Reign Of The Hearts (Reino De Filipinas 1)

Chapter 2

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE LIAM

January 19, 2020
Sinulog Festival Grand Parade
10:00AM/ Alcala de Escolta Real Cebu City

"Your Royal Highness, this will be the parade's schedule today," Jaques walked toward me and put the iPad on top of my table. "But it's not yet final. We're still firm with our decision, Sir."

I nodded at him. Naiintindihan ko ang sentemiyento ng mga tao ko at ng palacio.

"Duration?" I asked while scanning the gadget. Hindi pa man nagsisimula, pagod na ko sa nakikitang schedules.

"About an hour. Depends on the crowd."

I grunt.

"Tell the boys to coordinate with the city council. I can't be delayed for my flight later this evening. You have to fix this, now. I can do the opening for the program at the plaza."

"Noted Sir. I'll call the organizer and the office of the Mayor. I'll get back to you, ASAP."

I nod and Jaques went outside of my room here on the estate to do his thing.

Namasahe ko ang sentido. Hindi pa man ako nakaka dalawang oras sa Cebu, pinutakte na ko ng sangkaterbang meetings at engagements. I was supposed to ride in a bulletproof SUV, wave to the waiting crowd for an hour. With my patented I'm-your-crown-prince smile, followed by the compendious speech my staff prepared.

But the Controls and my security team were against it. Up to the last minute, there's been a deliberation whether I'll get be part of the parade not. It's getting on my nerves.

Nahahapong napasandal ako sa upuan at tulalang tumitig sa family portrait na nakasabit sa gitna ng maluwag na opisina.

It was us, the Royal Family. Nasa gitna ang abuelo't abuela ko habang nasa kanan ako't napapalibutan ng mga pinsan ko't kapatid. Picture perfect, right?

I'll say that it's bullshit.

My life is an endless engagement, complex protocols, strict traditions, and injunctions. Sa kabila ng karangyaan na nakikita ng lahat, hindi nila batid kung ano-anong mga kailangan naming gawin. Kung ano ang mga bagay na dapat isakripisyo para sa trono.

The Crown and the Family will always come first.

Kaya kahit gusto kong magpahinga hindi maaari. This parade or whatever schedule they have for me is part of my duty as the nation's crown prince. The heir apparent who's always expected to be wise all smiles for the camera and be a role model to all our subjects.

We can't really have it all,I thought. May kaniya-kaniya tayong mga sakripisyong dapat ibigay sa buhay.Naiiling na napatayo ako't lumakad patungo sa bintana.

Tanaw mula sa kinaroroonan ko ang malawak na lupain na sakop ng pinakamaliit na kastilyong pag mamay-ari ng pamilya namin. The Alcala de Escolta Real, a sprawling Baroque castle sitting in 2, 000 sqm of land. It's magnificent and speaks opulence just like the rest of the castles and estates we have across the country.

Abruptly, I felt a pang that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth as memories of my childhood poked my brain. Fuck! When will I move on? Dalawang dekada na ang nakakalipas pero bakit ganoon pa din ang kirot kapag naaalala ko ang mga magulang ko?

Shit. Get a grip, fool!

But unlike El Estio, this place is tolerable for me. Isa pa, hindi naman ako mag tatagal dito sa Cebu, mamayang gabi lilipad rin kami pabalik ni Yñaki sa Manila. There are some Japanese delegates waiting for me tomorrow, so I better stop sulking and work my ass off so that I'm over and done here.