Monarchy Series 1: Slaves of Desired Perfection

PROLOGUE

I would like to remind you to read the introduction of this story first for you to understand and know my intention for this and  the guidelines.

Anyway, happy reading!

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"Young Lady Eudocia, tinatawag ka po ni Lady Caroline," malumanay na saad ng tagasilbi.

I deeply sighed.

Alam ko kung ano ang gusto sa akin ni ina. She wouldn't summon me if I'm in my room. I'm just putting up to her orders. Hindi ko nga alam kung katanggap-tanggap pa ba ang mga opinyon ko. It's too much for me, but I know I can't do anything.

"Miss?"

Pinagbuksan ko siya at ngumiti ng tipid. "I'll be there in a minute."

Yumuko ito bago naglakad palayo.

I faced the mirror. I'm wearing a beige shift dress,  I paired it with some warm color pumps and a fascinator for the detail of my hairstyle. They put some colors in my face that I'm sure won't be necessary.

I heaved a sigh before walking out. Gusto ko nang matapos ang pag-uusap namin ni ina. I know it would be too exhausting to talk to her. She's really into me having a husband and an heir.

Pagbaba pa lang ay sinalubong agad ako ng tinig niya na halatang tuwang-tuwa. She's talking to Lady Larabeth and Lord Leon. Perhaps talking about the marriage of mine and their son.

"Pleasant to have you here, our Lady and Lord," bati ko sa kanila at bahagyang yumuko, as a sign of respect.

"Have a seat, dear. What an elegance!" Magiliw na puri ni Lady Larabeth habang ginigiya akong umupo.

I just faked a smile. My mother is probably watching every move I'm making.

"Totoo bang handa kang magpakasal sa anak ko? You know our lands will have a strong alliance!"

I'm not even shocked with what she'd said. Hindi na rin ito bago na may ipapakilala sa akin na lalaking hindi ko pa naman nakikita.

Ang hindi alam ni ina ay parehas pa rin ang bagsak nito.

Marahan akong uminom bago ngumiti. "May I ask, where's Lord Leonard? Why is he not here?"

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ni ina. I remained smiling. "Apologies for her.." she gritted her teeth. "..immoral behavior!"

Nginititan niya muna ang mga bisita bago ako hinila palayo roon. I let her drag me anywhere she want.

"It is unpleasant to ask something like that, Eudocia!" She glared at me before looking away.

"Mother, I'm just genuinely asking!" I reasoned out, even if it's untrue. Gusto ko lang naman magalit sila at umalis. I wouldn't marry someone I didn't meet!

Hinawakan niya ako sa braso ng marahas. "Beg for your forgiveness!"

Binawi ko ang braso ko. "No, mother! I would not settle without proper agreement made. Now, if you'll excuse me, Lady Caroline," yumuko ako ng bahagya at umalis na roon.

I bowed to the visitors before walking towards my bedroom. My mother won't understand where I'm coming from. Basta ang alam niya lang ay ang kinabukasan ng teritoryo namin. I must say, I'm also concerned on the land that my father has taken care of.

All of my life, I did what they want me to do. Pero ang ipakasal ako nang hindi ko man lang nakikilala ang mapapangasawa ko? It is beyond my capability as their child!

Yes, I will be fixed with someone, but I'm too young for that. It is not my duty to keep the other men in their throne. It is not my duty to bear a child that will probably lay hold of the state's responsibilities.

Someone knocked on the door. Agaran ko naman itong binuksan at nakita ang pagod kong kapatid.

"Brother, may I know what do you want from me?" I asked.

"May I enter?" Iminuwestra niya ang kwarto.

I sighed before letting him in as he closed the door. Umupo ako sa kama at siya naman ay sa sofa. He looked at me, weighing my emotions.

"Ayos ka lang?" He asked after some seconds of loud silence.

"I am..." I looked down. "not."

Narinig ko ang yapak niya papunta sa akin. He, then kneel in front of me and held my hand. "Everything's gonna be fine. Make your choice, I'll help you tomorrow."

Napatingin ako sa kanya. "I'm sorry, what's with tomorrow?" I slightly narrowed my eyes because of the curiosity.

"We are invited to a ball hosted by Lady Maria Dianne," he smiled.

"Isn't she the former queen?"

He slowly nodded. "Yes, my sister. So, rest up and have your best dress prepared."

I remained silent while looking at him quietly walking towards the door and going out. My eyebrows furrowed.

A ball?

Then I should really prepare. I can't make mother pick a husband for me. I can do it in my own way and own will.