The King's Court

XII

Tahimik kaming lahat sa loob ng apartment ko. I sat on the one-seater couch in the corner of the living room. On the larger sofa was Nikolas and Mark. Arleigh was on the counter, eating from her apple. Roylan was on his usual post—by the window, and Leon was leaning against the door of my room. I bet he was watching us like his own personal entertainment.

"I think we can all agree that we're all excited for this coming trip," Leon said. Kahit hindi ko siya tingnan ay alam kong nakangisi siyang nakatingin sa amin.

Mark glared at him. "Tomorrow is too soon. Tell us where we're going so we can buy the ticket—"

"There is no need for that," said Nikolas. Kanina pa siya tahimik. I don't know what's going on in his mind. He's been silent since we met my parents.

I know, at least, that they plan to use Mark's expertise to help make weapons. Leon and Nikolas somehow got the information they needed from my father. They got the gist of the modern technology after Mark gave them those books. These two are dangerously coursing through this like they've been doing this their whole lives. The cunningness, the planning--I can't help but wonder if they were trained for this or if it was something innate. 

My eyes darted in Nikolas's direction. I want to know what's on his mind. Is he worried about something? Does he tell Leon about his worries?

Mark scoffed. "You were not really planning to let us go with you, weren't you?"

Leon laughed. "Oh, no. We really wanted you to come. You could be useful."

"Useful how? There is no way I'd help you with anything. I am going with you so I can go with Evelyn—"

"Before you come with us, you need to know about some important things first." Nikolas' eyes landed on me and we stared for a brief moment before he stood and faced everyone.

Magsasalita na sana siya nang biglang sumingit si Arleigh.

"I have a question," she said.

Napatingin kaming lahat sa kanya. "Why does this doesn't feel like a normal trip?"

We all went silent and Leon was the one to break the silence by letting out a laugh. Roylan looked in Arleigh's direction but it was just brief and he immediately looked away, shaking his head.

"Because this isn't an ordinary trip, dearie," said Leon. "I don't know if you'd regret it or not but let's see for ourselves."

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Arleigh sa gawi ni Leon ngunit agad din itong nalipat sa gawi ni Roylan. A sly smile curved her lips.

"If it means I can be with him then I have no regrets," she said.

Arleigh can be very straightforward and perhaps her honesty is too much for Roylan to handle kaya naman panay iwas ito sa babae. I watched Roylan's reaction but like his King, he is very good at masking his expression.

"Well, before we move on to this trip, we'd have to make sure that you really want to come and that you shall not regret—"

"Fine, fine," putol ni Mark kay Leon. "We get it. Nothing you say will scare us. If Evelyn's coming, then we're coming too. I don't want to leave her to your care." Mark glared in Nikolas's direction.

The latter gave no reaction.

Leon pushed himself away from the door and stood in the center. "This trip is not going to be ordinary and it might ... cause a fright."

The whole room went silent. Alam kong naiinis na si Mark pero hindi siya nagsalita. 

"Making friends already?"