Swan of Snowy Trails (Book 2 of Swan Trilogy)

Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Claude's Last Wish

It's been two weeks since Claudius Xephire Hanselion has been admitted in the ICU.

We gave time for visitation despite the hectic schedule and exhaustion from our routines. Hindi kami mapakale kung gigising pa ba siya o hindi.

Inaabangan namin sa bawat oras ang balita mula sa doktor. We ignored any interview or questions from the press. This doesn't concern them. This is our fight. The media has no right to poke at our lives, especially when a close loved one has been hurt.

Kasalukuyan akong nakikipag-sparring kasama ng mga recruits na nakilala ko sa Knighthood. We exchanged slashes of swords in the air, the clinging sound of metal clashing echoed around us.

Hindi ko na namalayan na nakatayo na pala si Hugo sa tabi ko at kinailangan niya pang tumikhim para kuhanin ang atensyon ko. Tumayo ako nang tuwid atsaka nag-bow sa ka-sparring ko.

"Charlotte, pinapatawag ka ni Prince Tydeus." Bungad ni Hugo nang humarap ako sa kanya.

"Bakit daw?"

"It's about Claude."

Agad sumabog sa isipan ko kung ano ang nangyari sa kanya, nagbabatuhan ang konklusyon kung gising na siya o naging linya na lang ang heart rate monitor niya.

"On my way."

Bago pa ako umalis, hinawakan ni Hugo ang balikat ko. "I hope you and the Hanselions are well. The Trinity family will lend a hand if needed."

"Thank you." 

Agad kong tinabi ang sparring equipment at uniform ko para makapagpalit ng damit. I wore black slacks, loafers, and a loose shirt as I ran back to the palace, ignoring the stares from the other Royals wondering why I'm not wearing my regal dresses.

Natagpuan ko ang mga kapatid niya na kinakausap si Counselor Socrates. Lumingon sila sa direksyon ko nang nakalapit ako sa kanila.

"Now that you're all here, I have an announcement."

"How is he?" Tanong ko.

"Claude is..."

We all fell into silence. My heart pounding through my chest. Nang magsasalita na sana si Counselor Socrates, agad kaming napatingin kay Daniel na may tinuturo sa labas ng bintana.

When we heard the gates had opened and a Bentley arrived at the Fountain Circle, agad kaming tumakbo papunta sa entrada ng palasyo.

Once we reached the bottom of the wide perron staircase and balustrades, the driver opens the door at the back of the Bentley.

A man steps out with a white shirt and jeans, his chest wrapped in some protective bandage, guards circled around within his vicinity. He combed his dark hair with his fingertips as the sunlight kisses his smooth caramel skin.

When his jet black eyes gazes at our direction, his face stiffens. Nagulat siya nang sinalubong namin siya ng group hug.

Kahit alam namin na hindi siya mahilig magpalambing o umaaksyon sa pagyakap, pinisil pa rin namin siya sa braso namin at pinaghahalik-halikan ang malambot niyang pisngi.

Isa-isa namin siyang iniyakap, dahan-dahan lang kami para hindi sumakit ang dibdib niya, it's mostly the bro gestures.

I guess it's awkward for them to hug each other but he didn't complain. Claude even looked relieved to see us again.