INCENSE

Chapter 29

I can’t sleep. Hindi ako papatulugin ng konsesya ko hangga’t hindi ito naaayos. It’s too early to sleep. I bet father is still awake. I rise from my bed and walk over to my father's room. Napansin ko na nakabukas ng kaunti ang pinto at nakabukas ang ilaw sa loob. My father is still awake but it’s unusual for him to leave the door open. Habang papalapit ako sa pintuan aymay narinig akong nag-uusap sa loob. It seems that there is someone besides father. Tinanggal ko ang sapatos ko and I silently stoop down as I approach to the door. Sumilip ako sa loob at medyo hindi ko masyadong maaninag but I noticed my father talking to someone while standing in front of him. Wait, that suit, si Rupert ba yan? What are they talking about? I eavesdrop to their conversation.

“Rupert, stop with this nonsense. I told you before but you are not listening to me. You can't love nor marry Adel because he is your cousin." my father said. I can’t believe this. I was shock to what I have heard. Tinakpan ko ang bibig ko. Pinsan ko si Rupert? Pero bakit wala namang sinabi si ama sa akin? What is happening here? Meron ba dapat akong malaman? Why are they hiding it from me? Does Rupert know something?

“No matter if she marries me or not, she is mine and mine only.” Rupert said.

“You're crazy, Rupert. Consider Adel's reaction if she learns that you're truly a demon that's much nastier than ever.”

“I'll shut your mouth, so she won't know.”

“You will pay for this, and I won't let you have my daughter, you lunatic. You hypnotized me.”

“It's time to put you to in peace. It was unfortunate that you were opposing to me.”

“You can’t have your way, Rupert.”

"Oh, really? No one will save you. I already have the control over the palace. You have only two options; follow me or die."

My father answered, "I'd rather die and bring you together with me." They instantly drew their swords and began a life-or-death battle.
Hindi ko maigalaw ang mga paa ko. I’m scared. What should I do? I need to stop them.

“I should have believed Caius. You’re a traitor!”

"Yeah, I'll take this as a compliment. Sooner or later he will bow down to me."

"Rupert, you have no idea what you're doing."

"I know what I'm doing but you are just stubborn. You really want the hard way. Old man, just die. Don't worry I'll take good care of your daughter."

“Insolent!”

Hindi naglaon ay natusok ni Rupert and dibdib ng aking ama at natalo ito. Nanlaki ang mga mata at nagulat sa nangyari. Dali-dali akong tumayo at binuksan ang pinto. My entire body is trembling from pain and fear. I watch them. My father was being struck in the chest by Rupert, who was gripping his sword firmly. My father felt pain and dropped his weapon. Rupert seemed taken aback by my presence.

“Wha-what are you doing Rupert to my father?!” I screamed. My tears started to fall.
My father, who was hardly breathing, yelled, "A-Adel, run away."

“Fa-father-.”

Biglang hinugot ni Rupert ang espadang nakatusok sa dibdib ng aking ama. My father fell down coughing blood while holding his chest. Nilapitan ako ni Rupert at napaatras ako dahil doon. He looks so different. He looks like a psychopath; a murderer. He was wearing a devilish smile.

“Adel, my Adel. I’m sorry but he’s a bothersome that’s why I need to get rid of him, ok?”

“A-Adel, don’t mind me… run away now!” my father shouted.

“You’re a freak!” Hinablot ko ang vase na malapit sa akin at inihagis kay Rupert. Agad akong lumabas ng kwarto at tumakbo papalayo. I never thought na magagawa niya sakin ito, sa ama ko. My tears won’t stop from falling and I am hardly breathing. Paano si Jain at Emi? Nasa kalagitnaan na ako ng hallway ng biglang sumulpot at hinarang ako ng mga gwardya ni Rupert. Pinalibutan nila ako. What now?