Monarchy Series 1: Slaves of Desired Perfection

CHAPTER 11

"Will you be coming home with me tonight?" I asked him. Kasalukuyan kaming nasa karwahe dahil napag-isipan nang umuwi sa kadahilanang lumalalim na ang gabi.

"Hmm..."

Napatingin ako sa kanya ng nakakunot na noo. "Is that a yes?" Paninigurado ko.

He looked at me with a faint smile. "This is the first time I felt being home, I must say, My Queen." He said as he gazed the window.

Nakita kong nahulog ito sa malalim na pag-iisip. I want to think that he's hiding something from me. That he was really building a wall between us. I don't want to question him so I just remained silent and observe.

Tahimik kaming nakarating. Owen is waiting for us with the royal guards and servants. Mukhang kanina pa nila ako hinihintay. At mukhang wala na rin ang mga bisita dahil tahimik na ang paligid.

He gently guided me to go down before looking in front.

Ngayon ko lang napansin na nandoon din pala ang courtier ni Reagan. He looks the same age as my courtier. Mukhang mas seryoso ito at mas matangkad din.

They all bowed to us.

"Owen, prepare us some tea," saad ko at nauna nang pumasok.

"Aeson, please send some words to Doctor Stuart that I'll be off for some time," dinig kong sabi niya sa kanyang courtier bago sumunod sa akin.

Pumunta na lang muna ako sa living room. It is cozy in there because of the fireplace or the hearth. Masyado kaming nagtagal doon kaya kailangan ko ito.

Sinundan ko ng tingin si Reagan na kakarating lang at umupo sa harap ko. He stared at the fire as I stared deeply at him.

"What's your plan?" I opened the topic. I can't endure the loud silence between us.

"What plan?" He asked in a low voice.

Niyakap ko ang sarili ko. "You're a king now. Well, just a half, because you also has other duty, yes?" I raised my brow at him.

Tumingin siya sa akin. "I don't intend to stay there forever but yes, I might be a half king and a doctor."

Huminga ako ng malalim bago umiwas ng tingin. "Tell me..." I whispered. "What are your duties?" I know that he's a king and a worker in a laboratory, I just need it to hear it from him.

"A king---"

"And a doctor, ahuh," I continued. "How about the other duties?" Tanong ko at matiim siyang tiningnan.

Natahimik siya at nakatitig lang sa akin na may mabigat na tingin. "Ano ang gusto mong ipunto? I hate mind games and word plays, My Queen. State your problem," nanghahamon niyang saad.

"You need to sort it out with yourself, Your Highness," malamig kong sabi at tumayo na. His gaze remained on me. "Excuse me for I have to rest."

I left him there. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako nagkakaganito. Basta ang alam ko ay may gusto akong marinig mula sa kanya. Am I being unreasonable?

Nakasalubong ko si Owen na dala-dala ang inumin. He stopped and looked at me, puzzled.

"Ibigay mo na lang kay Reagan. I will just have my rest."

"Yes, Your Highness," he said before walking away.

Nilingon ko muna siya bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. Hindi ko alam kung saan matutulog si Reagan. Maybe he has his own room.

Nagpalit muna ako ng damit bago nahiga, at sobrang pagod ay nakatulog na ako kaagad.

It's still early in the morning when I woke up. The sunlight welcomed my eyes. Hindi naman ito masakit sa mata. I forgot to close my window.