Chapter 17
Chapter 17
My eyes almost jumped out of my socket. I moved a bit on his lap, trying to get off but ended up locking eyes with him.
His liquid black eyes are intense while locking gazes with me but I've noticed how tensed he is. I shifted on my seat, his jaw clenched and stiffened.
I moistened my lower lip. His face flustered.
"Your highness!" Anton's voice made me come back from being lost in the depths of his gaze.
I jumped up, panicked and held Anton's hand.
"My apologies..." from Anton, my eyes then went to where Romeo was, bowing a little for his apologies with a faint smile written on his lips.
"R-Romeo..." I called, gasping.
"Your highness," Romeo then greeted back playfully.
I opened my mouth to speak and greet him but he nodded at me briefly, simply walked towards Seb and secretly smacked his nape.
"Tang ina ka," Seb hissed in shock, shifting his annoyed gaze at the laughing Romeo from behind.
"Naks naman, quiet ka, ah? Good boy ka? Prinsipe yern?" Romeo teased and when I saw how Seb's forehead creased more, opened his mouth to fight back when we heard a voice.
"What's the matter, son?" King Felipe suddenly asked that Romeo stiffened. His smile faded as he nervously scratched his nape.
Anton helped me sit and I can't help but secretly watch Seb and Romeo bickering.
"Yari ka sa tatay ko," he smirked and like a spoiled prince opened his mouth with a grin, "Pa, si Romeo save me kasi—"
"N-Nothing, your highness," the panicking Romeo answered instead, bowed his head a little for the king and secretly bumped the smirking Sebastian's chair, nodded at me before leaving.
"Ogag," Seb laughed a little. "Akala n'yo, ah, wala nang mang-aapi sa 'kin sa barkong 'to. Mga gago, kailangan pa pala maging prinsipe!"
I pursed my lips, remembering how Seb whined before because they're always making fun of him. He's alila raw, he said before.
I chuckled.
He glanced my way, my smile froze.
"Tinatawa mo d'yan?" he asked, lifting his brow seriously.
Embarrassed of being caught, I bit my lower lip and shook my head, blushing.
"Why? Is it bad ba mag-laugh-laugh?" I asked lowly and he just shrugged and glanced at his plate.
"Conyo pa rin ang gaga," he whispered but I heard it!
I bit my inner cheek, my heart pounded harshly on my chest and to control such waves of emotion came rushing so suddenly, I reached for the glass of water but before I did, Anton held it.
Our hands touched. We gazed at each other, both startled. We chuckled.
"My apologies, my lady," he smiled.
"No, no, it's alright..." I chuckled, he helped me reach for the glass of water.
I moved it closer to my lips to try and take a sip but stopped when I felt a sharp gaze from the side.
It made me curious. I tilted my head the same time Seb averted his gaze and reached for his glass.
"Ang tabang ng tubig!" he hissed under his breath.
I pursed my lips and tried to take a sip on my water. It has no taste because obviously... that's what water is.
Sebastian is crazy talaga...
"Mas may lasa 'yong juice pangiti-ngiti sa tubig na walang lasa? Ko-corny n'yo," he mumbled again and reached for his orange juice this time, sipping on it impatiently.
I lowered the glass of water.
"How sweet the orange juice is, your highness?" I asked.
He glanced my way, still sporting his annoyed face.
"Ano?"
"I said, is orange juice sweet?" I shot my brow up curiously.
"Aba, malay ko. Mukha ba 'kong nagmi-measure ng tamis?" he asked brutally, "tikman mo para malaman mo."
I pouted, I looked around to ask some waiters in sight a glass of fresh orange juice but he cleared his throat.
"O-Oh, h'wag ka nang manghingi. Ubos na 'yong juice d'yan. Ito na lang natira." He said, handing me his glass.
"Oh..." I smiled, lowered the glass of water and took it.
I held it with both of my palms, sipped on his orange juice, nodding. The taste of the fresh pulp spread inside my mouth and with my eyes widening, I glanced his way and smiled.
"It's so sarap, it's so tamis!" I mumbled, "I like this orange juice!"
"Oh, 'di ba?" he spat, "mas masarap 'yan kaysa sa tubig na matabang—"
"Who likes orange juice?" we both froze upon hearing G's voice.
I looked up and saw her on the other side of the table with her husband and the young prince, beside her was the waiter with a pitcher of orange juice.
"We still have a lot here," she smiled while glancing our way.
I thought...
I took my eyes back to Seb.
"Ano? Ano?" he asked me, "m-malay ko bang marami pa..." he cleared his throat.
"Do you want..." I moved the glass I'm holding closer to him and he watched it closely before clearing his throat.
"Ayoko nga, kadiri naman nito. Bibigay mo sa 'kin tapos may laway-laway mo na 'yan." He sneered and looked away, taking his glass of water instead to drink.
"What's wrong with it?" I asked back in a low voice, "you've tasted my laway naman before. You even said hi to Sandy—"
He choked and coughed loudly. I gasped.
"Seb—"
"Your highness!" Cath appeared from nowhere, shocking me entirely. Before I could even help Seb, she did first.
"Are you okay, Sebastian?" the queen then asked, came closer to check on him while he's coughing with his face in crimson red.
"I-I'm okay, Ma," he answered and coughed again, "the damn water just doesn't have a taste."
"Languange, mi hijo," the queen gently said and tapped his back, "and of course, it's water, son. Of course, it doesn't have a taste. You're so silly."
She chuckled, glancing my way.
"My apologies for my son, Princess Gabriela," the queen acknowledged me. "He's just silly at times, mostly flustered because of you—"
"Y-You should sit down, mother." Seb stood, blushing, he held his mother's arm.
"Are you okay, your highness?" Catherine asked worriedly.
"Yes," he nodded, "thanks, Cath." He showed her a small smile.
Her face brightened. I bit my lower lip and looked away.
It's just a smile, Gab. Nothing's wrong with it but why does it hurt?
Maybe, maybe because I want Seb to smile at me that way, too, and I couldn't have one?
In the end, Seb decided to settle beside his mother instead of coming back beside me. Catherine sat on his seat when he didn't come back, smiling at me.
"Hello, your highness. We didn't know you'll make it today."
"Hmm," I nodded. "I have to. I need to attend some matters for the coronation, too."
I quietly took some foods but Anton stopped me. He helped me instead, asking what I like and I happily pointed the foods I would love to taste.
My eyes went in front of me, meeting Seb's gaze. I offered a small smile but he didn't say anything and just coldly took his eyes back on his foods.
"Here, my lady," Anton called my attention.
"Thanks, Duke." I nodded.
"Seems like you're having a great time with his excellency, my lady?" Cath called my attention. I shifted my gaze at her.
"Why not, Cath?" I asked, "the Duke is a great man."
"I can see that, is the engagement going well? I heard from the duchess the preparation has started? Would you two be married before the coronation?"
My throat dried up. Anton and I talked about this arrangement a lot of times already and neither anyone from us wanted this to happen so...
"I'll talk to mother," I answered back. "I can rule Italy alone, Cath. I don't need a husband."
She sighed, "but you have to, my lady. You must respect the court's law. Being a queen will give you a large amount of responsibility, you can't do it alone."
"You don't have the right to judge my capability, Catherine," I glanced at her sideways. "I may have stayed away for years but I am preparing in such a long time for this. I can do it."
"I'm no judge, my lady. I was just helping you decide like I always do. It was I who's facing all those conferences, not you. I already got their hearts, I just don't want you to ruin it for the House of Savoy."
"I would not do anything to ridicule the house and risk the people of Italy, Catherine. I hope you know that."
"I do, my lady, but with utmost respect... I hope you'd stick to your responsibility. You could marry the duke and like what Mama instructed—I mean the duchess—I'm sorry, I just got used saying it for posing as you for a long time. The character got into me, I could still feel I'm you."
My forehead creased but didn't say anything. I am grateful for Catherine and for what she had done in my behalf while I was taking care of Melody. I'm no judge of her character too to have my prejudice against her.
It might mean no harm. So, I stayed quiet and ate.
"But the duchess and the duke has became my parents too, like a big sister to Austin and Sofia and I do not want to disappoint and would like to offer you an advice. Please, your highness, do not go against their orders. Do what is right and stop giving them headache. You have disappointed them and we should help each other instead." She sighed. "You marry the duke while I could have my way with the prince. That could strengthen our house—"
"Since we've been talking about advices, why not hear me out, Cath?" I stopped her, my teeth gritting.
She glanced my way with her soft eyes.
"Why not, first of all, quit acting like you didn't know who Sebastian is?"
Her eyes widened briefly, glancing at Seb's way and when I looked at him too, he was staring at my way.
"Why, your highness, do I know... oh, I remember now. He's Melody's—"
"I know you knew. Quit acting, it's not working." I whispered.
"My apologies, your majesty." She covered her mouth a bit, "but it's been years. He probably forgot about you, he's a prince now. Girls could beg for his attention for sure, he won't stay crawling to you after what you've done."
"You!" the pitch of my voice heightened in annoyance. Everyone stopped from eating.
"Catherine?" my mother called. "Are you okay, hija? Gabriela! What is happening?"
"I'm good, my lady." Catherine answered, "her highness and I are just exchanging some opinions about the country's current economy. Nothing else."
"Gabriela..." my father called and from gritting my teeth angrily, I lifted my head to see him. "You okay?"
"Y-Yes, father." I nodded, flashing an awkward and formal smile to everyone in the table disturbed by the commotion. "My sincere apologies, everyone." I bowed my head a little.
My eyes and his gaze met. Sebastian's serious orbs stared deep into the depths of my soul as he took a bite off the meat on his fork.
My throat dried up. My heart started beating erratically.
"My lady..." I jumped, tearing my eyes off him before looking at Anton's way, asking how was I.
We continued feasting. I was quiet the whole time I was there, not minding Cath's side comments about how the head of the state should rule in a country when a president opened it up for discussion.
"Oh, why don't we ask our soon-to-be-queen of Italy about her opinions? I bet she has a lot to say," the Queen of England called out.
I froze. I became so tense I stiffened but managed to control my emotion and flashed a small smile to the people around.
"It will be an honor sharing my opinions, your majesty,"
"You've heard how these people—royalties and heads of the state—opinion about ruling one's country and its people. What can you say, your highness? How could you rule Italy now that it will be on your hands? I heard you are to be wed with the Duke of Spain but it also has come to our attention, you wanted to revise your country's law about the crown by abolishing the marriage for the sake of it?"
It shocked me. I have asked my father about this during the lunch I had with them but I didn't know the talk reached the royalties!
"Well..." my hand shook a little.
"M-My apologies, everyone," my mother suddenly came into the picture. "It was just her immaturity before and the curiosity. She didn't mean what you've heard. She is to be wed with the Duke before the coronation. We would not revise any law about it."
I panicked inside when she said it. I saw my father closing his eyes and drank from his glass. Anton tapped my arm a bit for comfort and I noticed the deep stares I'm having from Seb's place.
"But Duchess, I am curious..." my head rose again when I heard King Felipe, Seb's father speaking. "I'm curious about Princess Gabriela's stand in such law, aren't anyone here willing to open their ears and thoughts for the princess?"
Some didn't have any reaction but almost everyone gave me their attention. Now, it made me more nervous!
Oh, God!
"We should just eat—"
"Felipe is such a silly man," Queen Mila tapped her husband's arm but leaned in on his shoulder before looking at me. "But I would love to hear your thoughts about this, mi hija."
I fisted my palms. I am sure I might be sweating bullets already but my eyes are stubborn enough by unknowingly tried finding Seb's.
Our gazes locked. I was expecting he would only look at me but I saw the opposite. He was leaning on his seat, eyes staring intently and when he gave me an assuring nod, it boosted the dying confidence inside my heart.
"I..." my voice trembled. "I don't think a woman could only lead with a king by her side. I believed she could be a leader on her own."
I heard a few gasps.
"First off, I have nothing against Duke Anton. He was such a wonderful man." I glanced at Anton smiling at me.
"None taken, your highness." He smiled, "I support you in this cause."
I nodded, smiling. I avoided my mother's sharp gaze and looked around the people in the dining table.
This is your chance to speak up, Gabriela. You've been wanting them to hear your opinions, now is your time! Don't mess this up!
G raised her hand secretly.
"Aja! Fighting!" she mouthed and raised her hand in a fighting sign. Magnus mimicked her and smiled at me, same as Duke Lucian.
"I have nothing against our respectful kings and leaders. I have nothing against men—in fact, they are great. I have here the great men in court helping me to build a better government for Italy, I have a brother, Anton, and mostly..." I glanced at Seb but lowered my face when I saw the seriousness in it.
"We have great men around, I salute them for being great leaders but like them, I strongly believe women can rule too. We can be great leaders, too."
"Yes, you can, your highness but you could always rule with a man by your side." A president from a neighbor country countered. "You and your husband, hand-in-hand could rule."
"Yes, president. I am not saying based on my experience but saying this in behalf of future woman leaders. I don't think it is necessary to get wed solely for the crown and because a queen necessarily needs to have a king beside her. The purpose of the court is to help the leader decide for the betterment of the country, that's why we—everyone here in this very room has advisors they could ask for help if they needed one."
"Hmm, aren't it only in favor of you, your majesty? Are you saying we're underestimating women?"
"Oh, not at all. I don't mean to be misunderstood in such way because I think of it the same with men, I salute them for ruling alone, too. But, if they could, I could. It's a modern world, ladies and gents. We all scream for equality but still, we are stuck in this norm wherein a king could be a leader but a queen couldn't without a husband."
Some nodded in agreement.
"I have seen and read there are women leaders all around the world, why could my country not allow it at all, too? I am speaking now because we're on a monarchy wherein there is no place for an unmarried woman in the throne and the society."
"Then, whose flaw was that, your highness? Is it the law or the people?"
"Rather the society's predicament, your highness," I answered. "It was the society's flaw for not being open with discussions such as this. As the head of the state, we must be open to let the society know by evolving with time. Change should start with us. That is why I am asking for our fellow leaders and the respectable people of court to step up and try opening up and getting out of those norms."
"So, what do you propose, your majesty?" I was shocked when the head of the court of Italy asked.
"My apologies for voicing such important matter informally but we're here so... I wanted to ask for your time and permission, if this is possible for a discussion?"
"I could consider it, your highness. I would love to hear your thoughts about this, maybe a time for our court to step up to the modernized world but I am curious, princess. What if your family is against this decision even if we agreed, would you dare pushing this through? A queen must listen."
I bit my lower lip, slowly, I glanced at my mother gripping her utensils tightly and my father who watched me closely. He gave me a slow nod and it gave me hope.
"I care and consider my family's opinion, minister, but I believe in liberty. My chance and right to speak up my mind, an important attitude for the future head of the state. A queen must not just listen, she speaks her mind too. I respect my parents, I loved them but if it would cost my voice to be silenced, I'd rather be the people of Italy's leader than my family's underdog."
I have noticed the disagreement from some but heard a few applauses from others, too. From the women mostly, and a few from the gents including my father and King Felipe.
"Oh, I loved how you speak, mi hija," Queen Mila smiled at me sweetly. "That's what a Queen does, right? Speaking her mind." She showed me her slow applause.
My cheeks reddened.
"Oh, she's blushing. What do you think, son? Could I have her for a daughter—"
"Mila..." the King called and she gasped, giggling.
"O-Oh, my bad," she smiled. I heard Anton chuckled beside me.
"Grateful, your majesty," I uttered and bowed my head a little to show my respect. I slowly glanced at Seb's way. He just moistened his lower lip and brushed his hair with his fingers, a ghost of a smile's on his lips.
"Good job, my lady," Anton whispered and squeezed my hand. I happily squeezed his, too.
I didn't have the chance to wander around and talk to the boys because the moment my mother got me inside a private area, she began scolding me.
It was the likes, her usual banter. About how thick-faced I am and who gave me the right to speak that way. If Anton didn't come and excused me, she won't stop scolding me and comparing me about how well-mannered Catherine was.
How better she is than me. Even if I already accepted I will never be good enough for mother a long time ago, it still hurts.
I was dizzy and exhausted. I didn't even see the boys around, even G left to rest when Magnus became sleepy and now, using the other exit of the hall, I exited with Anton. He dismissed the guards first.
He offered to take me back to my room which I gladly accepted. We talked about what I said earlier, feeling grateful because he supported me with it.
"Thank you, Duke. Really." I sighed and held his arm when he offered me his. "I hope I didn't put you into trouble earlier?"
"No worries, my lady," he smiled at me sideways. "If you could only feel how proud I am for you for speaking up. I guess Queen Mila's proud, you might not notice it but my cousin is, too."
My heart pounded.
"Y-You think so?"
"I didn't just think so, my lady. I am certain he is." He chuckled and those simple words, it made me hope.
The wind circling around the ship is cold because of the ocean, of course. It's always fresh here but looking at how massive it was, it could still amaze me.
We're almost near the shore, enough for the ship to dock. I heard we would stay here first by enjoying the amenities before going to roam around to see one of their proudest attractions, the lost island.
My head spin. I almost lost my balance but Anton caught me.
"My lady! Are you okay?" he asked me, panicking.
"Y-Yeah," I nodded, flashing a smile. "I'm just a bit dizzy but I could walk—" but my legs wobbled and fell again.
He caught me. I didn't fight when he carried me on his arms.
"You've been overworking again, aren't you?" he scolded, quite annoyed.
He walked with me on his arms
"No," I chuckled, "I'm really okay, Anton. You are overreacting. I'm just dizzy. I could even sayaw pa nga here—"
"You've been speaking an entirely different language, Gab. We're almost in your room." He commented, making me chuckle.
He took me to my room, helping me towards my room.
"I must go, your highness, have a good night." He curtsied like a gentleman.
"Thank you, Duke. Have a great night as well." I lowered my head.
He nodded and waved, I watched him walk away from my room when I saw a handkerchief on my bed. My forehead creased. It was definitely his so, I stood to walk behind him.
"Anton," I called the same time the doorbell rang. My lips pursed, I saw Anton walking towards it so I hopped to reach him.
He opened the door the same time I reached him.
"Anton, you've left your hanky—" but my voice faded, the same time my smile dropped when I saw who it was outside.
He was looking down, moistening his lower lip until it parted slightly upon glancing at us. His forehead's creasing. From Anton, his eyes landed on me and I witnessed how the confusion faded until it was cold.
My jaw dropped.
"Your highness!" Anton called.
Sebastian's jaw clenched, his black hawk-like-eye watched me closely.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to disturb you two." He said coldly, "I must take my leave."
"Seb, wait!" I called but he turned his back and walked away.
"Shit," Anton hissed under his breath and faced me. "My lady, you should sleep—"
"But Seb—"
"I would talk to my cousin," he sighed and held my arm to take me back to my room. "You must rest, you are exhausted, right?"
"But..." my heart squeezed upon remembering the disappointment and anger on his eyes. "What if he's m-mad and..."
"I'll talk to him, hmm? Come on, Gab. You must take a rest and sleep well. Melody is on her way, would you like her to see her mother tiring herself out?"
I closed my eyes tightly and fisted my hand.
"Sleep, Gab. I will try sort this out, okay?" he smiled reassuringly before leaving me inside the room after talking to my guards.
I was preoccupied the whole night. Even if tired, I couldn't find any sleep. The look on Seb's face reminded me of his face way back when he found out I am to be wed with his cousin.
And so, after fooling myself into resting, I was busy preparing the cookies I baked for the boys and made some brand new bracelets for their liking. I sat on the balcony, in the darkness of the lonely night and the first ray of sunshine, hoping today will be good for me.
Maids came in and asked me to join breakfast but I refused. They took my foods inside my room instead and when I finally finished putting cute ribbons on my small box of cookies, I walked out of my room.
"Where is Princess Cathalina?" I asked.
"She went here earlier, your highness, but you are still resting. She left after, telling you could go meet her on the captain's office if you wanted to."
Nodding, I went there with the paper bag on my hand. They followed me like we are in a parade and I got conscious by the way guests looked our way so I refused to be followed.
"But your highness..."
"You could stay and supervise me. Just stay distant. I'd like to have a private space, I'm meeting my friends."
"The duchess wouldn't like it—"
"Please, I won't be in danger. You've seen how secured the ship was, right? I won't get lost. I promise to let you know if I'm going somewhere."
After a long convincing, they finally allowed me to. I know they're still supervising me somewhere but not seeing such ridiculous parade of maids and guards behind is freeing.
I went to the captain's chamber, asking for them and they took me to our usual area. The private space near the balcony, where we are having fun before.
When I got inside, I'm already hearing loud laughter roaring inside so, I hid on the wall nearby to listen and watch them with a smile.
The boys are there, complete as always. They are wearing casual clothes today instead of their uniform.
Owen, Romeo and Owen are having fun as always. G was playing with Magnus. Lucian was bickering with Sebastian.
"Utusan mo na raw kasi si Baste, Cap! Mamamatay na 'yan kapag 'di raw magtatrabaho, naka-preserve pa nga ata 'yong uniform."
"Tanga, uutusan mong magkumpuni ng makina sa baba ang dumi-dumi ro'n! Kitang gold na 'yan si Baste!" Lucian exclaimed. "Magbigay pugay sa prinsipe ng Espanya!"
They all curtsied like cute beings and seeing Seb's face turning sour, I almost burst out laughing.
Seb frowned, "tang ina mo, Cap—"
"Ahhh!" G screamed and covered Magnus' ears. "Wala kang na-hear, my baby!"
"Shh! 'Yong anak ko!" Lucian kicked his foot.
Seb groaned and jumped a little, "grabe ka naman makasipa, Cap! Parang matatanggal 'yong paa ko, hayop..."
Lucian laughed loudly but then froze when Owen raised his finger.
"Yari ka, Duke Castanier. Sinipa mo ang future ng Spain. Sumbong ka n'yan sa hari at reyna!" he exclaimed.
Lucian froze. That's when I saw the evil look on Seb's playful eyes.
"Ah, Cap, naalala mo pa ba 'yong mga pang-aalipusta mo sa 'kin dito sa barko?" he asked evilly, like finally, his time came for revenge.
"I-Ito naman, hindi mabiro!" Lucian exclaimed, his face now pale. "Akala ko ba BFF tayo dito, ah? Baste? Isa ka kaya sa pinakaunang crew dito. Such an honor having a prince as a crew in this ship. Ipapagawa ka namin ng museum dito, lahat ng pinagkainan mo ng candy ipapa-frame natin!"
His smirk dropped.
They all laughed.
"Nasa kwarto pa niya ata, Cap, 'yong boxer niyang may butas na. Display natin sa frame tapos lagay natin sa exhibit! I-flex natin na nabutas 'yon dahil sa hardwork niya sa barko!"
"Gago ka ba, anong connect?" Seb hissed.
"Hoy, Owen, h'wag mong asarin. Matakot ka na lang bigla tayong may hitman na!" Romeo hissed. Ian was smirking at the side.
"Yes, tama," G agreed. "Be scared! Here na ang kilabot ni basher!"
"Mukha ka pa ring nasabugan ng dinamita, terrorista. Akala mo makakaligtas ka, ah?" he hissed back. "No'ng nasa Spain nga ko tapos may nakikita kong isda naalala kita kaso 'yong iyo nasabugan version."
"Hey!" she whined.
They laughed.
"Naks, Prince Sebastian Leandro Saavedra Fernandez de García Bacá! Ay sheyt, hiningal ako!" Lucian exclaimed and clutched his chest.
"Naks, yabang! Buong alphabet ata pangalan, may Baste-Baste pang nalalaman!" Romeo laughed.
"Mga gago... papangit n'yo pa rin!" Seb laughed.
"Kulang na kulang 'yong araw nga kasi kapag hindi ka nang-aaway," Ian chuckled. "Na-miss ka na raw ni Cap takuting ihulog sa barko kapag inaway mo si G."
"Gago, katakot sa Spain. Kung 'di Espanyol puro English spokening! Anak ng tupa, kung alam n'yo lang gusto ko na lang humimlay!"
They laughed loudly.
"Feeling ko nga, gago, isang taon pa ro'n maging Spanish bread na ako, hayop." He mouthed horribly and laughing, the boys smacked and messed with his hair.
"Anak kayo ng... bagong suklay 'yang buhok ko! Tapos plinantsa ng sobra 'tong damit na 'to! Alam n'yo bang ginawa nilang parlor 'yong kwarto ko sa mga ritwal tapos..."
"Ay, sorry, sorry..." the smirking Lucian then took his hanky and wiped Seb's shoulder. "Nadumihan ka pala. Our deepest apologies, your excellency." He curtsied jokingly.
"Tang ina mo, Cap." Sebastian hissed in a low voice but then grinned. "Tang ina kayo, na-miss ko kayong awayin!" he exclaimed and my heart swelled when the boys smacked him before attacking him for a tight hug.
"Ahhh! Sama kami ni baby Magnus!" G jumped up and down and ran.
"Careful, baby," Lucian laughed. "You're pregnant."
My eyes widened.
I watched them hugged each other. I was happy, alright. But, I can't help but feel sad because I longed for it, too. A hug... from a family. Them.
Tho, I didn't wanna spoil the fun. I smiled sadly, was about to turn my back when I heard a voice calling.
"Gab... oh my, Gab! Come here!" G's high-pitched voice filled my ear and while I looked back, they are all shocked to see me.
"H-Hi," I greeted and smiled at them. "Beautiful umaga! M-Miss n'yo ba me?"
"Little Mermaid!" Owen and Romeo exclaimed in unison. Ian smiled gently and curtsied. I screamed happily, running towards them for a tight hug.
"Yay! Complete na ang tang ina fam—charot only! Bawal ka mag-listen, baby Magnus!" G giggled happily while everyone is hugging.
"Nang! Nang!" Magnus called happily and when I moved a little bit away to give them space, he smiled cutely at me. "Mawjewsty..." he curtsied adorably.
Everyone was in glee seeing me. They asked me how was I, what I've been doing all these years like no time has separated us.
However, I was glad they treated me like before, a family. I am certain I still crave for someone's attention, Sebastian.
He has been distant. When I came, he didn't joke around the boys anymore. He remained sipping on his coffee and leaning on the barricade, staring at nowhere. Staring in the depths of an unending sea.
I gave them their share of cookies I personally baked and gave them the bracelets I made. I was in awe seeing they're still wearing the ones I gave them years ago.
"Where's Seb, G?" I asked my cousin when I realized he isn't here anymore.
The box of cookies I gave and the bracelet was on the seat. He might've forgot it when he left.
"He went outside, Gab-Gab." She told me, "maybe just around here. Kaka-go out niya lang. Will you give the cookies?"
"Yeah," I lifted the box. "He left it here on the chair. He might've forgotten. I'll make takbo lang real quick, ah?"
"Sure," she kissed my cheek. "Come back ka, ah? We have a lot to catch up."
I left. From the distance, I saw Sebastian's back while he's walking away. His palms are on his slacks.
"Seb!" I called and ran.
He stopped but continued walking again so, I called his attention.
"Seb, wait!" I called loudly and when I reached him, held his arm.
He stopped. I was smiling as he shifted his body and glanced my way. He took a step back away from me.
"Hello, where ka going?" I asked, smiling.
"What do you need?" he asked instead, dismissing me.
"Uhm, kasi before we went here 'di ba, I baked cookies. I know you heard it earlier while I was talking to the boys but I baked this as a gift, together with the bracelet. I also made a bracelet for you again. It's better than before but same color kasi maitim ang budhi mo."
His brow shot up.
"Tapos?"
"Then, I made this one as a gift for the boys and also of course, for you. I made this special, look, oh. There is a cute ribbon. I cut it myself, I learned it from a class—"
"I'm not hungry, your highness." He answered.
"Oh, are you worried how this would taste?" I chuckled, embarrassed. "I know I'm such a mayabang girl before for being proud of that horrible porridge of mine. I realized it was a nightmare personified! Like, oh my God! My teacher was almost sent to the hospital after tasting how salty that is! To think na I made you ate it before, while you're sick."
He just stared at me, his black orbs deprived of emotions.
"Then, I studied well in my cooking class. One thing is that, I'm tasting it first before giving it to someone kaya rest assured this is good. Not perfect but edible." I lifted the box and showed him.
"Why are you giving it to me?"
"Because you left it there on the chair," I answered. "I assumed you forgot so I took it to give it again?"
"Didn't you assumed I left it there on purpose? Kasi ayaw ko?" he spat.
"Seb..." I called, "if t-this about what you've seen last night. It is nothing, okay? I was dizzy, the duke was just kind enough to take me to my room."
"With no guards?" he chuckled lowly, "wala pa 'kong nakikitang nahihilo tapos ihahatid pa sa pintuan 'yong naghatid."
"He forgot his handkerchief," I sighed. "That is why I followed him—"
"I don't care what the fuck did you two do, you're getting married, right?" he folded his arms on his chest.
"T-That, we're talking about it. We are in mutual decision we won't push it through. There is nothing between us, Seb. Nothing. I could explain if... you like." I glanced at him with my hopeful eyes.
"Bakit biglang ganyan ngayon? Sa tagal na wala ka ni hindi ka bumalik, ni kumustahin man lang 'di mo magawa. I waited for you all day long, sabi ko siguro, siguro 'di mo 'ko matitiis. Siguro titingin ka sa akin pagkatapos lalapit kasi kakausapin mo na 'ko pero hindi. I tried coming closer to you during those damn conference of yours to talk but what? You watched how those fucking guards of yours punch me."
"What?" my eyes widened, "w-what are you saying? T-The guards... the guards are hurting you?"
"Now, you're a great actress." He chuckled lowly, "you watched me from your fucking limousine getting beaten up like a damn dog begging for you to talk to me tapos magpapanggap kang walang alam ngayon? Gaguhan ba 'to, Gabriela?"
My eyes stung, "n-no, no way..."
"Now what? Maybe you're okay with me because I'm a royalty?" he tilted his head to look at me like he'd seen something amusing. "Kaya biglang nag-iba ihip ng hangin. Bakit, prinsesa, nakakahiya ba akong ipakilala dati? Hindi ba sapat sa 'yo noon 'yong Sebastian na nagkukumpuni ng makina ng barko?"
"You are enough, Sebastian." I closed my eyes tightly. "I don't care what your work is! I am not ashamed of you! I am even willing to abandon the crown—"
"Then what took you so long?!" he spat angrily.
My lips trembled, lowering my head.
"Because... because you will get killed because of me..."
"Bullshit!" he cursed loudly, I sniffed. "Don't give me your petty reasons, Gabriela. I won't get swayed that way—"
"Petty?! You think losing you because of me is petty?!" I exclaimed. "It is not! I did that for us! To protect you! You are important to me—"
"Shut up!" he hissed, his eyes are bloodshot with tears. "You don't decide for us like you were the only person in that relationship!" his voice trembled. "I would be fucking willing to take a damn bullet for you, Gabriela!"
I covered my mouth with my other hand to try and suppress my sobs.
"Don't cry in front of me like you haven't watched me getting beaten. You are getting married, Gabriela. Stop clinging on me, stop coming closer to me. Stop smiling. Stop... stop fucking looking at me like you wanted me back!"
"S-Seb... please..." I walked closer, "j-just—"
"I can't believe I almost begged you last night. Don't follow me. Sa 'yo na 'yang pagkain mo, hindi ako interesado sa kahit anong galing sa 'yo." He chuckled lowly, a tear rolled down his eye. He immediately dried it off, shook his head and turned his back at me to walk away but I'm not done yet.
Even in my wobbling knees, I ran after him.
"S-Sebastian—"
"I said stop following me!" he exclaimed, pushed my hand gripping his arm.
It was so sudden, I was shocked that I lost my grip on the box of cookies and it slammed and scattered on the ground with the bracelet.
My mouth parted.
"Fuck..."
"C-Cookies ko," I mumbled and lowered my body. Even in my trembling lips, I took the cookies one by one from the ground.
"Gabriela—"
"Y-You don't have to help me," I mumbled and felt the tear damping my cheek.
"I-I'm sorry," he sighed, "iwan mo na 'yan, ako na—"
"M-Me na," I mumbled, my voice entirely breaking. "My apologies from troubling you, your h-highness..."
"Gabriela..." he called again and lowered his body to help but I was too quick, I finished putting the cookies back on the box, stood abruptly and lowered my head.
"M-My apologies..." I whispered, sniffing. I hugged the bracelet and the box of cookies on my chest before turning my back at him and ran.
He called me but I was hyperventilating and find it hard to breathe. I didn't care who could see me. Basta, I wanted to run and run...
Someone bumped on my shoulder. I gasped. The things I'm hugging fell on the ground perfectly.
"Miss, I'm sorry—"
"It's... it's a-alright," I whispered, didn't mind the things that had fallen anymore and ran. I walked past the guests, running on the side of the pool while clutching my chest and sobbing hard.
Happiness... it is not for me.
My eyes are blurry with tears. I am gasping for air when I slipped and lost my balance.
I gasped loudly when I fell on the ice-cold water. My long drenched dress made it hard for me to swim.
I lifted my hand, trying hard to reach the surface, to ask for help but I saw from above the water how the rays of the sun faded as water filled my lungs.
Pain? No. I felt soothed instead. My eyes are wide open as I reached the bottom and thought of it. Again. Wishing to be a sea foam. Vanish. Gone.
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