Chapter 2 - The Royal Ball

The forty fifth birthday of King Rupert was the most anticipated event for the whole Kingdom of Pendragon. Everybody was in the mood of festivity, starting from the Northern Border, Asphodel and Southern Border, Frontera up to the Eastern Border, Lyonesseand Western Border, Olympus. Every streets, corners and alleyways within the capital duchy of Camelot bear posters of greetings to the King. Several programs and gatherings were also hosted by the different industrial and business corporations in honor of His Highness.

But all of the celebrations could not even par to the revelry inside the Arondight Palace tonight. From the corridors up the towers, everything was covered with flags of royal blue and gold. The royal kitchen also prepared world renowned dishes that will leave every guests craving for more. It was indeed a lavish and luxurious event. Even the sets of tableware used were all plated with the finest gold from Pendragon's mining capital, Hesperides.

Iginala ni Gareth ang paningin sa napakalaking bulwagan. Gone was the usual hall where the King usually presided his meetings over the parliament, the place turned into a large marquee full Pendragon's finest ass-kissing individuals. Several reporters were also present to cover the event.

He was greeted by Halaena.

"Glad you could make it here brother," she gave her a smug.

He made his revulsion very obvious to the arrogance of his sister.

"You're such a sore loser kuya."

He wanted to laugh at her for thinking that he was actually swayed by her hollow threat to him. He did not come here to celebrate, nor to follow the orders of father. He came here to check on his mother. He could still remember the scene that happened a month ago...

He refused to even wink as Halaena literally pointed her gun on his head.

"I'm warning you brother. This will not do you any good, retaliate and I'll shoot."

A normal person would have already died on the spot due to heart attack. And in normal circumstances, he would do too. But knowing that it was Halaena who held the gun right now assured him that everything was just an act. She could not and will never even dare hurt him. Because despite her very tough façade, there was still the same loving and unexpectedly sweet little sister he grew up with. She was still the same sister who cried in his room privately every time the Queen scolded her. And she was still the same sister who helped him escape the confinement of his life in the luxurious cage of the palace walls five years ago.

He looked directly at her amber eyes -- the eyes that he himself have -- before giving her a reassuring smile.

Dahan-dahan niyang inilayo ang baril sa mula sa pagkakatutok sa kanyang ulo. He knew he had already won over her mind games when she showed no signs of retaliation.

And with pleading eyes she spoke, "The imperial consort Guinevere is sick, she wants to see you."

He was shocked. "Imposible? Paanong nangyari ito?"

Inilayo nito ang tingin mula sa kanya, "It was something unexpected, isang araw ay bigla na lamang siyang nilagnat, then she collapsed. The royal physician says it's an unknown viral infection."

He clenched his fist, how come that he didn't even know that his own mother was sick! Damn it!

"The palace kept it secret to protect the image of the royal family," anito na waring nabasa ang kanyang iniisip.

He was rendered speechless, How? Why? Last time he saw, his mother was as strong as a cow! How the hell did this happen?

Naputol ang kanyang mga katanungan nang muling magsalita ang kapatid, "Be there, otherwise I will personally scour the whole kingdom and bring you there myself. Even if I have to sedate you, I will," gone was the gentleness in her voice, she was wearing her Ice Queen mask again.

Kahapon pa siya nakabalik sa Camelot upang makita ang ina. But when he was about to do so, the royal physician prevented him. They said that she was quarantined to thwart the possibility of spreading the virus. He is worried sick, but all he could do is wait and hope for the best.

"Penny for your thoughts brother?" tanong ni Halaena.

"I'm just worried for the Imperial Concubine Guinevere."

"Don't worry, she's in good hands. She'll be as good as new in no time at all."

Binigyan niya ito ng isang pilit na ngiti.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! At bakit nagsosolo kayong dalawa diyan? Come and join the family," wika nang kararating lamang na si Prinsipe Ares.

He made a loud whistle towards a group of men standing near them.

"Look what I got here!" Ares shouted at them. Several guests turned their heads to them, their face painted with disdain to whoever forgot their manners and etiquette at home to cause such ruckus. Agad namang pumaling palayo ang mga ito nang makitang si Prinsipe Ares ang may kagagawan ng pagsipol. He cringed at the hypocrisy of those people. That was the kind that he hated most, those doters who always aimed to please the Royal Family just to climb the upper echelon.

Huli na nang mapagtanto niyang ang mga kapatid pala nila ang sinenyasan nito. Seconds later, the princes of the kingdom gather around him.

"So the prodigal son suddenly appeared! Welcome back dear brother," his older brother, Prince Lancelot, gave him a bear hug.

"Mukhang nagpakasaya sa labas ng palasyo kuya ah," si Prince Camael naman, isa sa nakababata niyang kapatid.

"Fun is an understatement. He fucked his way all over town. Damn you Gareth! Why the heck didn't you tagged me along when you left," naghigh-five sa kanya ang pinakamatanda sa kanilang magkakapatid, ang susunod na magmamana ng trono, si Prinsipe Arthur.

All together; Prince Geraint, Prince Galahad and Prince Tristan (the only triplets among his siblings), gave him a wicked grin. "You're sexcapades are always trending on twitter," si Galahad.

"Such a ladies' man," sabad naman ni Abadon.

"And quiet the heart breaker too, fuck senselessly at night and leave without a word when the sun rises," it was Ulysses's turn to taunt him.

Mukhang bugbog sarado na siya sa pang-iintriga ng mga ito sa kanya, "Shut the hell up! As if you are not having fun on your own, dear brothers. Ang pinagkaiba lang natin, I let other people know my escapades on fuckville while all of you do it silently.

"And besides I know all about the woman who limped for three days after you three banged her at the same time," pagpapatuloy niya.

Pinamulahan ang triplets, "That's what you get when a woman tries to deceive all of us. It's our own personal punishment for her. Pasalamat nga siya we just let her experience Heaven, Purgatory and Hell at the same time."

Boys will truly be boys. Magkakapatid nga sila. They are all cut of the same cloth.Every one of them laughed at their own humor, of course except for Halaena.

"If I just have the power to strip you off your Parliamentary Immunity, I will definitely use it right now. I'd love to personally honor each and every one of you a lifetime billeting to the cells of Tartarus. Hindi ako makapaniwalang may mga kapatid akong kagaya niyo. A couple of dickheads and assholes," Helaena exclaimed at them.

Lalo lamang lumakas ang kanilang tawa.

Inakbayan ito ng Prince Arthur, "No wonder you're still a virgin at your age Halaena. Still as cold as an Ice, as blazing as a flame, and as hard as a diamond. You'll drive every man away from you."

Inalis nito ang pagkakaakbay, "Who needs man? I don't. Kung kagaya nyo lang naman, thanks but no thanks."

"Just tell us Halaena, I know some good friends of mine who like to subdue feisty woman. Maybe one of them could finally pop your cherry," says Avalon, obviously toying with her.

She was now seething with anger, "Why you, Aaaaaaaahhhhhh!" saka nagmamadaling lumayo sa kanila.

All of them laughed at their scorned sister. They just loved tearing down the Ice Queen façade of Helaena.

"Humanda sa pagdating ng mahal na Hari!" then the room was suddenly silent.

Echoing sounds of a drum rolls fill the air. Doon na niya nakita ang Amang Hari habang tinatahak nito ang daan patungo sa kanyang trono. As a part of royal courtesy, everybody gave His Majesty a ninety degree bow, including them.

Sabay-sabay na nag-angat ng ulo ang lahat nang makaupo na sa kanyang trono ang hari.

He carefully studied his father. He hated the look on his father's face as he viewed the entire guests from above his throne, it was as if he was a supreme omnipresent deity and they were just his mere subjects. Even after five years, his father still bore his detestable, emotionless but dangerous aura.

"MALIGAYANG BATI SA INYO AMING KAMAHALAN," came the synchronized greetings from the crowd.

"Isang kahunghangan ang isiping ang lahat ng tao ay pantay-pantay..." the King began his speech. He never liked his fathers' speeches, it was always full of the same bullshits that emphasized his power over the kingdom. And to top all of that, everybody was required to speak their mother tongue. No other language was accepted but pure Filipino. It's a form of courtesy to king. Everybody, including them, will be punished. That's how Pendragon valued its history. And again, it was all bullshit for him.

"Pagkat ito'y walang katotohanan at bunga lamang ng mga adhikaing mula sa mga taong nag-aasam ng isang huwad na kapayapaan. May mga taong dugong-bughaw, may mga taong may taglay na katalinuhang higit kaninuman, may mga taong ipinanganak nang alipin, may mga taong sadyang isinilang nang sakitin at mahina. Lahat ng mga ito ay dahil sa natural na pagkakaiba-iba ng bawat nilalang na dulot ng pagbibiro ng tadhana sa buhay nating lahat. Walang mali sa hindi pagkakapantay-pantay! Ang mali ay ang isiping pareho ang antas ng bawat isa! Marahil ito ang dahilan kung bakit nagkaroon ng deskriminasyon sa mundo, ngunit ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit mayroong alab sa puso ng bawat isa na nagnanais sa umusad patungo sa kaunlaran. Hindi mapipigilan ng kahit na anong huwad na adhikain ang pagsulong ng Pendragon. Tayo ay lalaban! Tayo ay maninindigan! Tayo ay magiging matagumpay sa paghawak natin sa buong daigdig! MABUHAY ANG KAHARIAN NG PENDRAGON!"

"Mabuhay!" the cheer of the crowd suddenly joined the voice of his fool of a father.

Ball gowns were certainly not in Steffanie's list of favorite clothing. She found it hard to breathe in and very difficult to move around. But she did not have a choice, a celebration like the King's Birthday Party required such garment to be worn.

"Bakit naman mo binuburo ang sarili mo dyan, Steff?" it was her best friend Sofia.

She and the other students who made it in the dean's list were all required to join the birthday celebration of His Majesty to represent the Kingdom's flagship learning institution, the University of Pendragon.

"You very well know that I do not fit in here, halos lahat dito ay mga dugong bughaw."

Sofia made a face, "Oh come on Steff! Umiiral na naman yang pagiging Anti-social at kill-joy mo."

"Easy for you to say, you are the daughter of the Duke of York. Madali lamang sa iyo na makihalubilo sa kanila. While I am just a commoner who happened to qualify for a scholarship grant."

"Don't downcast yourself too much girl. You earned your position at the University. You've got the talent and the brains. Added bonus na lang ang kagandahan mong taglay," her friend winked at her.

Dalawang matipunong lalaki ang dumako malapit sa gawi nila.

"See that guys over there?" turo ni Sofia sa mga ito. "Bet na bet tayo ng mga hombreng yan, kanina pa ngang nagpapacute sa atin eh."

Nagulat siya sa mga namutawing salitang balbal mula kay Sofia. They were debriefed by their University President earlier to be at their best behaviour, and that included being lady-like and using formal speech when communicating with the other guests. Ngunit ano pa nga ba ang magagawa niya. This was Sofia. Hindi ito ang matalik niyang kaibigan kung magpapadala lamang ito sa mga simpleng utos. She was always the deviant type.

Bago pa siya nakasagot ay nakalapit na ang dalawa sa kanila, "May these two beautiful young ladies merit us a dance?" pagyaya ng isa sa kanila.

"Sure!" inabot naman ni Sofia ang noo'y nagyayang kamay ng lalaki. The other man gave her a pleading smile. All of them were looking at her now.

"I am sorry but I have some other things to attend to," nagsimula siyang lumakad palayo sa mga ito. She was not comfortable in the company of men. She found them very lethal and dangerous.

Tinahak niya ang landas patungo sa pavilion. She really had difficulty walking. Aside from her towering stilettos, the petticoat she wore was really hindering her innate ability to walk.

Ouch! She cussed when she almost tripped. She needed to slow down her phase. Nagsimula na kasing patayin ang mga ilaw to give way for the ballroom. This was not a good sign for her. Not only did she found difficulty walking right now, she was also night blind and did not have any peripheral vision.

She could almost see the entrance to the pavilion when she felt her ankle twist on the sudden pressure of her step. She immediately lost her balance. Oh Crap!

Gareth was bored to death. This was the mere reason why he never liked parties in the palace. It's boring from the inside out. No hard liquors, only wine. No dirty dancing, only classical ballroom. No orgies, only casual chit-chats! And the blue-blooded ladies? C'mon! they were beautiful, he had to admit that. But the way they play hard-to-get was a turn-off for him. They were so virginal and demure that he almost believed their act. Good thing he knew better. Alam niya ang likaw ng mga bituka nito. These so called noblewomen were worse than Pendragon's common tramps. They always bargain themselves for power, jumping from one man's bed to another just to alleviate their royal status. He knew that for a fact because he bedded most of these noble sluts.

"Are you enjoying the party my prince?" it was Natalya, the daughter of the Earl of Synclair and one of his ex-fuckner.

She anchored her arm to his, inconspicuously rubbing her ample bosom to his arm. Bumuntong hininga siya bago tinanggal ang pagkaka-abrisiete sa kanya. He was not in the mood to play with her.

"It's been so long, Gareth. How have you been? Bakit hindi mo man lang ako kinontak? I missed you so much."

This was the mere reason why he did not contact her, she's too clingy and possessive. And that's the things he hated most. All he wanted was a fuck buddy who will help him release some of the stress and tension brought by the palace. He was a no-strings-attached kind of guy. At iyon ang hindi makuha ng babaeng ito.

"Our friends actually thought na tuluyan mo na akong iniwan. But you're here now, so let's continue where we left off."

Bumuntong hininga muna siya bago hinarap ang babae, Time to really settle this.

"Natalya, there's nothing to continue. In fact there is no 'where we left off.' You were just a part of the past, one of the many who shared my bed. Capiche?"

He was about to walk out when she reached after him.

"Where are you going? Don't turn your back on me, or else!"

Lumapit siya pabalik rito, "Or else what? You'll shout here and cause a scandal? Go ahead! I'm already a walking scandal of the royal family. Need I not remind you that this is the birthday of the King. Spoil it, then face a consequence more gruesome than death."

Tuluyan na siyang lumayo rito at tinahak ang daan patungo sa pavilion. He needed a breather. He did not want another encounter again with Natalya or any other women he used to screw. He'd reached his limit. Wala siya sa mood na makipaglaro sa mga ito. Baka kung ano pang masabi niya sa mga ito kung nagkataon.

Malapit na siya sa bukana ng pavilion nang may mapansin siya. A woman whose ahead of him a few steps forward suddenly lost her balance. His reflexes immediately operated. Tinakbo niya ang natitirang pagitan sa kanilang dalawa ngunit huli na ang lahat. The woman was already on the floor when he finally reached her.

"Are you okay milady?" he asked her.

"I'm fine, but I think I slightly sprain my ankle," sagot nito sa kanya habang hinihimas ang nasaktang paa.

He was allured by her soft and melodious voice, it was as if he was being serenaded by a siren. Dahan-dahang ipiniling nito ang ulo paharap sa kanya.

Amber eyes met icy blue. He was rendered speechless by the beauty that beckoned in front of him. She had her blonde hair tied in a bun wherein unruly locks were falling freely on the sides. Her face was simply of a goddess; tantalizing eyelashes, tiny but slender nose and luscious red lips. And of course, her most dominant feature; her icy blue eyes that depict her very soul. She was simply breathless.

Napuno ng pagtataka ang magandang mukha nito.

"Is something the matter?" her eyes turned from the lightest shade of blue to aqua. He was amazed as her eye color shifted as her mood changed. Streaks of wild lust instantaneously enflamed his whole system, focusing specially on his nether regions. What color would her eyes be in the throes of passion? What would be the sound of her voice, while he viscously rams himself inside her? Those thoughts immediately sent his libido into overdrive.

He was definitely trap, suspended into this temporal state that this siren magically conjured. He needed her tonight. He wanted him for tonight. And he will have her tonight. That's final.

She tried to get up by herself but her petticoat prevented her from succeeding.

Nauna siyang tumayo upang alalayan ito. He extended his hand for help. Nag-aalinlangan nitong inabot ang kanyang kamay saka hinila ang sarili patayo.

"Thank you," she said as she resumed her strides towards the pavilion.

Sinundan niya ito bago tuluyang makalayo sa kanya. She will not get away!

"Does milady mind if I escort her to the pavilion?"

Steffanie does not know what to do. Ever since that man appeared, her system has gone haywire. Hindi na niya maintindihan ang mga nangyayari. All she was aware of was the sudden attraction she felt towards this stranger.

"Would you mind if I join you?" muling pamamaalam nito marahil dahil hindi niya sinagot ito sa unang pagkakataon.

Her heart skipped another beat. Hindi niya makapa ang tamang salitang gagamitin para masagot ito. She was intimidated yet enamoured by his presence.

Aside from the fact that the man was already towering in his almost six feet three inches height, he also exuded an aura that separated him above the rest.

"I'd take that as a yes," wika nito nang wala siyang maisagot.

Hinila siya nito patungo sa pavilion. She was like a fig leaf hauled by a strong wind. And to think that it was hard for her to walk on the first place, she was practically dragged to her heels.

"Please stop Sir, you're hurting me," she finally exclaimed.

Tumigil lamang ito nang marating na nila ang pavilion. He made her leaned towards the handrail, enveloping her with his huge body. His fragrant yet masculine scent invaded her nostrils. They were too close for comfort, and to her surprise, she liked feeling the warmth emanating from this stranger's body.

Inilapit nito ang bibig malapit sa kanyang kanang tainga. She could feel his minty breath on her nape. His gesture immediately sent nodes of electric impulses to her already short-circuited system.

"May I know the name of the lady?"

What was happening to her? This was nothing like her usual self. She was always very aloof with men. Heck! She was even aloof with her own father. Tanging sa kuya niya lamang siya nagtitiwala. But why did she felt a sense of belongingness as if she knew this perfect stranger all her life? And why on earth does she feel safe and secure inside his arms, as if there is a sense of familiarity that everything will be all right as long as she was with him. There were too many questions that even she could not answer.

Mariin siyang tinitigan nito. She stared back him, only to be fascinated by the color of his eyes. She first thought it was hazel but when she got a chance to take a closer look, it was actually amber. A pang of familiarity struck her. She'd seen that before, she just couldn't remember where.

"Cat got your tongue?" he said as he flashed his wicked smile.

"Why do you wanna know my name?" finally she found her voice once again.

"'Cause I wanna kiss you shamelessly right now, and it's not my style to kiss perfect strangers."

Lalong bumilis ang tibok ng kanyang puso. A small voice from inside her head commanded to run away as fast as she could, but all comprehension escaped from her being now. She could not think straight.

"My name is Steffanie," that confirmed it. She was definitely not on her sane mind.

"Good! And my name is Gareth."

He immediately went for lips, before she even got a chance to imprint his name on her mind. She was surprised by the sudden invasion. She has never been kissed all her life and she doesn't know what to do. His lips began to part hers, as if assuring her that everything would go smooth and natural. She rhythmically moved hers to keep up him. Then he began to dart his tongue inside her mouth. She retaliated at first, but she eventually welcomed his invading tongue, letting him explore the deepest portion of her mouth. She could not describe the feeling. It's marvellous. It's fantastic. It's extraordinary. It's exactly how authors described kissing on romance books. She always thought kissing was overrated. But now, she thought otherwise. She fearlessly accepted the invitation of his encouraging tongue. Using her instincts, she followed his lead. Their tongues were now lavishing each other nonchalantly.

They paused for a moment, both catching their breath.

"Oh Lady, do you know what you're doing to me? You're as sweet as a fresh berry."

He was about to kiss her again when they both got distracted by the sound of bell. It was from the west wing of the palace that bore the giant clock tower, signalling the strike of midnight. Tila binuhusan siya ng malamig na tubig. Unti-unting bumalik ang kanyang tumakas na katinuan. Tinulak niya palayo ang lalaki.

Nagulat ito sa kanyang biglang pagbabago ng mood, "Did I hurt you my princess?"

He saw confusion on his eyes. But before he could say anything more and before she'd loose her sanity again, she bagan to run away.

"I'm sorry Sir! I need to be home after midnight otherwise I'm dead meat," she shouted as she ran towards to nearest exit.

Ilang metro pa lamang ang naitatakbo niya ay makailang beses na siyang muntik na matapilok. Napagpasyahan na lang niyang hubarin na lamang ang dalawang sapatos at iwan sa daan.

She was thankful enough that he didn't chase her. She did not have the strength to look at him in the eye after the thing they both did. And besides, she needed to went home as soon as possible or else, her step mom would be really mad at her.

She wanted to laugh on the irony of what's happening right now. She, escaping a party in the palace at the strike of twelve, deliberately leaving her shoes as she escaped, and facing the tyranny of her step mother. Is she Cinderella? Dream on Steff, you can never have your happy ever after.