Chapter 16
Chapter 16
"M-Melody..." I called, seeing my daughter behind me with her father standing almost beside me.
My heart thumped loudly. I panicked.
Everyone around me was so alert they managed to cover us against Seb's gaze.
"Melody... why are you here..." I called, nervous. I was about to lower my body and ask her when I heard footsteps running towards us.
"Princess!" I heard Sofia and Austin's voice.
I didn't know where Seb is now or what is he doing, the guards were too quick to cover us up that when my siblings came with Hernando and saw the way I gave them a pleading look, they understood.
"Why did you run away? We're playing!" Sofia said, probably thinking no one should know I already have a child but Hernando knew why I was this nervous.
"I'm sorry, my lady!" he blurted out, "your cousin got out and she ran here, chasing you..."
Oh, God. Thanks!
"I-It's okay, thanks, Hernando." I uttered gently and carried Melody who was teary eyed while looking at me.
"Ma—"
"Come on," I whispered to stop her from calling me and stood. She immediately buried her head on my shoulder and I saw how Austin glanced from the distance and shot his brow up.
He then glanced at Melody's back and back to my face, confusion was written on it. I hid my daughter on my arms, my heart almost bursting out of my chest in such nervousness, walking away in haste with people covering me from behind.
I couldn't breathe while making my way back to my room, hearing Melody sobbing on my shoulder.
"Shh..." I hummed when I got into my room, slowly putting her back to bed and knelt. "Princess... why are you crying?"
She sniffed. Her nose's red with her black eyes shining with tears. I noticed how a few strands of her hair sticking on her wet cheek.
"Melody? Baby?" I called gently and removed the strands off her cheek. "What's the matter, baby?"
"Don..." she shook her head at me, "n-no..."
"No?" I asked, understanding her language. "What's no?"
"Awlis..." she mumbled and tried hard saying. "N-No, aw-lish..."
"No alis?" I asked softly and when she nodded, my eyes stung.
It was like her tearing eyes and gentle voice touched my heart. I knelt more, gathered her in my arms while she's sobbing on my shoulder.
"Sawd..." she whispered, "Mewlowdy... sawd."
Her words are incoherent but I could understand her well and hearing she's sad because I'm leaving, I don't have the heart to do so.
I pampered my baby. She was crying while hugging my nape and so I hummed a gentle song for a lullaby.
While I was humming, my siblings are just watching quietly. I can see the fear in her babysitter's eyes and when our gazes met, she mouthed her apologies and bowed her head.
"It's alright," I mumbled and when Melody stopped from sobbing and just laid down her head on my shoulder while hugging my nape, I moved a bit.
I tried looking if she's already sleeping but her eyes are wide-awake, she just quietly playing with the strands of my hair and twirling it.
I giggled.
"You aren't antok, Melody?" I asked slowly.
Her black, liquid eyes glanced at me. She tried faking a yawn. I laughed.
"You're awake? Like hmm..." I tilted my head, "you're gising, baby?"
"Giwsing..." she mimicked me and smiled despite her teary eyes.
"Oh, alright," I kissed her cheek and let her rest again on my shoulder until I heard a knock and Hernando took a peek.
"My lady..." he called.
"Hmm?"
"They are asking if you're going? The ship might dock later tonight, the plane is also waiting for you."
"That..." I closed my eyes, sighing when I remembered what just happened. "I think I'm staying, instead. Can you please tell them I'm ill or something?"
"Well," he got inside and glanced at my siblings. Austin got it so, he took Sofia and walked closer to me and offered his hand.
"Let's play, princess," he called my daughter's attention.
Melody moved from my shoulder, she glanced at her uncle and when Austin showed his hands again, Melody looked at me to ask for permission.
"You wanna play with them, princess?" I asked.
She nodded but her smile faded upon looking at me again.
"Go?" she asked about me, leaving.
"No..." I shook my head, nodded at Sofia and when she lifted the phone and showed her niece, Melody wiggled her body until her uncle's carrying her.
"Mewrmaid..." she uttered, "bob... bob..."
I nodded at Austin, while Melody is distracted with the phone, they went out of the room and that's when I faced Hernando.
"What happened?" I asked, my heart's nervous thump came back. "Is Seb... what did he say? Is he..."
"I think he believed it when I said it's your cousin," he explained.
My forehead just creased, "a-are you sure? What if he knows? What if he won't believe us? I am not expecting seeing him and of course, I never thought of letting them meet that way. Is he m-mad or..."
"The guards hid you both almost immediately, I doubt he had seen the young princess' face." He explained, "and why won't he believe it? Even if he makes an investigation, Princess Melody's your cousin on the papers."
I sighed loudly. I sat on my bed and buried my face on my palms, gasping.
Will he believe it? Why won't he, right? He didn't probably care about me now...
"The royalties from England just left with the limousine, they were just waiting for you now before the flight."
"I won't go," I decided and lifted my face to face him. "There's no one here in the palace if I leave. How about my daughter? She would cry if she found out I wasn't here."
"The duchess has been asking about you, I informed her you're just doing something important and you're off to go. Would you like me to inform her you aren't attending? I will try reasoning you're ill."
"Hmm..." I nodded, brushing my hair. "Just tell her I'm ill, it's not like she's make a big fuss if I don't attend. She probably doesn't want me around her. She won't mind."
He nodded and was about to go but he came back.
"I'll observe the prince, too," he said, stopping me.
"Is he still there?" I asked, "what is his reaction when I left? W-Well, it's not like I'm curious or something." I shook my head exaggeratedly and he just smiled and nodded.
"Just the usual. He looked confused but I pretended to tell the guards to be attentive and the young princess-slash-your cousin is fond of sneaking." He explained.
Slowly, a smile left my lips. I chuckled and nodded.
"Thank you, Hernan. You're very smart."
He was stunned with my remark but bowed his head for his thanks.
"He was still there when I left but he probably left after. I'll let the duchess know about the situation and inform the guards."
He curtsied before leaving. When he was gone, I dropped myself of the bed and closed my eyes tightly. I touched my necklace and sighed loudly.
He almost found out! If it isn't for Hernan's quick movements and the guards, he might've found out!
I sighed loudly, imagining in my head again—like what I've been doing for years the meeting of my daughter and her father. It would be sweet, emotional and filled with happiness.
"'Di ko na paborito ang may bahid mo na," but remembering it, my heart dropped and broke.
I have my mark on Melody, what would my princess fell if ever her father didn't like her?
It wasn't too long when Hernando knocked and came back. I was already planning to change my clothes to play with Melody the whole day but seeing the look on his face, I don't think it went well.
"My lady," he curtsied. "I just informed the duchess and she agreed, however, her highness, Queen Mila was expecting your presence. She called me personally to let you know."
"What?" my forehead creased, "let me talk to her, I'll explain I'm not in good shape today."
"That..." he cleared his throat, "the Queen would like to let you know she won't accept no as an answer. She even sent a car for you, it's already here."
I pursed my lips and scratched my nose. I went out with Hernando with the decision of staying here in the palace for Melody. I would just let the driver know I'm staying, maybe they would respect my decision naman.
It's not like they could force me or something.
I immediately saw a black shiny limousine upon going out. The maids and guards curtsied to show respect and I made my way to the man in a uniform. Might be a private valet or something.
He looked at me and curtsied, I flashed a smile.
"Hello, is this the car sent by her highness?"
"Huh? Uh, yes." He nodded, "your majesty."
I nodded, I glanced at the car again and back to the handsome valet with his black eyes staring back at me curiously.
"I'd like to say thank you for waiting, I'm grateful, Signor...?" I shot my brow up.
"Ah, Miranda." He cleared his throat and stood straight, "Warren Miranda, your majesty."
"Oh, thank you for waiting Signor Warren but I'd like to express my regrets for today's occasion. I, I wasn't feeling well and I might be staying." I explained softly.
"But the queen..."
"I would let her highness know bout my current condition, please, don't worry. It wasn't your fault. My apologies for taking your time and wasted it in waiting." I uttered gently and his forehead creased a bit.
He's tall and really really tang ina.
"Wait lang," he said but gasped, "I mean, is it okay if I'd inform them first?"
"Oh, sure," I nodded with a smile and curtsied again and walked away but I caught him scratching his nape while blinking rapidly.
"Hinayupak naman, oo," he uttered under his breath. "Happy ever after na nga ako namomoroblema pa rin ako sa love life ng iba!"
My eyes widened.
Oh my gosh, he's a Filipino!
I watched him knocked on the driver's side and uttered something I heard.
"May sakit daw, hindi sasama, Alcantara." He said.
"Bobo naman nito, sabihin mo sa likod, h'wag sa 'kin!" a voice answered, "nautusan lang tayo kasi waive ang deadline ng utang natin kay bumbay this month, galingan mo gumanap para ligtas tayo sa magic notebook no'ng isa!"
I bit my lower lip.
What is happening? I could understand a few things in their conversation but not entirely. They're super mabilis mag-talk naman!
"Ano ba 'yan, king ina naman nito, nananahimik ako sa Pilipinas—"
"Baka gusto mong sabihin kong singilin ka—"
"Tang ina nito, 'di naman mabiro!" he hissed but when he saw me watching him, his voice lowered down until I am not hearing it anymore.
He's mad but praising the other one. So adorable. I wonder tuloy if the driver is tang ina too.
He went inside the back of the car after knocking to speak with the person inside. The car moved a little like they're suddenly fighting inside and my eyes widened.
I was really confused. After a minute, the handsome man got out again with his annoyed face and creased forehead, like he's sulking.
"Ano ba 'yan, ako na naman! Ako na naman! Pinanganak ata ko sa mundong 'to para masubukan lahat ng trabaho sa buong mundo!"
"What is your work ba talaga?" I asked. He froze on the spot, his eyes almost went out of his socket.
"Y-You..." he cleared his throat, "you understand Tagalog too?"
"Yeah?" I shot my brow up, "why? Is it shocking? I know how to speak and understand a bit if the conversation's slow so... what's your work ba? Why are you in a valet's uniform? Aren't you one?"
"Huh?" he blinked, "uh, I'm a valet, your highness. I was just shocked you understand. You're Princess Guinevere's cousin, right?"
"Hmm..."
"Kaya pala," he mumbled and slapped his mouth. "Tang ina, palagi na lang ako nahuhuling nagrereklamo sa bibig na 'to. Magpinsan ng apala—"
"Don't slap your mouth," I said, "and it's true. You're tang ina talaga."
He froze and stared at me like I was an alien and what I said made me like that.
"What's the matter? Are you okay?" I asked because he was suddenly so stiff, "are you having a stroke or something? You want me to call medics or..."
"I'm okay, your highness." He answered but said something in a low voice. "Kumalma ka, mars, alang-alang sa usapan n'yo ni bumbay magpakatatag ka. Tiisin mo kahit minumura ka na."
"Why are you whispering? Is there something wrong? I just praised you kasi you're very tang ina talaga. Like, gwapo, right? In your language?"
His jaw dropped. He scratched his nape again and almost made a face but nodded.
"A-Alright, thank you, your highness. I just informed the queen but she let me know you should ask permission to him instead." He answered.
"Him? Who?" my forehead creased but he just motioned the backseat for me.
He opened it but Hernan covered me, "I'd talk instead, my lady."
"Oh, don't worry, Hernan. I'll be alright." I smiled at him gently, "you should stay here outside and wait for me. I'll be quick, I swear."
He was hesitating but when I assured him I'll be fine, he nodded and let me go.
I prepared my speech, flashed a sweet smile as I got inside but it faded almost immediately the same time my eyes widened when I saw who it was.
"S-Seb..." I called.
His cold eyes bore on me. I was just stunned while watching him close to me.
"May sakit ka?" he asked, his baritone voice's cold it almost made me shiver.
"U-Uh... kasi..."
He moved closer to me. My breath hitched and my back slammed on the seat when he towered me. Our eyes locked, my hammering chest's so loud I'm afraid he could already hear it.
I can smell his perfume, same as the one he's been using before and like always, it could easily make me intoxicated and addicted to him.
I got lost staring at his face. He looked somehow worried. I might be imagining things because I'm missing him but it's not masama naman to dream while awake, 'di ba?
Maybe someday... maybe there was this one morning I'd wake up and he's worried of me. Like he is before.
His eyes in a darker and much intense shade than before, no smile was flashing on his lips. When his jaw clenched and touched my forehead, I flinched.
I couldn't move. His warm, rough palm moved from seriously checking my forehead down my neck and slowly, I felt his finger grazing on my necklace's pendant and his face, once again became void of emotions as he pushed himself back away from me.
"You're embarrass now being on the ship with the people you fooled and hurt you're pretending to be sick?" he asked me coldly. My throat dried up.
"Seb..."
"Alam kong ayaw mo 'kong makita pero isipin mo naman 'yong mga taong tinuturing ka pa rin kaibigan kahit niloko mo noon," he spat and I remained staring at him, dumbfounded.
"It's not like that," I whispered. "I-I'm sorry for lying before—"
"I didn't mean to disrespect but I don't give a fuck about your explanation, your highness," he glanced my way, cold and nonchalant.
I lowered my head and clenched my fists.
"I-I don't like to lie but I wasn't sick, yes. I didn't want to go not because the boys are there, I wanted to talk to them, too. Apologize. I know you've seen the kid earlier and my c-cousin..."
He stared at me darkly. My throat dried up.
"My cousin's crying if I leave. I'd like to join the fun but—"
"Take the kid, then," he answered and averted my gaze.
"Seb," I called. "It's okay, I can stay—"
"My mother is expecting you there. If it was for me, I won't give a damn if you stay here but it was my mother. She's expecting you."
I bit my lower lip, staring at my fingers.
"H'wag kang mag-alala, hindi naman kita papakialaman do'n. Una, wala akong pakialam kung nando'n ka." I gulped harshly. "Pangalawa, hindi ako magsasayang ng laway makipag-usap sa mga taong puro kasinungalingan lang ang sasabihin."
I couldn't find words to say to him.
"This favor is for my mother, not for me or anyone else. You can bring the kid and your siblings if you like. You promised you'd attend. Alam kong magaling kang pumako ng pangako pero h'wag mong idadamay ang Mama ko."
My eyes stung, my hands are trembling as I tried thinking and grasping for words.
"Can you hear me, then?" I glanced at him, "can you listen about my explanation, then, S-Seb?"
"Seb..." he mumbled and chuckled coldly, "we weren't that close for you to call me like that. Sino ka ba? Magkakilala ba tayo, prinsesa?"
My tear fell before I could even stop it. I averted my gaze and lowered my head.
"My apologies, your highness," I whispered. "I-I'll let them know I'm coming. I'm sorry for the trouble."
I didn't watch her reaction anymore and left the car, walking directly inside the palace with Hernan calling me.
"My lady..." he called when I got to my room and took some of Melody's clothes.
"I'm going, Hernan," I answered. "They allowed the kids to go inside the ship. We're bringing Melody but I don't want other people to see. She can't come closer to Sebastian."
"That's what I'm about to say," he uttered. "The Queen's assistant called, same as Duke George. Informing about the children. We could follow you instead, my lady. I can assure you I'd do my best to protect the little princess."
"Thank you, Hernan," I stared at him.
"My lady..." his eyes widened, "are you crying..."
"I-I'm okay," I smiled at him and dried my tears. "I am leaving first, I won't see Melody for now. She might cry if she'd see me. Take care of her and my siblings, I'll see you on the ship."
He nodded and curtsied, he talked to the guards while I fix myself and dry my tears. I even sneak and peek on the door to see the children, smiling a little when I saw Austin telling the kids stories from the storybook I asked Hernan to buy in secret for my little princess.
My mother might deprive me of having childhood storybooks before when I was a little but I would not let my baby experience the same pain I did. I won't deprive her of her childhood. I'd read her stories, nonstop. I would give her love I failed having growing up.
I would be the mother I never had. For her. For my Pearl Melody, I'll do my best to be the mother she deserved.
I took the box of cookies I baked last night for the boys as a gift. I have a box for each and everyone. I might be alone and caged before during my pregnancy, at least I did something great.
I learned how to bake and cook more. I thought my foods before are yummy na but upon learning more, I realized it was horrible. I could still imagine my teacher's face when she got a taste of my proudest creation: the porridge.
She said it was a nightmare! I was actually offended and tasted it, only to end up puking because she's right. It tasted like one.
To think that I gave Seb my porridge?
Seb... I shouldn't be mad, I am not mad. It's my fault naman. He's right, anyway. I am good with promises but greater in breaking them.
I was informed I'm riding Seb.
I fixed my hair and made sure I looked okay, no marks of crying or anything. I got inside the car beside him and bowed a little.
"I'm sorry, I'm late." I mumbled but he didn't say anything.
He remained sitting while staring at his phone, resting his head on the car's window. The smile I had slowly faded, I looked down and didn't say anything.
The car started. The guards are following us. I don't have a phone with me or something to read so I remained staring at the view when the car swayed.
I screamed in shock and was squeezed on my position when Seb's large body moved and fell my way.
"Shit!" he hissed, placed his palm on the window to stop his body from falling on me further. Our eyes met, my chest squeezed against his hard ones. We stared at each other horribly.
"Opps... sorry, your majesties!" I heard a voice and in shock, I gently pushed Seb away from me and fixed my dress, nodding at the man with green eyes peeking at us after opening the small window from the driver's seat.
"It's okay," I smiled.
"Are you alright?" he asked, "sorry, I'm a good driver myself but the road's not stable here, your highness. Daming bako-bako. Alam mo 'yong bako-bako, your highness?"
"Y-Yeah..." I nodded, smiling awkwardly. He's a Filipino, too! "It's the uneven road, right?"
"Galing naman ng prinsesa," he grinned and nodded, was about to say something again when the window closed and that's when I realized it was Seb who did it.
"Tss, 'di ko alam bakit ang iingay nilang lahat," he muttered, pissed.
When he saw me looking, he shot his brow up at me.
"Tinitingin-tingin mo, ah?" he asked boastfully. It reminded me of his attitude before that instead of being offended, my smile widened.
"Nakangiti ka, close ba tayo?" he asked again. I shook my head naman and stared back at the window to enjoy myself instead.
I didn't look his way again on our way to the airport, afraid I would remain staring at him and later on, cry so I didn't dare.
In my peripheral vision, I thought he was looking at me but whenever I would look back, I can see him with his eyes staring at nothing.
It wasn't for me ata talaga...
We reached the airport and he left first without even waiting for me. My heart squeezed painfully but I am no one to demand for something.
The maids who came assisted me. The guards guided me to the private jet and in there, I have my own space and I haven't seen him once during our flight to the Philippines where the ship was.
It would take a while before my Melody and the kids in Hernando's care to follow us. I wonder if my baby will be fine tuloy.
We reached Philippines after some time of traveling. I didn't even see Sebastian while we're on the clearance to enter the country, he went into a chopper, that's what I found out after asking the guards.
My eyes landed on my feet. He really didn't want to see me. If it wasn't for the Queen, I doubt he'd come and see me here. I doubt.
I heard a lot of stories from the boys and my cousin about the beauty of the country but there is one thing, one thing that would piss someone traveling by land. Traffic.
We spent an hour in the traffic, I'm starving and exhausted. I suddenly regretted refusing aerial travel to the ship, saying I want to see the road!
Kaya tuloy when we reached the Castanier's Shipping lines port, I was super exhausted. I can also see the exhaustion on my companion's face but they won't comment.
An attendant welcomed us and what I noticed immediately was his green eyes, he looked like the driver earlier! Just that, this man has this cold aura around him. Even the way he greeted us, he's smiling but his eyes didn't do much.
"Warrion Alcantara, your highness," he curtsied a little to show his respect, "part owner of Casa Amara, official partner of Castanier Shipping Lines. I was asked to take you to the ship."
"Thank you, Signor," I smiled.
He nodded, putting his palms on his pockets. We followed him towards the ship, shocking me upon seeing staff in uniform aligned on the entrance of the massive cruise.
"Welcome, your highness!" they greeted in unison, shocking me.
A sweet smile left my lips when after that, I heard a few commotions and later on, I realized they even prepared a special performance for us. I was asked to stay in a private lounge with foods, I accepted it happily since I was dying of starvation.
I made a mental note to let Hernando know to take the aerial travel instead for the kids. Melody might cry is she got so hungry.
I was guided to an exclusive suite, like that massive suite I got before while staying here but I noticed a few renovations and it's prettier than ever!
I ran towards the balcony, screaming a bit and lifted my hand to fill my lungs with the scent of the salty ocean. I closed my eyes, reminiscing the past memories I had here. We are in completely different country but still, the ship still felt home.
Just that... do I still have a family? Are they still considering me as one?
I rested the whole afternoon to get my energy back before I was summoned to the hall. I wore my simplest long light blue dress, gloves with the same color and tied my hair in ponytail, letting my curly hair fall from my back with some strands on my temple.
"My lady," my eyes brightened that I jumped to greet Anton wearing his formal dress shirt for dinner.
"Hello, your grace," I greeted.
"They've been waiting for you in the dining hall, shall we?" he offered his hand.
We went to the massive dining-slash-party hall for the dinner party in the ship. It was like throwing a simple party with royalties and people from different countries in high positions in just one massive hall.
I could see the chandeliers, musicians and the whole room looked like it was filled with expensive looking people and I can't say otherwise. It literally is filled with one.
The party hosts, my cousin and the duke are roaming around, introducing the young prince Magnus around while almost everyone glanced my way when I entered.
I didn't mean to get their attention but I'm gorgeous kaya it's not really shocking. I tilted my chin up, gracefully making my way to the hall while holding unto Anton's arms.
My lips are pursed to look somehow serious but when I saw the pair of black eyes looking at me from the distance, my mouth slightly parted.
White monochromic formal dress shirt and slacks. That's what he's only wearing but he's already shining inside. Shining the brightest like a knight. He's resting his back on the wall, moistening his lower lip. His brow shot up when he noticed me looking his way.
I lost my balance in distraction and almost fell flat on my face.
"My lady!" the Duke, together with some people came to help me up but I laughed awkwardly and waved my hand.
"I-I'm okay!" I chuckled gently, "I-I stepped on my gown, that's it. Don't worry much."
I kept on shaking my head and thanking everyone asking if I was fine.
Oh, gosh, Gabriela! Such a disgrace! You just lost your poise! You careless woman!
I was blushing so hard while walking towards the table in the middle where our families are. When I glanced to where Seb was, he has this smirk on his face.
Is he laughing at me? My lips protruded and shot my brow up to ask him what he's up to but he just averted his gaze, snorted like a snob and licked his lower lip again.
I greeted the king and queen, my father and my mom but like always, she moved closer and whispered.
"Why are you here? I thought you won't? Why are you here now?"
"The Queen asked for me, mother," I answered back.
"You shouldn't have gone here," she whispered lowly, "I already explained you're not feeling well. I can call the chopper and you should leave—"
"Mi hija!" the queen's voice filled my ear, stopping my mother from saying anything.
"Your highness!" my mother said instead, "finally, my daughter is here! I kept on asking her to come, you're expecting her here so here she is now! My apologies, she almost failed accepting such invitation!"
"Hmm..." the queen nodded, smiling. She's wearing a wonderful yellow gown, a tiara was on her head. She offered her hand to me and I immediately took it, shocking me when she gave me a tight embrace.
"My sincerest apologies for the trouble, your highness," I whispered.
"Oh, no worries, beautiful!" she giggled, gently cupped my cheek to see my face. "Are you okay now, mi hija? You still sick?" she checked my temperature and it was weird and I shouldn't feel this way but feeling such motherly affection touched my heart.
"Y-Yes, my queen. Thank you." I mumbled gently.
"Oh, such a sweet kid. Do not hesitate telling me if you are uncomfortable or feeling sick, okay? We have medics here, eat well, our beautiful queen."
My smile widened. I couldn't help but embraced her tightly.
"Oh!" she gasped and laughed.
"Gabriela!" my mother blurted, "why are you..." she held my elbow, "why are you hugging her majesty—"
"Oh, Duchess. Let her, it's alright." She said and embraced me back. That's when I realized what I've done. I'm immediately embarrassed, gently pulled myself away from her.
"My apologies, your highness," I curtsied.
"Oh, you don't have to, darling." She chuckled, lifting my chin up to see my eyes. "It's alright, my dream was to have a child. My Sebastian came back and now... that dream was bigger, I want a daughter, too!"
"You can even have two, your majesty," my mother answered. "Gabriela's for our duke, a bonus one will be our lovely Catherine for the prince—"
"Are you hungry, mi hija?" she asked, I gulped and just blinked, nodding.
"Oh, you should eat, pronto!" she clapped her hand, "the traffic in this country is exhausting, I thought I'm having my birthday on the road."
I chuckled and nodded, agreeing.
"Eleonor, where is her highness sitting?" she asked my mother and immediately, she flashed a smile.
"Well... I didn't know she's coming but we could put an extra chair beside Duke Anton. Catherine's already sitting beside the prince." She said and slowly, I took a glance at where Seb is, my heart aching upon seeing Catherine conversing with him.
She nodded, lifted her finger to call for an assistant. She asked to put a chair beside my mother and by the look my mother is having despite her smile, I know she didn't want me beside her.
I lowered my head and looked around with a broken heart.
Where is G? Or the boys? I can eat on their table instead... maybe they want me there.
They fixed a chair for me and I was ready to sit beside my mother when the queen dragged me around the table.
"Your highness?" I called.
"You should be here..." she said, standing behind Catherine seated in between Anton and Seb, telling stories to the uninterested Sebastian. "Catherine? Hija?"
Cath stopped conversing, I saw Anton smiling upon seeing me. I waved at him.
"You'll sit here?" he asked.
I shrugged and pointed the queen with my lips saying something to Cath.
"R-Really?" Cath asked.
"Yes, hija," she said gently. "The duchess' been calling you, she maybe want you beside her."
Catherine nodded, hesitantly, she stood from the seat and moved, only to frown upon seeing me but lowered her head instead for a greeting.
I nodded, confused as I watched her walking to my mother.
"Hija, come on, you sit here!" the queen said excitedly.
I gulped, caught Seb's eyes watching me closely but he looked away like I wasn't here standing beside him.
"Sebastian, mi hijo..." she called, "her highness is here, why don't you give her some greeting?"
Seb looked constipated as he shifted his gaze again. He eyed his mother seriously but the queen just tilted her head, waiting for him to greet me.
"Good evening, your highness," he greeted stiffly upon standing, lowering his head a little.
"Kiss her hand like a gentleman," the queen said sweetly, lifting my hand and with his jaw clenching, Seb held my palm.
I shivered. My stomach churned the same time the butterflies inside my belly danced as he planted a gentle, soft kiss at the back of my palm, looking at me directly.
I didn't realize I wasn't breathing anymore until he lets go of my palm and sat back on his chair, his ear reddening.
"Good boy, Sebastian," the queen giggled, "mi hija, sit here. Anton, lift a chair to her highness. I'll leave you here two."
Anton didn't need to be told twice. When the queen left, he stood from his seat and moved the chair aside so I could get in and sit. I moved a bit just beside Seb, waiting for the chair but suddenly, a mop appeared near my feet.
"Excuse, excuse, may mga maruruming tao—I mean kalat dito!" my eyes widened upon hearing Romeo's voice. I shifted my head, was about to greet him but one step, I tripped on the mop and fell... on Sebastian's lap.
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