Chant Of The Twilight

Chant XV

Chapter 15: Cut The Bud

Hindi pa man natatapos ang banquet ay agad nang umalis ng Banquet Hall ang Emperor, leaving the expectant Concubines disappointed. Walang sinayaw ang Emperor ni kahit isa sa kanila. As a result, the Concubines and the family of them were disappointed and angry about it.

Because Rhysand just showed everyone that he doesn't favor anyone from the harem. Bukod pa roon ay malaki ang gulong ginawa niya matapos hayaan ang sariling halikan ng isang maidservant ang kaniyang noo, lumuhod pa ito sa harapan ni Achlise kaya marami ang hindi makapaniwala.

The topic regarding the "Famous Dancer, Achlise Darcey" also spread around the empire. Ang mga chismis na hindi na dapat pa binabalikan ay biglang nagsilutang muli. Lalo na ang mga sabi-sabi patungkol sa hindi mabilang na manliligaw noon ni Achlise.

Since the story have already spread across the capital, some truth have already breached by lies.

"I can't believe this! Kalat na ngayon sa High Society ang fabricated na chismis patungkol sa'yo. They said you seduced the Emperor just like how you seduced your noble admirers before. Some are also saying that you used your body to leech off some rich and old nobles," hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Morgan habang naglalakad nang pabalik-balik sa tapat ng table nila sa kusina.

Achlise is busy feeding Ishan with his baby food. Samantalang si Morgan naman ay hindi mapakali sa kaniyang harapan dahil sa nagkalat na chismis. Maaga pa ngunit kalat na ito sa buong capital.

They are still at the Caliwells. Kagabi lamang naganap ang banquet kaya bukas pa sila babalik sa kanilang bahay sa Main Street.

"I don't care about the rumors anymore. Hayaan mo silang magsalita ng mga gusto nilang sabihin. As long as Ishan won't be involved with those nasty rumors, then, I won't retaliate," ani Achlise habang pinupunasan ang bibig ni Ishan.

Napabuntong hininga na lamang si Morgan at umupo sa tapat ni Achlise. Nasa dining hall sila ngayon para sa breakfast, pero dahil maaga pa ay wala pa roon ang ibang Caliwell.

"Lise, I am on your side, okay? But... What do you think about confessing to His Majesty about Ishan?" malumanay na tanong ni Morgan.

Natahimik si Achlise at hindi rin agad nakapagsalita. Ibinaba niya ang wala nang lamang bowl ni Ishan sa tapat.

"Ilang beses ko na ring pinag-isipan 'yan, Morgan. But you know my worries."

"About His Majesty tossing you off after getting Ishan and him taking Ishan away from you?" Morgan sighed when Achlise didn't answer, "Look, Lise... This is my personal view about those worries of yours. I don't think His Majesty would do that. You're not naïve. Surely, you felt it too, right? Iba ang trato sa'yo ng Emperor at alam kong aware ka roon."

"Hindi iyon madali, Morgan. He is the Emperor, I am his maidservant. No matter how important Ishan's identity is, despite being the Emperor's only biological son, I am still a commoner with nothing but a womb compatible for carrying His Majesty's offspring."

Sasagot na sana Morgan nang sabay silang napalingon ni Achlise sa double door ng dining hall na bigla na lamang bumukas.

"What the heck... What the hell are you both saying?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata nina Achlise at Morgan nang makita si Adriel sa pintuan. Sa kaniyang likuran ay si Albertine na may kaparehong reaksyon kay Adriel. Both of them are shock. Hindi makapaniwala sa kanilang narinig.