Chapter 24.2
The next chapter will be the last one! Medyo mahaba 'to... papunta pa lang tayo sa exciting part. 🙂
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Chapter 24.2
I wasn't aware what happened after losing my consciousness. After seeing Melody with Sebastian, a small and proud smile left my lips but after that, I lost track of whatever's happening around and fainted.
I woke up in a room, still panicking.
Fear consumed the moment I saw the familiar room where I am staying inside this palace and thinking they got me again, I began panicking.
I stood from the bed hastily, gasping when the door opened only to feel relief the moment I saw Sebastian with Melody on his arms.
"Melody..." I called, seeing how her black eyes brightened.
"Ma Gab! Ma Gab!" she screamed happily and I met Sebastian halfway, gasping as I took my blessing on my arms, feeling her warmth.
"M-My baby..." I mumbled and hugged her tight.
"Ma Gab! Ma Gab!" she was calling happily and excitedly, my name almost a song coming out of her mouth.
"I miss you," I whispered, gently moving away from the hug to stare at her innocent face. "Are you fine, baby? How are you? I miss you..."
Her black eyes stared at me intently. I wasn't so sure if she got what I was talking about but her eyes brightened more, slowly, a sweet and adorable smile left her lips.
"Lablab..." she mumbled, "lablab, Ma Gab!" she chirped, jumping a little to hug me again.
My eyes swelled, the fear was still lingering, worriedly thinking about that time when they fooled me and threatened me about my baby.
Just when I was hugging my blessing tight while she's playing with my hair, I noticed a stare coming from someone and when I lifted my head and saw Sebastian looking admiringly at us, my tears fell more.
"S-Seb ko..." I called.
"Ano na naman, 'te? Miss mo na naman ako?" he asked in a silly tone, walking closer to us until he wrapped us both on his arms.
I trembled more while Melody is a complete opposite. She was giggling all over and moved her body from mine to his father.
"Yay! Papa! Y-Yakap! Me!" she giggled, hugging his father and when Seb got her, it was my turn now to slowly wrap my arms around Seb too to cling on him.
I heard Seb's baritone and amused chuckle.
"Jusko, Lord, sobrang clingy naman po ng mga conyo girls ko." He commented and when I lifted my head to look at his eyes, my heart swelled.
"I mahal you, Seb," I mumbled genuinely. His eyes twinkled more.
"I! Ma-hal!" Melody suddenly mimicked, "I mahal! You! Mr. Kwabs!" she exclaimed loudly after wiggling, hugging us both on our napes.
Our laughter filled the room. I have a lot of questions to ask Seb about but Melody's still here so I kept silent first and enjoyed playing with my baby with Seb on the bed.
Right now, they're telling me funny stories about what Melody did earlier when they had their entrance.
"H'wag ka, Mama Gab, pabida itong si bebe kong conyong bulol! Anong sabi mo nga, 'be?" Seb asked Melody who stopped jumping up and down the bed to look at us proudly.
"Ursuwla!" she exclaimed proudly, even dropping her mermaid stuff toy to put her palms on her waist like a queen.
"Yay!" I cheered, "very good naman, my Melody! You're so galing!" I showed her a finger heart.
"S'yempre naman, 'te! Si Papa Seb kaya nagturo kay Melody natin. Sabi ko, dapat galingan namin kasi liligtas namin si Mama Gab sa witch tandang at dugong! Sino ang witch nga ulit, bebe kong bulol?"
"Ursuwla! Bawd witch! Hurt! Mama Gab! Ursuwlaaa!" she exclaimed again proudly that we ended up laughing in amusement to her enthusiasm.
"Oh! Galing ng bulol na 'yan! Apir nga kay Papa, Mewlowdy!" he teased and our bouncing daughter gave her father a high-five. My heart swelled upon seeing her tiny palms meeting his father's large one.
Seb then caught her palm, intertwining it with his to pull her gently towards him so he could hug her so tight.
"Pang-Oscars ang acting namin ng bebe 'ko, si Mama Gab kasi pangit gumanap, pang-pabebe girl!" he teased and seeing my family this way, I can't help but smile genuinely and bit my lower lip.
"Aww... I admit Mama Gab is such a bad artista but at least, gorgeous naman?" I flipped my hair.
"Gowrgeous!" Melody chirped, "Mewlowdy, too! Gowrgeous!"
"Paano naman si Papa, be? Gwapo din, 'di ba?" Seb caught her attention but Melody only showed him her silly smile.
"Mr. Kwabs..." she mumbled teasingly and that's when I burst out laughing.
"Grabe! Grabe kayong mga conyo girls sa 'kin?" Seb dramatically clutched his chest, "pagkatapos dumugo ang ilong ko sa ka-conyohan n'yong dalawa, pagkakaisahan n'yo 'ko—"
"Attack, Mr. Crabs! Attack!" I exclaimed loudly and Seb was stunned when he was caught off guard when we jumped on him to attack.
I had a funny and amazing time with Melody and my Seb, we are inside the room for almost an hour, just having fun and bonding with Melody.
"Galing naman ng bebe ko na 'yan, sige nga isa pa," Seb clapped his hand, "sayaw bulol... sayaw bulol..."
And Melody, who was very fascinated by her father wiggled her body to show us how she dances.
"Galing naman ng bebe kong bulol pero pretty girl, ah! Samahan mo nga, Gabriela," he said and I lifted my hand to mimic our baby. "Syet na malagket, galing ng conyo girls ko, ah! Igiling mo, igiling mo!" he even teased his daughter.
"Papa Seb should dance, too!" I commented and my gullible Seb even stood to dance with us but Melody and I stopped when he looked so stiff and awkward.
He froze.
"O-Oh? Titingin-tingin n'yo?" he spat, his face slowly turning red.
I covered my mouth. Melody mimicked me then when we glanced back at Seb frowning at us, we laughed in unison.
"Boo!" I exclaimed, showing him a thumbs-down.
"Boo, Mr. Kwabs! Boo!" Melody mimicked and the moment his mouth parted and shot us with his infamous mean face, I can't help but laughed so hard.
"Sige, mga mean girls na rin kayo!" he hissed, trying so hard to sound so mad but his amusement's winning.
"Joke only! Galing kaya ni Papa Seb!" I exclaimed before I carried Melody so we could jump towards our Papa who immediately caught us.
"Ano 'yan, ano 'yan? Pagkatapos n'yo kong away-awayin, papalambing kayo? Luh, ganda yarn?" he asked but we only wrapped our arms around him and hummed in unison.
"Lablab, Mr. Crabs!" we said together while hugging Seb so tight.
"Sus, mga pabebe girls, conyo naman..." he mumbled then hugged us, too. "I love you both, too, kahit tumataas na altapresyon ko sa inyo, keep it up, mga conyo." He chuckled heartily and buried his face on my shoulder.
We only left when Melody fell asleep. I saw Hernan with his hand in a cast talking with Seb the moment I got out of my room so I gasped loudly.
"Hernan!" I called hastily and the moment he saw me, he smiled and curtsied.
I ran and hugged him. I felt how he stiffened in shock
"Your highness...!" he called in shock.
"H-How are you? Are you okay? Thank you! Thank you for p-protecting my baby, thank you..." I mumbled genuinely.
"It's nothing, my lady," he cleared his throat, "I pledged to protect you and the young princess as long as I could."
"Thank you, Hernan," I mumbled genuinely, "i-if it wasn't for you... baka they g-got the chance to hurt my princess."
I heard a loud clearing of throat and it wasn't Hernan but I didn't mind. I was just so grateful to him.
"I-It's nothing, really..." he suddenly sounded so scared, "u-uh... it's my pleasure to help, your highness but—"
"How hurt are you?" I asked and moved away, checking his cast. "I heard you were shot? But you had a cast so I assumed—"
"I'm alright, my lady but..." he answered nervously, "you really don't have to worry but if we kept being close like this, I might be closer to death."
"Huh?" my forehead creased and checked his arm, "super OA naman this boy, you had a cast. You will not die naman, okay? I assume you had a few broken bones—"
"Gusto mong dagdagan natin ng baling buto, Gabriela?" I froze and removed my hand to Hernan's arm when I heard that threatening, annoyed yet husky voice.
I glanced behind me, only to see Seb leaning on the wall with his arms crossed on his chest. He was watching and frowning. His black eyes are in slits and when I realized his jaw's clenching while throwing someone a scary look, I understood it.
"Tss..." I shook my head at Seb, "mean boy, I was just asking how is he. Don't interrupt and be a good boy, okay?" I reminded.
"Hernan, are you—" but my voice faded in thin air when I realized wasn't there anymore and when I looked around, I saw him hastily making his way to the room where Melody is while curtsying to the mean boy of the century.
I frowned. I walked closer to him and smacked his arm.
"Ano?" he whined.
"Mean boy," I hissed, "I'm just thankful to Hernan of course, kasi he protected our Melody. He's magaling kasi and amazing for protecting her and my siblings. That's it. Why are you being so jealous?"
"Jealous?" he laughed a little, "'di ako selosong tao, Gabriela."
"Oh?" I shot my brow up, "then why are you throwing deadly glances at him?"
"Hindi, 'no," he shot his brow up. "Gano'n naman ako tumingin palagi, ah? Kailan mo pa 'ko nakitang 'di umiirap sa ibang tao? Selos ka d'yan... bakit ako magseselos? Feeling nito, 'di naman ako seloso." He averted my gaze.
"Weh?" I grinned. "eh, why are you avoiding my eyes? And your jaw's clenching, if not jealous, you are pissed. What's the matter?"
"Magaling siya?" he asked. I nodded.
He shot his brow up and shook his head.
"Tara na, inaantay na tayo," he mumbled and started walking but I heard him murmuring words.
"Sana all pinupuri. Siya may papuri kasi magaling tapos ako wala? Edi siya na magaling, nag-search nga 'ko sa king inang google translate ng Spanish na mura para cool tapos 'di mapapansin..." he mumbled. My eyes widened.
"You're saying something, Seb?" I still asked even if I heard it clearly. I touched my arms when I shivered in cold. We're in the ship now, my cousin and Lucian's.
"Wala... manhid naman nitong sirenang 'to kitang nagpapalambing," he cleared his throat and glanced my way, "tara na, inaantay na tayo. Nilalamig ka ba?"
I looked at him and didn't say anything. He sighed and walked back to fetch me.
"Sus, ako nagpapasuyo siya din susuyuin sa huli." He mumbled before removing his jacket to place it on my shoulder.
My heart jumped. He was frowning but his eyes are glistening with concern and worry. He even removed my hair from the jacket and fixed it on my shoulder.
"Lamig pa?" he asked. I smiled and shook my head.
"Nope," I mumbled and smiled cutely.
He glanced at my face and tsk-ed, "Sus, papa-cute ka na namang conyo ka. Tara na, 'te, anong oras na—"
I stopped his talking when I tiptoed to kiss his lips. He stiffened.
It was a very dark night but the pose with lights in it illuminating his face's enough to turn that darkness to a brighter shade.
I bit his lower lip, licking it sensually while locking eyes with him until I moved away.
"You are amazing, Sebastian. I'm sooo so in love with you, my king." I said gently, "and yes, that mierda was so hot, if I wasn't dizzy, for sure Sandy cried."
His mouth's still parting. My cheeks heated.
"Tara, let's go na." I chirped and touched his jaw, "you said they're waiting."
He remained standing like a mannequin so I shrugged and walked first, waiting for him to follow me when I felt a grip on my wrist.
He pulled me back, turn me to face him by claiming the small part my waist before dipping his head for a sudden kiss.
My mouth parted. Our eyes locked and as he moved away, his finger grazed my bottom lip while locking gazes with me.
"Mahal na mahal din kita, Gabriela," he whispered on my lips. "Tang ina, alam na alam mo talaga paano mo 'ko paluhurin sa 'yo, huh?"
I smiled cutely at him, "you know how to make a queen kneel for you, too."
"Ah-hmm..." he shot me a look.
"Yes, remember? When I gave you a blowjob—"
"Gabriela!" he suddenly covered my mouth and hissed quietly, "ito talagang... h'wag mong i-shout out, secret lang 'yon. 'Di 'yon sinasabi ng malakas."
I nodded, he gently lowered his palm covering my lips.
"Alright, Seb ko. I won't tell anyone I gave you a blowjob," I answered him back, only to stop when we heard a loud gasp.
"Oh my!" we both shifted our gazes, terrified, only to see my cousin G with Lucian covering her ears.
"U-Uy, Cap! Terrorista!" Seb greeted awkwardly.
"Sebastian! Ano na namang..." I noticed Lucian's sharp glares and G's wide eyes.
"Huh? Wala nga," Seb almost stuttered, "inaano ba namin kayo, nagtsitsimisan lang kami ni Gabriela! 'Di ba, 'di ba, Gab?" he glanced at me nervously.
I nodded hastily. G just looked at me with her mixture of shock and proud face. I swallowed hard.
"Y-Yeah! It's nothing! I didn't say I gave Seb a blow—" a loud scream left my lips when Sebastian quickly picked me up like a bag of rice on his shoulder and ran away.
"Sebastian!" Lucian called.
"Sorry, Cap!" he screamed back and ran like he's in a race with me on his shoulder.
Seb only lowered me when we got in front of the meeting room. I was pouting, feeling sorry because my mouth gave me away again.
They're right. My baby Melody is greater in terms of acting than Mama Gab.
"Ikaw talagang conyo ka..." he called me out.
"Sorry, Seb ko. I will be careful. I won't make ulit na again but uhm... maybe I'll ulit sometimes? I liked it kasi when you carried me—"
"Gabriela... kapag kinurot ko 'yang Sandy mo—"
"Ahhh! Charot only!" I showed him a peace sign before giggling, running towards the door and opened it.
The room was immediately silenced when I got in. The smile engraved on my lips vanished when I noticed multiple pair of eyes watching.
I looked around and when I caught my father's gaze, I found myself running towards him. I didn't get the chance to look for other people around, I was focused on my father.
"Father!"
"Gab..." he called when I knelt and hugged him, "h-hey, princess..."
"I thought..." my eyes swelled, couldn't stop myself anymore when my heart squeezed painfully. "They said... they said you died. I was scared. S-Sorry, I should've protected y-you..."
"Shh, I'm alright," he answered weakly. I moved from him, lifting my face to see him with his eyes resembling mine.
"Fine?" I mumbled, "you're fine? No, father, you became thinner. What happened?"
"Stop crying, I'm really fine." He smiled, drying my tears. "We're a Romanov, princess. They would never abandon a family. We got both Italy and Spain in our side."
My eyes wandered around and with no hesitations, I went in front of G's parents—the still reigning Queen and King of Italy and Seb's parents.
"I'm most grateful, your highnesses." I curtsied the lowest I could. "Thank you... thank you f-for helping us, your majesties... thank you." I lowered my body again when I heard them gasping.
"You don't have to, Gabriela," King Lorenzo, G's father called. "You're our family, of course we would love to help. That's what family does, right?"
Queen Penelope smiled, nodding.
"Still..." my lips quivered, "I would like to say my gratitude, I owe these all to you..." I tried curtsying again but Queen Mila gasped loudly.
"No, Mi hija! Oh my, mi hijo!" she called and before I could, I felt a hug from behind and when I smelled my Seb's perfume, I calmed down.
"Shh... it's okay," he whispered to calm me down. Gently, I shifted my body to hug Seb and he lend me his arms, letting me hug him.
He lets me go after a while. I was sitting just beside my father while they were discussing things and that's when I found out what happened.
I lost consciousness and fell. Sebastian and the guards around weren't aware of it that when I fell, Eleonor used it as an opportunity. They threatened to hurt me but when they failed, they took and held some of the maids inside hostage and flew.
Of course, guards went after them but they had help from the House of Kastrioti and some neighboring countries they managed to brainwash.
Right now, we're under strict security but still, the horror was still there. They are still tracking their whereabouts but it seemed like they already planned an escape before the event if ever there will be problems like this one.
"I'd like you to meet someone, Gab," my father whispered, gaining my attention. Our hands our intertwined while I'm listening, still filled with joy knowing he's safe.
"Hmm? Who?" I asked with a smile.
My father gave me a soft smile and before he could utter a word, we heard the door opening.
"I'm sorry I'm late, I check on the kids first to make sure they're sleeping peaceful," it got my attention. I shifted my gaze to the door and saw a very familiar woman.
The nurse who helped me during those times I'm pregnant. I have never seen her face fully, just once when I caught her drinking and that's it—just that, her eyes now had a different shade, just like her eyes.
"Speaking of..." I heard my father chuckling. "Gabriela, would you like to say hi to you mother?"
My heart pounded loudly. My eyes got locked to the woman mirroring the same eyes as mine, it was teary and gentle.
"Mother?" my eyes went back to him and he only nodded, letting my hand go.
I didn't have the chance to check on my surroundings. Just staring at her, just making my way towards her are enough to stun me that I froze when she ran and caged me on her arms.
"Gabriela, m-my daughter," she called affectionately that when I heard her voice cracked and felt her whole body trembling, I ended up sobbing with her.
"M-Mother..." I mumbled and closed my eyes, letting the feeling of having one but not feeling I had one winning against me.
"I-I'm sorry, my dear," she whispered and buried her face on my shoulder, "I-I could only go around y-you... that's the only thing I c-could do to p-protect you, my baby."
And I broke down. Never in my life ever since I found out Eleonor was lying I expected I will once again meet my mother.
"E-Eleonor said you left..." I whispered, trembling, as I cupped her cheek to see her face again.
"I did, Gabriela," she held my hand on her cheek. "I have to... for you and your father."
I was so confused but I know they'd explain it to me so I waited. Seb stood afterwards, held my waist before bowing at my mother.
"I'd take you to the seat first, Ma'am," he said respectfully.
"Oh, your highness," my mother smiled and accepted the hand he's been offering. "Thank you so much, you're such a nice boy."
Seb smiled shyly and gently walked with her while his other hand's on my waist and when we got to where my father was, he lowered his head again.
"Bait yarn?" I whispered. Seb squeezed me. I did my best not to chuckle.
"Duke..." he greeted.
"Your highness," my father smiled. "You don't have to bow, I should be the one showing respect to his highness. I should be the one grateful to you for protecting us, my daughter and my grandkid. This isn't possible with your help, your majesty."
"It's nothing," he shook his head, his face filled with shyness or something. "I did it for Gabriela and our daughter. I did it to protect my family and please, please drop the formalities, duke. You can call me Sebastian instead."
"Your highness—"
"George, can't you see? Sebastian is flustered hearing that," my mother commented upon seeing Seb's embarrassed smile.
"Ah... nope, it's like that. I'm just..." Seb couldn't grasp his words, he even squeezed my waist and whispered. "Tulungan mo ko rito, 'te, lalabas na kaluluwa ko!"
I laughed. Everyone stopped upon hearing me so I gasped loudly and cleared my throat.
"Well, his majesty preferred it more if you call him by his name," I said but caught Seb's infamous frown. "I mean, Seb. Seb liked it more when you call him by his name, less the formalities."
"Oh..." my mother, Eloise... wow! Mother! I have a mother! "You're really kind, Sebastian. I now know why my daughter loved you dearly. I never once saw her stop staring at the photos you two had on your phone. I kept mum at first and watched her silently but right now... I can't help but realized it more. You are a gentleman and has a good heart. I'm sure my princess saw how humble, kind and well-spoken you are."
I stifled a laugh. I heard Lucian and G, too.
Seb eyed me sideways. I saw his nose flaring na so I lifted my hand and showed my mother an okay sign.
"You are right, mother!" I said with enthusiasm. "Seb is the kindest! The best and gentlest person I'd ever met! That's why I fell in love with him in the ship where I had my vacation. She's such a sweet guy Sandy can almost cry a river."
"Hmm? Who's..." she asked. Seb is bright red now.
"O-Oh, that's only the character from the cartoon show I'm watching. You know Spongebob, Mom? That's just it, it's nothing bastos—"
"Gabriela... isa pang Sandy mo sinasabi ko sa 'yo hindi ka na bibisitahin ni Mr. Crabs..." Seb whispered sideways, trying to smile at my parents but he looked like he's gonna fart.
Oh no!
"A-Anyway," I cleared my throat. "That's it! Seb is kind, nice and very gentle! I swear you won't even see him being mean to anyone. You can even ask G and Lucian!"
We all shifted our gazes to G and Lucian, both shocked with my sudden mention.
"Huh?" G asked.
"Right... guys? You are the witness how kind and well-mannered Seb is, right?" I wiggled my brows, aware Seb's been squinting his eyes in a threatening manner that the couple nodded like robots.
"Yes... very very great man!" G nodded her head, looking constipated. "Very nice product! Hindi na me mag-order again—I mean, he's the kindest man ever! He never once bashed me! He was never mean to me! He's like a very great bestfriend. Too great that I'm dreaming of hugging him so tight... sa leeg."
"Anak ka ng..."
Lucian covered his wife's mouth and laughed awkwardly.
"I was with Sebastian for years, I could assure you he's the kindest. He was so respectful and kind-hearted. Well-mannered of course! Sa sobrang bait niya ang sarap busalan 'yong bibig tapos takpan 'yong ilong." Lucian smiled handsomely.
"Anak kayo ng pating—"
"Mi hijo, come assist her highness to her seat. Let us hear what Eloise would like to say." Queen Mila suddenly blurted before Seb could even say mean things.
I glanced at her, she winked at me and smiled knowingly. I know she knew how mean Seb is.
Seb remained beside me while my mother is telling us the truth.
I found out how this started.
From the very start, my father and Eleonor was set to get wed ever since but my father fell in love with her sister, Eloise, my mother and had me. Meanwhile, Eleonor's in love with someone too and she had a child, Catherine but their parents was against it.
Catherine's father got into an accident and died. She assumed it was their parent's schemes and got mad. Eloise has always been the favorite daughter and she was enraged she set her up after I was born and made it look like she cheated with my father.
My father was enraged. Eloise did her best to try and explain but Eleonor has been planning it for a long time she had no other choice but to leave or else, something bad would happen to my father and me. Fortunately, she was a close friend of the Queen of Spain, Queen Mila and so, she asked for help. However, Eleonor and my father's already wed.
She knew my father would protect me and so, she let me be there, she had no one else. My mother's parents died a month after the weddinging a freaky accident and that Eleonor controlled their house entirely. She hid the fact she already had a child, which was kept by their parents too to hide a scandal. She's my mother in the papers, too.
She was a Nurse in profession so, she stayed to nurse the Queen who during the time was still mourning to the lost of her young prince in childbirth, which is Seb. Years had passed and the majesties of Spain took care of Anton, the now Duke of Spain. They gave him all the love and attention, treating him as their son after they lost the prince.
Eleonor has the upper hand and manipulated my father into thinking he should be thankful that she married him still. She made him think he should do anything to please her, that he owed the family to her because she still married him even if they were forced in order to protect me and my siblings.
However, they came up with a plan when they heard Eleonor was seeking the nearby countries to whom I should be wed and this is an opportunity. Queen Mila knew all along and so, she talked to the duchess and set me up into marrying him but later on, they found out I was pregnant in secret.
Anton recommended Nurse Eloise whom he trusted the most, he even asked her to kept my pregnancy a secret but he never knew she was my mother—and is reporting secretly to the Queen of Spain.
"Wow..." I mumbled in shock, "is that why you didn't force me to marry the duke right away? I always wondered why is Spain putting no pressure on me."
"Of course, mi hija!" The queen grinned happily, "and how could I? I just met my son and realized he's into the future queen of Italy..."
My eyes got fixated to Seb with his lips protruding.
"Oh, imagine my happiness after knowing it was you who made our paths crossed! I'd never be thankful enough for you, your highness. All my plans changed the moment I found out my son's deeply and irrevocably in love with you."
"Ma..." Seb called and when I glanced at him, he was beet red.
"Tss, my shy son..." the queen giggled, "imagine how my plans with you and Anton crumbled when he told me you're his!"
My mouth parted. My cheeks flushed when I glanced at Seb who was licking his lower lip and lowering his gaze.
"I'm his?" I asked.
"Gabriela," Seb cleared his throat. "Ano lang 'yon—"
"I'm always his, your highness." I smiled at the majesties, "and of course, Sebastian is mine."
Seb coughed. When I looked at him, his ears are now red, too.
"Yieee..." Queen Mila exclaimed, accompanied by laughters when Seb frowned and covered his face entirely to hide his face.
"Sus, kinilig ba itlog mo, Sebastian?" Lucian blurted out loud that only him and G understood. Well, I do too! A little?
"Tang ina mo, Cap," he hissed, earning a smile from me.
"Gwapo daw you!" I reminded Luci and smiled cutely, only ended up receiving an amused look from my cousin. As if she knew a secret I don't.
My father was slowly getting poisoned by the medicine Eleonor was giving him before. Good thing the House of Savoy was alerted after his health worsened. When they abducted me, that's when they planned of killing my father, not knowing the Romanovs are planning ahead of them.
They formed a scheme against them, too, by faking my father's death and it was a success since the two didn't even bother checking him again.
We travelled all the way to Philippines for our safety. They are still monitoring the two who was now off radar.
It was like a mini vacation for me, just that I was happier now because I have my family with me. I have my father, mother and my siblings. I was never this glad knowing Sophia and Austin are closed with my mother and she's treating them like her own, too.
Wow... I'm just so glad my siblings would not experience the trauma of not having a mother—one that would take care of them.
"I could teach you how to swim, your excellency!" my eyes wandered around and chuckled when I saw Owen trying to assist Owen.
"I know how to," Anton hissed. "Can you quit annoying me? You are loud!"
"Arte!" Owen chuckled but Anton just annoying swam back to enjoy the ocean even if he isn't great at it.
"That's wrong!" Owen called, "you'll get drowned if you swim like that!" he then jumped on the water to help him.
"Fuck off..." Anton lifted his hand and showed him his middle finger.
Oh, he knows pakyu when mad?!
I lifted my hand in the air too to stare at my middle finger when Seb appeared from nowhere and bit it.
"Seb!" I cheered.
"Sino na namang pinapakyuhan mo d'yan?" he asked, smirking as he sat beside me on the yacht. He was fully drenched, only wearing black trunks and is naked on top.
"Hmm? No one," I shrugged. "I just saw Anton kasi saying fuck off with pakyu sign. This is international sign pala?" I showed him my middle finger.
"International daw si gaga," he cackled and caught my palm before pressing a kiss on it. "Tangek, hindi. Filipino na expression ang pakyu pero kapag international, fuck you 'yan."
"Fuck you..." I nodded, "Seb, fuck you."
I was teasing him, waiting for him to react but what I saw was his amused face.
"I will, princess, later." He winked.
"Huh?" I asked, confused but he only put a small towel on my palm. I used it to dry his wet hair, smiling when he lowered his head and kissed my shoulder blades.
"Ganda naman ng bra mo, little mermaid." He whispered, playing with the straps. My heart fluttered when he's too close I could smell the salty scene mixing with his body shower.
"It's a mermaid style swimsuit," I answered him, "you wanna sisid ba? Little mermaid's gonna take you under water, Sebastian, the sidekick!"
"Sure... tapos ikaw naman sisirin ko mamaya," he kissed my shoulder blades again. I gasped loudly.
"Seb... where's Melody?" I asked, my voice started trembling when I felt him kissing my cleavage.
"Swimming with Ian," he answered and when I looked at the other side, I saw Melody in her crab-shaped salbabida with Ian.
"O-Oh," I nodded, my eyes dropped when I felt his finger on my waist. "Seb! What are you doing? What if they see us—"
"Nasa malayo sila," he answered and when I looked around, I saw Anton and Owen fighting near the cave with Owen laughing. Lucian was with G and Magnus eating foods near the shore. Romeo was with Juliet and they're kissing near the coconut tree.
"I-I can see them," I whispered. "I'm sure they're gonna see us, too!"
"Trust me," he moved away to cover my legs with the towel and pulled me closer to him until our legs are close, as if she's hiding me.
He lowered his head on my shoulder, as if hugging and whispering something but his hand is wandering inside the towel and...
"O-Oh my..."
"Shh..." he chuckled on my ear, "quiet, princess."
I admit I was excited, alright. But I'm scared!
"Are you sure..."
"Yes," he whispered and hid my body more. "Kagatin mo balikat ko kapag 'di mo na kaya."
"A-Alright..." I nodded.
"Now..." he slowly touched my legs, "ibuka ang hita, Gabriela." He bit my ear.
It was oh-so-delicious for the princess of Italy. Seb can always make me reach the bottom of Bikini Bottom, no doubt! After that secret session of a mini lunch date he had with Sandy, we swam and played with Melody.
Just that she fell asleep after showering that when we reached the nearby island, she's sleeping.
I was wearing a flowy white dress, my ginger hair's dancing with the air as I admire the island. Seb was wearing a white long sleeved button down shirt and white shorts, his hair still wet and messy from our swimming.
"This is Zarina island," Lucian smiled while mentioning the island, beside him was Guin, who's very pregnant with their daughter. "We are in luck today since the island showed itself but sometimes, this vanishes. Kinakain at tinatago ng dagat at mga sirena sabi sa kwento."
My heart thumped. It was my first time seeing this but it felt so familiar. I touched my pearl necklace.
"This is the mermaid's home, Seb, right?" I asked.
"Hmm... bahay mo 'to, gusto mo dito na tumira?" he asked. I pouted. He chuckled and pinched my nose.
"Cute mo, gaga. Alangan naman dito kita patulugin? S'yempre sa kwarto kita, ano. Dito madalas tumatambay para sa lunch 'yong mga may exclusive pass paikot dito sa mga isla. Maganda kasi dito atsaka iniingatan nga nila Cap kaya mahirap din mapagbigyan ng pass para makapunta. Minsan nawawala 'tong isla, 'yong mababang parte, lumulubog. Makikita mo lang 'yong kalahati ng mga puno pero lumilitaw kapag maganda ang panahon."
When it was enough for us to reach the shore, we jumped down. Seb carried me on his arms so I won't get wet but he slipped and we both fell.
"Puta—"
"Yay!" I cheered and removed the water on my face, "don't carry me! I can swim kaya. This is my home, my sidekick. Let's swim!"
We didn't care much if we got wet. I was chuckling when we reached the shore, the white crystalline sand can be seen. It felt so good against my feet, Seb even gave me slippers, afraid my skin might get pierced by sea shells but I refused.
"I'm sure I won't get hurt," I uttered and smiled at him. We stared at each other. I lifted my hand and removed the drops of water from his cheek and tiptoed to kiss his cheeks before offering my hand.
I was shocked seeing Ate Cora in there, helping the boys prepare some meals to eat during our stay.
"Ate Cora!" I chirped.
"Oh! Gabriela! Sebastian!" she called. I was happy, I jumped up and down to hug her. "Naku! Ngayon ko lang kayo ulit nakita! Nagpapagawa kasi ako ng bahay dito sa Pinas at 'di na masyadong nakakapunta sa barko! Kumusta? Naku, mas gumanda ka lalo, hija!"
"S'yempre, alagang Baste 'yan, Ate." Seb commented.
"Ikaw!" he smacked him playfully, "aba't sabi ko na nga ba't makakahanap ka ng katapat mo! Akala mo nga namang si Gabriela na pala talaga..."
"Patay na patay kasi sa akin 'yang conyo na 'yan, Ate. Hinabol-habol ako—"
"Baka gusto mong ako ang hahabol sa 'yo ng pang-ihaw?" Ate Cora attempted to smack him but the latter laughed loudly and placed his arm around me.
"Pero ano, Ate, 'yong pangako mo, ah! Kapag kinasal na kami nitong conyong bulol may-sponsor. Akala mo ba nakalimutan ko?"
Ate stopped, "aba't... naalala mo pa 'yon?"
"S'yempre libre," he smirked playfully. "Anong niluluto n'yo, Ate?"
"May ihaw d'yan tapos nagdala din kami ng street foods kasi alam kong gustong-gusto iyan ni Gab," she tapped my cheek.
"Yay! Is there Quick-quick and kiki yum, Ate?" I asked excitedly. "How about fish bolbol?"
She blinked in shock but nodded afterwards.
"Oo, mayro'n, hija." She smiled then glanced at Seb showing her a playful look. "Ikaw talagang bata ka, 'di mo pa rin tinatama mga kalokohan mo!"
I sniffed and gasped when I smelled the yummy foods.
"H'wag na mainit ang ulo, Ate Cora. Hala ka, sige, mamumuti ang buhok mo n'yan! 'Di pa kita napapakilala sa anak namin." He answered and Ate was too stunned to speak.
"Ano..." she gasped, "may anak na kayong dalawa?!"
I nodded happily. Her jaw dropped.
"Gulat ka 'no?" Seb smirked, "conyo din 'yon tapos pula buhok. kahawig ng Mama Gab niyang conyo pero s'yempre, maganda. Ako kaya ang Papa? Dahil d'yan, may sponsor ka rin ng buko juice, ah!"
I had a fun time eating with them. I was seated on the large stone shaped almost like a disfigured throne while waiting for Seb to get me more foods.
I was watching the vast, crystalline blue ocean. The salty smell lingered on my nose and it was fascinating. Smelling it made me want to swim, I didn't know why but this place felt so familiar to me. I've only seen this on photos in the first place.
It was very different with Navagio beach—island where the shipwreck was. In there, there are large rock formation, caves and a cliff and meanwhile, this place is filled with white sand, seashells and beautifully shaped rocks.
The rocks here looked like they're molded to shape like seats once could easily rest on. Some even have shells engraved on the stones.
Like where I am sitting now. I touched the rock and smiled when a shiny shell sparked when the sun touched it briefly.
"Ang reyna ng sirena mismo ang may-ari ng kinauupuan mo," I jumped in shock, mostly when I saw a familiar face.
"H-Hi!" I greeted the woman, "uhm... Madam Yuka, right?"
"I'm glad you still knew me," she smiled. "I mean no harm, your majesty, is it okay if I sit here?" she motioned the other rock.
"Sure..." I nodded, "I was just waiting for Seb to come, I asked him to fetch me some foods. Have you eaten yet, Madam?"
"Oo, ayos na," she smiled, I noticed her looked a bit older than the last time I saw her. "Salamat, hija. Pasensya na nga pala noon kung nilapitan kita't may kung ano-anong sinabi. Natakot ata kita."
"Not really," I shook my head. "I was shocked and a bit terrified but I've moved on, it wasn't true naman, right?"
She stared at me intently but then shrugged and stared at the ocean.
"Sinasabi nilang nababaliw na raw ako. Matatawa ka na lang kay Cora, kung saan ako pinagdadalang doktor para patignan. 'Di sila naniniwalang alam ko."
I remained staring at her and caught her watching Lucian and Guinevere playing with now awake Magnus near the shore.
"Kailangan mangyari ang nakatadhana para matapos ang mga bagay na natatapos pero muling nagsisimula," she said. "May masakit, kayang iwasan pero bawat iwas ay mauulit lang sa ibang pagkakataon. Kasama rin sila sa dahil bakit nanumpa ang prinsesa. Akala ko nga nagtapos na sa dalawang 'yan pero kagaya ng ibang libro, nakakalimutan nating may iba pang karakter na bumubuo nito."
She glanced my way with a knowing smile I definitely shivered.
"Gusto mo bang marinig ang tungkol kina Isabelle at Leandro, hija?"
My heart squeezed. My head stung when I heard those names but my insides were craving to hear it.
"Madam Yuka..." Seb came, his head creasing. "Ano na naman—"
"Seb..." I called and held his wrist. "It's okay, she's gonna tell us the story of Leandro and Isabelle."
"Ows?" Seb frowned at her, "echosera ka naman, Madam Yuka, eh. Scam nga 'yong hula mo dati natakot tuloy si terrorista. Nagbayad pa akong bente! Mamaya n'yan takutin mo ang prinsesa ko, ah?"
"Kaugali nga ni Leandro," Madam Yuka chuckled. "H'wag kang mag-alala't hindi na kita sisingilin ng bente, maswerte nga rin at hindi nangyari. Sa tagal ng pag-ulit at panunuod sa malayo, palaging gano'n ang huli. Masaya ako't nagtapos na sa kanila."
"H'wag ako, Madam..." Seb frowned, "naku, Madam, kaka-cellphone mo 'yan!"
Madam Yuka laughed, shaking her head. I elbowed Seb so he would stop bashing the latter but he only made a face and made me eat the grilled pusit.
"Palagi talaga kong nagtataka paano nagustuhan ng reyna ang ugaling 'yan," she pointed out, amused. "Hija, why did you fall in love with that man? Mabait 'yan kapag hinuhulaan kong magkakapera siya noon. May tip pang sampu tapos inaway na ako no'ng pagkatapos kong hulaan si Guinevere. Tama ba 'yon?"
"Maybe that's how love is?" I answered. "And Seb's just naturally mean in nature, a form of surivival..."
"Luh, ginawa akong reptiles ni conyo..." Seb eyed me. Madam Yuka teased him.
I laughed and glanced at Seb making a face this time, "malamang matutuwa ako kasi datung 'yon, alangan malungkot? Ikaw talaga, Madam. Ano na 'yong kwento mo? Kapag 'yan scam na naman susumbong kita kay Ate Cora." The brute answered.
"I am sure you're both well-aware about the tale, Lucian and Guinevere, right? About their undying love for each other? That even after death, they vowed to meet in another life and fight for their unfinished and lost love."
I nodded, parting my lips to eat the pusit Seb's feeding me.
"Kagaya nga ng sabi ko, kagaya ng mga kumakalat na iba't-ibang bersyon, sasabihin ko na pero ang pinakamalapit sa katotohanan ay ang mga sirena. Bukod sa prinsesa at pagkamatay ng mga pirata dahil sa pagtatanggol sa kanya, may iba pang dahilan kung bakit sobra ang galit nila."
Silence filled us. I saw her stopped and stared at Seb kaya I followed her gaze and saw the anticipation on his face while eating pusit.
"Oh? Nakatitig kayo sa akin?" he asked, "ano na sunod, Madam Yuka? Anak ng... pabitin! Ano 'to, teleserye? Abangan next month ang susunod?"
She laughed. I shook my head and smacked Seb's arm.
"Ito na," she laughed and shook her head. "Anak si Isabelle ng hari't-reyna ng karagatan. Kung may naghahari sa lupa'y mayro'n din sa kailaliman ng dagat. Maagang nawala ang ina ni Isabelle kaya nagpakasal ang ama niya sa kapatid ng kanyang ina."
I nodded and listened.
"Bata pa lamang ay alam na ng lahat na si Isabelle ang susunod na magiging reyna kaya ibinigay sa kanya ang lahat. Minahal ng hari ng sobra ang ina ni Isabelle at may iba man siyang anak, ang panganay niya ang pinakaespesyal sa kanya. Tanging dugong-bughaw lang din ang may katangiang magkatawang tao kapag nakakatapak sa lupa at dahil doon ay isinasama ng hari si Isabelle no'ng nakamit na niya ang tamang edad." She explained. "Bawal ang pakikipag-usap sa tao bukod sa kanyang ama, mapanganib kapag nalamang parte sila ng dagat. Maaari silang hulihin o pagkakitaan ng mga tao."
I nodded.
"Isang araw, no'ng sumama siya sa ama para makihalubilo at mag-obserba sa mga tao nang makita niya ang mga piratang ninanakawan ng paninda ang isang nagtitinda."
"They're only stealing from those with dishonest merchant," Seb explained, "masama ang tingin ng mga tao sa mga pirate, Gab, pero mababait 'yon tapos gwapo pa." He smirked.
"Oh, I'm sure," I winked at him.
"Naku talaga, oo," Madam chuckled. "Pero tama ka rin, hijo. Palihim silang nagnanakaw sa nagtitinda habang itong si Leandro ang nakikipag-away sa tao para hindi mapansing ninanakawan na siya."
"Leandro... what a sexy name," I commented.
"Anong sexy?" the brute answered, "tss, mas sexy pa pangalan ko d'yan!"
"Crazy!" I smacked him, "your names's Sebastian Leandro! Silly!"
He stopped as if he realized it then rolled his eyes before moving the straw closer.
"Oh, Gabriela, mag-BJ ka muna." He hissed and made me sip on it until Madam continued.
"Everyone was so afraid of the pirates, they are the palace's greatest enemy so no one dared voicing anything out against them. They couldn't even look at them in the eye in fear they're gonna hurt them too but the mermaid princess didn't know. She watched the pirates in amusement and curiosity hanggang sa nagtagpo ang tingin nila ni Leandro."
My heart jumped.
"Ngumiti si Isabelle pero si Leandro, kilala bilang kanang-kamay ni Lucian ay kinatatakutan din kaya tinaasan niya lang ng kilay ang magandang dalaga sabay aktong ginigilitan ang leeg kapag nagsumbong."
"Oh, that's some mean boy move!" I exclaimed before chuckling.
"Cute nga, gano'n dapat kapag gwapo, Gabriela. Suplado." Seb commented. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Suplado nga," Madam Yuka commented, "but that got Isabelle's attention. Ever since that day, she began watching the pirates from afar and tried her best to keep the sailing of the ship safe until she became queen. However, a harsh storm came and it was out of her control, the ship was strong but the crew are just human. She watched them as they fight for it but as Leandro went up to fix the sail, he fell on the water and drowned.
"Isabelle saved him, of course, he almost died but she saved him by giving him a part of her life and when she was sure he's safe, she took him secretly on the nearby beach where the crew looking for him found him. She watched from the rocks, in this very island..." she motioned the shore where G and Lucian is. "How the pirates helped him up."
"It was a mystery how he survived, lalo na noong matapos 'yon ay nagkaroon siya ng manipis pero kakaibang itim na marka sa pulsuhan. Mukhang pulseras." She explained.
"What's pulseras, Seb?" I asked and whispered.
"Bracelet, mahal," he answered me back and placed his arm on my waist, eager to listen too but my eyes fell on his wrist and the bracelet I gave.
"Itinuring niya iyong ikalawang buhay, doon na rin niya naisip na maaaring totoo nga ang mga kwentong may mga tao sa dagat at 'yon ang tumulong sa kanya. Dumating na rin ang prinsesa sa barko, si Guinevere at sa malayo'y nagmamasid pa rin si Isabelle. Masaya sa kanila pero malungkot dahil gustong makausap man lang ang mahal niya."
"Aww..." my heart ached, "did she find a way to somehow see him? I'm hurting, Madam. I don't even know why my heart aches like this."
Seb's grip on my waist tightened as he planted a kiss on my forehead.
"Mayro'n, hija." She smiled. "Sa hindi sinasadyang pagkakataon ay nahuli siya sa lambat habang nangingisda ang mga pirata at doon na siya nakuha. Dahil nga may kakayahang maging tao ang kagaya niyang dugong-bughaw ay inakala lang nilang nawawala siya sa dagat o hindi kaya'y nasira ang bangkang sinasakyan. Halos hubad pa nga siya noong nakita pero ang binata at masungit na Leandro ay nauna pa sa pagbalot ng katawan ng dalaga, walang kalam-alam na ito ang nagligtas sa kanya."
"Aww..." I covered my mouth and glanced at Seb to silently pull his shirt. "Oh my God, Seb, I'm so kilig!"
"Loka," he chuckled. "Ko-corny naman! Nasa dagat naglalandian! Anong sunod, Madam? Nagharutan ba?"
"Hindi naniniwala sa pag-ibig si Leandro kaya simula pa noong dumating si Guinevere sa barko ay wala siyang ginawa kung hindi ang awayin ang prinsesa, pinaghihiwalay pa nga niya 'yong dalawa. Sabi niya, hindi raw totoo ang pagmamahal dahil iniwan siya ng magulang na parang basura lang pero hindi niya alam na sa pagdating ni Isabelle ay magbabago ang pananaw niya." She smiled sweetly. "The mean and brutal pirate fell in love with the sweetest daughter of the sea, the queen of sea witches, Isabelle."
"Yieee..." I cheered happily, touching my chest. "Then?"
"Unti-unti'y minahal nila ang isa't-isa. Naging matalik na magkaibigan si Guinevere at Isabelle, naging pamilya niya din ang mga pirata. Si Leandro na hindi naniniwala sa pagmamahal ay sumisid pa para mabigyan ng pinakamagandang perlas ang dalaga." She chuckled.
I gripped Seb's palm more, he made me rest on his chest to hug me tighter.
"Kaso, ang bawat kasiyahan ay nagtatapos. Halos makalimutan na ni Isabelle ang tungkol sa kanyang katayuan, nawala ang sarili sa minamahal at nakalimutan ang responsibilidad. Sa kasamaang palad ay kinailangan niyang umalis. Inihahanda na niya ang sariling kausapin ang ama para talikuran ang tungkulin pero huli na ang lahat, sa pagbalik niya ay namatay ang ama at kinuha iyon ng kanyang ina-inahan, pangalawang asawa ng kanyang ama para mapabagsak si Isabelle."
"What?!" I hissed, "pakyu 'yan, ah?!"
"Nalaman nilang may pagsinta si Isabelle sa isa sa mga pirata at ginamit nila iyon para pagkaisahan siya. Nagbanta silang papalubugin ang barko ng mga pirata at nakuha nila ang mayroon si Isabelle at ikinulong. Nakaya siya ng mga ito dahil ibinigay niya ang kalahati ng buhay niya kay Leandro. Ang isa rin sa kanyang kapatid sa ama ay matagal nang hinahangad na kunin ang lahat kay Isabelle dahil hindi siya napagtutuunan ng pansin at ginawa niya ang lahat para makuha ang itsura ni Isabelle at umahon para kunin si Leandro."
"Fuck!" I exclaimed loudly. Seb covered my mouth and spoke in my behalf.
"Anak ka ng... seryoso ba, Madam? Gaga 'yan, ah? Dapat nilunod no'ng si Leandro!"
"Leandro was mad, iniwan ba naman siya ni Isabelle ng gano'n lang pero nang makita niya muli ay nawala ang galit niya. Alam ni Isabelle ang nangyayari, sinasadya ng kanyang ina-inahan para mapanuod niya kaya masakit para sa kanya na makita ang minamahal na may kasamang may kamukha niya—pero hindi siya."
My heart dropped.
"It's like the little mermaid," I whispered to Seb. He sighed and hugged me tighter.
"That's the same time the war broke out. Sinundan ng palasyo sina Guinevere, ang prinsesa, para kunin pabalik. Sinabi ng nagpapanggap na Isabelle na tumakas na lamang sila at iwan ang mga kasama pero nagalit si Leandro at hindi papayag na gano'n. Naramdaman niyang may mali. Nagkagulo. Dumaong ang barko sa isang isla at doon na magtatapos ang nasimulan." She sighed.
"Umalis ang ina-inahan ni Isabelle para kunin ang kanyang kapatid na kasama nina Leandro't nagpapanggap na siya at ginamit iyon ni Isabelle na oras para kumbinsihin ang ibang kapatid na tulungan siya. Her sisters, being a witness, too, of the love she had for the pirate and the endless love of Guinevere and Lucian agreed and they let her go. Sumubok silang tumulong pero alam nilang limitado ang kakayahan nila sa lupa.
"Nga lang, nang makita ni Isabelle si Leandro ay naglakas-loob siyang tumulong. Unang kita ay alam na kaagad ni Leandro na ang Isabelle na 'yon ang totoong kanya kaya lumapit siya nang makitang may nagtatangkang saktan ito't humarang at sa halip na ang sirena, si Leandro ang tinamaan ng espada mula sa kalaban."
I froze. My eyes stung.
"What..."
"Sumubok pa si Isabelle na iligtas ang minamahal pero huli na ang lahat. Hinagkan niya si Leandro, nagmamakaawang h'wag pumikit, ibinibigay ang natitirang buhay niya pero hindi ito pinagbigyan ng binata. Nalaman niya sa oras na iyon na ang tumulong sa kanya ay ang prinsesa at ngumiti siya, nagpasalamat, nagsabi ng mga salitang kahit kailan ay hindi niya naisip na masasabi sa iba."
"...mahal kita." Seb whispered on my ear. I looked back at him and saw his serious eyes as if like me, he was hurting too, just merely listening.
"Nakita niyang nanghihina ang prinsesa at iyon ay dahil sa pagkakakulong sa kanya ng ina-inahan at gamit ang natitirang lakas, inilapit niya ang mukha sa prinsesa para sa isang halik at unti-unti, nawala ang marka sa kanyang pulsuhan kasabay ng pagkawala ng buhay na ibinigay sa kanya ni Isabelle."
That time, I was already sniffing.
"What... no way!" I shook my head.
"Sa galit ni Isabelle ay naghiganti siya. Kasama ang mga kapatid ay sinundan nila ang barkong kumuha sa bangkay ng prinsesa, inutusan ang alon na dalhin sa lugar na iyon."
"Hidden lagoon?" I mumbled, sniffing. She nodded.
"Dinala ng alon ang barko doon, siniguradong hindi makakalabas at unti-unti, gamit ang kanilang magandang boses at itsura ay inakit ang mga nakasakay sa barkong kumitil sa buhay ng mga pirata, ng prinsesa at sa pinakamamahal niya.
"Galit ang dahilan ng lahat at para masiguradong walang makakaligtas ni isa'y hinila nila paibaba ang mismong barko at nanumpa na kung sino mang manunubok na kunin ang kinuha nila paibaba ay hindi na muling makakaahon pa." She said.
"That why..." Seb mumbled, I glanced at him. "Kaya 'yong mga sumusubok lumangoy pababa sa barko ay 'di na nakakaahon?"
She nodded, "kahit itong Zarina, Sebastian, Gabriela. Isa ito sa dinadayo at pahingahan na ibinigay ng mga sirena para sa mga taong gustong magpahinga, dito nila dinadala ang inililigtas nila sa pagkakalunod. Dito sila nagtatago't naninirahan kapag walang iba pero sa galit ay inilulubog nila. Lumalabas lang ito kapag masaya si Isabelle. Kapag maganda ang panahon at payapa ang alon."
"It's showing now," I whispered. "Is Isabelle happy?"
"Oo," Madam Yuka stared at me, "talagang lilitaw ito dahil narito ang reyna nila't pinakamamahal nito."
My forehead creased, was about to ask something when she spoke again.
"Sa galit din ni Isabelle ay naibalik na ang buhay na ibinigay niya kay Leandro ay nakaya niyang labanan ang ina-inahan at anak nito laban sa kanya. Wala na rin siyang planong mabuhay matapos mamatay ng binata pero nalaman niyang buntis siya."
"O-Oh my..." I covered my mouth.
"Ipinanganak at pinalaki niya ang anak habang ikinekwento rito ang pagmamahal ng kanyang ama at nang handa na ang prinsesa na kunin ang korona sa ina ay sumama na si Isabelle sa pinakamamahal niya. Isang gabi ay yakap niya ang anak nang makita sa panaginip si Leandro, inilalahad ang kamay at nang tanggapin niya iyon ay nawala siya't parang hangin sa himpapawid. Parang bulang biglaang naglaho sa karagatan."
"She turned into a sea foam..." I mumbled and started crying, "w-why is it so sad... why..."
"Anak ng..." I heard Seb sighed, his voice trembling too but he managed to sound so strong. "Madam Yuka, sabi na nga't bakit pinaiyak mo ang prinsesa ko!" he hugged me tight.
"Seb... why i-is that... why is it so tragic?" I whispered, clutching his shirt in pain.
"Aba't ewan ko rito kay Madam," he sighed loudly and caged me on his arms. "Pinaiyak mo ang Gabriela ko, Madam!"
"Gano'n talaga ang buhay, mga anak," she said, "may mga pagkakataong maganda ang simula pero kagaya ng palaging nangyayari'y hindi maganda ang wakas. Maganda ang naumpisahan ng naunang dalawa, sana ay kayo din."
It was such an innocent tale and storytelling. I shouldn't think much of it but hearing the full story gave me dreams. It was so vivid I thought it was really happening.
Months had passed with us living freely and with no worries. Everyone was convinced Catherine and Eleonor is in hiding and wouldn't show themselves in fear again but we are wrong.
One day, I was happily having a family day with Seb and Melody and in a blink of an eye, I was in a small and dark room. My arms are tied in a chair and in front of me was CCTV monitors.
"S-Seb..." I called when I saw my Sebastian on the television with the boys with their guns. "He's gonna save me... he's gonna... Seb! I'm here!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
I saw Seb stopped on the monitor, his forehead creasing, as if hearing me so, I screamed again.
"Seb! I'm here!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and he ran to follow it. I saw him opening a metal steel door and my heart crumpled in anticipation when he tried opening it.
"He's here... Seb!" I screamed, watching the door and I heard from the monitor when one harsh move, it bursted open but mine's... mine's still closed.
"W-What? No... No! Seb!"
I gasped loudly, glanced back on the monitor and my body trembled when I saw Seb kneeling in front of a lady while cupping her cheek.
"Gabriela!" he called and hugged the woman who isn't me—but had the same face as mine.
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