INCENSE

Chapter 11

I was running as fast as I could paputang gubat. I need to lure them. I am in a state of panic and nervous. My adrenaline came rushing in. What now? They keep on following me. I started to cry. Eto lang ba ang kaya kong gawin? I began to slow down. Napapagod na ang mga binti ko. When I look back. Wala na sila? Huminto ako sa pagtakbo at pagharap ko bumulagta sa akin ang isang malaking tao at nagsipaglapitan ang iba nitong kasamahan. Napaatras ako. Pinalibutan nila ako.

"Tulong! Tulungan niyo ako!" Sigaw ko. Balak ko pa sanang tumakbo pero isa sa kanila ang humila sa buhok ko. Mga sampu silang lahat. Anong laban ko?

"Walang tutulong sayo! Ahahah!" Sabi nung lalaking humila ng buhok ko.

"Bitiwan mo ako!" Pagpupumiglas ko. Pilit kong inaalis ang kamay niya sa buhok ko.

"Boss, didispatyahin na ba natin yan o ibibigay siyang buhay?" Tanong ng isa sa mga kasamahan niya.

"Hindi na natin siya kailangang ibalik ng buhay. Pero bago natin siyang patayin, sayang naman kung hindi natin matitikman diba? Ahaha."

"Ahahaha tama, tama boss." Nagsipagtawanan ang iba nitong kasapi.

"Ako muna." Inamoy niya ang buhok ko. It’s disgusting. Hindi ako tumigil sa pagpupumiglas hanggang sa matadyakan ko ang paa nito.

“Aahh!” sigaw ng lalaking humila sa buhok ko. Agad nilang nilabas ang mga patalim nila at tinutok sa akin. Huminto ako sa pagpupumiglas.

"Pakawalan niyo na ako!" I was crying really hard. Someone please, help me!

“Ang sakit non ah.” Bigla niya akong sinuntok sa tyan. Napaluhod ako sa lupa. I'm losing consciousness. For all the people na maaalala ko, I remember him. Help me. I'm sorry. My breathing starts to become hard. My eyes become blurry.

Isa-isa nila akong hinawakan sa magkabilang kamay at paa. Pinahiga nila ako sa lupa. Someone started to ripped my skirt and touch me everywhere. It’s the end, I’m shivering all over my body. Wala na rin akong lakas na magpumiglas. Ah, I wish it would be better to end this with no pain. Before I close my eyes, I saw someone popped up and began to fight one of those men.

Naramdaman ko na isa-isa nilang binitawan ang kamay at paa ko. I’m losing my hearing as well. Who is that? I am lifted and held hostage by that so-called boss. I’m feeling dizzy.

"Ibaba mo ang sandata mo kung gusto mo siyang mabuhay." The boss said. He was holding me tightly and it hurts.

I force my eyelids to open but all I could see were shadows. Dumami sila? I suddenly felt that the man who held me went suddenly fall down. He was shot by an arrow. I also fell down but before I could touch the ground someone grab me.

"A-Adel, Adelaide, my daughter, it’s me your father. I’m here, please wake up." He said. He was patting my cheek and then hug me. Father? I cannot see clearly but I know my father's face very well.

"Father..." I cried in his arms.

"It’s okay, you're safe now. I'm sorry my darling, it was my fault. Daddy is here. I will never leave you again." He's patting my back. Before I could say anything. My senses went blank.
...

"You're highness. You still can't move yet. Hindi kapa magaling." Sabi ng doktor sakin.

"No. I need to move right away. Jain help me dress, I'll go to my father. I need to talk to him." I ordered.
"Pero, miss-."

"Adelaide." My father came in.
The doctor bowed to us as he exits the room. Sinenyasan ko rin si Jain na umalis muna.

"Father, I need to talk to you."

"I've come to visit you. Are you fine now? You should stay in the bed for now until you fully recovered."

After that occurrence, I was brought back to the capital without delay. After suffering from tremendous trauma from what happened and being unable to sleep for a week, I was finally entirely recovered, but fortunately, things are still getting better little by little. I can't just do nothing like a useless princess by lying down. Viscount Desmond had just escaped and was still looking for him. My father is working hard to find those corrupt politicians who’s siding the viscount; stole the money, stripped them of their titles, and are still at it. My father recently joined the army and is currently occupied with processing paperwork while the situation with the manpower is grave. I can see my father's tension and exhaustion written all over his face when I look at him. Naaawa ako sa kanya. He can’t get enough rest just to fix this mess. On the other hand, the north conceded defeat and agreed to sign a peace treaty as a means of bringing the conflict to an end. They declare their willingness to make up on the damage they create in exchange for the burial of the fallen soldiers. The swift tide changes came as a surprise, and we are grateful for that. My father has returned, our nation has been spared from the wrath of the evil viscount, and I'm here.

"No, Father. Send my teachers immediately. I have to get back to studying. Please make me one of your aids, and I'll help you organize and clean up the mess in our administration."

"Adelaide, it’s a big request you're making. I already have my consultants and assistants. I know you wanted to help but your father can take care of this.”

"Are you doubting your daughter? Don't you believe me? Yes, I know it's a big position for me, which is why I need to start studying right now. I want to be more than simply a decoration in the palace; I want to be a princess of this country who can bring opportunity to the land and their life. You know, Dad, whenever I'm in Edessa, I notice those people who need assistance and live in poverty. The empire must reconsider its philosophy. I'm suggesting various departments to assist our citizens in various ways because of this. As soon as Viscount Desmond poisoned our system, we started to get weak. Therefore, we should return what he took from the people.” Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya.

"Father, I don't want to continue being the same girl who always follows orders and runs. I don't want to be called to as an idiot, a moron, or weak. For the sake of the nation and you, I want to get stronger. Despite my lack of skill with a sword, I will utilize my knowledge to help this nation find peace and solution. I'll do it right this time. I’ll make it right.” Sabi ko.

Napabuntung-hininga siya. “Alright, if that’s what you but don’t push too much of yourself, my dear.” He hugged me.

“Yes, father.” I’ll do everything to help and protect you, father and this country.