INCENSE

Chapter 18

Uminit ang ulo ko. That liar, may gana pa siyang magpadala ng sulat sa akin matapos niya akong lokohin. I reply back.

“You liar, don’t ever send me letters again. Stop fooling around. My life is now at peace so stop bothering me.” I said.

“Hey there, owl. Send this to your master and promise that you will never return here, even if he sends you back.” I think he understands me.

The bird immediately flies away. This is the last time, I’ll end it here. Wala din naman akong mapapala kung may koneksyon pa kaming dalawa. He’s just playing around. Jain entered my room.

“Your highness, prince Rupert wants to see you in the veranda.” She said. Ugh, isa pa yang taong yan sa sakit ng ulo ko.

“Okay, I’ll go. Just tell him to wait.” I said. Ano na naman ang gusto niya? He’s wasting my time at kailangan sa veranda pa?
…

"Good day, what brings the crown prince of the East here? I assumed the meetings were still going on right now.” I said. He is sipping tea while seated at the table. Wow, may gana pa siyang maupo at magtsaa habang ang iba, busing-busy sa kani-kanilang mga business.

“Before I answer your question, your highness. Please, have a seat.” Anya nito.

“Yes, Thank you.”

"This veranda is a nice spot to relax in. The air is not too strong, and the view is lovely.”

Crown Prince Rupert Jimenez Nande, son of Emperor Robert Wendelle Nande of the east. Isa siya sa mga nakasayaw ko sa ball. He has a good height and not very skinny. He has crystal blue eyes and blonde hair that is curly. He is, nonetheless, more feminine than I am. Mas maganda pa siya kesa sakin. He is every woman's fantasy prince charming. He outshines some of the other princes in the room and is brilliant and attractive. Although he can be a little pushy and cheery, he won't let you go until you agree to his request. Although he is highly persistent, he constantly leaves things unfinished.

"Prince Rupert Jimenez Nande, if you have no important matters to discuss to me, I'll go ahead. You may enjoy your tea here because I’m busy right now, I have important matters to do. Excuse me."

“I apologize if I disrupted your plans, Your Highness, but could I have a minute of your time as I believe you need to relax for a while.” Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako. Inayos ko ang aking pag-kakaupo.

"Crown Prince Rupert, it seems you don't have any work to do."

“The meeting is still going on right now, but my assistant will take care of it.”

“You’re quite the lazy type, you’re majesty.”
“Well, I admit that I am a lazy person, but I don't ignore my work; rather, I just need to unwind and relax occasionally to take a break from the strain of work.”

“I agree with you.”

“You, Your Highness, what are you working on that I can't have an hour of your time?”
"I'm working on constructing homes for orphans. I have meetings with the builders and donors in this project. I have an opening ceremony for one of the repaired buildings for kids who can't afford private schools’ tomorrow.”

“Can I come?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know your busy, your majesty.”

“I’ll move my schedule.”

“You’re persistent.”

“Yes, I am. Don’t worry. I’ll donate funds for your project.”

“No need. We have enough funds.”

“Then, for your future projects.”

“You really have dozens of reasons.”

“Yes, your highness. I have many reasons you can’t push me away.”

“Really?”

“Dare me.”

We both laugh after that conversation. Indeed, we get along with each other. Masyado siyang madaldal but he is sincere and non-inflated. He’s not bad at all. Ngayon ko lang nanotice and dimples niya. He’s cute when he smiles.

“Can I call you Adel and you can call me Rupert if that’s okay with you.”

“Yes, if only we are alone.”

“Alright.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Okay.”