Chapter 20 - Tensions in the Palace

Steffanie was just quietly sitting in a nearby table. It was the grand reception of the royal wedding. Halos lahat ng bisita kanina sa Cathedral ay naroroon. They were all socializing with each other. May it be the latest political issue, or just some trivial social gossip, everyone was just simply engrossed with their chit chats.

Ngunit malayo siya sa mga ito. She was in her own world. Hindi pa rin kasi siya makapaniwala sa nangyari kanina. Ni sa hinagap ay hindi niya inakalang magaganap ang ganitong klaseng pangyayari sa kanyang buhay. She was really shocked. It was very unrealistic.

Matagal na niyang natanggap noon na wala siyang happy ending, that she's just nothing but a stigma in this world. But for the love of all that was good, the fate and destiny seemed to conspire for her sake. Someone just proposed to her. And if that wasn't enough, that someone was no other than the Prince of the Kingdom himself!

She was happy. She felt like crying. She wanted to shout. Halo-halong emosyon na ang kanyang nararamdaman.

Gareth's confession. The proposal. The promise of a happy ending. Everything was just simply overwhelming. Sa katunayan, hindi na nga niya ma-enjoy ang pagkaing nakahain sa sobrang pagkabigla.

"What are you thinking, sweetheart?" came the baritone voice of the Gareth.

She didn't answer him. Instead, she just deliberately stared at her ring.

Sumungaw naman ang mga ngiti sa labi ng binata.

"It looks good on you," kinuha nito ang kanyang kamay. And right then and there, he gave a chaste kiss on her hands.

"Tama nga ang Inang Reyna nang sabihin nitong babagay sa iyo ang Sirius diamonds. They are truly a sight to behold. You are truly a sight to behold." He was looking at her like she was the precious gem.

She felt blood rushed on her cheeks. Hindi pa rin siya sanay rito. Especially that they were now officially a couple. This was her first relationship. He was her first man. Her first love. Her first kiss. Her first in many other things.

"Bakit ang tahimik mo?" He said.

But she just smiled at him. Her eyes suddenly flew on Sofia's direction. Kasalukuyan itong nakaupo sa gitnang bahagi ng bulwagan. She was enjoying herself with her new husband. Kitang-kita niya ito sa mata ng kaibigan.

"Hindi pa lang talaga nag-sisink in sa akin ang lahat. I mean, everything is just too overwhelming. And I am just happy, happy for Sofia because she is a princess now. Happy for myself because I am happy."

"I'm happy when you're happy. But it seems that you're forgetting a small fact, sweetheart?"

She looked at him questioningly, "And what might that be?"

"I, too, am a Prince of this Kingdom. Once we're married, you, too, will be Royal."

Napangiti lang siya sa sinabi nito. But what he said was too much. Hindi niya gustong maging isang dugong bughaw. Pareho sila ni Sofia. Given the chance that she could redo her destined path, she'd rather fall in love with a commoner. But everything was too late now, she had fallen deeply in love with this person already. At kung saan naroroon ito, doon siya masaya.

"My exhibit will be next week. Will you come?" pag-iiba niya ng usapan.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. And besides, my nude painting will be there right?" he teased.

Huminga muna siya nang malalim. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest as she recalled everything that had happened. She felt a tingling sensation in her body. Suddenly, a shrilling sensation was shrouding her whole being. She remembered how his hand flew all over her body, how his lips gave her brought her to the edge of infinity, how his...

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Gareth, "Don't give that look Steff. Or I swear to the heavens, I'll fuck here in and there."

Magsasalita pa sana siya ngunit lumapit si Clarence sa kanila. Agad naman itong may binulong kay Gareth. Nagita niya ang paggukit ng pag-aalala sa guwapong mukha nito.

"Shit!" he cursed. Tumayo ito mula sa pagkakaupo. Luminga-linga ito sa paligid na waring may hinahanap.

"Go find, Halaena." Utos nit okay Clarence.

"What's the matter?"

Nagbigay ito ng isang malalim na buntong hininga. "It's dangerous here right now, sweetheart."

"What do you mean?"

"No time to explain. I need you to go home. Kasama mong aalis si Sofia. Be safe, Okay?"

Hindi na siya nakapagtanong pa. Agad na itong umalis palayo sa kanya. She suddenly felt so alone. Hindi niya alam ang gagawin. Then after ten minutes, the Masters of Ceremony had announced that the reception will be finished soon. He was asking everyone to vacate the Throne Room.

The crowd was not happy about it. But what can they do. Agad naman siyang tumayo. She was looking for Sofia. Sinabi ni Gareth ito ang sasabay sa kanya sa paglabas. But she was nowhere to be found.

Nagulat na lamang siya nang may isang kamay na dumantay sa kanyang balikat. Agad siyang humarap para makita ang gumawa nito.

"Hello there, Princess."

It was her Kuya Michael Angelo. Agad naman niyang nginitian ito.

"You look lovely today."

"You, too. You look very dashing, very insanely gorgeous."

Agad namang bumanghilit ng tawa ang kapatid.

"Kailanan mo pa natutunan ang salitang iyan?" he said in amused tone.

"Hanging up with the crown princess has its perks. Natuto ako ng mga bagay-bagay."

"But seriously, thanks for the compliment. I really appreciate it."

"You're always welcome, Michael Angelo."

Ganito parati sila sa publiko. She cannot call him "kuya" in public. They were very discreet. Iyon kasi ang utos ng ina nito. They should act as if they were nothing more than an acquaintance. This was their set-up. Wala dapat makaalam ng kanyang tunay na pagkatao.

Noong una'y nasaktan siya. This just proved that she was nothing more than an excess baggage. It made her feel unwanted by the people around her. But eventually, nasanay na rin siya.

"Want a ride, princess?"

"Thank you for the offer, Your Grace."

Nasa loob na si Steffanie ng sasakyan ng kapatid. Hindi na niya nagawang mahintay pa si Sofia. She was nowhere to be seen.

"You look lovely today, princess, especially with those diamonds."

She felt him hesitate a little bit. Nakita niya ang paglayo ng tingin nito sa kanya. Waring may gusto itong sabihin pero hindi nito magawa diretsuhin siya.

"Thank you."

"Who gave that to you? Sofia?"

Umiling siya. "Nope." Mukhang alam na niya ang gusto nitong tumbukin. She's good in reading between the lines. And her brother was as transparent as a crystal glass.

"Someone important gave this to me."

Binigyan siya nito ng isang makabuluhang tingin.

"I know you, Steff. You are more mature than any people I know. Mas matino ka pa nga kaysa sa akin. That's why I trust you on this one."

Her brother might not deliberately say it, but she knew that deep inside he was very supportive of her.

"Damn it, Steff? A prince? Paano naman ako makikibagay sa bayaw ko," biglang bulalas na ito.

Natawa siya rito. Hinanpas niya ito sa balikat.

"Salamat, kuya," sinsero niyang pagnanalita rito.

She loved his brother with all of her heart. Ang mga ganitong pagkakataon ang lalong nagpapadagdag ng pagmamahal niya rito. She was like her pillar of support growing up. People might hate her, might ignore her presence. But never Michael Angelo. He made her feel that she was still a human being worthy of love, care and affection.

"Basta's wag ka lang paiiyakin noon. To hell with his title, I'll knock the lights out of him."

Before Gareth became her knight in shining armor, her Kuya was her hero. He was her body guard, her defender. Ito ang sumbungan niya noon,ang hingahan niya ng sama ng loob. Ito ang laging kasakasama niya sa kanyang mga birthday. Michael Angelo will forever be her Kuya.

"Thank you always, kuya."

Gareth was pacing back and forth. Hindi na siya mapakali. When the news hit him, all of the fibers in his being were raging with vengeance.

Kasalukuyang ginagamot sa Royal Hospital ang sugatang si Ares. He sustained some minor injuries from his encounter earlier today.

Ikinuwento ni Halaena ang nangyari sa kapatid. Ares saw a group of men slip inside the Jasmine Manor while everyone was busy in the wedding. Mabuti na lamang at sinundan nito ang mga ito. Apparently, those men were trying to plant some dangerous explosives.

Nahilot niya ang kanyang sentido. Katakot-takot na peligro sana ang inabot nila kung hindi ito napigilan ng kapatid.

But the question in his mind still remained. Why the hell did those freakin' sons of a bitch want to plant bombs in the Jasmine Manor? Why the hell did they chose his mother's manor? Oo nga't bakante ito dahil nagpapagamot ang ina sa Asphodel. But still... He couldn't help himself but to think that everything was not a coincidence.

"Are you okay?" tanong sa kanya ni Tristan.

"I am not okay. None of us are okay."

"Tama si Gareth. Unless we find those people who are after us, none of us are safe," pagpapahayag ni Arthur.

"My men have them already. I'll make them talk," Halaena said.

The tension inside the room was already thick. It was a miasma of fear and trepidation. They were already at their wits end. They had underestimated the enemy. Kahit na pinag-igting nila seguridad para sa kasal ni Arthur, may mga nakalusot pa rin. It was now a game of chess. Every piece counts. Every move must be thoroughly thought out. And as of the moment, the pieces on their side were the ones being taken down one by one. They have to act fast, otherwise, it will be game over for them.

"We will not be at the losing end," he declared.

"It's about time for us to fight back!" Halaena said.

"So what will we do?" Tristan inquired.

"Huwag na nating itago sa kanila ang mga nangyayari. They deserve to know."

"But Prince Arthur, the will of the King is to keep this hidden. Na piling tao lang ang makakaalam. It will cause turmoil lalo na pag nalaman ng Reyna."

"Enough already with this nonsense, Halaena! Higit sa ating lahat dito, ikaw ang nakakaalam kung bakit kailangan natin itong gawin. Everyone should know that they're on danger. Everyone should know that someone is after us."

"Arthur is right. Mas madali nating malulusutan ito kung magtutulungan lang tayong lahat." It was Tristan who supported Arthur."

"But what about the King?!"

Halaena was already shouting. He could see the frustration in her eyes.

"Do we neglect the will of the King?! This is treason!"

Hindi na siya nagulat pa sa reksyon nito. Halaena was indeed a true-blue palace dog. Her life was about loyalty to the Kingdom, devotion to the king, and eternal servitude to the people.

"Don't give us that shit, Halaena. Everyone is in danger. They should know what's about to happen. It will be easier for us to protect them if they know," he said to her, hoping to at least knock some sense to his prideful sister.

"But what about the king? This is not what he wants."

"Ako na ang bahala sa hari," Arthur firmly said.

That made her quiet. It seemed that Arthur's authority and demeanor was too overwhelming for Halaena.

"So what do we do again?" Tristan suddenly interjected.

"We need to find them. Once they are found, sisiguruhin kong mata lamang ang walang latay sa mga ito," wika ni Halaena.

They all proceeded with the planning sessions. Pinagigting nila ang seguridad ng bawat miyembro. Their Chevaliers were instructed to be with their charges no matter where they are. A curfew and limitations shall be imposed to each one of them. No one was to leave Camelot no matter what. They need to be together. They need to stand as one.

Umalis na ang kanyang mga kapatid matapos nilang mailahad ang lahat ng kanilang plano. He decided to stay. Siya muna ang magbabantay kay Ares habang nagpapahinga ito.

He suddenly felt exhausted. This dangerous situation was already taking a toll on him. He knew that they were being played at by some power-tripping psycho. That somehow, that psycho wanted to show them that the Royal Family's superiority was not absolute. He knew that more will be coming their way. More tricks, more rain of terror, and more mind games. Ngunit isa lang ang ikinatatakot niya, paano kung tumigil na ito sa paglalaro. What if that psycho aimed for something bigger? Paano kung simulan na talaga sila nitong ubusin?

He suddenly thought of his family whom he deserted when he decided to follow the path of freedom. Kakabalik lamang niya ngunit ito agad ang krisis na hinaharap nila. His ambitious of a mother was sick. Lancelot and Anya were still recuperating. Then Steff... She was nearly raped because of him. Alam niyang siya ang dahilan at pinuntirya ito. Mabuti na lamang at walang nangyaring masama rito. She was the best thing that ever happened to him. She was a light that illuminated his dimly lit world. And he will do everything for her.

He grabbed his phone and texted Sir Clarence. Agad naman itong pumasok sa silid na kinalalagyan niya.

"Ano pong maipagliligkod ko sa inyo, kamahalan?"

"What happened to Steff after I left her today? Safe ba siyang nakauwi kasama ang Crown Princess?"

"I had her followed, your highness, tulad ng utos ninyo. She was able to come home safely."

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag sa narinig. At least, one baggage of worry was now laid off from his shoulder.

"But your highness, it seems that Miss Steffanie was not with the Crown Princess..."

Natuon muli ang pansin niya rito. "What do you mean?"

"Dumiretso ang Crown Princess sa palasyo ng Mahal na Hari pagkatapos ng kasal. She was lead there by the King's Chevalier."

"Kung ganoon, sino ang kasama ni Steff?"

"A certain man from the reception. Hinatid siya nito pauwi ng bahay. Apparently, it was the son of the Duke of Sutherland. His name is Michael Angelo."

Suddenly a feeling of jealousy rose from his insides. Who was that man? And what does he got to do with Steff? He needed to find out.

"You may go now."

Agad namang tumalima ang kanyang Chevalier.

Muli niyang kinuha ang kanyang cellphone. This time, he dialled Steffanie's phone number. It took three rings before she could answer.

"Yes?" she said over the phone.

"How are you, sweetheart?"

"I am perfect. Why did you call?"

"I just want to hear your voice," he gently said. And true enough, he really wanted to her voice. It made him relax. It calmed him. But he called for a purpose. He wanted to know all about that man.

"Were you able to come home safely? Were you escorted by the Crown Princess?"

Ilang sandaling katahimikan ang namayani. And in her usual candid tone, she answered, "Yep, Sofia was gracious enough to bring me home. We went together."

He squeezed his phone tightly. This time bile was now leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Good to hear that, sweetheart. See you tomorrow then." He said in his usual tone as he hanged up the phone. But that was fake. He was so angry right now that he wanted to throw this fucking phone outside the window.

Steff just casually lied to him. He thought she was a pure soul, an angel who knew nothing but kindness. But he was wrong. For now he had proven that she could actually lie through her teeth.

This will be the judgment day for Steffanie. Ngayong araw na ang kanyang exhibit. This will be a make or break situation for her. Tapos na siya sa lahat ng kanyang academic requirement. She had also successfully defended her thesis. Tanging itong exhibit na lamang ang kailangan niya para maka-graduate.

They were inside the largest ampi-theater in UP. Lahat ng graduating arts student ay naroon. Bawat isa sa kanila ay may kani-kaniyang booth. Hers was located at the middle part kasama ang mga kapwa niya Fine Arts Students. Karamihan kasi ng nasa unahang bahagi ay ang mga Interior Design Major samantalang ang mga nasa dulong bahagi naman ay ang mga Architecture Students.

This in itself was a grand event. Sa katunayan, darating ang mahal na Hari upang pormal na buksan ang exhibit.

Pinasadahan niya ng tingin ang sariling booth. Everything was in proper order. Maging siya ay hindi makapaniwala sa kanyang nakikita. Never in her had she imagined that she will finish her exhibit on time. But she did. All thanks to Gareth who helped her attain these beautiful pieces.

Napadako naman ang tingin niya sa highlight ng kanyang exhibit. Her centrepieces were two paintings of Gareth, both exhibited two different facets of the world. The one in the right was called Mars Gradivus. The painting symbolizes war and pride. In the painting, Gareth stood there like a mighty ruler. He was clad in an impenetrable silver armor. His eyes depicted rampage as he was engulfed with crimson flames. But the thing was, he didn't look burnt at all. He was not even a singed. Instead, he depicted a stance that seemed to command the fire; that somehow, this dangerous element was bowing down to his majesty.

And opposite to that painting was Mars Quirinus. This time; it depicted peace, tranquillity and order. Ito ang painting ni Gareth nang magbakasyon sila. Unlike Mars Gradivus, Gareth was just wrapped in normal clothes. His eyes were full of adoration and wonder. There was also that devilish smile pasted on his lips. He was one with nature. He was enjoying the sun. He was simply at peace.

This beaming contrast made the whole thing an ensemble, that despite the individual difference, both went good together. Like yin and yang.

She skimmed through her collection. Everything went well together. Naroroon din ang isa pang painting ni Gareth, and Mars Ultor. Naalala tuloy niya ang nude painting ng kasintahan. She deliberately removed Gareth's nude painting. She didn't know why, but she didn't want anyone to see him in all of his pure splendor. He was just so beautiful. She just didn't want any of the other women ogling at his well defined package. Isa kasi itong charcoal painting. And judging by the finished product, it was very obvious that she was having fun painting it. It was well defined, every contour, every muscle and every vein. Everything was very detailed.

She felt the blood rush in her cheeks.

"Why the heck are you blushing?"

Naputol ang pagmumuni-muni niya sa narinig. It was Sofia. Kadarating lang nito sa kanyang booth kasama ang dalawang tagapaglingkod at ang Chevalier nito na si Sir Aramis.

"Anong maipaglilingkod ko sa inyong kamahalan?" she teasingly said to her friend.

An annoyed looked registered on her face.

"Ay, ako nga ay tigil-tigilan mo diyan, Steff. Umayos ka, ah."

She laughed at her own friend's expense.

"Bakit naman ang aga mo naman?" tanong niya. Inaasahan kasi niya ito sa tanghali.

"Well... Nalaman kasi ng mahal na Inang Reyna na naririto sa exhibit na ito. She wanted to see you again. To make a long story short, sumabay na lang kami sa mahal na Hari."

Muling may kakaibang kaba na gumapang sa kanyang dibdib. The Queen Dowager will come and see her again? Oh my...

"Bakit ka naman namumutla? Kanina lang eh, damang-dama mo ang pagblush."

"Sofia... I don't know what to do. Hindi naman kasi ako sanay makihalubilo sa mga kagaya niyo."

"Well, friend dapat masanay ka na," kinuha nito mula sa kasamang tagapaglingkod ang isang magazine. It was a society magazine that usually featured the lives and escapades of blue blood.

Tiningnan niya ito. The cover was none other than Sofia and Arthur's wedding.

"Flip to page five and you'll see."

Ginawa naman niya ang sinabi ng kaibigan. And right then and there, she saw something that mortified her. Muli niyang tinitigan ang pahina. Nais niyang siguruhin na hindi siya namamalikmata. But all of it was real, a whole spread of nothing but her picture.

Ang naroroon ay ang mga larawan niya sa kasal ni Sofia. May mga kuha rin siya na kasama si Gareth. At nakapagpatuyo ng dugo niya ay ang headline, "Another wedding bells for the Royals?"

Binasa niya ang article doon.

After the wedding of century, what comes next? Of course another wedding! It seems that our rogue prince (see photo in the upper right) is currently going out with the Crown Princess's maid-of-honor. Yes, folks, you're read it right. It seems that these two lovers are also to tie the knot in the near future. See that bulging gem on her ring finger? If that wasn't an engagement ring; then, I don't know what that is.

Sources said that this beautiful lass is actually the Princess Sofia's best friend. She is a fine arts student in the University of Pendragon where she actually met the prince. Isn't that juicy?

Want more? Well, sources said that the prince actually spent a solid 10M on their first date. Talk about royals, people!

Watch out for our next issue as we zero-in the romance of this couple.

"Oh, lalo kang namutla," Sofia commented.

"How did this happen?"

"And the girl now asked," Sofia rolled her eyes.

"This is just a matter of time, Steff. Lalabas at lalabas talaga iyan sa mga press. They were not called a hound for nothing."

Nasapo niya ang kanyang mukha. What would she do? What if her family read this? Ano na lang ang mangyayari sa ama kapag nalaman ng mga tao kung sino talaga siya.

"Just calm down, Steff. Enjoy your day. This the last hurdle for you. Saka mo na isipin yan. There is a time for everything. And today is not the time to be paranoid."

Tama ang kaibigan niya. She'll think of this one later. Today, her goal is to survive this day.

"Oh, siya alin ba ang maibebenta mo rito sa akin ng mura?" Sofia asked with a smile.

This event also served as a fund raising for charity. Lahat ng fine arts students ay required na magbenta ng kanilang gawa. The higher the money that they rake in, the higher their grades will be.

"Chose anything that you want. I'll give you a discount."