ON INFERNAL GROUND [ONE CHANCE FOR REDEMPTION BOOK 2]

Kabanata 10 - Saudade

KABANATA 10

Saudade

"That's an order."

I looked at my cheeky nephew, who is now the new emperor of the empire.

"I've been attending in your stead during the founding day. It's been 4 years since you gained the highest title. You already claimed the riches and power. It is best to take the responsibilities as well too."

Joseph rested his chin on his fist and leaned on the right side of his chair.

"They don't respect me after you abdicate the throne. It is you who they trust. They all consider me as the fool emperor. Especially that the Ballenger have a new Commander. And I must say, he is intense."

"You aren't a fool, Joseph." I tried to tone down my voice. I do understand what he is going through. "Just show them the you're deserving of the crown you are wearing."

"Uncle..." I saw his eyes teared up, and a sheepish smile was evident on his lips. "You just called my name."

I took a step back when he started to come at me for a hug. Ang dami kong sinabi pero ang narinig lamang niya ay ang pangalan niya.

"No. I did not." I push his head away, "Get away from me. You creep."

He laughed and went back to his seat, "Back to the topic, I really need your help again... please."

"The answer is no, Your Majesty." I said with a dismissive tone.

"If you agree to attend on the winter solstice with me, I will tell you an interesting story–"

Before he even completed his sentence, I immediately gave him my answer.

"Still a no."

"Even if it's a girl who looks like someone that you've been longing to see?"

I gripped my hand into a fist.

"What are you talking about?" My face grew pale. I feel my body tensed upon understanding who is the person he was talking about.

"I haven't said her name, but it looks like you're gonna fall apart, Uncle."

I didn't like the way he looked at me. The same eyes that I received for years while mourning for Amaury. I hated it so much. I don't need their pity.

"I think I saw her, Uncle. I saw Lady Amaury, or someone who looks exactly like her."

"Who looks like her? Why would I care about someone who looks like her? It's not Amaury. It will never be her."

My eyes darkened as I kept on remembering how her body dropped cold on my arms that day. Her unmoving body is close to me. I watched her as she took her final breath.

And it disgusts me every time I turn my head just to check if the person I see on the street is her. I knew she was dead, and it disgusted me whenever I thought of looking for someone similar to her.

The closest I can think about is the woman that I think is the girl I saw on Gabriel Estate. It bugged me thinking how similar she is to my Amaury, but I don't want to dwell on it.

I watched how life dissappear from her eyes. I was there when they buried her body. I was with them when we're all mourning because of her death.

And during that time, she took away my life, too. I am still in the garden. Still at the place where she left me.

"I did not want to anger you."

I just looked at him coldly, "If that's all, then there's nothing else to discuss. My answer to your favor is no. Both to your favor and... bargain."