Rinig na rinig mula rito sa labas ang ingay sa loob ng palasyo. It looks like everyone is enjoying the banquet.
"Uy, by the way," sabi ko at hinila ang dulo ng kaniyang sleeve.
"Hmm?" he answered, turning his head at me with lazy eyes.
"I encoutered someone earlier."
"Who? That unattractive son of a Count?"
My brows furrowed at his statement. "He's gwapo kaya."
"Lol XD."
Nang marinig kong sinabi niya iyon ay napatigil ako, hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi niya. Looked at him, wide-eyed.
Did he... did he just used a slang!?
"A-Ano?" tanong ko, hinihila ang braso niya sa gulat. "Pakiulit nga, baka na-misheard ko lang."
"No," sagot niya lang at nauna na sa paglalakad.
I rolled my eyes at his action. "'Di 'wag."
Tumakbo ako para mahabol siya. "Pero 'yon na nga, may naka-encounter nga ako. Ano siya," nagsimula na akong magkwento at hindi na pinansin ang kaniyang pagmamakaawang manahimik na ako. "Matangkad tapos muscular 'yong body niya. He also has red hair. Mas pula pa sa labi mo—"
"I do not know if you are really telling a story or just using it as an excuse to straight up insult me in the face."
A laugh came out of my lips. "Pwede both."
Mas lalo akong napatawa nang inirapan niya ako.
Ang hayop na 'to, porke isa siyang pinagkakatiwalaan na Wizard ni Dad ay gina-ganiyan na niya ako. Kung siguro 'yong OG Roxanne ang iirapan niya baka wala pang isang minuto tanggal na ulo niya.
"He was with a girl, actually," bulong ko.
"Oh? His lover, perhaps?" he speculated. "And why do you look so sullen? Are you sad because your love at first sight is already head over heels with someone else?"
"Alam mo, putang ina mo. Hindi ko nga siya gusto! Kanina ka pa, ah? Nagseselos ka ba?" naiinis ko nang saad. Sino ba naman kasing hindi, eh kanina pa siya assume nang assume na may gusto ako sa lalaking 'yon eh hindi ko nga siya kilala.
Honestly speaking, kaya ko lang naman 'to kinu-kwento sa kaniya dahil ang awkward ng atmosphere at hindi dahil nakahanap ako ng crush! Pasalamat siya at naging considerate ako para mag-effort at mag-isip ng maito-topic namin.
My irritation caused me to silenced down. Hindi ko na siya pinansin at hindi na ako nagwo-worry kung nao-awkward-an ba siya ngayon. Kasalanan niya naman.
Ang tahimik naming paglalakad ay natigil nang makarating na kami sa puno kung saan kami nagkita kanina.
"Oh, home sweet home mo na," I coldly stated, ni isang beses ay hindi ko siya tiningnan.
"Hey," I felt his hand on my elbow. "I apologize if my words have offended you."
Ramdam ko ang titig niya sa 'kin pero hindi ko pa rin siya pinansin dahil hindi pa rin nawawala ang tampo ko sa kaniya.
"Hey, I said I am sorry." Napairap ako.
"Kahit ano pang suyo mo, kahit liparin mo pa ang buong mundo para hanapan ako higanteng strawberry, wala akong pake," bulong ko sa sarili ko.
Narinig ko ang pagbuntonghininga niya. "Yes, I was jealous."
Doon na ako napatingin sa kaniya.
He sighed once more. "I don't know what has gotten into me to say such words to Your Highness. Let me atone for my sins."
I gasped when he suddenly kneeled on one knee, his right arm resting on his thigh while his left hand held mine. Naramdamdam ko ang kaniyang pinsgi sa likod ng aking mga daliri.
"I, Rosh, Wizard of the Northern Tower, will swear in front of the Empire, and in front of the Empire's Star, to fully pledged my life in protecting Your Highness, Princess Roxanne Casquiejo. Let me be your shield, and protect you from those who means harm."
This was one of the laws in Casquiea. You must not insult a person of royal blood as it is considered a crime, or else you may face the consequences; to fully pledged on sacrificing your life in protecting the one you've offended. This was a simple but deadly rule that had made hundreds of citizens who dared to say such offensive epithets to the royal bloodline lose their lives.
And now, it seems like Rosh had realized that he had crossed the line. Well, it was for him. I wasn't really offended in any way, I was just upset at the sight of him blabbering such fake assumptions. But what's done is done, and you cannot take back your pledge.
Rosh is now a dog tied on a leash, balancing on the thin rop of life and desperately trying to survive as the Princess' shield.
I stared at him, jaw dropped. Hindi ako makapaniwalang magpe-pledge siya nang gano'n-gano'n lang. Does he even now what he put his life into? He could die!
I wanted to stop him, I wanted him to at least bring back time and take his words back. But seeing his peaceful look as he rubbed his cheek on the back of my fingers with not even an ounce of regret etched on his face, I've lost hope.
It was too late.
Rosh had became my official knight.
I pursed my lips. "R-Rosh—"
Ang katahimikang bumabalot sa amin ay agad na nawala nang may biglang sumugod sa amin na dalawang taong nakasuot ng kapa. The cape's hood is covering their faces at pareho silang may dalang espada.
I panicked. I just got a new knight and yet I am already being targeted by the assassins!?
Agad akong hinila ni Rosh at itinago sa likuran niya. Just like what he said in his vows, he spread his arms, protecting me from the unwanted guests. His right palm aimed at one of the assassins, about to hit him with a large wave when someone spoke from behind us.
"Do it, and I'll kill your precious Princess."
Tumigil ako sa paghinga nang maramdaman ko ang espada sa leeg ko. I can feel someone's presence from behind, their double-edged sword was a centimeter away from my neck. One wrong move and I will be decapitated.
I saw how Rosh hesitated, clearly having a hard time on what to do. In the end, he just clicked his tongue before lowering his palm.
Nakahinga naman ako nang maluwang nang mawala na ang espada sa leeg ko. Tsaka ako muling hinila ng lalaki at muling itinago sa likuran niya. Both of us were now facing the two strangers.
"Speak your want and leave," he coldly commanded. "We do not have enough time and Her Highness is already tired. So say what you want and scram."
Wow, makapagsalita siya ah.
Itinaas ng isa sa dalawang 'di kilalang tao ang kaniyang mga kamay. "We do not bring any harm to anyone or the Princess."
Nagulat ako nang marinig ang boses ng babae.
The unknown person removed the hood off of her head, showing a beautiful sight of a woman with forest green locks and sage green eyes. "We are here to speak to you."
I felt Rosh stiffen kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya. Kitang-kita sa mga mata niya ang gulat na para bang nakakita siya ng taong matagal nang patay. Pati ang kaniyang kamay ay unti-unting namumuo ng pawis at nanlalamig.
"Rosh?" I called, interlocking my hand with his cold ones. "Are you okay?"
Pero hindi siya sumagot. Instead, he turned around towards me.
"You need to go back inside now, Your Highness. His Majesty and the Prince must be looking for you." Bakas sa kaniyang mukha ang pagmamadali. "I am afraid I cannot escort you back to the palace as I have some important matters to attend to. I will appreciate your understanding." Yumuko siya at dali-daling naglakad palayo, ang dalawang estranghero ay agad na sumunod sa kaniya.
Wait, so they're not assassins?
***
"Speak," Rosh ordered as soon as they were far enough for anyone else to hear. "And go away immediately or else someone might caught you."
Instead of answering, the woman knelt down. "I apologize for the sudden visit. But His Majesty wanted us to report you about his well-being," pagsimula niya. "The Emperor is gravely ill and might not be able to lead the Empire. He wants you to come back and be the next ruler. After all..."
"You are the Crown Prince Rosh Ezekiel D'aureville."
***
Nasa may fountain na ako malapit sa likurang pinto ng palasyo. Punong-puno ang utak ko ng mga tanong. Sino ang dalawang iyon. Bakit nila hinahanap si Rosh? Maging maayos lang ba siya? What is their relationship with him?
I stopped on my tracks. I just realized na wala pala talaga akong alam tungkol kay Rosh. I don't know his background, his full name, the history of his bloodline or anything! Ang alam ko lang ay isa siyang makapangyarihang Wizard na sobrang pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga tao sa palasyo.
"Xandra."
Nilingon ko si Hiro na ngayon ay naglalakad na papalapit sa 'kin. He was still in his formal clothes. "Where were you?"
Imbes na sagutin siya ay binalikan ko siya ng tanong. "Can you please stop saying my name so casually like that? Paano kung may makakarinig sa 'tin?"
He stopped, before nodding and understanding my point. "Where were you?"
"Naglakad-lakad lang," I briefly answered, sitting beside the fountain and dipping my fingers on the clear water. "I got bored inside."
Gumaya siya sa ginawa ko at umupo sa tabi ko. "So hows your 'plan'? Did you succeeded in seducing anyone."
"I thought it was kind of easy. Pero no'ng ginawa ko na, shuta, ang hirap pala."
He chuckled at my sudden curse.
"True. Nahirapan din ako kanina. Halos walang lumalapit na babae sa 'kin. Kung nilalapitan ko naman, it's either they would think an excuse to get away from me or just ignore me at all."
"Liar." Inirapan ko siya. "First of all. Akihiro is literally famous among women. And second, you're the Prince of the land, do you they would stay alive if they dare to disrespect you?"
Muli na naman siyang tumawa at itinaas ang kaniyang dalawang kamay. "Fine, you caught me. I was just trying to make you feel better, okay?"
Hindi ko mapigilang tumawa. "Thank you, I appreciate it."
Bumalik ang tingin ko sa tubig. A lot has happened in the past few days. Nagising kami ni Hiro sa loob ng katawan ng mga taong akala nami'y hindi totoo. Nasampal ng katotohanang kami'y itinadhanang mamamatay at ngayon ay ginagawa ang lahat para mabago iyon.
I can't help but miss my old life. Kung saan masaya lang akong nakikipag-debate sa schoolmates ko. Kung saan ako palagi ang representative sa klase ko. Kung saan pakiramdam ko ay ako ang bida sa bawat senaryo.
Even though I don't have any friends in that life, I would give up my current life right now just to be brought back to those times.
Lumingon ako kay Hiro nang bigla siyang kumanta. He was also looking at the clear waters, before looking at me when he felt my stare. Ngumiti siya.
He stood up, walking near me and stratching his hand. As if he was asking for a dance as he continued singing.
I laughed more when I realized he was singing an OPM song! It's been a while since I've listened to songs like this. Wala kasing gadgets sa panahong 'to, kaumay.
Tinanggap ko ang kamay niya at tumayo. I felt his left hand on the back of my waist and his right stil intertwined with mine. Then slowly, we swayed together with the invisible wind along with his voice that sounded like lullabies.
Nang nasa chorus na siya ay hindi ko maiwasang pumikit habang dinadamdam ang bawat linya ng kanta. It was also sang by one of my favorite bands.
Hindi namin alam kung ilang minuto kaming nasa ganoong posisyon, namalayan na lang naming magkahiwalay na pala kami at ngayo'y paakyat na sa sarili naming kwarto.
The banquet had ended. All the guests have went home at ang banqiet hall ang nililinis na ngayon ng mga maid.
Hinatid ako ni Hiro sa labas ng kwarto ko.
"Salamat sa paghatid," I gratefully said, my smile still not faltering.
"Anything for you." Yumuko siya. "I'll go now, Sister," he added, emphasizing the last word when a servant walked past the hall. "Have a nice sleep."
Yumuko rin ako. "You too. And also," tawag ko nang nagsimula na siyang maglakad. My call made him stop, turning his head to look at me.
I smiled once more. "I had fun earlier, Brother."
Mukhang nagulat pa siya sa sinabi ko, pero agad naman siyang nakabawi at sinuklian ako ng ngiti, bago siya muling naglakad papunta sa kaniyang kwarto.
When his figure had disappeared, I went inside my room. Pagkasara ko ng pinto ay agad akong napahawak sa doorknob para suportahan ang bigat ko. My other hand went to my head, my face formed into a scowl as I feel the unbearable pain in my head.
"Fuck," I whispered. Nahihilo na ako.
Actually, kanina pa 'to sumasakit. Noong kasayaw ko pa si Hiro. Sadyang hindi lang talaga kasing sakit tulad ng ngayon kaya nagawa kong itago mula sa kaniya. But now, I don't think I'll be able to stop myself from losing consciousness.
Pero nang tumagal ay nawala na lamang ito nang parang bula. I was confused at first, but then decided to just shrug it off as I was already tired to worry about things like this. Also, ilang beses na akong nawalan ng malay. I don't want Lily, Faith, and Caleb to worry about me.
"Huh? Aalis ka?" I asked the wizard in front of me.
Pagkagising ko ng umaga ay siya agad ang bumungad sa 'kin. Nakatambay lang siya sa balkonahe at tinitingnan ang malawak na kagubatan mula rito. Nang mapansin niya akong nagising na ay tsaka siya pumasok.
Akala ko pa naman no'ng una ay panibagong assassin na naman. Pero napaisip ako, sino ba namang tanga ang maga-assassinate sa umaga, 'di ba?
He nodded. "I have some things to do. And don't worry, I'll be back in a month so don't miss me that much."
Napairap na lang ako sa sinabi niya. "Tinanong ko lang kung aalis ka ba talaga pero hindi ko sinabing mami-iss kita. Assuming mo."
Nginisihan niya lang ako. Gago!
"And also, I want to give you this."
My head tilted to the side, wondering what he's going to give me nang makaring ako ng huni ng isang ibon.
Maya-maya pa ay may pumasok na malaking agila sa sa loob ng kwarto ko. Muntik pa akong mapasigaw sa gulat.
Rosh raised his arm as the bird landed on it. Agad niyang hinimas ang balahibo nito nang may mapansin ako.
Its red feathers... It was the bird I saw not too long ago! Bago ako nawalan ng malay!
"Is this yours?" Namamangja kong tanong at tinatingnan ang ibon. "Woah! I didn't knew you had a pet eagle!"
"His not an eagle. His a phoenix."
"It's still the same thing!"
"Whatever." Umirap siya. "I want you to keep him for now. Always have him by your side. It is for your well-being."
Nagtaka ako sa sinabi niya. "For my well-being? Anong ibig mong sabihin?"
"I am afraid I cannot say it right now as I am still not certain. But I will explain everything to you once I come back," sagot niya lang sa 'kin. "And Ravi will be your guard for now while I am gone. So please take good care of him."
Ahh, so his name is Ravi pala.
"If you want to send me a letter, you can also use him as a messenger bird," dagdag niya pa.
"Okiee," nakangiti kong sabi, ni isang beses ay hindi ko tinanggal ang titig ko sa phoenix. Ang ganda niya!
I whined when he flicked my forehead. "Listen to me, woman."
"You are so mean to me, Rosh. You know that I am the Imperial Princess, right? I can order the guards to behead you right now." I pouted.
"No you can't. You love me."
"Ew, what the fuck?"
"Haha."