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26: Close to Breaking

26: Close to Breaking

We prepare to travel back to the Capital. Napag-usapan na namin na mauuna kaming pupunta dahil marami pang paghahandaan ang Dukesa sa biyahe. I also noticed that Hendrix brought his force with him. He could be doing this for two reasons: one, for our safety; and two, for his revenge.

Tahimik lang talaga ako sa lahat ng ginagawa niya. Hindering him from achieving his goal is like stripping his will to breathe for a new life. Hinayaan ko siyang tumalon sa bangin kahit alam kong pilegro ang maghihintay sa kanya. Ang tanging nais ko lang ay matapos na 'to.

He needs to avenge his mother's death, and if he could attain it by using blood, he can freely do so. After all, we are all tainted with different colors. Parang nawalan ako ng pake sa ibang tao simula ng dumating ako sa buhay niya. My conscience is hiding, but at the same time I could still feel pity.

Subalit, hindi ito malakas. I don't think I will turn a blind eye over people who resemble Rafaello and the entire Hampress County. People like them should be beheaded instead.

“Hendrix, pagdating natin doon, umayos ka,” ilang ulit ko na itong sinasabi sa kanya. As his response, his face turned sour for a moment until he eventually nodded. “Ipapakilala kita sa pamilya ko kaya huwag kang gagawa ng gulo pagkarating na pagkarating natin.”

“I know, you said that fourteen times— yes, wife. I will be good, I will stay calm, I will listen to every blabber even when I want to punch their faces, yes, I won't unless you said so, got it?”

Bakit parang ako 'yong gusto niyang kumalma? Napangiti na lang ako ng ma-realize kong nababanas siya sa kakulitan ko. I pinched his cheek hard before my laughter enveloped the entire carriage. Napahiyaw na lamang ako ng bigla siyang yumakap sa akin.

“Magpapakabait po ako, asawa ko,” he said to my ears. “I want to appear good in front of your family, even if they won't like what I do. As long as you want me, I will never disappoint you, Bella.”

My lips formed into a smile. Sumiksik lang ako sa kanya imbis na magsalita. I've been clingy since that's why Hendrix knew my love language will always be a physical touch. He planted a soft kiss on my forehead and that's his favorite hobby ever since our marriage.

“I am sure my family will accept you,” nakangiti kong sabi kahit hindi naman ako nakatingin sa kanya. “I already said a good word for you to them before I left and traveled to Azalea that time. Alam nilang nasa mabuti akong kalagayan.”

“You truly plotted to get me from the get go, did you?” rinig ko ang pagkapilyo ng boses niya. “I think I was bewitched by a beautiful woman. Ang dami mong alam sa 'kin, Bella.”

“Hindi naman, konti lang,” I countered.

“Why did you choose me instead of Harriot?” he suddenly asked, which made my mouth gape. Kumalas ang aking yakap at nagkatinginan kaming dalawa. “I was informed that you've been engaged with him for two years until you broke that during your 18th birthday, and said that you'd rather marry me?”

Pinaghandaan ko ang tanong na 'to pero bakit hindi ko magawang sabihin sa kanya ang totoo? I forced myself to smile to hide a throbbing pain in my chest. “When I knew that there was a dethroned Prince, I had decided that I would help him attain what is rightfully his. I don't want him to suffer a bitter ending, and be forever forgotten.”

“It's like you know my life more than I know it, wife. It's creepy but I admire your honesty. To accommodate that confession, I will do my best to be the husband that you deserve,” he replied, raising his lips into a beautiful smile.

Napahinga ako ng maluwag ng hindi niya pinilit ungkatin ang dahilan ng rason ko. This is what I like about him, and I never was grateful enough of how my decision before had brought me into his arms. It was an impulsive act that was a painful experience but the fruit was sweet.

“I love you, Hendrix.”

“I am in love with you every single day, Isabella.”

There are moments that I always wish to never end, and this is one of them. I want to be in his embrace until I feel my body numb from the position. His presence is enough for my soul to be filled with joy, happiness, and contentment. If anyone would dare break this, I won't be showing mercy.

Our trip to the Capital was fun. Medyo tumagal ang aming biyahe dahil tumitigil kami para pagmasdan ang mga tanawin. It felt like a travel date and my heart was full of merriment as I spent it with him. Of course, hindi lang naman ako ang busog lagi. 'Yong alaga niya rin na hindi tinatantanan ang kuweba ko.

We decided to stay in an inn sa sentro ng Kapital. The journey was tiring but I enjoyed his company. Kailangan din namin maging presentable kaya hindi kami dumiretso sa palasyo, kundi hinarap ko muna si Hendrix sa pamilya ko.

“Father,” I happily called out my father as he hurriedly pushed himself to my embrace. “I missed you so much, Papa!”

“I missed you too, my daughter!” he said in glee. “I thought Irene was bluffing about you coming home, but look at you…you're here, and…” Kumalas ang kanyang yakap at napako ang tingin nito sa aking asawa na hinintay lang kaming matapos. “with my son-in-law.”

Nagulat kami ni Hendrix ng hilain siya ni Ama sa isang yakap. “Oh, good man! Thank you for accepting my daughter and for taking care of her. I truly thought you'd bring her back after she arrives, but it looks like my daughter is truly smitten over you, your highness. I haven't seen my daughter in a year!”

“It is a pleasure, Marquess. Your daughter actually changed my life, and I could never be proud enough to have her as a wife. But, please, I am dethroned,” Hendrix spoke like a man.

“You are still a Prince for your mother was a royal and the only Queen this land ever acknowledged,” father said. “Sa umpisa, kinakabahan ako sa uri ng gulong pinasok ng anak ko, subalit nang makita ko kayong magkahawak kamay na pumasok sa mansyon ay parang nabunutan ako ng tinik!”

I pouted after hearing my father's outburst. Agad niya na man binawi 'yon at pinaunlakan ang aming pagdating. He was very accommodating to my husband, an act I only witnessed when Irene got married. My father truly respects the men in his daughter's life, and I don't want to taint that.

Hendrix and I decided to hide what happened in the North, because I don't want my father to suffer the thought that his daughter was almost close to breaking after that accident. It's the past and moving on is the best thing to do. Although I fear that Hendrix is becoming someone else after that, I am pretty sure he's not alone this time.

We stayed in the Marquess' mansion for two days. Hendrix met my sister and her husband. We had talked and tried to fill the gap that separated us for a year. I feel happy that my husband is welcome in my home, and how I wish his family would reciprocate such feelings for him.

After three days, we decided to visit the Palace. Something that I had planned beforehand, but what happened was beyond my grasp.

Hendrix was accused of killing the members of Hampress County, and some accusations that seem unbearable to think he would do. He was forced to kneel before His Majesty, and when I thought that I had changed him with love, I failed.

It happened again, which I thought it wouldn't.

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