Chapter 13
Chapter 13
"Uy, maputlang sirenang may tuldok-tuldok sa pisngi!" I don't have to guess who that is.
Just merely basing on his voice and the way he talks, I already know who would dare do it. I flashed a smile, shifted my body from staring at the sea and saw him walking towards me.
"It's not tuldok, okay? It's freckles!" I exclaimed. He just smirked playfully.
He's on his usual uniform. A white top with epaulets on his shoulders, with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes. His hair is just like the usual, fixed cleanly on his head. He was holding his cap on his hand with the other one hiding on his back.
"Hulaan mo anong nasa likod ko," he had this silly smile on his lips.
"Hmm..." I touched my chin, "a pot of flower? Are you planning ba to build me a garden?"
"Uy, grabe ka sa paso!" his lips protruded, "wala, hindi 'to bulaklak. Inaalagaan mo ba 'yong succulents?"
"Of course!" I smiled, "I'm trying to dilig it everyday tapos I would put it under the sun para fresh and blooming."
"Maganda, maganda..." he nodded and when he got closer to me, he placed his cap on the top of my head. It was kinda big so it fell on my forehead and almost covered my eyes.
"Seb, I can't see anything." I sulked and tried lifting it up but his hand stopped me.
"Ako na," he uttered, gently tilted my chin and while I was waiting for him to remove the cap from my head, I felt something softly touching my lips briefly.
My lips parted.
"What's that—" but Seb took the cap off my head and stared at me innocently.
"What's what?" he asked.
"I felt..." I touched my lower lip, "I felt something soft touching my lips."
"Oh?" he tilted his head, "anong feeling ba?"
"It's too quick but something touched my lip. I can't see kasi your cap is a bit big on my head. It covered my sight so I didn't see."
"Baka hangin," he pointed out and stared at my lips. "Anong lasa ba no'ng dumampi? Sarap?"
"Of course, I haven't tasted it." I pouted, "it's too mabilis, eh. Baka naman ikaw, ha?" I eyed him suspiciously.
He froze. As if caught off guard.
"A-Ano?" he fought, "inaano kita d'yan, Gabriela—"
"You like ba ng lip gloss ko?!" I exclaimed. His eyes widened.
"Hindi, 'no!" he shook his head, "anong gagawin ko sa lip gloss mo, 'di naman masarap—anong flavor?"
"Hmm, it's strawberry!" I smiled proudly, "it's strawberry scented and also, the taste's the same!"
"Talaga ba?" his black serious eyes stared at my lips intently. "Scam ka ata, eh. 'Di naman ata lasang strawberry."
"Yes nga," I even showed him I'm moistening my lower lip. "See? I tasted it and it's super tamis. If you won't believe me, you can try it on yourself."
"Can I?" he hid a smile by biting his lower lip, tilting his head.
"Yep," I nodded, "here, I brought my lip gloss."
I smiled when I saw it on my small purse, lifted it in the air to let him see but the smile I had froze when he held my chin closer to him a placed a small kiss on my lips.
My breath hitched, feeling the butterflies inside my stomach churning as he licked my lower lip.
"W-What..." I'm a bit weak of his soft kisses but I managed to gently pushed him away from me. "W-What are you doing?"
"Huh?" looking a bit disoriented and dizzy, his eyes are still fixated on my lips as he asked me.
"I-I said, what are you doing?" my voice shook in much anticipating, "I told you to try the lip gloss. Here, oh. You can try this—"
"I already tried the lip gloss myself," he said with a faint chuckle while staring at my lips.
My cheeks heated up. My heart literally went haywire that it jumped up and down. I smacked his chest.
"What?" he showed me a playful smile.
"Y-You're super baliw..." I sighed loudly, trying to sound serious to hide my shaking voice.
"Sinong 'di mababaliw sa 'yo?" he asked me seriously back kaya I covered na my mouth.
My heart drummed intensely. I was just staring at him with my exaggerated look when he suddenly looked around like a weird person and hugged himself.
"S-Saan ako?" he pretended to be lost, "bakit ako nandito? Sino ka?" he looked at my way.
"Crazy ka ba—"
"Nasa ospital ba ako? Nababaliw na ba talaga 'ko?" he hugged himself, scratched his nape like a kid and when I realized what he is doing, I screamed and slapped his arm.
He let out a loud cackle. I screamed and smacked him but he only pushed me towards the railing until my back's resting on it. He caged me in between his arms while I'm looking up at him, glaring.
"Joke lang, prinsesa," he smirked. "I love you."
"I hate you." I sulked, "you're making me so weird myself na rin. I'm serious and the next I'm being crazily weird."
"Huh, akala mo ba ikaw lang?" he spat, an amused smile's etched on his lips. "Kahit kailan sa buhay ko 'di ko naisip na magiging ganito ako kalanding tao, Gabriela. Halos isuka ko na nga si Cap atsaka si Romeo no'ng naglalandi tapos...ngayon."
"Is that a bad thing?" my lips pursed, slowly lifting my hand so I could touch his hair and brush it with my fingers. "You didn't like ba na I went here?"
"Hindi, loka-loka." He tsk-ed then flicked my forehead. I glared at him.
"What?!"
"Ang say ko like..." he then stopped and frowned, "anak ng tupa, na-ko-conyo na rin ako, Lord! Jesus Christ, bless me!" he sounded like crying.
I chuckled.
"I heard you talking to a guest yesterday, you know? And I'm amused kasi you unconsciously said something in conyo." I giggled, "I'm so proud of you, Seb."
"Sinong 'di mamimilipit ang dila kung dalawa kayo ng pinsan mong pagalingan sinong expert sa kaconyohan, ah?" he shook his head, "jusko, Gabriela, buhol-buhol na vocabulary namin sa barkong 'to."
"It's okay lang, you're super cute pa rin in conyo." I pinched his nose, "so, back to our topic. Is it for the best ba if I didn't go here in Brooklyn to visit? I won't have a heavy heart whatever your answer is." I said bravely.
Which is a lie. Of course, I would be hurt if Seb would tell me I shouldn't have gone here. My heart would break into tiny little pieces.
"Not that way, Gabriela," he shook his head. "I'm just saying that this love—you are very unexpected. Nabubuhay lang naman ako rito para awayin 'yang terrorista mong pinsan at mangutang kay Cap. Kaso dumating ka at tignan mo ako ngayon. Namamatay na siguro kakatawa 'yong dating Baste kapag nakita niyang sobrang corny ko ngayon. Ampota."
I bit my lower lip.
"So...am I a good thing or bad?"
"Sa lahat ng nangyaring 'di ko inaasahan, ikaw 'yong paborito ko, Gabriela." He said like a prayer.
My eyes stung. I didn't how possible it is to cry just by those words. My heart felt so full, it's overwhelming. It's bursting.
"S-Seb..." my voice shook.
"Oh, h'wag mo 'kong iiyakan, naiiyak ako tuloy! Bawal 'yon, prinsesa. Role ko rito dapat astigin!" he hissed when he noticed my watering eyes.
"S-Sorry..." I sniffed and tried removing the tears escaping but he did it instead. His eyes are teary to as he gazed at me with those soul-wrecking eyes.
"Ilang buwan pa lang tayong magkakilala? Dalawa? Magtatatlo?" he said while he's drying my tears, slowly lifting my other hand to place it on his chest. "Pero parang gago kasi parang matagal ka nang kilala nito."
I cried.
I have never imagined crying this much out of happiness and love.
"S-Seb..." I called. He smiled at me gently.
"Hindi ako marunong sa ganito, prinsesa, pero susubukan ko." He seemed nervous, "hindi ako malambing kasi brutal 'yong ugali ko. Madalang akong magsabi ng matatamis na salita kasi mas gusto kong nang-aaway ng tao."
"Y-You're weird," I uttered.
"Yeah, I am." He chuckled lowly, putting a few strands of my hair behind my ear. "Pero susubukan ko, para sa 'yo."
I hugged him. I literally jumped so I could hug him and he embraced me back, squeezing me like anytime I'd slip away from his hold.
We stayed that way until I felt his kiss on my ear as he whispered.
"I wanted to give you something," he whispered.
I moved away. I watched him taking something from his pocket and when he lifted it in the air, my eyes widened.
"No'ng bata pa 'ko bago mamatay si Mama, madalas ako sa dalampasigan." He told me, "tumutulong lang ng kaunti, ginagaya ko 'yong mga bata sa amin na sumisisid tapos magbebenta ng perlas sa mga turista."
He gently showed it to me and when he nodded, I turned my back on him and lifted my hair.
"Sa lahat ng nakuha kong perlas ito 'yong paborito ko kasi maganda 'yong pagkakahubog," he whispered. "Tinago ko para remembrance, sabi ko kapag tumanda na ako at umayos ang buhay, may ala-ala ako sa ginawa ko noon para lang mabuhay. Now, I'll give my favorite pearl I took from the ocean to my favorite mermaid."
I felt the cold necklace on my neck and as he fixed it, my fingers grazed on the pearl pendant it has.
"Lumabas ako kanina para kunin 'yan, pinagawa ko para gawing kwintas mo." He whispered as his kisses landed on my neck.
"Mahal na mahal kita, para namang tanga..." he whispered and hugged me from behind. I laughed with tears on my eyes. "H'wag mo 'kong iiwan, ah? Madudurog ako ng sobra..."
Remembering it now...it felt like a dream. Then, I woke up and realized I'm back to the nightmare I have escaped from the past few months.
Everyone is silent inside the plane. It's night now and I was worried about G, the boys and Seb but I couldn't do anything. I couldn't escape. I was surrounded with guards with their guns, I am under surveillance.
Even if I attempted to, they would get back at Sebastian. I couldn't risk him.
I tried asking Hernando and asking him about Seb's safety. He assured me my mother stopped the plan because I'm coming with them.
"Hernan..."
"I'm sorry, my lady," he said with utmost apology. "I didn't want to risk you. If I let you go right now, the safety captain would be in trouble. I know you wouldn't like that.
After that, I didn't talk to anyone. I was just inside the room of the private plane, crying. I was on the side of my bed with my knees folding, my forehead pressed on it while trying to stop my sobs but failed otherwise.
I was keeping Seb's phone with me. My hands are touching the necklace he gave and prayed silently for their safety.
I don't want to go. I wanted to stay with them but how could I?
How are they? Are they looking for me right now? Is Seb worried?
I stayed inside the room for the whole duration of the flight. I refused to eat, barely gotten any sleep. I remained staring at the phone and scrolled on the camera. I can't help but cry again and tried watching an episode of Spongebob but instead of laughing at the funny scenes, I'm sobbing.
I was like a dead man walking when we reached Sicily. The royal guards are aligned when I got out and Hernando was beside me standing guard.
He made me wear a coat, a large hat and shades to hide my face. Maybe not to draw any attention but the guards are enough to get one.
We got inside the limousine waiting on the runway and I was expecting we'd go straight to the palace but we made a turn and is now on another private airport.
"Hernando..." I called, lowering my eyeglasses. "Where are we? Aren't we going to the palace?"
"I'm sorry, my lady but I am not allowed to speak of anything right now. I hope you understand." He bowed a bit.
"No." I shook my head, "we're already in Italy. Why are we leaving again? This isn't the way to the palace. Are we going to ride a chopper?"
"We'll be going to another place, your majesty." He said in a monotone, "I'm sorry, that's the only thing I can say for the mean time. I'm just following orders and making sure of your safety."
"B-But..." my lips trembled, feeling lost. "I need answers! Tell me where are we going! Did my mother know this? What's happening, Hernan? Answer me!"
"I'm sorry..." he answered me again, making me clench my fist.
What is happening? Where are we going?
We went into a private plane again. A much smaller one but still, it has a room for me.
We travelled for a few hours. I was not informed about anything and when we reached an unfamiliar palace with a large villa on the back, my forehead creased.
"Where are we?" I inquired. "You will tell me where I am right now, Hernando. That is an order." I said coldly.
"We're in Spain, your highness," he answered. "This is Casa de Borbón, the royal house of Spain."
"What?" my lips thinned, "what are you saying? I thought we're going back—" my words got cut off when a few maids came, they bowed and before I could say anything, I was assisted—no, I was dragged inside a room in the private villa near the palace.
They fixed me. I kept on asking questions but the people around are trained to keep their mouth shut around me. They made me wear a gown, they tied my hair cleanly with a few strands down with my bangs. They put expensive jewelries, colored my face and the whole duration of it, I was left confused.
When they're done, Hernando came in again after knocking and so, I asked again for the nth time.
"I will not be leaving this place until you tell me what is happening, Hernando." I said stiffly.
"Your highness..." he sighed.
"I don't care if her majesty's going to be mad. Tell me what is happening or I will not leave this place. You choose. Tell me what is happening or I'd make a scene here?" I threatened.
He sighed. He scratched his nape and looked around before moving a bit closer towards me.
"We're in the royal house of Spain, your majesty. You will be meeting the king together with the duke. Your majesties are here ever since yesterday and they are anticipating your appearance. The royal house wasn't aware you've been forced into going here but her majesty informed me not to let you show any resistance or she'd push through the safety captain's assassination."
My heart fell. I was livid and shaking but I am doing this for Seb's safety so I controlled my anger and became formal again.
Maybe I'm so used into roaming around the ship alone that these parade of guards and palace maids made me uncomfortable.
My parents are already there when I reached the dining hall. As the guards announced my appearance, I've noticed how everyone aside from the royal family bowed to acknowledge my presence.
I didn't show any emotion nor any smile. I stiffly walked towards them, bowing a bit to show my respect to head of the house.
"Your majesties..." I greeted with grace.
"You must be Princess Gabriela," the man almost the same age as my father acknowledged, he said something to the man beside him watching me as I made my way and smiled.
"Your majesty," a handsome tall man went in front of me to offer his hand. "Please to meet you, I'm Duke Anton.
"Pleasure to meet you, his excellency," I greeted formally and even hesitating, took his hand when I saw my mother giving me sharp glares.
The man assisted me into sitting just beside him. I was shocked upon realizing my siblings are here but when I opened my mouth to greet them, they looked away.
My stomach churned. My eyes stung. I stared intently into my glass until I heard my father calling my attention.
"Gabriela," he called. "I wanted you to meet our good friend, the King and Queen of Spain. Queen Mila and King Felipe. Your majesties, this is my daughter, Princess Gabriela. The next heiress to the crown of Italia."
"You have a very beautiful daughter, Eleonor." the Queen told my mother that she agreed with a practiced smile on her face.
"She got it from me, your majesty." She said proudly, "she's a good girl, too. Obedient and kind, the announcement is still not being commenced for now but I'm sure the people of Italy would love such lovely Queen."
"Princess Gabriela, this is my nephew, Anton." The king announced. The man glanced my way again to introduce himself.
"Let me introduce myself again, her highness. I'm Duke Anton Fernandez de García Bacá."
He offered his hand. I don't wanna be rude and so, I accepted his hand.
"Princess Gabriela Romanov," I introduced myself too briefly. "Nice meeting you."
He kissed the back of my palm while staring intently at me. I couldn't feel anything. I'm numb.
He let go of me afterwards and the dinner was served but I was quiet the whole time. I've been staring at my siblings, trying to give them a smile since it's been a while since I last saw them but they were distant.
My mind wasn't in the table's conversation, too. I'm only answering when asked and when it's time for us to go back to the villa, I felt somehow relieved.
That's for a brief time, unfortunately. I couldn't believe what I just heard before I left, sending me to the edge.
"We know Italy would rejoice if they found out about our Gabriela's engagement to your nephew, King Felipe!" my mother exclaimed happily.
I know this would happen eventually but I wasn't expecting it to be this soon. I left Brooklyn without goodbyes, without informing them at all and here I am now. Engaged. Without me knowing.
I waited for my mother to come inside the villa. I planned it all in my head while waiting, about how I'm planning to turn down the engagement. Explaining to her what happened. Forgetting about the crown.
I closed my eyes tightly to grasp some courage. I pressed Seb's phone on my forehead, imagining he's here beside me.
I need you, Seb... I need you, please...
The door of my room opened. Her face's dark and angry when she got inside that I immediately stood to walk closer.
"Mother—" I was startled when I was welcomed by her slap. I lost my balance and fell on the ground.
"How dare you sneak at us, Gabriela?!" her voice thundered.
My breathing labored. I held my cheek and stared at her.
Did she...did my mother just slapped me?
"Mom—"
"We gave you everything, you imbecile!" she screamed on my face, "we let you take a vacation in that damn ship and what? You'll rebel at us, huh?!"
I just blinked and tried standing.
"I-I want out, Mom." I mumbled bravely and faced her, "I-I don't want the crown, I-I just want to be happy. Can't I?"
"How dare you say that on my face, you woman?!" her chest moved while trying to grasp some air. "We raised you! We fed you and this is what you'll give us back? Can't you do anything and will just be a nuisance?!"
I lowered my head, listening to her scolding. Hoping she'd let me speak after but she wouldn't.
"That man, really?!" she exclaimed, "that low life, Gabriela?!"
"Don't call him that way!" I exclaimed, "I will accept you bad mouthing me but never... never involve Sebastian in any of this, mother!"
"You are a princess, Gabriela! For fuck's sake!" she screamed, "and what? You'll settle to the man? What is he, huh? A worker! An orphan! You know royalties should never come down with beggars like him—"
"No!" I screamed loudly. "He wasn't like that! What's wrong with b-being a worker? What's wrong with being an orphan, huh? Mom? They are living with dignity by working hard! And w-what? Lowlife? Really, mother? Coming from you?"
Her mouth parted.
"You..."
"W-Why does royalties think they're ahead of everyone, h-hmm, Mom?" I asked. "W-We just had a title but we're human too, like them. He wasn't a lowlife, he'll never be. T-Tell me, mother, do you think badmouthing him would give you dignity? What's your difference with that lowlife you speak of, huh?"
She slapped me loudly. My cheek stung.
"Eleonor!" my father called. "What are you doing?!"
"Leave, George!" she screamed. "Take the children away from here!"
I closed my eyes tightly, embarrassed of being seen by my siblings being slap.
I heard the door closing and when she heaved a deep sigh, I know she's starting again.
"Is that what you learned in that fucking ship, Gabriela?" she spat bitterly. "I shouldn't have let that bitch of a cousin you had decide for us! She acted high and almighty! Using the king and queen to let you stay in that damned ship!"
I slowly looked at her way, tired and with bloodshot eyes.
"N-No, Mom. That ship—those people made me feel I belong." I uttered painfully, "b-because you know why? I had a large house, a palace, but I-I have never felt home."
"How dare you, Gabriela!" her eyes widened in rage, turning bloodshot too. "How dare you say that on my face! You ungrateful child! We took care of you but this what you'll give us back?!"
"I-I'm your daughter, Mom," I sniffed, "w-why do I feel like a puppet? I-I'm your daughter, I should feel like I have a mother b-but why... why do I... have to always give something back?"
"You're asking me that, huh, Gabriela?" she smiled at me bitterly, "you know for a fact I never wanted you as a child."
I have heard it a couple times but still, my heart aches.
"I have never loved your father but you... you fucking came and ruined everything for me!" she screamed on my face, "you think I didn't think of aborting you? Oh, hell, I did, child! A couple of times!"
One by one, tears fell on my cheek.
Why does it hurt so bad?
"I shouldn't have gotten involved in this messy royal family but I did! Because of you!" she pointed me angrily, "I got pregnant with you, you ungrateful child! I had a dream but your ruined it! You fucking ruined it for me!"
Is it my fault I was here now?
I wanted to voice out but I couldn't find my voice.
"I got used to it and I was glad. Miraculously, my unwanted child finally has something good to do for me! She's gonna be the next queen of Italy but what did you do, huh? You sneaked at us in that damn vacation? Don't tell me you gave yourself to him like a bitch?"
I froze. I saw how the angry smile on her lips vanished.
"Don't tell me..."
I avoided her gaze and looked away but she gripped my chin way too hard to look at my face again.
"Y-You..." she trembled. "You gave yourself to that lowlife?!"
I tried moving away but she gripped my chin more that it ached.
"M-Mom... I'm hurt—"
"I will kill him, Gabriela!" she exclaimed on my face.
"N-No..." I shook my head, "don't touch him—"
"Shit..." she gasped loudly and pushed me away, I gasped when I stepped on my gown and fell on the ground. The phone I'm holding fell, too.
I gasped. I crawled to take it but before I could, my mother did.
"What is this?!" she exclaimed, "you have a phone with you, Gabriela?!"
"M-Mom..." I trembled and offered my hand, "p-please, give it to me—"
"You are planning to contact that bastard of yours, huh?!" she screamed on my face.
I shook my head desperately, "no, Mom. Just let m-me keep it. I promise, I won't contact anyone!"
The screen lit up. I saw how the anger on her face intensified. A scream left my lips when he threw the phone on the ground, in front of me.
I saw on the screen lock with me and Seb's face. I'm smiling widely with the seashells filter while he's face straight and annoyed because I forced him to have shells, too.
I crawled more, reached for the phone but my hand was left mid-air when my mother stepped on it.
"No!" I screamed horribly, "n-no, mother! W-What are you doing—"
"You will be queen! No one could stop that!" she screamed and stepped on it more.
I cried loudly. I knelt and hugged her leg to stop her but she continued, not minding my begging.
"M-Mom, p-please...please, no!" I screamed hysterically, watching how her heels got stuck on the phone's screen, crashing it.
I tried taking it but she stepped on my hand. I cried and held my aching palm.
"M-Mother, I'm b-begging you, please..." I cried. "P-Please don't... please..."
She screamed frustratedly, kicked the crashed phone away and pointed me.
"You will not go out until I said so," she warned. "You will be engaged to Anton, whether you like it or not. If you refused, then, be ready to say goodbye to your lowlife bastard, Gabriela."
"M-Mom... please..." I knelt and showed her my hand to ask my mercy, "d-don't touch Seb, please... please, don't..."
"I'll show you his head once you embarrass me again, child." She warned. "You will do anything I say."
She left. Crying, I crawled to where Seb's phone was and took it. With my shaking hand, I checked it to see if it's still working despite the cracked and crashed screen and when I did, I cried louder.
"S-Seb..." I called, cradling the broken phone on my chest, sobbing.
I was imprisoned. I'd act fine in front of the royalties but when I'm alone, I'd breakdown and cry. Hernando witnessed it. He was the only person who bothered checking on me and asking if I was fine.
He might have felt guilty for not being enough to protect me so he answered my requests secretly. I have no knowledge to the outside world, I just heard from him our location was being kept hidden even from the House of Savoy.
The king and queen, definitely my cousin too is looking for me. My parents just assured them I'm fine and not to make fuss about it. I was blocked from having any guest or any form of visitations—even from the Romanovs.
I barely eat these past few months that had passed. I felt weak and sick.
"You inheriting the crown was announced, my lady," Hernando informed. "same as your engagement with the duke."
I lowered my head, staring coldly to the foods.
"You still haven't eaten anything, my lady?" he asked with concern lacing his voice. "I know you've been having a bad time but please eat. You've become thinner and pale, you've been vomiting the foods you're eating."
"I don't like the food," I slowly pushed the plate away. "It's nasty. I don't like the smell."
"Your highness...?"
"I want some BJ, Hernando," I said coldly. "Bring me some."
"Buko juice, right? Am I correct?" he inquired, I didn't answer and just stared at him. "Okay, I'll try to look but I can't promise."
"Bring me some, Hernan." I warned, "or I won't eat again the whole day tomorrow. I don't care if I starve and die, maybe it's better that way—"
"My lady!" his tone became hard and angry, "stop punishing yourself!"
"Hmm..." I smiled lazily and rested my head on the headboard. "I just want BJ, please? Stop scolding me like a father, I'm gonna throw up again if you kept on bringing me that food. The smell's disgusting."
He sighed, scratching his brow. He took the tray away from me and was about to leave when he called me again.
"My lady?"
"Hmm..."
"The safety captain has been trying to look for you, desperately." He said, I froze and rose.
"R-Really?" my eyes stung.
"I wasn't sure how but the Duke and Princess Guinevere's been doing a lot of things and it's been irritating the majesties. I won't be shock if one day, they could find and enter this palace. However, just be alert and think of your decisions thoroughly. I know what you'll do is the best for everyone. I know you wouldn't like anyone to get hurt. We are both aware what your parents are capable of doing."
Instead of being happy, it made me feel down more.
I felt a lot sicker that day that when he left, I ended up puking on the bathroom and sleeping the whole day.
The days passed like blur. I'm breathing but barely alive. The colorful world once again turned black and white.
"I'll leave you for the meantime, my lady," Hernando said while I was on the garden of the villa, alone.
My parents, together with my siblings and the royal family of Spain left for some press conference and I was left here with massive amount of guards outside the villa and Hernando.
I nodded.
"My lady?" he called again. I lifted my face to see him. "Please do what you think is right for everyone."
It was weird. He left after that while I remained staring at the bracelets I'm making.
It was so pangit. I think I left my talent with jewelries on the ship. I'm not satisfied with my output these past months.
I stayed for another minute but felt bored and sleepy. I yawned while I was putting the beads back on my small box.
I lifted my gaze up to see the gloomy sky and felt the cold wind against my skin. I stood to leave but while I was midway to the door, a cold voice filled the place.
"Princess, huh?"
I froze. The box fell from my grip. My heartbeat's rapidly racing when I turned my back to see who was it, only to end up trembling with his longing gaze.
Sebastian ko...
I wanna cry. I can feel the stinging sensation the side of my eyes had but I was stuck to where I was standing.
"S-Seb..." I called, "why ka... how..."
"You're a crowned princess, really?" he asked me instead.
His face changed a bit because of his longer hair and faint stubbles. He's wearing a black turtle neck top with his hands inside his pocket. His gaze's serious and caged on mine.
"I..." I paused, nodding. "Sorry, I didn't tell you because..."
"Kasi iiwan mo rin ako matapos, tama ba?" he asked bitterly, "kaya ba ikakasal ka na? A duke, hmm?"
"Seb..." I moved towards him but he raised his finger in the air to stop me from doing so.
"Ano? Seb na naman?" he laughed blankly, "you refused to communicate with us. Kahit magsabi ng paalam hindi mo man lang ginawa, Gabriela? Ano? Pinapaasa mo ba ako? Nilalaruan?"
I gulped harshly.
"Not like that—"
"Then why the fuck did you leave?!" he raised his voice. "I looked for you like a fool! Like a stupid bastard! Hinahanap ka namin ng pinsan mo pero miski siya, 'di mo kinakausap! Tapos ano... ngayon, tititigan mo 'ko ng mga matang 'yan na parang wala kang ginawa!"
I clenched my fist.
"Naaksidente ako! Sabi ko tang ina, hindi ako matitiis ni Gabriela, magpapakita siya p-pero..." he closed his eyes tightly. "Natiis mo 'y-yon? Natiis mo? Samantalang ako mamatay na k-kakahanap sa 'yo?"
My eyes dropped on his arms, biting my lower lip upon seeing faint scars.
I didn't know, Seb... I didn't know. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry.
"W-What happened?" I asked, worried. I raised my hand to come but he moved away from me. "Are you o-okay now? Where does it hurt—"
"Para na 'kong mamatay pero ikaw..." his eyes turned bloodshot, "i-ikaw, may gana pang magpakasal sa iba..."
I became silent. I noticed how his palms clenched angrily, containing his anger. My body is trembling too but thinking of his accident... is it my family's doing?
Please do what you think is right for everyone.
Hernando's voice lingered inside my head, my heart ached more. It was squeezing, giving me a hard time to breathe but I don't want to risk.
If my mother had done this then... I shouldn't. I should stay back and protect him.
"I'm sorry, Seb," I whispered and lowered my head.
"Tang ina..." he whispered back.
I heaved a deep sigh and raised my head, "p-please, leave. The guards might come back anytime now, I don't want them to hurt you."
I turned my back, almost hastily walking to go inside when a grip on my elbow stopped me.
I was startled, mostly when the hand gripping my elbow moved towards my stomach to hug me from behind.
My breath hitched when he buried his face on my neck and heard his faint sobs.
"I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." he whispered painfully, "h-hindi na ako galit, p-please, just come with me, princess."
"Seb..." my lips trembled. "L-Let go—"
"A-Are they forcing you?" he whispered on my ear, "tell me, please. I'd fight for you. I-I'd give my life, please..."
I stayed silent, suppressing my sobs, afraid he'll hear the desperation my voice has.
"I'll forgive you, h-hmm? K-Kung nagsinungaling ka at 'di sinabing prinsesa ka a-ayos lang, k-kung magpapakasal ka p-pero ako 'yong mahal mo, ayos lang, Gab. A-Ayos lang."
I felt my shoulder damping from his tears. My knees buckled.
"G-Galit ako p-pero saglit lang 'yon k-kasi kaya kong patawarin ka—no, no, fuck madness. I'd forgive you, baby. It's okay. You g-got scared, right? They threatened you? they forced you to marry someone else—"
"I was destined to marry even b-before I went to the ship, Seb." I answered. He stiffened behind me.
"No..." he shook his head desperately, still hugging me tight from behind. "You're gonna get married, okay, but you didn't like it, hmm? K-Kasi sabi mo sa 'kin mahal mo 'ko, sabi mo—"
"I-I just wanted to experience w-what normal people do, Seb," I answered with my forced cold voice. I slowly pulled his hand away from my stomach but he refused.
"I don't believe you..." he said with finality. "I don't—"
"I-I was caged in the palace growing up so I went to the ship to enjoy and that's it." I clenched my teeth. "I-I got curious and y-yes, I had fun with you but that's it. I-I was naïve of things and lately, I realized I shouldn't have done it when I'm getting married."
He was unmoving so I used it as an opportunity to push his hand away from my stomach. I slowly faced him and took a step back so I could see his face.
He looks exhausted. His bloodshot and desperate eyes stared right through me with no words leaving his mouth.
"I-I wanted to experience life, t-that's it, Seb." I tried saying as straight as possible when I'm crumbling down inside. "I wanted to try how to kiss, to experience affection so w-when I got married—"
"What am I? A boy toy to you?" I can almost taste the bitterness and anger on it. "Sa akin mo susubukan? Tapos ano? Doon ka na sa mapapangasawa mo?"
"Y-You're a very good man, Seb," I uttered, "b-but I'm sorry... I might have enjoyed a lot while spending time with you but that's it. Those months are great but it isn't for a long time."
He stared at me ridiculously. I stared back at him to show I'm dead serious.
"Ginagago mo ba ako, Gabriela?" he asked, "j-joke ba 'to? Prank n'yo ba 'to ni Guinevere? Hindi na ako natatawa. Saan? Saan 'yong tang inang camera?" he looked around.
Oh, God... oh, God. I'm so sorry, Seb.
"N-No..." I shook my head, "why do you think that way, there's no camera. I'm dead serious—"
"Tang ina, luluhod ako kung gusto mo!" he screamed loudly on my face, "k-kung biro lang 'to, Gabriela. K-Kung gusto n'yo lang tignan ang reaksyon ko luluhod ako! Magmamakaawa ako... luluhod ako!"
He dropped on his knees. My tears fell nonstop.
"S-Seb..." my voice broke.
"'D-Di na ako n-nakakipagbiruan... hindi na..." he shook his head. "Tama na 'y-yong lokohan, t-terrorista, lumabas ka d'yan!"
"Seb..." I took his hand to pull him up, "i-it wasn't a joke, I'm not k-kidding. Stand up! Don't kneel!"
He cried.
Masakit na ang heart ko but hearing him sobbing way to loud and desperate, it broke more.
"M-Magmamakaawa ako," he said and gripped my hand I'm using to pull him up. "H-Handa naman akong l-lumuhod, s-saan n'yo gusto? M-Maglakad bang nakaluhod? Kaya ko! H-Hanggang saan? A-Ayos lang... gagawin ko..."
"S-Sebastian, stand up!" I commanded, "w-we aren't joking! My cousin isn't here! Stop fooling yourself because I don't want you anymore! That's just it!"
He leveled my gaze with his bloodshot orbs, I caught the continuously falling tears.
"Princess, please," he whispered as he tried gripping my hand. "I forgive you for lying. T-Tell me if they're forcing you, I'd fight for you, I swear. K-Kung biro lang 'to g-gagawin ko lahat ng g-gusto n'yo. K-Kaya ko, sabihin mo lang. H'wag naman 'y-yong ganitong iiwan mo ako. S-Sabi mo..."
He sniffed like a kid, "s-sabi mo m-mahal mo 'ko. G-Gabriela, binuksan ko 'to para sa 'yo..." his voice's trembling as he made me feel his chest. "B-Binuksan ko para sa 'yo, h-h'wag namang ganito. H'wag m-mo namang basagin, m-mahal..."
He kissed my hand desperately. I shook my head and cried more, pulling my hand.
"L-Let me go..."
"Gab..." he called, "h-hey, princess, m-magpapakabait na ako. 'Di n-na kita aawayin, 'di na k-kita aasarin. T-Tatahimik lang ako—"
"What can you not understand when I said I'm done with you?!" I exclaimed. He froze.
I pulled my hand from him and stood.
You can do it, Gab... please, please, don't cry! This is for him! For his safety!
"I have a mistake and it is playing with you," I touched my chest, "I went there for a vacation and had fun and I thought you're a good one! Pero that's it, Seb! I'm getting married! I didn't ask you to open your heart for me so p-please, stop this. I left without saying because yes! I don't have the face to show you after what I did! So please, take your dignity and leave! Don't kneel in front of me!"
He just watched me. Bloodshot eyes. Exhaustion etched on his face with nonstop tears falling.
My heart breaking echoed inside my head.
"You are a good man but not good enough f-for me," I shook my head. "I'm the f-future queen, do you really think I'd marry someone ordinary? Think again, Sebastian."
He remained kneeling there. I saw G with some of the guards coming, hearing her gasp when she saw what's happening.
I touched my necklace, I removed it from my neck and slowly knelt, taking Seb's hand to put in there.
"I-I don't deserve this," I whispered. "Take it and thank you for the company, officer."
He didn't move. I managed to stop my knees from buckling and glanced at my butler.
"Hernando, kindly assist Officer Gomez outside, please."
"Gab..." G called, her eyes watering too but Lucian stopped her from coming towards me.
The guards came, pulled Seb up but he pushed their hands away.
"Kaya ko." He said coldly and pushed them away, "fuck it, I said I can stand!"
Hernando called the guards and they left Seb alone. However, when our gazes met and he took a step forward, the guards immediately came in between.
"Protecting your majesty well, huh?" he spat, "I won't hurt her, I'd just say something."
Hernando glanced at me, I nodded. When they moved away and let Seb walk closer, I was shaking and in the verge of crying hysterically and hug him.
"Take it," he opened his palm where I put the pearl necklace and showed me.
"T-That's..." I shook my head.
"I said take it, Gabriela," he said and tried giving back the necklace but I refused.
"N-No," I shook my head. "I-I can't take it. It's your favorite!"
He cackled mockingly. His bloodshot eyes staring at me.
"Anong sabi mo? Ano ko?"
"It's your favorite," I couldn't find my voice.
"I can't take this back, Gabriela, I'm no masochist." He shook his head, laughing blankly.
"H'wag kang mag-alala. 'Di ko na paborito ang may bahid mo na." He said coldly, and when I didn't take it, he threw the necklace on the ground in front of me.
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