Tale of The Substitute Princess

Chapter XVI

16: TEA PARTY OF A FRIEND

"You seem to have a lot in mind, your highness," komento ni Iris dahil nakatulala lang ako sa salamin. Inaayusan ako ni Iris dahil ngayon ang tea party ni Lara. Nilagyan niya ako ng accessories at ini-style-an na rin niya ang buhok ko. Buti na lang talaga at bumili ako kaagad dati ng ireregalo ko para sa kanya.

I sighed. "Yeah, may iniisip lang naman ako," I responded.

Hindi ko kinuwento kay Aiden, kay Arrius, o kay Iris ang naging usapan naming dalawa ni Marcus. Feeling ko mas magandang itago ko 'yon... sa ngayon. I feel like Aiden and Arrius will do something if they heard that Marcus has been suspicious of me. Just like what they said, I think it's better if we won't involve ourselves with him.

Besides, nabanggit naman ni Marcus na itatago niya 'yung sikreto. I'll just hold onto that. It's best not to trigger him for now.

What I need to do is to be more cautious of my actions. Kung si Marcus ay nakaramdam na, hindi malabong gano'n din ang mangyari sa iba.

I feel tired. I thought being a princess only meant gowns and corsets but I realized that they still have a lot of responsibilities.

After getting ready, I made sure to not forget the gift I bought for Lara. I hope she'll like this. I still haven't met her but I think she's a good friend considering that she still sent a letter when I was sick even though I forgot to reply to her.

"Princess Dahlia?"

Napatigil ako sa paglalakad at pagkatulala ko sa sahig nang may tumawag sa akin. Napatingala ako at nakita kong si Prince Oliver 'yon.

Kumunot ang noo ko pero agad ko ring inalis 'yon. "Greetings, Prince Oliver."

He scanned me from head to toe like last time. Buti na lang at maayos na ang suot ko ngayon. I was wearing a light blue long-sleeved gown. My hair is styled in a half ponytail with some accessories on my hair. I also have jewelries hanging around my neck and my ear.

"You look gorgeous today," he stated before biting his lower lip while staring at me.

I don't know why but instead of being flattered, I felt uncomfy. His overall presence is uncomfortable.

"Thank you."

"Are you going outside again? The last time you left the palace, I heard you were almost hurt."

Oh, right. Malamang nakaabot na sa kanya 'yung report nung dalawang lalaki. I wonder if nag-report din sa kanya 'yung sorcerer na nakatagpo namin ni Arrius. I hope hindi nila malaman na kaming dalawa 'yung nando'n nung gabing 'yon.

"I'm already fine. I'll be attending a friend's party."

Prince Oliver stared at me for a few seconds, his brows knitted against each other. "Didn't she say she has to attend something too?" he murmured to himself which I still managed to hear.

"Pardon?"

He blinked and shook his head. "Nothing. Do you mind if I instruct another knight to aid you? I'm just concerned with your safety," he offered.

I fought the urge to raise an eyebrow. Bakit ba ang feeling close niya? He sounds like he's flirting with me. Did he forget I already have a husband and he has a wife? "No need. I already have a responsible knight with me," I said as I gestured to Aiden who was standing close behind me.

Napatingin siya sandali kay Aiden bago ibalik ang tingin sa akin. "Well, it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm sure Prince Caius wouldn't mind."

I was about to decline again when I heard Aiden talk. "Your highness, I apologize for my intrusion in your conversation. But we are already running late for the party."