Wreck (Royal Series #4) COMPLETED

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Stability of the Crown

People around us bowed their heads at once the moment we entered the hall. I peeked at Sean and he was only looking straight ahead but he made sure to match my steps. Mabilis ko lang din binalik ang tingin sa harap at pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili.

We are now married... crowned as the King and Queen of the West Clan. 

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang inaasahan ng mga tao sa pamumuno ko pero I stand by the decision to not let anyone influence my choice in every move I make. I will not let anyone make me waver. 

Patuloy ang pagyuko nila sa harapan namin nang makatapak na kami sa tinaas na platform. I didn't smile because I know the burden behind this coronation. I know exactly the consequences of my decision but it doesn't mean I will regret it.

"Let's make way for the first dance of the crowned King and Queen of the West Clan," we heard the officer of the Upper Clan. 

Sean offered his hand in front and I slowly placed my hand above his. Then I looked up to him, only to see that he was staring at me intently. Nang tumango siya ay nagpaubaya na ako para madala niya ako sa gitna ng dagat ng mga tao.

Then he placed my left hand on his shoulders and raised our enclasped hands in the air. I felt his left hand on my waist as he slowly moves side by side. 

"Still nervous?" I asked. Iyon kasi ang napansin ko kanina, kinakabahan siya.

He shook his head and smiled. "I can never get used to this kind of attention."

Umiling ako sa kaniya at hinigpitan naman niya ang hawak niya sa kamay ko kaya tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, nagtatanong. "But with you, maybe I could live with it... wife."

"I really am your wife now."

When the dance ended, I made sure to greet his parents first. Kaya naman bago pa ako dalhin ni Sean sa mga magulang ko ay pinangunahan ko na siya. 

"Mama, Papa, this is my wife, Blaire Magdalene Sierra," he introduced the moment we arrived at their table. 

Queen Selene nodded her head. "You look lovely in your gown, Blaire. It made me tear up a bit because you remind me of Elise."

I bit my lip, not knowing what to say.

"Ma, please. I'm sure Elise is safe and sound," Sean said after kneeling down in front of his Mama.

"But she isn't here to witness this!" Queen Selene hissed. 

"This is just an event, Queen Selene," I interrupted. "Elise... can still witness our marriage once she returned."

"Blaire's right, Sel. Enough with crying, you'll get sick if you continue being like this," King Russel added.

It took the Queen a moment to compose herself and smiled warmly at me. "I'm sorry for that, Blaire. And it's Mama or Mother for you, don't make me uncomfortable by addressing me as a Queen as if I am not your mother-in-law."

"I apologize for that, Mama," nakangiti kong sabi sa kaniya. Tumango naman siya sa akin bago kami sinabihan na mag-ikot na.

And that's what we did. Nagsimula kaming mag-ikot ni Sean sa loob ng hall para sa batiin ang mga pumunta. Advisors and Ministers immediately crowded us at one spot kaya nahinto ang pag-iikot namin. 

"Are you planning to leave the Capital, Your Majesty?" 

I accepted the wine glass before answering the question. "No, at least not yet. We haven't established that plan yet, Minister."

"Well, stabilization of the crown is the priority for now but we will be expecting an heir to further strengthen the crown, Your Majesty."

"Sur -"

"Not anytime soon, Minister. As you said, stabilization is our priority and we would like to focus on that for now," I said, cutting off Sean. 

The Minister then looked at Sean. "What is your opinion about that, Your Majesty?"

Sean looked in a daze for a while before he was able to come up with an answer. Nakatingin lang ako sa kaniya habang sumasagot siya.

"It's my Queen's decision not to bear any child for now and I respect that for it is her body in the first place," Sean replied.

Tumawa ang mga tao sa harapan namin at ngumiti ako. He answered honestly but it wasn't what they were looking for. I'm sure of that. 

"We understand your sentiment since it concerns the Queen, however, Your Majesty, a King should prioritize the clan, the crown to be specific," one of the ministers said.

He was right. Bearing an heir should be the number one priority of the rulers. Sean's answer is not actually wrong but it's too subjective for the ministers. After all, they are on the objective side of the ruling.

Sean's face shouts shame and I know I have to step in. They would continuously rub his mistake if I don't. He was already embarrassed and I won't let them add salt on his wound.

"We'll discuss this matter again, Ministers," I said. "Why don't we just enjoy the night and celebrate the event? And we shall go around to talk to other visitors." 

Sean bowed down his head to them and I smiled. I brought him to the garden to comfort him. Alam ko naman na napahiya sa doon and I don't want him hiding his flaw from me. 

"It's okay, they were just nosy," I said and stared at the darkness of the sky.

I heard Sean's heavy sigh. "I made a mistake and you had to pay for it." 

Humarap ako sa kaniya at hinawakan ang kamay niya. "You didn't, Sean. I am glad that you think of me as you said those and that's just who you are... nice." Too nice, actually.

Ngumiti siya sa akin pero hindi iyon umabot sa mata niya. He still looked sad.

"Blaire," tawag niya. "You don't have to save my ass every time that kind of conversation occurs. It may backfire on you and I don't want to be the cause of it. Just let me learn from my mistake, okay?"

I hesitantly nodded at his request. Change doesn't happen overnight. He is still adjusting and learning but he was right. Using myself as a shield won't make him grow. Doon din naman ako natuto, mula sa mga pagkakamali.

But it doesn't mean I will stop protecting him from behind. He isn't just an asset to the clan now, he is my husband - my partner. I don't want to lose him along the way of learning. That's why I will stay behind him as he continue his discovery.

"But wife..." Sean trailed off making me curious.

"Hmm?"

"Don't you really want to have kids?" He directly asked.

Hindi na ako nagulat sa tanong niya. I know he wanted to hear my honest answer to this question because he thinks what I said earlier was sugar-coated. 

"I don't have any plan of having a kid," yet.

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