Chant Of The Twilight

Chant VI

Author's Note:

Another update for you. Gotta make use of the time I'm still not busy hehe.

Chapter 6: Ocean and Amethyst

Napatitig si Achlise sa anak na mahimbing na natutulog sa kaniyang tabi. She caressed Ishan's smooth face. Napangiti na lamang siya nang biglang mapaiktad si Ishan.

Staring at my son's face, I can't help but remember that man. Sometimes I wonder how is he? Where is he right now? Is he doing fine? Naaalala pa kaya niya ako?

I feel sorry for my child because I can't give him a complete family. I know that there will be a day where he'll ask for his father. At wala akong balak na gawin siyang kontrabida sa mata ng anak namin. Even though I don't know much about his father, I will do my best for Ishan to not hate him.

Kapag dumating man ang araw na gusto niyang hanapin si Ashid, hindi ko siya pipigilan. Ishan will always be my weakness. I will make it so he can do whatever he wants, as long as it won't cause him harm. I would even accept death if need be to ensure his safety.

Napapikit si Achlise at dinampi niya ang mga labi sa noo ni Ishan.

So please, grow up well and healthy. Be a good person. This useless mother of yours will do anything for you, Ishan.

Bumuntong hininga si Rhysand matapos sumimsim sa baso ng rum na kaniyang hawak. He massaged his head while reading some of the nobles petition. Gabi na ngunit mukhang mamaya pa ito makapagpapahinga. Higit pa roon ay palagi siyang ini-insomnia na halos nakasanayan na ng kaniyang katawan.

"The Concubines are asking for your cooperation for the Consummation Rites again, Your Majesty. Higit isang taon ka nang hindi nagpaparticipate sa Consummation. Even the vassals are starting to voice out their concerns," ani Rafian.

Halos matawa si Rhysand sa narinig. He scratched his left brow using his left index finger.

"Akala talaga nila ay kaya nila akong paikutin sa mga kamay nila dahil lang wala akong tagapagmana. They are trying to control me using this cheap method. Why are they so invested with my sexual life? This damn nobles," Rhysand mumbled.

Rafian can't help but to silently agree.

Bilib din ako sa pagiging matiyaga ng Emperor sa mga vassals. They know for a fact that this "experiment" is already useless. Wala silang magagawa kung hindi mabuntis-buntis ang mga Concubine dahil sa curse.

Napatingin si Rafian sa mahabang peklat sa kaliwang mata ni Rhysand.

The mark is still visible. It is clear as day. The curse haven't been lifted. Ah... That reminds me.

"It seems like there's an ongoing issue in the harem, Your Majesty."

"What?" tanong ni Rhysand habang nagbubukas ng panibagong petititon.

"Someone saw one of your concubines secretly meeting a knight in the middle of the night. One of the maids of the Eastern Maid Quarters saw it. The maids in the East are already talking about it."

Tumigil si Rhysand sa pagbubukas ng petition.

"Really?" he asked before resting his back on his seat's back rest.

"You sounded relieved, Your Majesty."

"I am," pag-amin ni Rhysand, "I need a reason to abolish the harem anyway. Hayaan mo sila. The more scandal the concubines do, the more reason I have to finally get rid of the harem. For now, gather some evidences. While you're at it, order Ulric to dig any scandal regarding the concubines."