Bare (Royal Society #2) COMPLETED

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

Conflict Within the Walls

I stopped walking, leaving a bit of distance between us. Her back was on me but I know she already felt my presence. She's very observant in those little things kaya alam ko iyon.

"Are you mad at me?" She asked after deafening silence enveloped us both. I didn't answer because she should know me by now, just like how I know her.

She chuckled. "Right. You don't get mad easily because you like facing the problems head-on to avoid conflicts in the future."

"Maybe that's our difference. I kept everything in my head, not letting anyone in, which eventually results to conflict. But that's why... that's why I wasn't able to say anything about my identity, Dawn. Because I'm scared, no, I'm terrified to drag you in my mess."

"Your family is nice... too nice for my own good kaya hindi ko masabi ang totoo. I lost count on how many times I convinced myself that I should tell you the truth and just let you decide if you'll stay accept me as I am, the dethroned crowned princess who lack virtue and failed to comply with my duty as a model of the society."

"You are still the same Elise who asked for shelter a year ago," I said and walked towards her.

She looked at me with her amber eyes glowing with pain and her tears flowing like a waterfall. I wiped her tears and cradled her in my arms. Then she cried, she wailed, and she let everything out while muttering her apology.

But she don't have to apologize for anything. She kept her identity hidden because she wanted to protect us. She never intended to hide it from us forever. And that's enough for me.

After she calmed down, she faced the fields again and chuckled. "Izaac will surely tease for being an ugly cry baby."

I didn't react. Iba pala talaga kapag narinig mo sa iba kung gaano sila kalapit sa isa't isa. I thought I'm ready for this but clearly, I'm not. Hearing her say his name like they've known each other for so long, pains me. I'm really am selfish for him... until now.

"You probably don't know him-"

"I... I know him," very well. From his hair to his soul, I know him very well, Elise.

She faced me. "Huh?"

I just smiled at her before returning my gaze to the field. "I am an attendant from East Palace, that's why."

"Ahh. He must have annoyed you as well, huh?" She said, making me look back at her. "I don't know but the way you said it... makes me wonder if you have a history with him. Not to mention, Siah looked like him. One who knew Izaac's face can easily reach to that conclusion."

My eyes widen and she smirked. "Am I correct, Dawn? He is the father of Siah and you are the reason why he went off grid for years saying he was deployed for his duties."

"But I wonder why did you end things with him? Is it because he was disqualified from being the King? But you're not like that..."

My eyes remained at her as she said those nonchalantly. What does she mean by that? Izaac was... disqualified from the position? But why...

"Dawn." I blinked when she waved her hand in front of me. "What happened to you? It's like you are hearing this first time. Don't tell me..."

I nodded weakly. She gasped. "But that news turned the whole royal family in chaos. How could you not know about it? Even the commoners were shocked by the news, Dawn."

"I-I don't know. We isolated ourselves in a hut near the fields for months before we went here."

Her mouth went gape like she couldn't believe what she just heard. I remained staring at her, waiting for her statement.

She took a deep breath before starting. "It was revealed a few months after his return from his duty. Or should I say, after your break up? Anyway, the ruckus started from the Palace. Then it just spread to the people. I think... it was Izaac who discovered the truth about his family, although it's not a big thing, the people made it look like one."

"What do you mean truth about his family? He is the exact replica of King Archirale, Elise."

"Yes," she answered and nodded. "Because he is the first son of King Archirale... with the first Queen of the East Clan, Queen Sanaiah."

Queen Sanaiah? As far as I know, she is from the Imperial Family and it was an arranged marriage with King Archirale. But her reign only lasted for a few years because she died in her sleep. Then Queen Athena, the first princess that time, was coroneted as Queen to fill the position.

"The tale of East Clan is still a mystery to me because the history about Queen Sanaiah was brief, it was like they don't even want to recognize her as the Queen. But that was not the reason why Izaac rejected in the first place. He didn't comment about it but there must be a reason behind."

"But the people eventually found out about it and they didn't accept it easily. They said East Clan lied about the reason of rejection to the crown and just want to keep Izaac's birth a secret. You know how strict they are with the rules in regards with the crown, right?"

I nodded. "Only the heir of current reigning King and Queen can receive the crown."

"Yes," she answered. "That's why they are petitioning Izaac's dethronement but what they didn't know is that Izaac already rejected it in the first place."

I took a deep breath. I'm actually lost for words. Hearing it from Elise is one thing and hearing his story is another... and I'm not quite sure if I am ready for that. Because it's him, we're talking about. The man whom I wished nothing but his happiness. The man who saved me from drowning. The man who became my light in darkness.

It was like it feels so unfair for him. Why would they judge him like that? Is it his fault Queen Sanaiah died early? Why would they accuse him of hiding behind the King and Queen's back when I know he made that decision for himself?

Because that's Izaac. He is somewhat like Dusk where if he doesn't like something, he will reject it right away.

"Dawn," I looked at Elise when she called me. She seemed so serious right now that I felt like I'm talking to Sean.

"Let me ask you one thing."

She looked unsure but she still gave in and asked me the question... which I already expected but remained unanswered.

"What will you do when the time comes and you will see him again?"

***

Queen Sanaiah's story - Upholding the Crown of the East, is up :))