Chapter 14
Chapter 14
"This will be a scandal, Gabriela!" my mother exclaimed. "You are disappointing! You haven't done anything good in this family! Such a disgrace!"
I got used to it. Those words are painful but maybe, because of hearing it countless times—again and again, it just made me numb.
I was in a cage, almost literally. They deprived people of seeing me beside my butler and my new attendant. She's beautiful, a bit older than me.
Basing to what I know, she's a far relative of hers. A cousin from the d'Alessi family, the reason why she got the same features as mine.
We looked alike. From the shape of our faces and her body. If she wears a mask, put a contact lens on her eyes and dress like me, I can say I am her and it was taken in advantage by my mother. She made her attend on my behalf instead, in disguise.
I couldn't go because of my condition and my mother come up with this idea. To still secure my slot as the next in throne for Italy.
"This is your milk, your highness," she informed as she walked inside the room.
I lowered the book I am reading and glanced her way, smiling.
"Thank you, Catherine,"
She smiled. She placed the glass of milk beside me before sitting near my feet.
"Do you want me to massage your feet again, my lady?" she asked.
My lips protruded, pouting.
"Yes, thank you, Catherine." I sighed loudly, "I don't want to bother you much but I felt really numb so I had to massage my feet but unfortunately, I can't reach it."
She chuckled, the way she moved reminded me of myself.
"It's okay, your highness. It's my duty to help you in times like this," she said in a soft voice and massaged my foot.
I just watched her silently, feeling a bit relax now that someone's massaging my numb feet.
When I first met Catherine, she was a very quiet girl. My mother already knew her and she was the one who brought her here to act on my behalf since I couldn't because of my situation.
I made it clear to my mother she couldn't force me do what I didn't like. That I'd rather lose the crown than losing the blessing I got.
I could easily be stripped off my title because of my situation and that's what my mother is avoiding. So, she sent Catherine.
Eversince she acted like me, her movements changed a lot. She can mimic how I move now, except the way I speak. Since, I'm medyo good na with Tagalog. Sometimes, I can't help but talk to Hernando in a conyo language and he would just look at me like I'm from another planet but wouldn't say anything naman.
One thing, it's not needed naman din for the conference since Catherine while she's being me is fully surrounded with guards. There is also a spoke person for her so she won't need to say any word.
She's doing great at it.
"How's the palace, Cath?" I asked.
"Huh?" she was shocked for a bit but composed herself afterwards. "It's good, your majesty. Same as before, nonstop conference."
"I'm so sorry to involve you into this," I sighed. "I know you've been living quietly but my mother dragged you here to pose as me."
"It's nothing, your highness." She smiled, "it's always my dream to be a princess, since I was a little so, this doesn't bother me at all."
"Oh..." my heart softened, "me... my dream is to be a mermaid, you know?"
She chuckled, "really?"
"Yup!" I nodded, "when I was in the ship before I became one."
Her eyes widened, she's about to say something but I cut her off.
"Not literally, of course." I chuckled, "I have friends, great people in the ship during my vacation in Brooklyn. When they found out I wanna be a mermaid, they made this simple party where I was dressed like one. It was amazing!"
I smiled, reminiscing those times. Times I am the happiest.
"I don't know why I am so fascinated with mermaids, except maybe it was the only story book I've saved when I was a kid. What if I'm a mermaid in my past life?" I shot my brow up, giggling.
"Who knows? Maybe, you are, my lady. That ship sounded so amazing, your highness," she answered me. "I hope I could go there someday."
"I'm hoping too," I answered like a prayer, "if I got the chance to go back, I'll bring you there."
Catherine and I exchanged stories. I was like Rapunzel stuck in a tall tower with no exit, like her, it was my mother caging me. Cath has been my eyes outside the palace and she would tell me how the conference went or anything.
"About my cousin," I decided to ask after weighing my thoughts. "Cathalina? Is she there? How is she?"
"Princess Cathalina, right?" she asked and I nodded. "She kept on coming, your majesty, but you know we can't risk so I didn't come closer to her. The guards are blocking her from coming closer and I'd leave immediately so we won't get caught."
I felt bad for my loving and caring cousin. It breaks my heart thinking she did anything to make me happy while in Brooklyn. She did her best to let me stay longer and enjoy but then, I left with no warning and now, it might not be the real me avoiding her, she thinks I still did.
I touched my chest, feeling the pain.
"Are you okay, my lady?" Catherine asked worriedly.
"Yes," I nodded and lowered my head. "I just feel bad... she's the closest sibling I had then I left like that? H-How heartless could I be, Cath?"
She gasped. I realized I've been crying so I immediately dried it off my cheek and shook my head.
"N-No, don't worry, I'm okay. I'm just sad and emotional m-maybe because..." I lowered my head and closed my eyes, touching it briefly.
"I noticed a man, too, my lady." She said and I quickly lifted my gaze.
My heart pounded harshly, during those months, I didn't dare asking for I was afraid but now that she's starting...
"W-Who?" my throat dried up, "is he with my cousin? M-Maybe her husband?"
"It's not the duke, my lady," she shook her head. "But another man. Tall, handsome, with black cold eyes?" I noticed her eyes twinkling.
"S-Super tang ina ba?" I asked.
"Hmm?" her forehead creased.
"I mean... is he super handsome? Tall? Uh, serious?" I asked.
She nodded, biting her lower lip.
"Yes, my lady. A very handsome man. I sometimes see him with princess Cathalina but mostly not. The princess could get inside the court and the conference, she just can't come near me but that man's been staying outside. Near the parking."
"R-Really?" I asked. I don't wanna cry pero right now, my eyes are masakit na and I'm in the verge of sobbing.
"I noticed him the first time during the first conference appearance I had with Duke Anton. He's good looking so I noticed right away but I didn't mind much, thinking he must be waiting for someone but everytime, every conference. He won't miss, he's always there."
Oh... my Sebastian.
"What is he d-doing, Cath? Is he coming closer to you? Did the guards hurt h-him?" my voice trembled.
"No, my lady. He would just stand there in the corner near the limousine. He's always beside Princess Cathalina's limousine so we didn't mind. He's just watching from afar."
He's mad at me, right? Then, why is he still waiting? Oh my, I think I'm gonna iyak again.
"What you're doing for me is too much but can I ask you a favor? I-If ever..." I sniffed and dried my cheek, "i-if ever he came closer t-to you and the guards hurt him, p-please stop them, h-hmm?"
"Of course, my lady," she smiled at me, her freckles looked good on her cheek. "I understand if you won't answer but if it's too much to ask, can I ask who he is?"
I got silent. Her eyes widened and covered her mouth.
"I-I'm sorry, my lady. I didn't mean to be this nosy—"
"He's my Seb," I answered her and showed her a sad smile. "He's the love of my life, t-the man I met on the ship. The man..." I sighed, "he's the only man I'd love this much, Cath."
Her eyes glistened. She followed my gaze and nodded.
"No doubt, my lady. He seems handsome and caring."
"He's a brute," I answered and chuckled a little when I saw her reaction. "He's mean and has a petty mouth."
"O-Oh? Is it okay, then? No one could talk like that to you, you are our respected Queen-to-be. How could anyone be mean to you?"
"Only Seb could be like that to me," I smiled. "He broke every rule people of the palace has for me. I fell in love with Seb maybe because of it, too. He's far different from every people I knew. He treated me like a normal person and I loved him for that."
"Wow," she nodded. "He made me curious, my lady. I wonder what is he like?"
"Well... Seb is very mean but it is who he is. He's not very vocal of his feelings so if he cares for you, he'll make fun of you nonstop. Weird but Seb... I'm in love with him, Cath. I could risk the crown just to have him."
I sighed, touching my necklace briefly.
I hope I could go back in time and get stuck to the days I'm the happiest. The times I'm with Seb. If I have known how we'll end up, sana pala I did my best to not ruin his life. His life's been quiet but I came and messed it up. Sana, he didn't meet me so he won't get hurt.
My parents sent me into a remote island with my butler, a private nurse and a doctor while Catherine was left in the palace to be me.
I didn't know how my parents managed to delay the passing of the throne for me but they cut off every connection I had with my cousin. The last I heard from Cath was about my cousin trying to call me but the guards stopped him.
They almost pushed her that Lucian got mad and I found out, a few hours later, those guards who touched her got fired by Queen Penelope. G's mother.
After that, G didn't attempt to come closer and from what I heard. She won't even look at Cath's direction—who's supposed to be me. Seb wasn't seen around too and during that time, I know they gave up on me.
Why do I keep on hurting those few people who cared and loved me?
Time passed like a blink of an eye, like how the breeze faded in the summer wind.
My world's been black and white until the blessing came, bringing me back to life.
"This way, my lady." I smiled at Hernando as I got inside the palace. For the first time. After all those times I'm gone.
The feeling was surreal. I had never loved the palace this much but being away for so long and coming back feels great.
"Welcome back, your majesty," the maids lowered their heads to greet me back.
I smiled a little, slowly brushing my hair to the side as I walked pass them to see my parents but stopped upon realizing they didn't even come to welcome me back.
I shifted my gaze at Hernando and he smiled a little, "they're in the dining hall, my lady. Together with your siblings."
I nodded.
I held my gown a bit so I could walk faster. I'm excited seeing my siblings again but the excitement I got faded upon seeing the sight welcoming me.
I heard their laughters. My siblings are on the right side of the table. Father is in the end of the table with my mother on his side, beside my Mom is Catherine, dressed in yellow gown. Her hair is red and curly and while laughing, she's covering her mouth.
"Oh, it was fun! The movie we watched last night with the family is funny! I didn't know movies like that are existing!" my mother blurted.
"I almost died laughing," my father who was usually quiet said, "that's a good movie to watch for a bonding, Catherine."
"I told you, George!" Mom grinned, "Catherine is a good girl, she's fun and smart."
The way my mother touched Catherine's arm in a motherly way made me stop. My heart squeezed tightly and I saw how Hernando tried asking but he stopped doing so when I nodded at him.
I can hear my mother's praises for her. Being a great woman she is and I admit, she really is. While I was gone, she stood up for me. Appeared as me so people would not suspect about what happened to me. She might not always seen publicly, knowing she's been in conferences and meetings, it was enough for the people of Italy.
"You're really better than, Gabriela. I really wish you're my daughter, instead." Mother sighed dreamily and I saw how Catherine smiled at her.
"I can be your daughter, mother," she answered affectionately, even resting her head on her shoulder.
It was Hernando's knock that stopped them. They all shifted their gazes at me while I threw them a neutral gaze.
"Her highness has arrived." Hernando announced and that's when the slightly opened door widened.
My father smiled a little upon seeing me. Mom shot me a cold look while Catherine smiled sweetly.
"Gabriela!" she called.
"Your majesty..." Austin, my brother then corrected while looking at her. It made me stop walking. "You may pose as my sister but she's still her highness."
"Austin!" my mother warned but my brother just shrugged and glanced my way.
"Hello, sister." He waved at me. I noticed how my shy youngest sister waved, too.
"Hello, Austin, Sofia..." I greeted.
To my shock, they stood. I wasn't expecting it so I was stunned when my little sister hugged my waist while Austin, who's almost as tall as me hugged me briefly.
"O-Oh..." I gasped, hugging them tight. "Y-You missed me, you t-two? You came naman a month ago, ah?"
"You speak like always, Gabriela," Austin chuckled. "Good thing, you came back. It's been a while, Catherine's been pissing me off."
"Austin..." I warned but he glanced my way like it's nothing and shrugged.
"Come, Sofia. Let's eat." He offered his hand to our youngest, "you should eat too, sister."
I followed them. There is nothing but awkward silence surrounding the dining as I sat beside my siblings.
"You should eat, Gabriela," my father decided to speak.
I nodded and was about to stand to take some food when a maid went beside me to stop me from doing so.
"Let me, your majesty." The maid offered and I nodded, smiling.
"I'd like a little," I pointed the food. "Thank you, Miss."
"My pleasure, your majesty," she lowered her head for a bow.
I watched as she placed the foods I asked on my plate when my mother cleared her throat.
"Have you studied the important conference's minutes, Gabriela?" she asked.
I took a glass of juice first as I nodded formally.
"Yes," I answered.
"Are you sure?" she shot her brow up, "study it again. I don't trust your words, you might fail us—"
"I haven't done anything but to study every detail, mother." I cut her off. "I memorized everything and I have some concerns about the decrees I'd like to address to the minister."
"Like what?" she asked. "It is perfect, Gabriela. Catherine studied it well and she agreed to everything, why are you having a concern now? What do you know? You haven't even attended first hand!"
"Eleonor..." my father warned, "do not raise your voice in front of the foods."
"This daughter of yours kept on pissing me off, George! How could I?" she sighed, "Catherine here has been doing a great job. Even the ministers are glad knowing she agreed to everything? What would they think if this woman came and suddenly had something to say?"
"Can't I, mother?" I asked her, "I am glad Catherine is doing a great job but I am the future Queen, can't I have some concerns? Isn't it my right to question what I found troubling?"
"Gabriela!" she hissed.
I nonchalantly took a piece of meat and ate it gently, watching how she became so pissed of me.
"You know nothing! You don't have a say—"
"I am the future Queen, mother. Not you, not Catherine." I pointed out, "and I have concerns, can't I voice out now because I'm gone?"
"You're having the audacity now, huh?" she spat, "why? Because I let you do what you pleased instead of killing—"
"Do not speak ill of my situation, mother." I said hardly, "I may be gone but I know what's happening in every conference. I know what the current situation of our country is. I wasn't here but I am doing my job from where I was. I hope you know that."
"You—"
"We'll leave first, Mom. Sofia and I finished eating." Austin cut her off and stood with Sofia. I immediately became worried and glanced their way.
"S-Sorry," I gasped, "did I disturb you two?"
"We're done, sister." Sofia smiled at me.
"We're done, are you with..." he gave me a knowing look. It made me smile.
"Yes, you can ask Hernando. He'll take you both." I said, glanced at Hernando, giving him a nod.
"Alright, I'll see you later, sis." Austin tapped my back before walking with Sofia towards Hernando.
I watched them leave and when I glanced back at my mother, she was pissed.
"What is it you'd like to address, Gab?" my father asked, "maybe we could talk about it first."
"George!" she hissed.
"I said do not raise your voice in front of the foods, Eleonor! Let your daughter speak!" he hissed and when I saw how my mother's face turned darker, I know she won't let this go.
Catherine stared at me, I noticed her forehead creasing but she lowered her head and didn't say anything.
"What is it, Gab?" he asked.
"It's about the throne, father." I answered, "I know this is the law for a long time but what about we make some revisions in it?"
"Hmm, how so?" he asked.
"It is said there a princess cannot be a queen without a husband and a king." I answered, "I think someone could rule alone—"
"You imbecile! Are you out of your mind?!" she hissed.
"No, mother. I'm not. I am saying this because I have one." I answered timidly. She slammed the table.
"You're fighting with me now? Who gave you the guts, huh?!"
"Eleonor—"
"No, George! I would not tolerate your daughter's behavior! She's just too much! Just because she's gonna rule Italy, she'll fight with us! If it wasn't because you're in the bloodline, hell, I'd never agree to make you a queen!" she exclaimed.
Father just sighed and closed his eyes. Catherine stared at her hands.
"If it wasn't because of us, you would've lost the crown a long time ago because you are disgraceful! You shamed the Romanovs!"
"The crown wasn't important to me, mother. You know that." I answered, "you could take it off my head whenever you like but you forced me into this. You gave me no option. Now, I am voicing out my concern for the betterment of this country and to help our people."
"Don't speak high and mighty because you aren't. You're just a stubborn woman, Gabriela! We only hid your disgraceful and shameful condition to save our family. If you aren't next in line, I wouldn't care for you."
"Eleonor, shut it!" my father's voice roared but she remained remorseful.
"No." She lifted her finger, "I'd rather have Catherine as my daughter than you."
She then walked out after slamming the table.
The dining hall became quiet again after that. I suddenly remembered the laughters I witnessed upon going here, now it turned chaotic. Everyone's mad. Is it because of me?
"Excuse me, your majesties, I'd go after her majesty first." Catherine stood to follow my mother while my father and I stayed in complete silence.
"I'm sorry, father," I uttered. "You're having a great time and yet..."
"It's okay, Gabriela." He answered and sighed, "it's not like it's really a great time."
I glanced at him and noticed him looking a lot more matured than before, his hair's showing white strands too.
"I just wanted to voice out my concern, father." I stared at the foods. "I would like to act like how a Queen should be. I was not here first hand to settle things inside the palace but I'm working and concerned even if I'm away. Now that I came back, I just wish to finally handle the matters myself."
"I understand you concern, Gab." He nodded, "your cousin tried elaborating about that law, too, but as you see, that's we've been following for ages now. We just can't abolish it without any reasons and you needed someone by your side in ruling. Duke Anton is doing a great job helping Catherine and I know he would be a good king—"
"I'm in no need of a man, father." I bit my lip. "I could rule without them."
"Gabriela..." he sighed, "I hope you understand—"
"I would never understand why I have to always ask for a man's help if I could do it alone. That's why we have advisors, ministers, the court. To help the crowned queen to rule. Am I a display in the crown, father? I am the queen—from the descendants of Romanovs and yet, I'd let the duke rule the country bestowed to me, on my behalf? How 'bout me? Will I just be a housewife? I could be a leader, too!"
His eyes twinkled, it shone like he heard something amusing.
He chuckled lowly, "you are a brave girl, Gab. I'm always proud having you as a daughter. Just that, ruling has limitations, too. Like I said, that law has been here for ages. We have to respect what our ancestors made for us."
"We must respect but there is nothing wrong with evolving. We're not in middle ages anymore, we are in a modernized world wherein woman could rule. I knew countries like that and yet, we were stuck in this norm. Being a queen is a responsibility, I know inside my heart I may not be as great as our past leaders but I could learn. I'm willing. I couldn't just pass my responsibilities to the duke when we got married because it was me the people trusted to be their ruler. Not anyone else."
"Alright," he nodded and sighed. "We could talk about it with the ministers. I'll be with you, okay? If they agreed into abolishing, good for us. But after, when they disagreed, let me ask you a favor to let the law rule like before."
It was enough for me than not having a chance at all.
"Thank you, father," I nodded. "I'm so sorry for all the troubles I caused. For raising my voice to mother and disrespecting you. Now that I'm back, I'll do my best to keep up with the opportunities I missed."
"It's okay," he smiled at me. "I'm glad seeing you back. Your siblings missed you. I did, too. I just don't have the time to see you since paparazzis and medias are suspecting it wasn't you who's joining the conferences."
"R-Really?"
"Yes, Catherine's always covered. Has guards all over but we dismissed it and because you came back and now here, we would announce a royal party to let the suspicions down."
"Alright," I nodded, "is it a week from now? Before coming here, the seamstress asked for measurements for a gown."
"Yes," he smiled. "It'll be grand, please expect a large crowd of royalties from different countries. They'll be meeting the future queen of Italy this time... formally."
It's been a while but I'm still familiar with the palace, I grew up here and was in here all my life. I strolled on the garden, picking fresh flowers for the vase inside my room.
"I'm glad you are back, Gabriela," I was shocked hearing it.
I looked back and smiled at Catherine when I saw her behind me.
"Thank you, Cath," I said. "I'm very sorry for what happened on the dining hall earlier."
She nodded, no smile was written on her lips. She took a step forward towards me and sighed.
"I heard they're preparing a grand ball to formally introduce you," she mumbled. "I'm happy to be you while you're gone but I hope you won't ruin the reputation I had while I was you in the court."
"Huh?" my forehead creased.
"They praised me for being a great listener. Her majesty, Duchess Eleonor, was praised for raising a woman like that, too. They said I'll be a great queen by being like that—"
"Listening is a great characteristic for a leader but speaking is another thing. You could not just listen and do nothing, Catherine. You must listen and speak. It's a process to better rule the country. There are decisions not in favor of your people so you must speak—"
"The duchess is a good mother, do not disappoint her." She said, "please, Gabriela. I respect you. You are our majesty but you must follow your future husband and the court. That's how you become a leader."
She bowed a bit and left.
My forehead creased at her. Maybe she's just voicing out her opinion, there's nothing wrong with it and I respect it but I doesn't mean I wouldn't disagree.
It was stressful. The whole preparation for the grand ball was exhausting but it's bearable. I've been out of this for a long time. Maybe I'm just not used to it anymore.
They invited royal families, duke and duchess, ministers, knights... everyone they could think of inviting to make this occasion grand, they did.
I am hoping to see my cousin in the ball so I practiced and thought of the words I could say. To apologize for avoiding her, for acting like a bad girl. I'd tell her my sincere apologies, I will explain. If I have to kneel so she'd forgive me, I would.
But it vanished when Hernando informed me.
"I'm sorry, my lady. I heard Duke Castanier and Princess Cathalina won't make it today. Their cruise got delayed from what I heard."
My heart fell.
My ginger red and curly hair's falling freely on my back. I have pearls and jewelries all over but one thing I had never forgotten and removed all those months is the pearl necklace. It's still on my neck.
My love gave it to me.
I'm wearing a white and gold silk gown with some jewels sewn on the skirt to exaggerate the regal link I had as a royalty. It has a square conservative neckline and puff sleeves. I am also wearing a white gloves just reaching my elbow.
"My lady, Duke Anton is here." Hernando announced.
"Let him in," I answered timidly and offered a smile when he came inside with a friendly smile.
"It was pleasure to see such beautiful face, your highness." He bowed in front of me and offered his hand, "may I?"
"Pleasure to see you, Duke Bacá," I gave him my hand, smiling a little when he gave it a gentle kiss.
During those times, Anton knew everything that has been happening to me and unconsciously, without no plans of having at all. He became a close friend of mine.
"Are you ready?"
I sighed loudly, nodding.
"I think... so?" I gasped.
"Alright, the crowd has been wanting to see their soon-to-be-queen. After you, my lady." He said.
I am comfortable with Anton. He's a good friend. He reminded me of the boys way back and even if my parents are forcing us to be together by announcing an engagement, we have the same sentiments.
Anton does not believe in love. He wanted to live his whole life as a bachelor, to travel alone without commitments. That's why our friendship is great.
I don't wanna marry someone I didn't love. It was only Sebastian I'd love in this lifetime, even if I died. He's the only man I'm looking in the next one—if there is.
The grand hall is shining. With chandeliers, cello and violin. You can almost smell the royalty it was screaming. The sound from the musicians are lullaby to my ears and as it gave the serene and regal vibe, it was the opposite of my raging heart when even from my place I saw the large crowd waiting for me.
"Please welcome, Duke Anton Fernandez de García Bacá and her royal highness. The crowned Princess Gabriela Isabelle Mignonette d'Alessi Bianchi Romanov." They announced.
Everyone rose from their seats to give us respect. I can see the glee, amusement and the sound of applause while we're going down.
I felt flattered. I know I should be happy but there's this hole inside my heart I didn't think would be filled enough anytime now. There is still something missing.
When we got down, I got drowned with praises. Shaking hands, pleasantries and greeting for royalties wherever I go.
I realized this event is really that massive when they announced the royals have gifts for me and they are aligned to greet us one by one—possibly to establish a friendship to Italy, too. Since I am the next in line.
I was with Anton, my parents and my siblings. I gave everyone a practiced smile, trying my best not to speak to much because that's what a lady-like manner to them.
My back's already hurting but I have to remain with my chin up, greeting everyone and thank them one by one for the gifts until I saw someone familiar.
My eyes widened that my heart jumped.
"I'm very sorry we're late," she smiled. "We have to take a chopper just to reach the ball in time."
"No worries, your highness," my mother said timidly. "I've seen the king and queen earlier. I'm glad you made it."
"Of course, for my cousin..." she glanced my way. My eyes swelled.
"Princess Cathalina Castanier and Duke Lucian Castanier, together with the young prince Magnus Castanier." the man announced while they're walking closer to us.
Lucian was carrying baby Magnus while walking towards us, my eyes are already swelling and I was in the verge of running to hug my cousin when she winked at me and smiled.
"I know it wasn't you," she said in a small voice.
"H-Huh? G, I-I'm..."
"Here is our gift for you, your royal highness." She smiled timidly then glanced at my mother who was almost frowning at her.
"Thank you, uh..." I looked at Lucian and he bowed a little, on his arms is a small handsome little prince.
"Say hi to her majesty, Ninang Gab, baby Magnus!" G said and the shy kid lifted his hand a little.
"H-Hi...mawjewsty..." he even bowed a bit that I covered my mouth to suppress much cuteness.
"O-Oh my..."
"You two should catch up later, there's still people waiting," my mother said and G nodded, pouting.
"Alright, sobrang sungit naman. Nag-hi nga lang me sa cousin kong matagal kong 'di na-sight kasi tinago n'yo? Nakakaloka, sinong p'wedeng i-suntok ko ba here—"
"What?" my mother asked her.
"I said—"
"Excuse me," Lucian cleared his throat and dragged her gently. "Come on, Guin, mamaya na 'yan. H'wag makulit. 'Di ka nila maintindihan."
"'Yon nga purpose, Luci. 'Di nila ako ma-gets kaya awayin ko sila. Like I can say tang ina—"
"It's pakyu," I said to cut her off. "Kasi girl, 'di ba? Dapat pretty. Tang ina is for boys." I answered that Lucian smacked his forehead. Magnus mimicked him, making me smile.
In the end, Lucian dragged his talkative wife before she could even say tang ina to people around the palace. The event continued. I'm exhausted and starving but I can't go away.
I missed my blessing...
I lowered my head to stare at my skirt. I can't wait for this to be over so I could see—
"Queen Mila and King Felipe Fernandez de García Bacá," the man announced.
I pressed my lips together, lifted my gaze to offer a practiced smile to the majesties but it faded upon seeing the tall man behind the king and queen.
My heart thumped louder. I think it would burst any moment from now.
"Oh, senyor, you've forgotten our unico hijo..." the king said with a smile that the man apologized before clearing his throat but I cared nothing.
My eyes are stuck to the man coldly looking at me behind them. Tall, wearing a monochromic knee-length coat and white inner shirt, black pants and sexy high leather boots. His dark silhouette could almost lure me in the shadows mindlessly, not to mention those liquid black and intense eyes piercing my soul.
"And his excellency, Prince Sebastian Leandro Saavedra Fernandez de García Bacá from Casa de Borbón, royal house of the Kingdom of Spain." He introduced and I swear, I almost fainted.
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