Chapter 15
Chapter 15
I think I would faint! Oh, God!
I was feeling a bit weird, that feeling when you're about to lose you consciousness but before I could, Lucian did.
G screamed. I saw how she got Magnus from Lucian's arms when he fell.
I stood from my seat and was about to go their way to help but before I could take a step forward, Sebastian left and walked towards Lucian.
"G-Gabriela..." my mother pulled me back on my seat, "sit down!"
"B-But mother..." I glanced at their way but she pulled me more to take me back to my seat.
"I said, sit!" she hissed in a whisper, "people are watching! You just can't leave these people in line. Be responsible even for today!"
My throat dried up. I saw the medic and guards helping Lucian on the ground and even the king and queen of Spain excused themselves to go closer.
"What's the matter, son?" the king asked and Seb just glanced his way and whispered something.
The ball resumed like nothing happened that quick. A minister from a nearby rich country greeted me with gifts and I showed him a practiced smile, my attention not leaving my cousin and Seb.
They're on the seat now. Lucian's resting his back on the chair with G fanning his face, I saw the medics came to check on them but I think they said something that they left after checking things up.
Sebastian took Magnus on his arms. Magnus looked really familiar and close to his uncle that he rested his face on his shoulder while facing my way.
Our eyes met. Magnus' eyes glistened as he gave me a cute smile and I offered him one back. I waved my hand a little. He smiled. I saw a bit of his teeth as he waved at me enthusiastically.
Seb moved. He shifted his gaze when he felt Magnus moving and that's when our eyes locked.
My heart thumped loudly this time. That feeling when you'll about to lose your breath and faint came back. Hesitantly, I gave him a small smile but he just looked at me with no reaction at all.
Stiff and cold. His eyes bore like I was nothing as he averted his eyes away. Like I was a stranger.
My eyes stung. I watched my fingers instead to calm my nerves but my mother pinched me from the side.
"Quit looking at the man and entertain your guests, Gabriela!" she whispered.
I nodded. I tried entertaining the guests again but from time to time, my eyes would go back to where they are seated. Lucian is awake now and immediately smacked his nape but when he saw the king and queen, he stiffened and bowed immediately to apologize.
They're laughing. I can hear the happiness from where they are and I might not hear the things they're talking about, but I can sense the happiness it possesses.
Magnus remained on Seb's arms while feeding him with foods. G and Duke Castanier talked to the king and queen.
Seb and baby Magnus looked cute. It's adorable watching them. The little prince on his arms while the mean prince looking so gentle while cradling him.
Seb's gonna be a great father but... I hope it's like that, too. For us.
"You've been sighing nonstop, your highness," my eyes landed to Duke Anton when he whispered.
"Your excellency," I called his attention. "A-About Sebastian—" his forehead creased. "I-I mean his highness, how..."
"The prince?" he asked and I nodded, glancing at their way. "You knew him, my lady?"
"W-Well..." I cleared my throat, "r-remember when I told you I've visited Brooklyn before? I was with Princess Cathalina and the Duke, right?"
"Hmm..." he nodded.
"I'll be leaving with your father first, Gabriela. I'll v-visit King Felipe." She cleared her throat and left. My forehead creased but more invested into asking the Duke.
"Seb—I mean, I knew the Prince. I met him on the ship so, I'm really confused. You're the king's nephew, right? I didn't know they have a son!"
He looked at me as if reading my face, I suddenly felt embarrassed.
"Forgive me for my recklessness, Duke." I uttered, "My apologies, I shouldn't be asking you about this—"
"Don't tell me he's..." I avoided his gaze and stared at my fingers, playing with it to calm myself down. "My lady... no, Gab. Look at me."
Hesitantly, I met his gaze.
"Is he..."
I nodded.
"Fuck?" he cursed and almost stood but I pulled him back, "p-please don't make a fuss, your excellency. If you can't answer for now, I understand."
"No, no, Gabriela." He slowly held my elbow, "is it possible? Is this for real? You've met his highness on the ship? How? I heard he's working at a ship but..."
I nodded.
"He's the man. My love, Anton." I whispered back, "he's the man I tell you stories about. Little Mermaid's prince and s-sidekick."
He sighed. I heard his breathing labored as he offered me his hand to stand.
"I'll tell you what I know about my cousin. Come on, let us go and fetch some foods while talking."
I accepted his hand, stood gracefully from my throne but noticed something. I looked on his way, stunned upon meeting his eyes looking at me fiercely but he took it off almost hastily.
My heart fell again.
Maybe it just happened that his sight's on my way, maybe it wasn't meant for me.
"My lady..." Anton called and I gripped his hand and followed.
It's okay, Gab. It's okay. Don't cry, please. Don't!
The servants offered to bring us foods but we refused. Anton and I decided to get ourselves something to eat before going to the table near the platform where it was only us in there.
"The king and queen lost their son in childbirth, my lady." He started.
It caught my attention. If they lost him then...
"The Queen is pregnant the same time her royal maid is, she's a Filipino. She married the king's right hand, Ponce. They treated each other like best of friends, Gab. The Queen and Mira are close, the queen never treated the latter a servant but almost a sibling. Same as to the king, he's with Ponce ever since he's a young child. It was a great friendship they got there."
"Hmm..." I nodded, "then, how did it happen?"
"The king was out of the country that time to seal an agreement to a neighboring country. He left Ponce to look after his wife. In such special yet rare occasion, the two ladies gave birth at the same time. The same night with the same royal physician, Ponce's brother. I didn't know how did it happen but from what I heard, the king and queen's son was reportedly dead after she had given birth."
I covered my mouth. My eyes wandered to where Seb is and saw how the queen held his hand in a motherly way while talking to my cousin.
"Meanwhile, Mira and Ponce had a healthy baby boy. The king and queen grieved for their son's lost and almost three days after that, Mira and Ponce vanished in the air. The grieving parents of the prince didn't have the chance to look for them, they're working on trying to move on from their lost."
I gasped, nodding.
"Are you saying that Seb's..."
"Hmm," he nodded. "It was their child who died. In such grieve and haste, they took the royal prince instead to replace what they've lost and flew."
"O-Oh..." I nodded, "Seb... he told me before about his parents. That his father left him and his mother before and that she killed herself."
"That's right," he nodded. "I was there with the king when he investigated about the maid and his former right hand. They might be guilty for taking the young prince that their marriage fell apart. Ponce found someone else and Mira was left devastated. Leaving the crowned prince in orphans... alone. Away from his family."
My throat dried up.
"C-Can I know how did they find out about him?" I asked.
"I used to wonder how did they find him or how the prince found his parents but now, I know..." he stared at me intently. "You are the reason why he was around our Casa in Spain before where your mother hid you. That's how they find him."
I didn't ask for more. He didn't know every detail but hearing it from him is enough.
Sebastian is a royal descendant from the royal family of Spain. He could've had a good life growing up but those people... they took them away from him.
He fought to stay alive, he dismissed any affection because of the pain his parents gave. He worked hard, any job, just so he could eat and study.
My Sebastian is a brave man. Tang ina ang brave. You can't ask for more.
Tapos, I'll hurt him lang? My eyes dropped to where my hand is then slowly, I reached for the necklace he gave me, caressing it a little.
The duke respected my silence after our talk. I stared at my food for the longest time, not saying anything, just watching Seb from the distance while he's carrying baby Magnus.
"Water, my lady?" Anton offered.
"Thank you, Duke," I whispered and gave him a small smile. "You're always so good to me."
"What's not to be good about, hmm?" he smiled handsomely, "I know your struggles. You might not tell me everything but I now fully understand. You're a good friend, Gabriela. You can always count on me."
I nodded, smiling.
"I'm just happy now his and her highness found the lost prince," he said. "Those two treated me like I'm their own when my parents died. They took care of me and I'm glad they found what they've lost before."
Anton has a heart of an angel. When I was struggling before, he was there for me. It was him who taught me well how to handle my work and responsibilities to the people even if I'm away.
The event resumed. I was surrounded by royalties, conversing about country-related issues but my mind's been on them.
"Oh, where's my precious Cath?" even if I'm busy flashing a smile and greeting the guest, I can't help but hear that.
My heart clenched, I got used to it but it still made my heart ache. Never in my life I have heard my mother referred to me that way. That I was precious.
Growing up, she wasn't fond of me and I didn't get why. I studied well even if I'm home schooled so she would be proud of my grades but nothing. When he saw me with the story books my maid gave, she burned it all.
She said romance is not good for me, that I shouldn't get expose with nasty things like that. There's nothing nasty with love. I think... I think love...
My eyes glanced at Sebastian again.
Love is beautiful.
I froze when our eyes met again but like earlier, his gaze avoided mine like I was a stranger so I flashed a smile to a prince from England instead.
"My lady..." he greeted, lifting my hand to give me a gentle kiss in it.
"Your highness," I greeted back.
Duke Anton stayed beside me all the time. He knew I'm not fond of talking to other people so he assisted me all the way.
From the distance, I saw my cousin watching me from her table. She's alone, carrying baby Magnus. She waved and mentioned her hand, asking if we could talk.
"Are you tired, my lady? Do you like to sit again?" he asked.
"No, I'm alright," I answered. "Thank you, Anton, b-but if it's not a hassle to you. Can I go talk to Princess Cathalina?"
"Sure, my lady. I'll take you to her." He even offered.
He held my waist. He excused us and we walked towards my cousin who smiled widely upon seeing us.
"Your highness," Anton greeted.
"Your grace," G greeted back and held my hand. "Thank you for bringing her highness here, I hope it won't bother you if we stayed here?"
"Not at all, your highness." He shook his head, "I'd take my leave, please, don't mind me. I'd go interact with the guest for her highness' name." Anton stared at me.
"Thank you, Duke," I mumbled again in much gratefulness. He offered me his hand. I placed mine in it and like a gentleman he is, he gave it a gentle kiss.
G and I both watched him walk away and we looked at each other. I smiled, her eyes are now teary when she locked gazes with me.
"Baby, this is your Ninang Gab-Gab. Wanna say hi?" she asked Magnus gently and the young prince's eyes glistened more upon seeing my smile.
"Nang...?" he mouthed.
"Y-Yes, baby. Ninang Gab." I uttered and he smiled, a few emerging teeth showing.
"Nang Gab!" he exclaimed, smiling widely. "Mawjwesty..." he then lowered his head cutely.
G and I giggled.
"O-Oh, hi, baby Magnus. You're sooo cute!" I giggled and showed my hand, "can I karga you, baby cutie?"
"Yah..." he nodded, "karga ako! Yehey!"
I heaved an excited breath. Magnus raised his tiny hands for me to carry him and when I did hold him on my arms, my heart felt warmer. I buried my face on his neck when he hugged me.
I moved away a little after a while to check on his and saw his twinkling eyes while looking at me.
"Ganda..." he mumbled, "Nang ko, ganda!"
Oh, such a handsome young prince!
"T-Thank you, baby," I mumbled happily. "You're super duper to the highest level tang ina—"
"Gab—"
"Nong! Nong!" Magnus exclaimed. We both froze.
My smile faded. From my peripheral vision, I can already see the man walking.
"Uy, basher." G greeted hesitantly, with an awkward laugh. "You're nandito pala! He-he!"
Oh, God. Calm down, Gabriela!
I couldn't even look!
"Ninong Baste and I are going out, Magnus. Wanna come?" Lucian asked his son.
"Yah-yah!" he nodded cutely, "out! Yah-yah!"
He jumped away from my arms and when Lucian and my gaze met, he immediately blinked and opened his mouth.
"Gab!" he called, "u-uh, well, your majesty..." he bowed a bit to show respect.
"Mawjewsty... Nang Gab!" Magnus mimicked and bowed his head again adorably.
I can't say anything. My hands are trembling, mostly when I saw Seb's eyes looking at me.
"Pst, Sebastian!" Lucian then elbowed Seb who nonchalantly lowered his head and didn't say anything afterwards.
"Y-You don't have to," I raised my hand to show them not to. I stood too to bow a bit, showing my respect to the Duke and Prince of Spain and yet, he didn't acknowledge it or anything and just looked away.
"Tara na, Cap," he said. "Ayoko rito, 'di ako makahinga ng maayos. Nakakairita."
My mouth parted.
"T-There's a garden, you know naman na, right?" G held my elbow from the side, slowly caressing it maybe to comfort me.
"P'wede namang dito muna kami kung—"
"Akin na si Magnus, Cap," he then gently took the smiling Magnus from Lucian. "Dito ka muna kung gusto mo, lalaro kami ni Magnus sa labas. 'Di ba, Magnus?" he smiled at him.
His hair's a bit longer now than before. It reached the back of his ear, like what Lucian's hair before but right now, it's longer for Lucian. He's sporting a handsome man bun.
Seb... looked a bit matured than before. He has faint stubbles on his chin and the way his wavy hair moved made me swoon again and again.
"Dito ka muna—"
"Kayo na nga," he said coldly, "lalabas kami ni Magnus kung ayaw mo sumama, ayoko rito."
I remained staring at him, fisting the skirt of my gown, trying to stop myself from crying and jumping on his arms.
Our eyes locked again and while I was looking at him with my teary eyes, he looked at me with no lone expression at all.
"Uuna na kami, sunod ka na lang kung gusto mo, Cap. Ayoko rito, nakakasakal." He said coldly and turned his back at me, walking away.
"Gab, I'm sorry—"
"Y-You don't have to apologize, Lucian." I shook my head and smiled, "I'm o-okay, uh, you can follow him freely if you like... G and I will talk lang here naman."
He sighed.
"Pasensya na, Gab." He smiled at me, "it's nice seeing you again, anyway. Miss na miss ka na namin sa barko. Nasanay na ata kaming may dalawang conyo na nagpapasabog sa tainga namin."
"Hey!" G hissed. I chuckled.
"Kidding, baby," he then winked at his wife, kissed her forehead before glancing my way. "I'll take my leave first, your highness."
I nodded, when he left and I met G's gaze again, we immediately embraced.
"G..." I called and buried my face on her neck.
"G-Gab-Gab," she whispered back and hugged my waist tightly, "h-how are you? O-Oh, God, I missed you so much. W-Why are you gone? I'm looking for you."
"S-Sorry... sorry..." I tried stopping my cries but I found myself tearing up while hugging her tightly.
"I-I feel naiiyak na rin tuloy," she whispered, "I-I'm... oh my... I think I will cry na..."
"Don't... shh..." I touched her back, "would you like to stay in a private area so we could talk?"
"Can we?" her eyes brightened.
"Of course, I got you," I nodded.
I asked the guards to look for a private area for us and because it was me who requested, they looked for it immediately. We settled into a small room just near the ballroom of the palace and talked.
"How did you know it wasn't me?" I asked.
"You don't act that way, Gab. Your mother or the guards might stop you from coming closer to me but you never ever talked down to anyone."
"H-Huh? What do you mean?"
"That woman treated her maids and assistants like trash," she said. "Yes, I believed it was you at first but seeing how that woman threw the foods she didn't like to the maid? I know immediately it isn't you."
Catherine...
I gritted my teeth.
"Really, huh?" I clenched my jaw, "and now she had the audacity to tell me not to ruin the reputation she made on the court and yet... she ruined mine?"
"There are only a few people around the area during that time. It was during break and it was mostly Italy's men so... you don't have to worry."
I sighed and covered my face.
"I'm so sorry, G. I didn't mean to hide from you or anyone. I'm just..." I shook my head, "I-I'm sorry... nothing."
"Who is that girl anyway?" she asked, "she definitely looks like you, Gab! Her hair, her body, face, the way she moves. Well, of course, except of being that rude. The Gabriela I know is the softest person I'd ever met. You are even crying when seeing animals dying in movies tapos you'd sigaw sa people around? No, I doubt."
"She's a far cousin, from my mother's side, I heard." I uttered. "Did anyone know about this, G? It's a secret, no one knows about it."
"Me lang," she smiled cutely. "Of course, I stayed quiet kasi I'm a good girl... well, I told Luci rin, he-he. Can't keep a secret from him. Sorry, Gab." She showed me a peace sign.
"It's okay," I nodded. "I'm just glad you knew. I'm thinking nga how would I approach you if we met kasi 'di ba, I avoided you? I'm sad, G. My heart's aching a-and of course, I wanted to apologize. Kasi, ayaw ko na mean me sa 'yo. You did me no wrong, you pampered me on the ship. You took care of me t-then I'll leave like that? Parang no heart naman ako..."
I stood and touched my chest. I bowed in the lowest I could, even if she gasped.
"My apologies, your highness." I said in utmost sincerity.
"Oh, Gab, please don't." She held my hand and helped me stand. "I understand. Yes, I was hurt but I understand you. I just wanted to know what happened."
"I..." I hesitated, "my mother hid me somewhere so you—or anyone won't see me. She hid me in a secluded island and... you know, I was only allowed to go out right now."
I didn't lie, yet, I didn't tell her the whole truth either. About my situation. About why my mother decided to hide me away and made Catherine pose as me.
"I know you still aren't telling me everything yet but..." she nodded, "I understand. I'll wait for you to tell me, hmm? Basta, always remember na I'm always here for you, okay? I won't leave you, Gab."
I hugged her tightly, whispering my thanks and sincere happiness.
"A-About Seb...?" I uttered. She sighed.
"Shocking, 'di ba?" she asked. I nodded, smiling.
"I didn't expect it at all, h-how? I mean... I just can't grasp every detail entirely. I found out about the king and queen's lost prince but, don't you know about it, G?"
She moistened her lower lip.
"Well, Luci didn't. If I told him, you know what would happen. Like earlier. He fainted!" she gasped, "I shouldn't know dapat talaga kaso I'm tsismosa kasi, you know?"
Her lips protruded.
"Why?"
"After that time in Spain when you," she pursed her lips. I nodded and understood it. "He stayed around the Case even when we found out you went out of the country. He won't believe it so he stayed. After that, we didn't know what happened exactly but he went back on the ship like nothing happened. He even handed a resignation letter to Luci."
"What?"
"Hmm..." he nodded, "ayaw namin but we knew Baste had to have some time alone so we left him rest for a while. Na, he will come back sooner or later. So, I've noticed, we have a few more guests before he left. I know men from a royal family if I've seen one. He approached Baste and I shouldn't bother to know what they talked about but kasi... Baste saw me peeking like a Marites."
It made me chuckle.
"You talaga. You're a very naughty girl, G." I pouted.
"I pretended pa not to see! Oh my, what a bad actress I am. I overheard a bit pero I thought it's nothing until Baste approached me and asked. He told me the man came, claiming the king of Spain is looking for him. Wanting to talk to him, saying he might be a prince."
My mouth parted.
"We are very very sad, 'di ba? Kasi you left? Kaso when I heard and he told me he might be a prince, we laughed like crazy people. Kasi haler? Si basher, prince? He said he might have a heart attack in laughing his ass if he won't know the truth."
I imagined what the sight would be.
Seb laughing his ass...
"Oh, why is Seb's pwet laughing?" I asked curiously.
G laughed loudly and I watched her, still confused. She's blushing profusely but cupped my cheek after to tap it.
"Oh, my innocent Gab-Gab." She tapped my cheek, "you still don't know a lot in the outside world, 'no? Not literally his ass-slash-pwet, as I told you before. It's an expression, about laughing so much. You think you're gonna die."
"Ahh..." I nodded, "okay, I understand."
"There nga, I helped him in figuring things out while keeping it a secret to Luci kasi it's not verified pa. Also, he might faint like what you've seen earlier. I helped Seb to go meet the king and he let me know it's true. Imagine my face, I'm super gulat kaya!"
"How gulat? Can I see?"
"Like this!" she covered her mouth with her eyes widening. I mimicked it.
"I'm that gulat too kanina!" I gasped loudly, "imagine, they introduced him to me like that!"
We both sighed loudly.
"Then, Seb went somewhere. He said he's off to Tagaytay, to his house there just to have some time to think and relax. We let him but I know the king and queen went there to see him, after that, I didn't hear of him. I was just informed nga lang earlier na Seb is coming as a prince by my Nana. Nakakalurkey, Gab. Buti I made Luci have his vitamin S earlier kaya he didn't faint longer."
"Vitamin S?" I shot my brow up.
"Vitamin sex." She answered nonchalantly.
My eyes widened dramatically.
"Ay, bad mouth!" she slapped her mouth, "sorry, you didn't know much pa nga pala about it. I'm very careless naman! Kiss pa lang pala kayo ni basher—"
"W-We already did..." I uttered.
She chuckled, "did what?"
"U-Uh, Mr. Crabs made his royal visit to bikini bottom na." I answered. "T-To meet Sandy."
"Huuuh?" she tilted her head to grasp what I am saying.
"I-I mean..." I cleared my throat, "S-Seb and I, we uhm you know? The matured stuff?"
"Sheyt na sticky... really?!" she hissed. I jumped and covered her mouth.
"S-Secret only!" I gasped, staring at her wide eyes. "Really, we... we had the vitamin S, too."
She stared at me intently like I'm an apparition or something.
"I didn't know, Gab?" she said.
"It's before I left kasi..." I said, "before Hernando fetched me to go back, I didn't have time to talk to you."
"Oh, gosh," she uttered and nodded. "He's Mr. Crabs and yours was... Sandy?"
"Yeah," I smiled cutely. "I like the flower on her suit kasi. Cute."
We stayed in silence after. She watched me carefully. I held her hand to touch it, thinking if I should tell her my concern but she embraced me on the side and kissed my cheek.
"Don't cry, I'm here," she whispered. "You can ask me for help or advice. I might not be as influential as before but I would help you, in every remaining power I have, I'll help you, Gab."
"You think... you think Seb still loves me, G? Kasi me, I still do. It never faded. All those days I'm gone and hiding away from the people's eyes, it's his love and blessing who kept this heart beating."
"You two should talk," she said. "Your words before scarred him but I know Baste. He's mean and brute but he has a soft heart. He didn't change if that's what you're asking, he's still the same as before. Let's just give him time, he's adjusting to his new life with his parents."
We left the room after my mother looked for me. When I got back, she was with Catherine and scolding me for being gone when these people came for me.
It's my fault. I apologized and interact with people again with Anton on my side.
The whole time when I came back, I didn't see Seb anymore. The king and queen was still there, Magnus was with Lucian again but he's nowhere near my sight.
Did he leave?
Will I see him again? Can I talk to him again?
What for, Gab? You've hurt the man, of course, he's mad of you. Of course, he didn't want to see you again!
Some guests are staying for the night. It isn't much since we have a large castle. My room's on the top floor too with massive and strict security so my parents are fine with it.
My cousin let me know she's staying. Before I left, I've seen Lucian and King Felipe together with my father discussing something.
I had a quick bath. I couldn't breathe much because of my gown so being out of it is such a relief. The window's open, the fresh air outside dancing towards the room.
"Will I close the windows, my lady?" Hernando inquired.
"No, it's fine, Hernan." I smiled at him, "let it be."
He bowed, glanced beside me on the bed before bowing again.
"I'll take my leave, your majesties," he said then left.
I smiled. When I felt small fingers on my elbow, I shifted my gaze and stared at her gently.
"P-Par...ty?"
"Yes, love, party." I answered. "How are you, hmm? What did you do the whole day? Did you watch another episode?"
She nodded cutely, she showed me the phone. Its screen was broken but we could still use it.
"M-Mewrmaid..." she mumbled, "swim... swim..."
"Hmm..." I nodded, gently putting her head on my arm. "You've watched little mermaid again? How 'bout another episode of Spongebob?"
Her eyes brightened, nodding at me happily.
"Alright, princess." I whispered and clicked the episode to show her. "Did you play with Sofia and Austin?"
She nodded, her attention now on the phone. I watched her and deep inside, I am struggling.
I've met him again, my blessing. The owner of the phone... one of a few things he left for us.
The next morning, I got ready with the breakfast with the royalties. I have expected this will be tiring when I got back from hiding but now... I just wanted to stay in bed and cuddle with my blessing.
"I'll take care of the young princess, my lady." The babysitter said.
"Thank you," I uttered. "Please don't forget to let her eat breakfast and limit her time with the phone, too. You can read her a story book if she pleases."
Wearing a suffocating silk light green dress again, I got out. I asked the guards not to accompany me until the dining hall and when we reached the bottom of the stairs, they left me alone.
"Would you like me to take you to the door, my lady?" Hernando inquired.
"I'm great, Hernan. Thank you."
He nodded and let me be. I was walking on the empty and large hallway towards the dining hall when I noticed someone familiar in front of me.
My breath hitched. I didn't have to guess who that man is because I memorized him very well.
I pinched myself to have the courage. I can do it. I can do it!
I opened my mouth to call his name when—
"Your highness!" a loud force bumping my shoulder from behind made me lose my balance. I was startled and fell, my butt landed on the floor.
Catherine clung on Seb's arms and it shocked him, too.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, my lady!" Catherine gasped loudly.
From staring at her face briefly, Seb's eyes landed on me and saw how his jaw tightened. Like he's immediately pissed.
Is he angry with me?
My heart squeezed painfully.
He pulled his arms from Catherine and walked closer to me when arms from behind assisted me to go up before he even did.
"Are you okay, my lady?" Anton's voice filled my ear.
"Y-Yeah," I glanced at him. "I-I'm great... thank you."
"You're here, your highness," Anton greeted Seb who only stared at him coldly. I averted my gaze and fixed the skirt of my gown.
"Should we... uhm, eat?" Catherine stopped the awkward silence, "I hope you could assist my lady towards the dining hall, Duke Anton. I'd assist Prince Sebastian instead."
"I would but first, apologize to her highness." Anton answered. "I saw how you carelessly bumped her shoulders. What if she got injured?"
Catherine was caught off guard. Seb's forehead creased, his brows almost met each other.
"I-I'm sorry, my lady," Catherine bowed a little. "It is my fault. Please, accept my sincere apologies."
"It's an accident, it's okay," I smiled a little.
Seb didn't say anything. With his forehead still creasing, he turned his back from us and walked away.
Catherine stood straight and went after him.
"You okay, Gab?" Anton asked.
"Yes, thank you, Anton."
"May I?" he then offered his hand which I accepted.
While walking, I can see Catherine trying to talk to Seb. He's already handsome wearing his uniform before but now seeing him in formal clothes made me shiver.
It's a black turtle neck and pants. He just made it more formal with the coat and still... always will be a tang ina in my eyes.
Catherine touched his shoulder. My eyes darkened but it faded when Seb moved aside and eyed her coldly, not uttering any word.
I remembered tuloy their story of him with girls.
Cath stopped. I saw how Seb's brow tilted up as he put his hands on his jeans and walked away, leaving her.
"Desurv!" I laughed.
Catherine glanced my way so I quickly smacked Anton's chest.
"Ikaw Anton, crazy ka talaga!" I exclaimed and giggled.
"My lady?" Anton blinked rapidly.
"Laugh," I whispered, "just laugh, Anton." I said and confused, Anton laughed too and together, we looked like crazy people.
We reached the dining hall and saw a few familiar faces. The royalties and ministers from neighboring countries. G was there with her family, my parents too and of course, Seb and his parents.
I saw Seb lifting a chair for his mother and the queen smiled sweetly, kissing his cheek and whispered.
Seb nodded, the side of his lips lifted at what she said.
My heart swelled. Seb always craved for the love from a family and now, seeing him like this. It made me happy too.
I ate with Anton beside me while listening to their talk.
"This Catherine, your highness," my mother introduced Catherine to Queen Mila. "She's my niece, she's kind and very beautiful, as you can see."
"Your highness, it's too much..." Catherine blushed.
"Oh, you are beautiful, Catherine. Don't be shy." My mother smiled gently, "I know you've met the queen's son, Prince Sebastian."
My forehead creased. Seb's jaw tightened too but he didn't say anything.
"Since our Queen is with the duke, won't it look great to have our Catherine here for the prince?"
What? What?!
I gripped my fork tighter.
"She's a beauty but I doubt Sebastian would be pleased if I force him. Also, my son's reserved for someone else." Queen Mila nodded.
I froze.
Reserved? Who?
"Tho, I can see the resemblance she had with our Queen-to-be," the queen suddenly said, glancing my way.
I was shocked with the sudden mention. I lifted my gaze up to give a smile to the queen.
"Thank you, your highness," I uttered but then seeing Seb's face eating quietly beside his mother, I can't help but watch him.
Reserved... for who? Did he find someone else?
Oh, of course, Gab. You sill naïve woman. You left him and now, you expect he'll stay in love with you?!
"Oh, no worries." She nodded, "how 'bout your daughter, Duchess? She's beautiful, and a very talented woman. I've seen her doing jewelries, you know, those cute bracelets?"
"O-Oh, yes, your majesty." I smiled gently, "it's just a silly hobby of mine, making necklaces or bracelets if I have some spare time."
"Hmm, I've seen one of your bracelets, mi hija." She smiled sweetly, "it's black—"
"Ma..." Sebastian called.
"Oppss..." she covered her mouth, "a-anyway, as I've been saying, we would like to invite you in Captain Castanier's ship."
"Your highness..." my mother called.
My eyes widened. I glanced at my cousin who moved her brow and winked at me.
"Captain Castanier's my son's boss when we still haven't found him," she said. "We owed a lot to him and his family for taking care of our prince while we're gone. It was sad and heartbreaking because we failed giving Sebastian a family growing up but they did. They gave him a family."
I agreed. That ship is home.
I never felt like I have a family but they gave me one upon staying there. They gave me more. Warmth, friends, a family, love...
"I would love to say yes to the invitation but our Queen-to-be will be on risk. We still haven't given her the crown and a lot of people knew she'll be the next in line. It'll be risky, I don't want to risk my daughter's safety." She said affectionately.
I lowered my head. How I wished it's true.
"Come on, Eleonor," Queen Mila called, "come. We are making sure the ship will be heavily guarded. The party halls will be exclusive for us in here, I've already made amends to the ship captain and he assured me it'll be great."
"George..." my mother called.
My father then raised his head from listening quietly.
"We shouldn't let Gabriela—"
"Let her, Eleonor," my father answered. "We'll be going, too. I'm sure our future queen will be safe."
I feel bad leaving my blessing but I couldn't do anything. I couldn't say no either since it was decided so I had to explain to her everything, I don't want her to feel I abandoned her.
"I promise, Mama will be back. It's just for a few days. Austin and Sofia will stay and play with you, so you won't be sad." I mumbled, brushing her red hair. Her black liquid eyes glistening as she watched me.
"Pwamis?" she tried hard saying. "Back?"
"Yes, baby. I will be back real soon," I promised.
I was in the verge of crying while walking out of the palace. Some royalties invited left first. I think I was the last one waiting and as I made towards the garden, I saw him.
He's wearing a casual white shirt, paired with maong pants and sneakers. He's on his way to enter while I'm exiting.
Being like that, simply just because of that. It made my heart pound, it was enough to lift me up my feet, enough to make my heart jump and flutter.
I gulped harshly. I smiled softly to greet him and he just averted my gaze, placed his palms on his jeans and walked.
I bit my lower lip and looked down. I walked slowly so I could go pass him but a gentle pull on my dress stopped me, the same time I heard the commotion from the maid.
"Princess!" she exclaimed and I froze, immediately shifted my gaze and saw the little girl pulling the hem of my skirt while looking at me with her teary eyes.
"M-Melody..." I called, seeing my daughter behind me with her father standing almost beside me.
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