Bare (Royal Society #2) COMPLETED

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Five
Storms and Skies

Mess after mess. It was like our clan was bestowed by never ending misfortunes. It all started with me then now, with my brother.

It was saddening to see my clan slowly breaking apart because of conflicts. The only thing we could to keep this together is to not waver... no matter how strong the winds are, no matter how hard the rain is pouring, and no matter how loud the thunder is. We have to stay strong for our clan... for our family and for the people hoping for our survival.

"Elise didn't do anything, neither did I," I answered the Custody's question on to why we were together in those pictures.

It was harmless, really! People are just too malicious to think the otherwise whenever they see a loophole.

"That claim itself won't prove your innocence, Your Highness," they replied.

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako. I don't have anything else to prove it to them! Because there is really nothing going on, damn it.

I stopped tapping my fingers in the table upon realizing something. We can prove that we are innocent by introducing Arlaise to them.

But... I don't want to use her as my way out. Napapikit na lang ako ng mariin. I am damn conflicted.

"We'll go ahead for now, Your Highness. Princess Elizabeth will remain in the custody premises, and so are you."

I nodded and let them leave my sight. Idiots.

I rested my head on the back rest of the chair and just when I was about to close my eyes, I heard a knock.

"What now?" I asked. Baka may nakalimutan pa silang gamit o kung ano man.

"You have a visitor, Your Highness." The person behind the door announced.

I frowned. Wala naman akong inaashaan na bisita ngayon. My whole clan is in chaos, they can't make a move because it will endanger both clans. Then I wonder who.

"Come in," I said and fixed myself.

When the door opened and it revealed my visitor, I quickly stood up from my seat. "Mrs... no, Lady... no, Madame." I scratched my head in embarrassment dahil hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat itawag sa kaniya. She's Arlaise's mother for goodness' sake!

"It's fine, Your Highness. Please don't be concerned by my mere presence," she said and sat down in front of me.

"How..." I stopped because it feels inappropriate especially when I remember how I hurt her precious daughter.

"Izaac, I can call you by your name, okay? I will be straightforward with you."

I looked down and readied myself with her disappointment words.

"This place is awful," she said which made me look at her. She was looking around the small room I am occupying. "But this is better than being exiled."

My eyes widen by what she said. "E-exile?"

She chuckled as if nothing's wrong. "I guess, you weren't aware of it. But please, refrain from being mad about it. Dawn knew about it and she accepted it gladly."

"But-,"

"Izaac, I didn't come here to guilt trip you. That is not my intention," she said and gave me a picture.

I took and slowly flipped it. I looked at her with shock. The happiness inside me can never be translated into words, it was overwhelming. But at the same, guilt washed over me.