Gloria Regali

Prelude

 "The Novales revolt paved way for the golden age of the Philippine Empire," Alfredo said. "Ang pag aaklas nila ang naging susi sa laban ng pagkakapantay at kalayaan. Sa pangyayaring ito, nabuo ang Pilipinas bilang isang nasyon." He adds while looking at his granddaughter.

His granddaughter looked at him in apprehension. The fight for power was not what she wanted, but was definitely a price that comes with marrying a prince. Anastasiya took her grandfather's hand and looked at him directly in the eye.

"Lolo naman, as if naman magiging emperatris ako ng bansang ito. Malayong mangyari iyon, kaya wala kayong dapat ikabahala." Anastasiya said.

"Napaka-delikado ng mundo ng palasyo. Hindi lahat ng makakasalamuha mo ay aayon at magiging kakampi mo. Ang iba sa kanila ay gagamitin ka lang sa pansariling hangarin nila." he warned her.

The bride looked at her grandfather and sighed. Her traje de mestiza glistened in the natural light of the suite she stayed at. The wedding gown itself was made traditionally by the seamstresses that make the clothes of the imperial family.

Yet there were modernizations adapted for the request of the soon-to-be member of the renowned Novales family.

"Lolo naman eh," Anastasiya said as she attempted to move in her humungous wedding gown.

"Mangako ka sa akin, Aya." he said with conviction. 

"Opo, heto na po. Mag iingat ako." she said in defense and held both of her hands up. "Ang OA naman nito jusko, hindi nga ako magiging emperatis ng bansang ito." she grumbled under her breath.

Alfredo Andrada scoffed in return. His piercing grey eyes met hers.

"Kahit na. Isa kang Andrada kaya malaki ang tyansang pag-iinitan ka. Kung maari ay umiwas ka sa Real Audencia. Do not get involved with politics, you'll be safe by doing that."

Alfredo walked towards his granddaughter. He became her father figure after Anastasiya's father passed away when she was young. He avoided her gaze.

"Ano ba yan, Lo. Ang drama mo," Anastasiya teased once she saw tears in her grandfather's eyes.

"Natural, nag iisa kitang apong babae. Parang kailan lang ang tumatakbo takbo ka lang sa hardin, ngayon: ikakasal ka na." his breath hitched as the empress of the empire entered the room.

The two stood up in respect and customary greetings.

"Minsan ding naglingkod ang iyong lolo bilang gobernador heneral ng bansang ito at ang ama mo ay isang matapat na mambabatas. Ngunit sinong mag aakalang ang kaisa-isang babae ng pamilyang Andrada ay magiging isang biyaya?"Empress Evelina asked as the butler went inside the room.

"Mahal na emperatris," he bowed. "Naghihintay na po ang kalesa."

The empress got up and placed a tiara upon her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. The tiara was adorned with 5 big diamonds that were surrounded by golden vines, smaller studs also adorned the tiara. The veil was 18 meters long.

The tiara itself meant the loss of innocence and the crowning of love.

Anastasiya was in deep thought as they went down to the church. The Novales Palace was close to the church, a strategic location.

Anastasiya fiddled with her bouquet as she waited for the grand double doors to open. Her grandfather stood beside her. Her attendants fixed her veil, making sure that it covered her face. Knots started forming in her stomach as the grand doors opened.

"Huwag mong kalimutan ang bilin ko sa iyo." He whispered before walking her down the aisle.

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