa pa, hindi naman malalaman ni Lucas ang tungkol sa misteryosong prinsesa kung hindi dahil sa mga libro!
Kahit maitago ng lahat ang pagkawala ni prinsesa Selene, hindi pa rin maitatago ang katotohanan: parang bula itong nawala sa gabi ng trahedya.
Sinang-ayunan siya ng mahiko. “Sigurado akong hinahanap nila ang prinsesa ngayon.”
Lucas’ lips parted as soon as he heard that there’s a possibility that the Demelza family was looking for the lost vampire princess. His mind wandered for a bit, thinking how difficult it would be for the Demelzas to search for someone whose whereabouts was unknown.
But... that should not be the case for Merlin? Bakit naririto pa rin ito sa kaharian nila imbes na hanapin ang nag-iisa nitong pag-asa?
“E ikaw, Merlin? Ba’t ‘di mo hinahanap? Ikaw ang naatasang protektahan ang nawawalang prinsesa, ‘di ba?” he asked out of curiosity.
Merlin giggled as soon as he raised the question. “I am but the Hymn restricts me to track her down. Like I’ve said, it’s the perfect protective spell if you want to hide something... or rather, someone.”
“Wala bang ibang paraan para mahanap siya?”
Imbes na sumagot kaagad ay nagkibit balikat muna si Merlin. “For years, I’ve been searching for a way to find princess Selene. But all attempts fell into failure... until now, I don’t know where she is.”
Ah. That’s right. Now that Merlin mentioned it, Lucas realized how pushy he had been – of course, even if the greatest wizard within Xeofarea sits in front of him, it doesn’t mean that he can break the spell of the Hymn and just casually walk in front of the princess to take her back.
“Do you want to meet her?” biglang sabi ni Merlin na siyang humila kay Lucas pabalik sa huwisyo.
Naguguluhan niyang hinanap ang mga mata nito. “What do you mean?”
“It’s simple as it is, prince Lucas. I don’t mean anything beyond the question I’ve asked. I wanted to know if your goal on learning about the lost princess’ enigmatic disappearance involve a spark of desire to meet her.”
Lucas’ forehead creased and his gaze never left Merlin who busied himself pouring and offering more tea to Jonas who felt embarrassed by the service. Nevertheless, his mind wandered and pondered about the question. He probably thought about this before. To see her for himself and put an end to his never-ending struggle in solving the tragedy of Izquierdo but – no, previous thoughts of meeting the lost princess quickly dissipates from his mind.
After all, what good is there if their paths would cross? Nothing.
If Lucas meets the princess, then his kingdom will be damned and the Elders from the Magic tower will blame him for his recklessness as the crowned prince.
Anyway, Lucas just solves this mystery for self-satisfaction and nonexistent benefit. If the puzzle pieces lead him to the princess, then that would be cool, but does he have any plan on interferring with her life and the conflict she’s presumably unaware of with the Demelza family? No thanks. He has his priorities and Selene Griego won’t ever be a part of it.
“I don’t want to see nor meet her,” Lucas replied soon after he made up his mind with an answer that would satisfy him and Merlin, “it won’t be of any good to me if we’d cross paths, right? I don’t want to drag my own kingdom with her conflict against the Izquierdo kingdom.”
Merlin seemed to be taken aback by his response, one proof of that is how a piece of the wizard’s cookie which he had just bitten, crumbled and fell on the table cloth. Lucas didn’t even mind following where that cookie went, instead; he had his gaze fixated on Merlin’s wide eyes.
‘Why does he look surprised?’ Lucas asked to himself, though he has this urge to voice out the inquiry, he chose to keep his lips sealed.
It was then when Merlin cleared his throat and asked, “despite her father, being an accomplice of King Alexander?”
“To hell I care about that?” He scoffed before he leaned on the table for comfort and to support his weight. “I’m not my dad. He also can’t manipulate my decisions.”
“I’m sorry, my prince.” Merlin ate the last bit of his cookie and sat properly. “I know that it doesn’t concern you, however; it should be since you’re about to tie the knot with Izquierdo’s current princess, Luan Demelza. What if the land of Izquierdo is a total mess and the virus may affect your beloved Vintress kingdom, prince Lucas?”
His eyebrow twitched. Alright, that’s foul play. Kahit pa na may masamang imahe ang mga Demelza, hindi naman siguro nila idadamay ang Vintress sa kalokohan nila. Moreover, he’s still the crowned prince and even when he’s finally king, he has no plans on letting these humans trample the land his family had worked hard for. Those mortals can’t bring his land down to the slumps – what disrespect even is that?!
Matamang tinitigan ni Lucas si Xerxes and settled for a vague response. “That’s treachery against the current royal family of Izquierdo kingdom, Merlin. You may get beheaded.”
*
DAYS had passed ever since Merlin’s conversation with the Sutcliffe’s beloved prince, Lucas, and he decided to pay a visit at the palace to speak with His Majesty – wait, he is not exactly paying a visit. He just barged into the castle like he usually does, pranced around, and acted stupid as he walked to the door which leads to the king’s chamber.
As he walked down the grand hallway of the palace, he was able to discern that some gazes he received scrutinized him while some admired him. But seriously, mortals should cease throwing him the ‘looks’. For someone old like him, these human beings shall stop fantasizing over a vampire’s mystical beauty. But then, they are just built like that, curious creatures who are easily attracted by something that is beyond their understanding.
Going back to those who judged, however, he knows where they are coming from. For someone who has not received any formal invitation to visit the king or sent any invitation to see the ruler of Vintress, his presence appears as some sort of a nuisance. No one prepared – but it is not like he wanted to be welcomed, either.
Also, as disrespectful Merlin’s visit appears to be, he has an urgent matter to discuss with the king. Sending a letter and waiting for a response will only bore him to death, thus; his grand entrance in the palace ensues.
It was then when he mentally sighed and reminisced what he and Lucas discussed recently.
Nitong nakaraan, personal siyang binisita ng prinsipe. And as much as it’s a delight since it never occurred to him, it was still a surprise that what brought him there was the lost vampire princess of Izquierdo kingdom. Napag-usapan nila ang mga posibleng dahilan kung bakit nawala ang prinsesa at mabilis ding isiniwalat ni Merlin ang tungkol sa katotohanang sa likod ng misteryoso nitong pagkawala.
Lucas had it solved the second they mentioned the Hymn of the Moon, only that he was not immediately convinced since the Hymn’s entire purpose was murdered by those who knew little of it. Nevertheless, it was fun unveiling the verity and defending its credibility as one of the three forbidden spells.
But... he wonders what lies beyond Lucas’ curiosity of the lost princess.
Patuloy lamang na naglalakad si Merlin, walang pakialam sa paligid at hindi na pinagtuunan pa nang pansin kung saan siya tangayin ng mga paa. Ni hindi niya napansing nakarating na pala siya sa destinasyon niya. Noong makumpirmang nasa harap na nga siya ng kwartong kinaroroonan ni haring Alexander, mabilis siyang bumaling sa isa sa mga kawal na kanina pa siya pinagmamasdan.
“Nariyan ba si haring Alexander?” pagtatanong niya.
Tumango ang kawal. “Anong kailangan mo? Wala siyang natanggap na mensahe ukol sa pagbisita mo. Pupwede kang bumalik sa susunod na araw.”
Mahinang humimig si Merlin nang maintindihan ang nais nitong ipahiwatig. Right. Within Vintress kingdom, his former title doesn’t serve any value, thus; his presence right now is undoubtly unwanted. Kahit kaibigan din siya ni haring Alexander, hindi iyon sapat na dahilan upang mabigyan siya ng ‘special treatment’.
That is just not how monarchy works, apparently.
“Ipagpaumanhin mo pero importante ang pakay ko sa mahal na hari.” Matamis niyang nginitian ang kawal. “Tungkol kay prinsipe Lucas ang ipinunta ko’t pupwede mong kausapin ang mahal na hari tungkol sa pagbisita ko.”
Nagkatinginan ang dalawang kawal na nagbabantay sa kwarto ni haring Alexander, senyales na nag-uusap ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalitan ng tingin – tinitignan at tinitimbang kung papapasukin ba siya sa kwarto o hindi.
Sa kalagitnaan ng pag-uusap ng mga ito, bigla na lamang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto at iniluwa nito si Duke Louwes, ang sekretarya ni haring Alexander. Nang makita nito ang pigura ni Merlin na nakatayo sa harap ng kwarto, nagpakawala ito ng buntong hininga’t mabilis na inilipat ang mga mata sa mga kawal.
“Ba’t hindi niyo siya pinapasok?” pag-uusisa nito sa kanila.
The knights immediately tensed but Merlin only waved a hand and chuckled.
“Kasalanan ko rin naman, Duke Louwes. ‘Di ako nagpakilala sa kanila,” paliwanag niya.
Kumunot ang noo nito at binalingan siya. “Pupwede bang sa susunod e ‘wag mo ‘yong gagawin? Kilala ka naman ng mga ito sa pangalan kaya pupwede mong banggitin ang pangalan mo.”
“Oh, may special treatment ako?” natatawa niyang balik bago ipinagkrus ang mga braso. Nang angatan siya ng isang kilay ni Duke Louwes, sumuko rin siya, “my old title doesn’t have much value anymore, so it’s okay not to mention what it is.”
Niluwangan ni Duke Louwes ang pagkakabukas ng pinto at hinayaan siyang pumasok. “Kanina pa naramdaman ng hari ang pagdating mo’t nagtataka siya kung bakit ‘di ka pa nakakapasok.”
Napahagalpak ng tawa si Merlin sa narinig. Umalingawngaw ang boses niya sa buong kwarto at nakikita na niya ang itsura ni Duke Louwes bagamat nakatalikod ito sa kanya. Nanatili ang pagtawa niya hanggang sa makarating na siya sa harap ng mahal na hari. Sa unang tingin, tila ba wala siyang pakialam sa pagkakaiba nila ng posisyon ngunit kalaunan, nagbigay galang din si Merlin nang kumalma.
“Nakausap mo ba si Lucas?” Ito ang unang ibinungad sa kanya ni haring Alexander na noon ay nakaupo sa swivel chair nito at pinipirmahan ang dokumentong halos katatapos lang nitong basahin, “personal kang binisita ng anak ko sa Lullin village para magtanong tungkol sa mga Griego.”
Ah. He’s really not a fan of beating around the bush. “Hindi naman ispesipikong mga Griego ang tinanong niya. Lucas’ objective last time was to ask about the lost vampire princess of Izquierdo kingdom. Did you know about this?”
“I wouldn’t allow him to leave the palace nor send him your way if I wasn’t aware of his agenda,” was what King Alexander replied before he raised his head to search for Merlin’s gaze, “and I presume that you’ve told him the truth?”
“Fufu. It’s not like you left me with any other option.” Merlin then waved a hand as if he gestured. “You left several books in your library about the fall of Izquierdo on purpose. Not to mention, the books Lucas read talks about the lost princess.”
Napaismid si Alexander bago nagpahalumbaba. Pinasadahan din nito ng tingin si Duke Louwes na noo’y nasa tabi nito’t nakikinig sa usapan nila nang muwestrahan nito ang duke na lumabas muna at hayaan silang mag-usap ni Merlin. Siya ring pagsunod ng duke at pag-iwan nito sa kanila, habang si Merlin naman e minuwestrahan ng hari na umupo sa isa sa mga upuang nasa harap ng mesa nito.
Merlin immediately complied to his order but before he could settle down on his seat, he asked, “what is your purpose for letting Prince Lucas know about the lost princess?”
A deafening silence vanquished the room for a moment but Merlin waited patiently for King Arthur’s response. It took several minutes of them, enjoying the tranquility, until King Alexander opened his mouth and shared his friendship with both Merlin and the Izquierdo kingdom’s previous king, Arthur Griego.
“It’s a commemorative gift for a friend. Nothing big. Can you still remember how we all grew up together?” King Alexander began, his voice was soft and there was a tinge of loneliness lingering in his tone, “I promised you two that I’ll help in maintaining your kingdom’s peace in exchange of aiding mine when trouble comes.”
“But chaos befell only on Izquierdo kingdom. Nevertheless, I, as one of the survivors thank you for keeping your promise and aiding us during the rebellion,” Merlin responded.
Merlin was sincere – never disappointed although Alexander believed that his grave mistake was to be overly confident that Izquierdo kingdom will be saved and the throne would remain on those who truly deserved it.
“It was just really unfortunate that the humans fell for such baseless accusation.” Merlin heaved a sigh and expressed his disappointment by shaking his head. “Moreover, how is that related to letting Lucas solve the mystery of the princess?”
King Alexander let out a chuckle before he leaned against the back rest of his swivel chair. The smile on his lips never left and amusement – or rather, there was a hint of desire – that glinted in his golden eyes.
“There’s no ulterior motive at first, to be honest. I only wanted my child to learn about the fall of Izquierdo so that we would be ready if ever rebels lurked within our kingdom,” Alexander explained as he closed his eyes and hummed, “but recently, I found a spark of hope through my son’s eagerness to solve the tragedy. Perhaps, this is just me, wishfully thinking that Lucas could help Princess Selene recuperate what was originally hers.”
“Even if he doesn’t want to get involved?” Merlin asked as he remembered how Lucas responded to his question before.
King Alexander chuckled. “But there is no way that we can’t get involved, Merlin. After all, he’ll be marrying the current princess of Izquierdo kingdom. Now, before our land could fall onto the hands of those who brought a dear friend’s land to its destruction, why not prevent it as early as now?”
Merlin was silent after he heard the king’s reason of letting Lucas’ interest be swooned by the mystery of the lost princess, as well as the fall of Izquierdo. Ah. He understands. Even though Alexander seemed not moving despite the looming menace – the Demelza family – he had already made a move by persuading his son in the little ways he could.
“Pero kung ayaw niya, ‘di ko naman siya pipilitin,” the king soon added after a while of silence, “pakiramdam ko lang e siya ang susi para maibalik kay Prinsesa Selene ang trono at maisalba ang kahariang minsan nang nawalan ng pag-asa.”
CHAPTER 5Tightrope ㅤ”THE stance that you’re doing isn’t right! I told you to relax your muscles or you might restrain your own movements, Prince Lucas!” the chief knight scolded him, her voice was deep and strict to the point that Lucas can’t help it but to tense and sweat drop, “fix your stance! That’s not how I taught you!” ‘Ah, fuck.’ Who would have thought that today’s training would be hellish? He certainly did not see this coming. The infuriation that seethed through his trainer’s voice as she watched his every moves felt like she’s trying to burn him alive. Not to mention that he’s standing in the middle of the training ground, under the menacing heat wave, feeling his sweat drip down his body, influencing his patience. Lucas was in the middle of training with the chief knight-slash-his trainer, Reina Lyte – who also happens to be Jonas’ mother and the greatest female knight within Vintress kingdom. Since he was unable to attend his training last week when he decided to meet
CHAPTER 6.1 Proceeding to the Journey ㅤLUCAS had never thought of inviting misfortune within their kingdom when he finally tied the knot with Princess Luan from the current Izquierdo kingdom. All he thought was that: if he retreated, kept his mouth shut and instead, defend their territory in ways that only he could by watching the Demelzas carefully, then he could preserve Vintress kingdom’s peace and harmony. This was his chosen way of maintaining balance. Only that it’s a temporary resolution and war is inevitable as the snakes would have bitten him to death if he chooses the easiest path available. With that, his father proved that he’s still unfit for being a leader with such choice. His choices aren’t exactly poor but it’s still lacking, although his father commended him for thinking logically as making friends with their enemies could really help them attain a serene administration. It was just that, peace was never an option. Behind the curtains and beyond the darkness, shad
CHAPTER 6.2 Confused ACCORDING to the folder that Duke Louwes handed him during his discussion with his father, the Demelza family is not as perfect as how the newspapers portrayed them—which was something he figured out while reading the articles about them. The folder also contained several issues regarding the neglected citizens of Izquierdo kingdom and the missing properties, sold land, of the entire kingdom right after the reign of Demelza family rose up. Lucas heaved a deep sigh as he read the book about the forbidden spells. He can’t focus in reading, to be honest. He’s trying to learn more about the Hymn of the Moon and the librarian told him that he could only get the book at the Magic Tower. He paid them a visit of course, only to see the head magician who agitated Lucas by saying that he couldn’t borrow the book. “Prince Lucas, reading the book of forbidden spells is a taboo!” was what the elder told him but he reasoned out that he’s studying the spells in order to be aw
CHAPTER 6.3 Suspicion AS soon as Princess Luan and King Morfran approved of his visit in Izquierdo kingdom, Lucas immediately set off to travel to the place. He also discussed this with his father during their dinner and he approved of his schedule for the day with a reminder to be careful since behind his visit lies an agenda to look for the ‘abandoned place’ where Griego family’s faithful subordinates are kept for execution. “You better not blow up your disguise visit,” was what the king told him back then, “or there would be dispute.” Lucas knew and understood immediately. All he has to do is to act like the ‘good’ fiance before he sneak out to check if the rumours are true. He also brought his strongest knight, Jonas, as well as some other knights who swore loyalty on him and before he left, King Alexander saw him prepare for his departure who blessed him with success. He heaved a sigh as soon as he discerned the gate and the walls of Izquierdo kingdom from afar—it has been lo
CHAPTER 6.4Land of the Forsaken SINCE Lucas was unable to suggest a place to stroll, Princess Luan decided to take a walk on their rose garden—which she, according to the princess, looks after with the help of some of her chosen gardeners. Well, Lucas will not gonna lie, the roses are beautiful and the scenery where they are in appeared very cinematic. “Anong masasabi mo, prinsipe Lucas?” masiyang tanong ng dalaga. Halos maningkit ang mga mata nito dala ng malawak na ngiting nakakurba sa mga labi nito, “natuwa ka ba sa hardin ko?” Tipid siyang tumango. “The roses are well taken care of and the scenery’s great. You’ve got a great taste, Princess.” “Ah! Mabuti naman nagustuhan mo! May ipinaayos pala ako na spot sa gitna ng rose garden para ro’n tayo makapagtsaa. Ayos lang ba sa ‘yo?” “Oo, kung ‘yon ang gusto mo.” Lucas exhaled sharply as Princess Luan pulled him to the spot she arranged to have tea with him. He faked his enthusiasm and his desire to see her—at the back of his head
CHAPTER 6.5Convinced NETHERMOORE is a place where vampires and humans alike are condemned. Depending on their ages and their gender, the people deserted in Nethermoore are either sold for slavery or other malicious acts such as trafficking while the young ones are introduced to child labor but that does not mean that there’s no possibility for child trafficking to occur. It has already been a week since he witnessed the monstrosity humans could do and for what reason? He doesn’t know but at the same time, he can’t blame the Demelza—what the revolutionaries did was treachery against the royal family, after all. Still... it’s too much. He can’t wrap his head around what he witnessed. “Prinsipe Lucas,” tawag sa kanya ni Chief Knight Lyte. Agad din namang napukaw ang atensyon niya kaya nag-angat siya ng tingin para tignan ito. But to be honest, he didn’t like the stern look on her face and he knew that she’s about to reprimand him for spacing out, as well as not giving his best durin
CHAPTER 7.1 Expedition “I REFUSE,” Lucas immediately responded while he held the urge to cross his arms, “why me? I’m the crowned prince, King Alexander. I can’t abandon the kingdom. Why don’t we send some people to search for her?” “Consider this as an expedition I specifically tailored for you,” King Alexander reasoned out as he gestured, “most princes don’t experience setting off in a journey, but some; specifically, those whose countries are involved in war, are sent out to fight in order to prove themselves worthy of the throne.” “But I don’t have anyone to compete with.” Albeit his reply was nothing but a mere whisper, his father chuckled. But the king sure agreed. It’s true. Lucas has no competition with ascending the throne, there is no direct heir aside from him and almost everyone sees him fit for being a leader. Well, almost since skeptics still lurk around every corner of their
CHAPTER 7.2 ConferenceWHEN Lucas finally trusted his father’s words that the Demelza family are just exploiting Izquierdo kingdom, it was as though he hit his head with facts and even saw them in a different light. His opinion of them abruptly changed that he feared how he realized that they’re people that he couldn’t trust. They ascended the throne for nothing but greed and to satiate their parch for power—influence, even.And now, he signed up for a marriage with their princess. At first, it never occurred to him how detrimental the situation he dragged himself in.“Prinsipe Lucas, malapit na ang oras,” pag-iimporma sa kanya ni Jonas na nakatayo hindi kalayuan sa kanya’t nakayuko, “dumating na rin po si Merlin Kreese.”“Sige,” simpleng aniya at inayos ang gusot sa manggas ng suot niyang suit, “pumunta na tayo
CelebrationNANG dumating ang araw ng debut ni Selene, marami ang um-attend. Mula kina Reyna Sara at Prinsipe Eustace, sina Haring Alexander at Prinsipe Lucas, pati na rin ang ngayo’y si Haring Zeno.Nagtataka nga si Selene dahil nagkaroon ito ng lakas ng loob na um-attend sa debut ball niya pero ayos lang dahil personal itong humingi ng tawad sa kanya para sa nagawa ng ama nito. The thing was, King Zeno kept mum about his father’s greed until he lost ‘someone’. Palagay niya, si Sir Clyde iyon dahil kalat na kalat ang tsismis.But as long as he apologized, she’s good with it.“Are you good?”Natigilan si Selene nang marinig ang boses ni Merlin. Nang lumingon siya, ‘tsaka niya natagpuan ang mahiko na naglalakad patungo sa kanya. May ngiti sa mga labi nito pero hindi rin naman maikakailang nag-aalala ito.“Nakita mo ba si Lucas?” tanong niya.Ipinilig ng mahiko ang ulo. “Ah... Kailangan mo ba talaga siyang kausapin tungkol doon ngayon?”“Yes. I promised him, remember?”Humigop nang mala
CHAPTER 43.5Troublesome PreparationsLAST WEEK, inanunsyo ni Merlin sa publiko na dalawang buwan mula ngayon ay magaganap ang debut ni Selene sa High Society at sa parehong araw ay kokoronahan ang dalaga bilang ang Crown Princess ng kaharian ng Izquierdo. Nakakagulat dahil mukhang marami ang naghihintay sa kanya at ang selebrasyong inanunsyo ng mahiko ang nagtulak sa lahat na mag-throw ng festival para sa darating na debut niya’t koronasyon.But announcing an important thing comes with a huge responsibility: she and Merlin will be busy planning her debut out and the entire preparation.Mayroon naman silang mga katulong. Tulad na lamang ng pamilyang Valderas na bukod sa pagtuturo sa kanya ng etiquette ay tinuturuan din siya kung paano ba siya magbi-behave habang nagaganap ang selebrasyon. She was also taught how to dance and after thirty minutes, she realized that that was not her strongest asset. Kaya extra-ng atensyon ang ibinubuhos sa kanya dahil bilang Prinsesa ng kaharian, kailan
CHAPTER 43.4Debut PreparationBAGAMAT HINDI INTERESADO si Selene na magpakilala sa lahat lalo na’t noong una ay wala naman talaga siyang plano na mag-ascend sa trono at pamahalaan ang buong kaharian ng Izquierdo, ngayong nagbago ang desisyon ni Selene sa buhay ay hindi na maiiwasan ang pag-de-debut at pagpapakilala sa publiko.“I don’t like the idea of pleasing the noble faction,” was what she told Merlin while they were busy discussing her debut which will happen within two months. “Kung pupwede lang natin silang i-out ay iyon ang iri-request ko sa ‘yo.”Napailing-iling si Merlin sa sinabi niya ngunit mayroong naglalarong ngiti sa mga labi nito. “Alam kong sasabihin mo ‘yan at pinag-iisipan ko na ring i-filter ang mga imbitasyon pero sinabihan akong ‘di pwede. We’re not persuading them that you’re much worthy than the previous royalties that they wanted to pursue. You just needed to let the entire Kingdom know that you’re no fiction.”“Do they still think that I’m fake?”“Some of th
CHAPTER 43.3BusyIT WAS ONLY a week after when Selene received a letter from Lucas. Ang sabi sa liham na natanggap niya, nakauwi raw ito ng ligtas sa kaharian nito ngunit kasabay naman noon ay ang tambak-tambak na gawain at mga dokumento. Natatawa si Selene dahil kalahati yata ng nilalaman ng sulat nito ay puro rants at reklamo tungkol sa trabaho nitong kailangang tapusin sa lalong madaling panahon, pero naaawa rin siya sa binata dahil ang dami nitong dinanas at hindi man lang nito masulit ang bakasyon nito.Then again... His duties would not be this delayed if Morfran Demelza didn’t interfere with their homecoming and abducted the Prince of Vintress Kingdom.Mabuti na lang talaga at mabilis ding naresolba ang problema at wala ring masamang nangyari kay Lucas dahil kung hindi, patuloy niyang pahihirapan si Morfran Demelza. But then recently, she has been receiving reports that Luan Demelza had frequently visited the front gates of Izquierdo Kingdom and demanded to talk to her. There
CHAPTER 43.2Nonsensical“MERLIN, ALAM MO ba kung anong dahilan kung ba’t nadi-delay ang pagdating ng sulat ko patungo sa kaharian ng Westmount and vice-versa? Natatakot kasi akong baka may bumubukas pa ng liham ko para sa mga kaibigan ko,” tanong ni Selene kay Merlin noong nasa hapagkainan silang dalawa.Parehong ginabi sina Merlin at Selene sa pagtatapos ng mga gawain nila. Merlin had finished his duties and approved some projects to further improve Izquierdo Kingdom’s situation such as budgeting and passing a law beneficial for everyone. Meanwhile, the reason why Selene had finished her duties as soon as the sun had finally set and the nightsky had dominated across the atmosphere was because she enjoyed reading the comparison between the eras of both Demelza family and Griego family. Gumawa pa siya noon ng maiksing summary ng mga nabasa niya.And while it’s true that her parents weren’t perfect as King and Queen, one of the sole reasons was because their deaths didn’t happen until
CHAPTER 43.1NOONG MALAMAN NI Selene na nakatanggap siya ng sulat mula sa kaharian ng Westmount, na siyang lugar na kinalakhan niya’t mayroon siyang koneksyon, hindi naiwasan ni Selene ang mapangiti. She remembered that she had just recently sent a letter to one of her friends – kaso hindi siya kaagad na nakatanggap ng sagot mula sa mga ito. The thought that she was waiting and a lot has already happened since then makes her feel relieved.Siguro matagal lang talagang dumating ang sulat dahil malayo ang ibiniyahe ng inutusan niyang magdala noon o mayroon ding naging conflict sa kaharian ng Westmount. That’s just her estimation, honestly. Ayaw mag-isip ni Selene nang kung anu-ano.After she thought of how long it took to receive a letter from her friends, Selene opened it. She was extra careful because the letter had a dried rose inside it, and she assumed that her friends sent her this to use as a bookmark, perhaps? And that’s what she’ll do if she ever starts reading another book.As
CHAPTER 42.5FamilyAFTER DISCUSSING MERLIN’S relationship with her parents and understanding that they had such a complicated and rough time hiding their romantic feelings toward each other, Selene remembered that one thing that Count Valderas told her about her mother’s roots.“Merlin, nabanggit pala sa ‘kin ni Konde Valderas na tagakaharian ng Vintress pala si Mama?” pag-uusisa niya habang nasa kalagitnaan sila ng paghahapunan.Matapos nilang mag-usap ni Merlin, nagpahinga sandali si Selene para balikan ang mga dokumentong iniwanan niya. Nawala na sa isipan niya si Lucas at ang pag-alis nito pero sa tuwing mababakante ang isip niya, ito ang una niyang hinahanap kaya minabuti ni Selene na abalahin ang sarili. Mahirap na, baka hindi pa niya maituon ang atensyon sa mga dapat niyang inaasikaso.Susulat din naman si Lucas. Magkakaroon din sila ng contact sa isa’t isa.Anyway, pagkatapos ng isang oras ay tinawag si Selene ng isa sa mga personal maids niya para maghapunan. Naghihintay na
CHAPTER 42.4Not An Ordinary RelationshipFROM THE WINDOW, Selene could witness the sun set and of how the beautiful orange hue was slowly turning into a dark bluish nightsky. Hindi alam ni Selene kung anong oras nang natapos ang klase niya pero base sa kalangitan ay mukhang late na niyang na-settle lahat. It must be because she enjoyed her previous classes or maybe... She was scared to find out the truth about Merlin’s relationship with her parents.Hindi napansin ni Selene na matamang pinagmamasdan pala siya ni Merlin. Napangiti ito noong mapansing parang kabado siya bagamat wala pa naman itong sinasabing katotohanan. But then again, she can’t help it! Anong mararamdaman niya sa oras na marinig niyang niloloko pala ng mahiko ang isa sa mga bayolohikal niyang magulang?“Did you seriously think that I’d have the courage to hurt King Arthur or Queen Erina?” naaaliw nitong tanong. Even amusement danced on his purple eyes which made Selene flinch and pause.Selene pressed her lips togeth
CHAPTER 42.3RelationshipDAHIL KAY MERLIN, maraming nalaman si Selene tungkol sa mga magulang niya na hindi nakalagay sa mga libro at dyaryo noon. Nalaman niya kung anong ugali ng mga magulang niya at kung anu-anong kaugalian ba iyong namana niya mula rito.It turned out that Selene looks like her father but mostly behaves like his mother. But the way she deals with things is very much like her father. So, baga sa percentage, mas dominant ang naiwan sa kanya ng tatay niya kaysa sa nanay niya. Bukod kasi sa mata at ugali, mas malapit daw siya sa tatay niya. Parang resulta raw si Selene ng halos perpektong scan pero nagkaiba raw sa kasarian.“Anong relasyon mo kina Mama?” pagtatanong niya sa mahiko kalaunan at para linawin ang tinutukoy ay itinuro niya ang litrato ng bayolohikal niyang ina, si Reyna Erina.Natigilan si Merlin noong marinig ang tanong niya at tila ba naubusan ito bigla ng mga salitang dapat isasagot sa kanya. But she’s curious. Gusto niyang malaman kung ano ba ang relas