INCENSE

Chapter 21

I've spent the last two days in bed. My father is very concerned that he won't want me to get out of bed because I have a left arm injury yet it was almost healed. I couldn't go outside right away. When I learned that there had been no significant injuries caused by the explosion at the opening ceremony, I felt relieved. My fears are alleviated by the awareness that the children are safe and have continued learning in spite of what happened. The palace provides them with sufficient medical attention and staff to take care of the kids' emotional needs. I'm still thankful that the teachers and parents continue to put their faith in us despite the fact that the authorities have confiscated all the other items found at the crime scene. The people who kidnapped me were apprehended and imprisoned, but uncle Desmond resisted and was slain by the group commanded by Rupert. Nababagabag pa rin ako sa mangyayari sa sunod na mga araw. It might have happened again, hindi man sa akin pero sa mga taong nakapalibot sa akin lalong-lalo na sa ama ko. I was spacing out when Rupert entered the room. May dala-dala itong soup.

“Are you feeling better now? Here, I brought you a soup.” Lumapit at tumabi ito sa akin. Chineck nito ang noo ko.

“I’m much better than a normal person.” I said.

He laughs. He then said, “Your skinny, you should eat more.”

“Look who’s talking, I think you’re not eating and sleeping well, you should not push yourself. I’m ok already. You don’t have to worry too much. Mas praning kapa kesa sa ama ko.”

“Daig mo sa si Jain sa pag-alaga sa akin but thank you for taking good care of me.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I’m sorry if I’m not the one who save you. It was my fault. I should have been on your side that day. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko kapag may nangyaring masama sayo. I would be insane if someone dared to harm you and take you away.” He placed his head on my shoulder.

“It’s not your fault. You still save me. You handed my uncle in justice. I’m still thankful. Ang mas importante, you came back safely.” Ginulo ko ang buhok niya. Para siyang bata.
“You do?”

“Yes, so ano pa ang hinihintay natin, sabay na tayong kumain habang mainit pa.”

“By the way, Adel. There will be no rescheduling of this afternoon's hunting competition.”

“Pero baka umulan ng malakas mamaya.”

"Don't worry, we'll be back before it starts to rain."

“Good luck then.”

“Thank you, I promise, I'll bring back the biggest hunt for you.”

“Sure, asahan ko yan.” I giggled.

While eating, I paused for a while. I was thinking, hindi pa ako nakapagpasalamat ng maayos sa taong nagligtas sa akin. I never seen his face visiting me. Napasimangot ako. He’s so mysterious. He was nowhere to be found pero he was always there when I’m in danger. I had to go see him so I can properly thank him before he will go for hunt.

“Greeting, your highness. What brings you here?” Mikhaela said. Nandito ako ngayon sa lugar na tinitirahan pagsamantala ng hari ng hilaga kasama ang mga tauhan nito. When she opened the door, she was wearing a full armored suit and she was about to leave going for hunting.

“Oh, hi Mikhaela. I wanted to see your lord for a minute. Is he here?” I asked.

“I’m sorry, your highness but the lord had already left for the hunting. I was about to go catch up to them.”

“Oh, I was late. Alright. Ahm, could you please tell him I will wait for him at the greenhouse this afternoon. I need to talk to him.”

“Yes, your highness. I will tell him when I get there.”

“Good luck on hunting. Please be careful and come back safely.”

“Yes, your highness.”
…

Everyone, including my father, was away for the hunting competition. I am aware of the danger, but the majority of them were just interested in the pleasure of hunting and competing for the biggest catch. I'm by myself in the greenhouse admiring the blooming flowers. These lovely flowers were well-cared-for by the attendants. I turn to face the sky. The darkness rises. Without any air flowing about, I could hear the rumble and the quiet. Soon it will rain. Sino kaya ang nakakuha ng pinakamalaking hayop? I hope they’ll come back soon before the rain comes. Before I knew, nagsimula ng pumatak ang ulan. It’s getting heavier. Mabuti na lang at mainit dito sa loob ng greenhouse. Hindi ako malalamigan. Since I forgot to bring my umbrella, I'll just wait here till it stops raining. I'll wait for that man to arrive. Sana pumunta siya. It was after five at the end. The rain just won't stop falling. Perhaps waiting for him while he was on the hunt was a mistake. Sana hindi ko na lang sinabi na makipagkita siya sa akin at maghihintay ako. Pagod na yun pagbalik niyaI didn't intend to wish for him to appear, but I was taken aback when a man in front of me came while holding an umbrella. He’s here. He's still wearing his distinctive mask and armored gear. He came despite being covered in mud and water. Parang nakonsensya ako sa ginawa ko.

“I’m sorry for coming late your highness.” He said.

“No, I am the one who should apologize first because you are from the hunt but you still came despite the heavy rain.”

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

"You're quite busy, which is why I have a hard time finding you, so I only managed to get an opportunity to speak with you at the wrong time, but I was still happy that you showed up. I just wanted to say thank you for rescuing me when I was being kidnapped. Feel free to express yourself whatever you choose because I want to return your kindness.

“Whatever I want?”

“Yes, as much as I am able to give you.”

He was staring at me, but after a while, he cast a distant glance my way. We were waiting for the rain to stop side by side.

“You don’t have to repay me. It was a matter of responsibility.”

“But it might have happened again. Are you still willing to save me?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Really? You don’t need anything.”

“I have everything.”

“Thank you.”

“Your welcome your highness.”

“So, what did you get for a hunt?”

“It was a Bison.”

“It’s quite big.”

“Not really.”

We were suddenly caught in silence. We used to be rivals, but now we work together to strengthen one other's flaws and hone our strengths. Even though we are still far apart, that has never been a problem. At first, I believed he would be a terror and bother for us, but he isn't. He is a big help to us. He may have undergone a significant change. I'm hoping he won't get back to his evil deeds. Mabait din naman pala siya pero masyadong maseryoso.

“I-I was just thinking, why are you wearing a mask?” I suddenly asked.

“I have an awful face."

“Is that horrible?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, the rain already stops. We should go ahead. Mag-gagabi na.” I said. When I was going to step outside, he held the umbrella for me, but I slipped on one of the stairs. Mabuti na lang at hinawakan niya ako. He even drops the umbrella to help me. I was shocked when he abruptly picked me up.

“I’ll carry you until we get in to the front door. It’s slippery outside.” He said.

“T-thank you.” I said. Since I frequently trip and fall, he ended up carrying me all the time. Though his face was hidden, I looked at it and found it to be not too frightening. Despite his serious actions, he was kind and caring. Ganun ba kapangit ang mukha niya para takpan niya ito ng mascara? He’s really a mysterious one.