Howling Marionette

Chapter 32

"Sir Kajar please listen, I know I'm a mortal but I can help. I am capable-"

"Do you know why the past Queens offered their hearts to their King? because they are stupid."

Napahinto ako sa sinabi niya, it was like my whole confidence shattered into pieces. How could he easily say that?

"I don't think I'm like them nor I am stupid. I know my capabilities," I said while calming myself from breaking down.

"Yes, you can say that but I don't think you can your Majesty. His royal highness was in that position because of your stupidity."

Napatango-tango, I know and that's the main reason why I wanted to help.

"Just give me a chance-"

"What will you do if your command was wrong and lost hundred of wolves because of it?"

"I will not."

"I don't think that's the right answer your Majesty."

Napakapit ako sa pader nang makita ang madilim nitong mga mata. "Don't get too cocky your highness, just stay in your place and drink your favorite tea."

Iniwan niya akong nanginginig hindi dahil sa takot kundi sa galit. Galit dahil lahat ng sinabi nito ay may punto, paano kung makagawa ako ng desisyong ikakapahamak ng lahat?

I was about to go back when I saw the werewolf named Rio leaning against the wall while looking at me.

"Done with your emotion fight?"

Napahinto ako at malamig na binalingan ito ng tingin. "What do you want?"

"Let me see his majesty, I want to confirm that our King isn't dead."

Napakunot ang noo ko. "Why are so persistent? Do you want to be the King?"

His expression didn't change, it seems like I'm wrong. I don't know what he's up to but I'm not in the mood to understand him. What would he gain from seeing Demetrius? Trust? Command?

"Let me tell you honestly, Demetrius was cursed and was unable to wake up."

I tried figuring out his expression but still, it didn't change.

"You don't believe me?"

"You're dying."

Hindi ko alam kung malulungkot ba ako o matatawa, I'm already dead young wolf.

"What are you saying?" I tried acting like I was confused.

Itinuro niya ang dibdib ko. "The mark, it's fading."

Napatingin ako sa marka at nanlamig ako dahil sa nakita. Kalahati nalang ang marka at hindi na ito umiilaw kagaya ng dati.

Hinila niya ako at dinala sa kwartong naglalaman ng mga klase-klaseng sandata.

"Tell me, what's really happening between you and his majesty?"

Napahinga ako ng malalim. "I was cursed and Demetrius took the curse from me, that's what happened."

"Why are you dying when his Majesty is cursed? Marks can only disappear when the Queen needs to offer her heart to the King. If that's the case then what's happening to you?"

"Bakit andami mong tanong? Let it be," saad ko matapos ay kumawala sa pagkakahawak niya sa kamay ko.

Nang makawala ay umatras ako at seryoso siyang tinignan. "Let's make a deal then."

"A deal? What deal? Haa." He let out a deep sigh and grinned.

"I don't think you can easily make a deal with someone like me, we just only met for an hour."

I crossed my arms and stuck out my tongue. "I know but it's a beneficial, a very beneficial deal."

Tinitigan niya ang mga mata ko pababa sa labi kong nakabukas.

"Are you seducing me your Majesty?"

Tumaas ang magkabilang kilay ko. "I don't think you're in the right mind to say that young wolf. Now, hear my deal."

"I want you to kill me," I said loosening up the heavy coat I am wearing.

"I think you're not in the right mind too your Majesty, what would I gain from killing a Queen? Imprisoned for treason?"

"Your King will be saved."

Doon ay hindi siya nakapagsalita muli. "Before that, I want you to come with me in Phanor Empire. I got a very good invitation from the Crown Prince of the Fox tribes." Ipinakita ko ang sobreng kulay itim sakanya.

"Wait, wait... Why are you being like that your Majesty, we just met."

I rolled my eyes. "The moment you held my hand, our deal has begun. Butler Kajar hates me so I don't have any man I can grab, thanks from holding my hand by the way." Ikinaway ko sakanya ang kamay na hinawakan niya kanina lamang.

"Contract signed."

Iniwan ko siyang hindi makapaniwala ang ekspresyon.

Ibinaba ko ang tingin sa itim na envelope, the same color of that box I held. The reason why it all happened.

I should be more careful from now on, I won't let myself fall from his bait.

"You're here, where did you go?"

Nang maisara ang pinto ay nahiga ako sa tabi ni Demetrius. "I missed you."

"Hey, I'm talking to you! Where did you go? I was freaking worried."

"Thanks."

She glares at me and sat down on the table. "You got the invitation right?"

Tumango ako at inangat ang itim na sobre. "It feels like there's something big will happen. That envelope feels like it was well-prepared."

"That fox is totally obsessed with you," saad niya habang nakanguso.

Yumakap ako kay Demetrius at tinitigan ang mukha nito. "I wanna see his eyes again."

"Are you even listening?!"

"I'll be accompanied by Rio, one of the wolves."

"Accompanied? I'll be your partner duh. I can't believe you exchanged my slot as your partner with that wolf. I mean, I'm one of the seven guardians, how could you do that to me?"

"I have a plan."

Nawala ang irita sakanyang mukha at lumipad palapit sa'kin. "What plan?"

Sumilay ang ngisi mula sa'king labi at sinabi ang plano ko simula sa una hanggang sa huli.

"I don't know if it's going to be successful but I trust his obsession with Aurora."

"That's a dangerous plan though, but I will help you. That's risky yet better than killing yourself."

That afternoon when the storm started to pour heavily, I was left alone while hugging the sleeping Demetrius.

The tears werent able to stop from falling because of the loneliness I felt.

Konting tiis nalang Demetrius at makakasama na ulit kita. Konting tiis nalang...