✓ | NOT AGAIN, NOT THIS TIME

02: Bella, Bella.

02: Bella, Bella.

"Lady Isabella——"

"Bella, Lord Hector. Please, Bella." I gave off a displeased aura when he called me by my entire first name. I don't really like being called that way because it gives me unpleasant memories I'm trying to forget.

"My apologies, Miss Bella." Lord Hector extended his arm and I willingly latched my palm on his arm before we started to walk. "The Lady seems more radiant than when she last visited the Palace. That jewelry complimented your extraordinary physique, my lady."

I scoffed. "I believe you already know that I'm tired hearing these repetitive sugar coated lies, Lord Hector. Do you truly have an interesting thing to say aside from that non-stop compliments?"

"My apologies, again." He slightly bowed his head, and returned it forward. "Perhaps, the lady may deem this disrespectful, but I do have a question I'm baffled about."

Napamaang ako at agad ko siyang tiningnan. Hindi ko alintana kung mapapatid ba ako o madudulas dahil alam kong binabantayan ni Lord Hector ang dinadaanan ko. Ever since I got engaged to the Crown Prince two years ago, Lord Hector had been the only person who accompanied me every time I was in the Palace. He is the older brother of the King, and he managed most of the external affairs. By blood, he is a royal and a Prince, but Lord Hector wished to be free of high responsibilities.

He likes gardening the most.

"You may, Lord Hector. I will accompany such questions with a truthful answer," I replied adamantly. Habang nakahawak ang isang kamay sa kanya, hawak naman ng isa ang bestida ko. Bakit ba kasi ang haba ng sinuot ko ngayon?

"Why did you wish to marry the firstborn?"

I knew someone would ask me that question, but I didn't expect it would be Lord Hector to offer it first. I took a breath as I reverted my gaze back at the road leading to the King's receiving area.

"Because he needs me," I replied with a cryptic answer, trying to make my motion constant to avoid triggering such suspicion for further clarification of my statement.

"Ever since the Late Queen's passing, the firstborn haven't stepped on the Royal floor. He was sent to the North Castle and the people had forgotten that there was a dethroned Prince," he said in a low tone. Nanatili akong nakinig kahit hindi naman ako nakatingin. "Everyone had forgotten him, but when you cancel the engagement on the day of your birthday and said that you would rather marry the dethroned Prince, his name resurface along with the old tale."

"That old tale..." I repeated his words "...is not that old. It's 15 years ago, Lord Hector. He suffered, neglected, and abandoned because it appears that he does not fit to become an heir after that incident."

"You are more knowledgeable than I thought you were, Miss Bella. But, because of that, it made me feel relieved for my nephew," he said. Bakas sa boses niya ang ginhawa kaya hindi na ako nagsalita pang muli.

Hinatid niya ako sa receiving area ng Palasyo dahil pormal akong bibigyan ng basbas ng Hari at Reyna bago ako humayo papuntang Norte. My father came home two days ago bearing the decree that the King allowed my presentation to be his firstborn son's wife. But, it won't be formal unless I present myself before his Majesty and receive their blessing.

"I greet your royal Majesty. May Nilvander be in peace and harmony in your magnificent reign," I greeted the King. Wala sa tabi niya ang asawa, subalit nasa kabilang upuan ang taong hindi pa rin nakaka-move on sa ginawa ko noong nakaraang araw.

"Rise, my future daughter-in-law," the King said, and I immediately followed. "As what the Marquess of Vamousque and I agreed, you will journey to the North Castle and marry my son, Hendrix——"

"Prince Hendrix, your Majesty," I corrected. "I apologize if I may be disrespectful for interrupting your speech, but allow me to defend my future husband. He is in fact born with royal blood, and his dethronement was only to protect him from the backlash of the people if he succeeds the throne. He is still a Prince, and by far, an heir."

I heard Harriot scoff. "Look how blasphemous she is, father. She's insulting the throne and the Crown Prince."

Gusto kong ngumisi dahil halatang hindi nagustuhan ni Harriot ang sinabi ko. But, I remained in my posture and looked at him gracefully. "I am not displaying profanity in the presence of the King. For I only wished for the peace and harmony of the Kingdom. Who knows what future it could be, if it falls into the wrong heir."

"Are you saying I can't be King?!" Harriot exclaimed as he stood up for his defense. "Father, this woman doesn't deserve to be part of the Royal Family if she wishes to marry that useless piece of shit!"

"Harriot, watch your mouth," Lord Hector reprimanded the Crown Prince even before his father could open his mouth. "What Lady Bella said was right. Prince Hendrix may be dethroned, but it is a fact that he is of royal blood. According to the law bestowed upon that day, the Prince can only ascend the throne if he recovers from his illness."

"Which he clearly will not," the Crown Prince said confidently that made me glare at him. Of course he will not because someone's hindering him from recovering that fucking poison. Parang gusto kong sampalin ang lalaking 'to. Bakit ba ako na-in love sa lalaking 'to?

"Don't speak ill about my future husband, your highness," I said, nonchalantly as I gleaned my composed displeasure. "Don't display your disapproval just because I am no longer engaged with you. Don't make me laugh if this action has resulted from the insult that I will marry your brother and not you."

Bigla akong tinuro ni Harriot. "From the first time I laid my eyes on you, I already knew that you're the most insane lady of the entire Kingdom. I am not insulted, in fact, I am pleased. My brother would truly accept you as his wife and both of your lives will be miserable. We all know that he is useless. He has no power, and you will marry him? It looks like you are more twisted than me, Lady Isabella. You are powerless the moment you——"

"Enough, Harriot." It was the King. Gusto kong pumalakpak dahil pinutol ng Hari ang kung ano mang sasabihin ni Harriot na tiyak akong walang kwenta. The King gaze his magnetic crystalline sapphire orbs at me, and I didn't lose the chance to see relief in his eyes.

"I will send you to the North before the weekends. As you marry my son in the eyes of the North Cathedral next month, please convince him to come back here," he said, and I almost parted my lips for how he sounded pleading. "His dethronement will be lifted if he comes back, and if this opportunity sparks his interest, he may still fight for his rights."

"Father!" Harriot exclaimed.

"Your Majesty!" Biglang may pumangibabaw na boses. It was the current Queen, the Madame of the South Carolina Border: Queen Antoniette, Harriot's mother. She was the first concubine, but the Late Queen died and she immediately ascended the empty position. Kailan ba siya dumating?

"My order is final," the King said and stood. Everyone who witnessed the meeting was left to shut their mouths for anyone who dare oppose an order of the King will face tremendous punishment.

•×•×•×•×•×•

VOTE | COMMENT | SHARE

are highly recommended. See you, wanderers!