Ice Stone Child

07 Her Heavy CROWN

Yui pulled Yeon Seo out of the crowd that’s waiting for her. Hindi siya naeenganyong kausapin ang kahit sino sa mga ito kahit si Min Yu. Dinala niya ni Yeon Seo sa dating silid ng Ama nito sa palasyo. She wanted to show him how his father lived there.

“Bakit mo ko dinala dito?” Nagtatakang tanong nito habang nakangiti.

“This is your father’s room. Hindi ko ito pinagalaw dahil akala ko babalik pa siya. You see, I was waiting for him too.” She sadly said.

He sighed. “I guess, I didn’t have any memories of him for good. Look at you.”

“I see now why you shouted at me.” She sat on the bed.

“I apologized for that. Sa totoo lang, galit talaga ako sa kanya tapos nagselos ako sa relasyon niyo. But I was disappointed that you were taking his side.” He lie in the bed beside her.

“I’m sorry for that. Ako dapat ang unang nakakaintindi sayo sa lahat. I also grown up without my father too.” She stared at him.

“Di ka ba hihiga?” Tanong nito.

“No.” Natatawa niyang sagot. Then turned to him.

“Okay.” Sagot nito ngunit tumayo ito at inayos ang pagkakaupo niya sa kama. Saka humiga uli ito nang nakaunan sa kandungan niya.

Ilang sandali lang ay nakatulog na ito. Habang siya ay sinamantala ang pagkakataon para tingin ito. And she also fell asleep after a minute. Sinandal niya ang ulo niya sa ulunan ng kama.

***

Naalimpungatan siya nang may maramdaman siyang mga haplos sa pisngi niya. It was Yeon Seo. Napako ang mga mata niya sa malamlam nitong titig.

“Yui—” Di nito natuloy ang sasabihin nito nang may kumatok sa pintuan ng kwarto.

“Prinsesa Yui? Young Master Yeon Seo? Medyo nangangalay na kasi ako dito. Baba na sana ako sa kainan. Tanghali na kasi.” Sambit ni Shin Na mula sa kabilang bahagi ng pintuan.

Gumapang ang kakaibang init sa mukha niya. Tinulak niya bigla paupo si Yeon Seo sa higaan. “Sige, susunod na kami.” She inhaled and exhaled for a couple time, still feeling embarrassed. Saka tumakbo palabas sa silid nang di tumitingin kay binata.

Naabutan niyang nasa hapag na sina Min Yu, Master Heo, Jin Ru at Shin Na. Kasunod naman niyang dumating si Yeon Seo. Umupo ito sa tapat ni Shin Na. While she sat in her Mother’s corner side of the table. Nagsimula siya agad kumain habang nakamasid ang Ina niya nang may tanong sa mata.

“What happened to you, Yui? Bakit namumula ang mukha mo?” Queen Tae Ri whispered. Nang natapos siya kumain. She wasn’t letting her just go.

“This is nothing.” Saka uminom ng tubig at tumayo bago pa siya magisa ng Ina niya. But her mother stopped her.

“I’ve invited other special people from Daeyo. Bukas sila darating. Please welcome them and maybe you should talk to Min Yu. May importante daw siyang kailangan sabihin sayo.”

Tumango siya dito at nilingon ang tinutukoy nitong binata saka bumaling kay Yeon Seo na kasalukuyang nakatitig din sa kanya. She was surprise. Pero hindi niya iniwasan ang mata nito.

“I thought you were dating the other young man. Mukhang nagkamali ako.” She added and let her go.

“I used to but now, there will be no wedding questions, My Queen. So if you’ll excuse me.” Sagot niya. Then she ran at the falls to think and avoided everyone.

Nang makarating siya sa talon ay nilundag niya ang layo ng bato sa gitna nito, mula sa lupang nakapaligid dito. She sat there for a while and started making new plan. Kailangan niya ng maghanda sa susunod na bansang pupuntahan niya. Pero hindi naman siguro siya mahuhuli sa palugit ng Ina niya kung magbabakasyon siya muli sa Daeyo.

All she has to do is ask her mother’s permission. Gusto niya ring alamin ang lumason kay Min Yu. And what his or her intention is.

Bago siya bumalik sa palasyo ay naisipan niyang maligo muna. She took off gown, leaving her inner dress. Medyo manipis iyon para madali iyon patuyuin kapag kailangan na niyang umalis.

She dove in the falls. Nakailang ahon at lusong na siya nang magdesisyon siyang umahon. But when she noticed a shining stone at bottom of it. Muli siyang lumusong at nilapitan niya iyon. She immediately grabbed the rock.

Nang makuha niya ang bato ay may puwersang lumabas dito at pinakita nito ang dating itsura ng talon. It was just a forest with a little pond beside a cliff.

Nilapitan niya ang maliit na lawa. She saw her father and Master Jang talking. She saw her father’s portrait so she knew him even though they never met. Nakaluhod ang Ama niya harap ng kausap nito.

“Kailangan mo ako tulungan, Ki Yeon. I can't leave my Queen like this. Hindi ako mapapayapa kung mamatay ako sa ganitong sitwasyon.” Pagmamakaawa nito.

Bilang na ang araw nito kaya pinatawag nito ang kaibigan nito sa syudad ng Daeyo. He can’t just let go knowing the life his wife was in danger. Bagamat dalawang taon na nang nakakalipas nang makita nito ang kaharap nito ay pinahanap nito iyon at nagtagumpay naman ito.

“I just need a little time. Kailangan ko lang masiguro ang buhay ng mag-ina ko. At alam ko ring ikaw ang may hawak ng makapangyarihang bato ng bansa nyo.” Her father added.

“Pero alam mong hindi ito dapat nakakalabas ng Jinyowan.” Sagot nito sa Ama niya.

“But you have it, in your hands now. Nararamdaman ko siya. Just gave me some energy from it. Nakatakdang lumabas ang anak ko nang walang buhay. I did everything I can but my child’s life was still in peril in my vision.” Muling pakikiusap nito. He followed him on his knee.

Her father was known for his ability to prevent future catastrophes. Nakikita nito ang hinaharap na sakuna. And he stopped it everytime.

Nagbago ang mukha ng kausap nito nang mabanggit nito ang anak nito. “When is the due of your child?” Ngumiti itong lumebel sa luhod ng ama niya at hinawakan ito sa balikat.

“It will be in three months. Kailangan ko lang tulungan ang asawa ko sa panganganak. So I will be able to help my child too.”

“Then I shall help you stay with them by that time.” Saka nilabas nito ang ice stone at nilapit sa ama niya. “You will have your strength and soul until your child comes out of this world.” He smiled and helped her father stand up.

Magkaakbay itong naglakad palayo sa kanya. As soon as they disappeared from her sight, the time flew faster. Sumikat at lumubog ang araw ng paulit-ulit hanggang makita niya muling ang Ama niya. Umiiyak itong karga ang isang sanggol na walang buhay.

Kasama ng kaibigan nitong si Master Jang, umupo ito sa tabi ng lawa. Hindi parin ito tumigil sa pagluha.

“I held her for just 10 seconds and I clearly saw her future. At hindi ito iyon. My little Yui.” He hugged the baby tighter.

Siya ang sanggol. She can’t help but tears up too. Namatay siya o mas tamang sabihin pinanganak siya para mamatay.

Tinabihan ito ng kaibigan nito. “At least, you gotta see her and her possible future.” Sagot nito habang tinatapik sa balikat ang Ama niya.

She swallowed hard. Hindi nga siya dapat buhay. But why is she still breathing? She swam up the lake but the water stopped her and the past kept on showing in front of  her.

“Let me go, stop this lie!” She screamed in her mind.

“My Yui.” It was her father’s voice that caught her attention back. “Just know, I did everything I could.”

“She will surely know this. At malaman niya ring kung gaano mo siya kamahal.” His friend was crying too.

Her father sadly smiled. “Salamat sa lahat, Ki Yeon. You really did a great favor for me that I can never pay. I heard you left Daeyo two years ago, whatever the reason, go back while you can. Kailangan ka ng pamilya mo.” He tapped Ki Yeon's shoulder.

“I didn’t know you would find that out. Salamat sa payo, kaibigan. Thanks for inviting me to your last months in your country.” Ki Yeon patted his father's head and gave a little kiss to the baby. “Thank you for giving your father the best months.”

Her father stood and walked on a small lake while still holding her. Pero huminto ito sandali at lumingon dito. “I have the last favor, Master Jang. Please help my wife, my daughter and I will rest here.” Then he continued diving in the lake.

Yumuko nang tahimik ang kaibigan ng ama niya. Hiding his tears while sending them away. Natigilan ito nang biglang umilaw ang batong nasa bulsa nito. Then a white glow came out of it. Lumutang iyon at bumulusok papunta sa lawa.

Kasabay nang huling hinga ng Ama niya ang pagpatak huling luha nito na humalo sa tubig ng talon na gumalaw na parang may buhay naging puting ilaw ito. Lumapit ng puting liwanag sa sanggol. She saw it vividly from her father’s view. Then a blast pushed all the water in lake out. Nabalot ng makapal na hamog ang paligid. Tinangay naman palayo sa lawa si Master Jang.

Gumalaw lang si Master Jang sa kinatatayuan nito nang may marinig itong iyak ng sanggol. He saw the baby girl laying on the big stone at the center of falls that was a small lake before. He swam in the falls to pick up the child. Nang makaahon ito ay naglakad ito at hinanap ang dulo ng hamog.

Nang makalayo ito sa talon ay nakita nito ang sakop ng puting usok. It was covering the whole falls. Muli itong naglakad papasok sa hamog at puwesto malapit sa dulo nito. He placed his hand in the fog boundary. Nakangiti nitong nakilala ang enerhiyang bumalot sa paligid.

It was made by her father’s tears of love. Binalot nito ang dalawang kilometro ng lupain na nakapalibot mula sa talon. But the child in his arms have different energy.

“I guess, I have to take care of you and your mother for some time.” Ngumiti ito at naglakad papapunta sa palasyo. He has a new plan.

He quickly placed her in her sleeping mother’s arm when he arrived at the queen’s chamber.

“My child, wake up. I have recharged your energy. Pwede ka na uling mamasyal. I will always be here waiting for you.”

Maingat siyang inangat ng boses na gumising sa kanya. Dinala siya nito gitna ng talon. As she reached the stone, she started crying. Sinakripisyo ng Ama niya ang lahat para sa kanya. Habang siya natuon paghahanap ng pag-ibig na di nito naibigay sa kanya dahil pumanaw na ito.

She smiled and dove to swim in land but when she was about to run to the castle. May nakita siyang kasabay niya umahon. It was Yeon Seo.

“Why are you here? You saw all of that?” Nagtataka niya tanong. She didn’t even notice his energy.

“Yes.” He replied. “I thought you were drowning. Nang makita kong may hinahanap ka na. Aahon na sana ako kaso naintriga ako. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to see all of it.”

She was sure now why the falls was allowing him in. “Now I get it. Tama ang sinabi mong dahil nga sa Ama mo bakit ka nakikilala ng hamog na harang.” She was smiling like crazy and walked to him.

Umatras ito. “Can you put some clothes on? Before you come closer to me.” Umiwas ito ng tingin.

Hindi na niya napigilang matawa habang pinapatuyo ang sarili. “I didn’t mean to be seductive. Nakalimutan ko lang—”

“Wala kong sinabing naakit ako sayo. What I mean—" Pagtatama nito kaso di niya rin ito pinatapos.

“I get it. Di mo naman kailangan maging defensive.” She signed and the wind carried her gown to her. “I know you like Shin Na. She is your type.” She turned against him and put her dress up.

“Shin Na? Seryoso ka ba?” Di makapaniwalang sagot nito.

He acted as if she said something wrong. “Nevermind, It’s not like I have the right to know.”

“Are you sure?” Tanong nito.

He was leaning on a tree beside him when she done dressing up and turned to him. “Yeah, definitely.” Nakipagsukatan ito ng tingin sa kanya. Like he did a while ago.

He slowly towards her. Inayos nito ang nakatagilid niyang damit. “Should I do something about it? For example like our kiss before?”

Siya naman ang napaatras. She blinked a lot of times. Sinusukat niya kung anong ibig sabihin nito. Muli siyang napaatraso pero hinila siya nito.

“I don’t casually hug or kiss anyone, Yui. Kung anuman ang narinig mo tungkol sakin. Ask me next time, they might be false.” He pulled her closer and stared at her lips. “The question is how do you feel about me liking you?” He asked after the kiss.

They stared at each other. She can feel a different tension but she was too stunned to react. Yeon Seo likes her.

“Why? I mean why me? Paanong ako ang gusto mo pero hindi mo nilulubayan si Shin Na. You were worried about her, all the time.” She was confused.

“I don’t have a reason. You are likeable. Mas tamang tanong ang ‘kailan pa?’ Cause even me, I don’t know when.” He slowly let her go.

She sighed. She had imagined him liking her but not until she had an unfinished commitment with his friend. She never saw it coming. She was in denial.

“You seems so surprised. Why is that?” Humakbang ito palayo sa kanya. Without taking off his eyes on her.

She looked around hoping it was just a dream. Or maybe a future vision like her father’s ability. Ngunit totoo ang lahat at nangyari iyon sa kasalukuyan. So she have no choice but to focus and read between his words of confession.

“I am likeable. You are right. But you don’t seem to like me. Naintindihan mo ba? I mean, you actions don't matches your words. I never thought of you as a play boy. I mean, I did once but you proved me wrong. Pero wala ka namang malinaw na dahilan sa paghalik mo sakin at pagyakap noong una. I don’t want to jump to conclusions.” Paliwanag niya. She finally said what’s on her mind.

He nodded a couple times. “I just know how to hide things like my feelings. Kinalakihan ko na iyon. I’ve dealt with my own emotions alone, no one is around to explain things to me. I just figured them all out.”

She sighed. “I didn’t realized that now.” Hindi niya napigilang tumawa. Her problem was solve. He like her too.

“So? Do you still like Min Yu? No wait, do you even like him?”

“Min Yu? I do like him, I mean basically he is my type. He was handsome, kind and a gentleman.”

“But?” He was waiting for something.

“But—” Natigilan siya sa pagsagot nang may makita siyang tipak ng lupa sa langit na papalapit sa kanila. “Yeon Seo, move!” Sigaw niya matapos hilahin ito palayo sa diretso ng pahulog na lupa. She made a water shield and covered their heads.

Kusa naman itong yumuko. She hugged him tight. Binitawan niya lang ito nang maubos na ang mga nahuhulog na lupa. He stand up straightly and checked on her. “Ayos ka lang?”

Tumango lang siya. She was analyzing what just happened? May kakaiba siyang nararamdaman.

“What was that for? Ganoon ba talaga barrier nyo dito?” Tanong nito. While he was cleaning up her hair.

She saw the barrier still covering the waterfalls area. But how come an outside thing crossed it? “That never happened before.” Natigilan siya nang sumikip ang dibdib niya. The soil that fell into the water was clouding the water and she can feel it too.

Napahawak siya sa dibdib niya.

“Yui!? What is it?” He worriedly asked.

Mabilis siya kumilos at inipon ang lupang kumalat sa talon. Then throw them outside the falls. Saka lang siya nakahinga.

She was connected at the falls somehow, that was her thoughts before. Pero hindi siya sigurado hanggang saan iyon. She was certain now, how far that is. The falls is her father's last energy. It was her source of energy being near or swimming in it replenished her lost strength, given that she was died, no life or energy. Kaya siya nanghihina kapag malayo siya sa talon. It supplies all the power she needs.

And her time is ticking, meaning the falls is dying too. Hindi siya sigurado kung hanggang saan siya aabot pagkasapit ng kaarawan niya. Ayon sa huling memorya ng Ama niya, mukha hindi siya makakapagdiwang ng ika-labing-siyam niyang kaawaran. She will die that is why her mother gave her time until her 18th birthday before tge Queen, herself, will take over her husband hunting.

Nanghihina siyang bumagsak sa lupa. “Call, Minghao.” Huling sabi niya bago siya nawala ng malay.

***

Nang magising siya ay nasa palasyo na siya, sa kwarto niya. She was with Yeon Seo. Nakatulog din ito sa tabi niya.

Yeon Seo must be waiting for her. Patayo na siya nang biglang pumasok si Min Yu. He was holding a small basin with a towel in it. Mabilis nitong binaba ang hawak nito at nilapitan siya saka sinalat ang ulo niya. He smiled knowing she have a normal temperature.

“Binantayan ka niya buong magdamag. He was so worried about you. Nagpalitan sila ni Shin Na pero di siya umalis sa tabi mo.” Kwento nito sa kanya.

“Min Yu? About my proposal, I mean our proposal, I—”

He stopped her. “I get it. You two seem to have this undeniably bond. Alam kong di nyo pansin, pareho. But it was there for a reason. I can’t beat that. I could say you like me first but you like him more, obviously.”

“I’m so sorry. It just happened. Believe me, I would have chosen you. Hindi ko nga alam bakit ko nagustuhan si Yeon Seo. But I love seeing him smile, I’m worried about him all the time and I want to see him every day.” She smiled unknowingly while looking at him peacefully sleeping. Her hand also moved to touch his hair.

Tumikhim si Min Yu para makuha muli ang atensyon niya. “I should go.” Kinuha nito uli ang plangana at sinabay sa paglabas.

She waved at him until the door was completely closer. Saka bumaling uli kay Yeon Seo. To her surprise, he was awake.

“I heard it all.” Nakasimanggot nito tingin sa kanya. “Seriously, you don’t have a reason to like me?”

“I.. should rest.” Saka nagtago sa kumot niya. She was like a criminal being caught.

Nag-agawan sila sa kumot niya. Pinipilit siya nitong palabas doon. But she was holding it so tight. Pakiramdam niya nakasalalay doon ang buhay niya. Dahil wala siyang masasagot sa tanong nito.

But why is she so uncomfortable about it. Sanay siyang napapaligiran ng lalaki at inaalalayan ng mga gabay niya. She never felt like that in any guy except him.

Inipon niya ang lakas ng loob niya. Then she took off the blanket and sat. Sinalubong siya nang mukha nito. Pareho silang na umupo sa higaan. But he was on the top of her. Ang tanging nakapagitan sa kanila ay ang kumot niya.

Sa gulat niya ay tinulak niya ito at pumaibabaw dito kasama parin ang kumot niya. They were both stunned. Akmang tatayo na siya nang matauhan siya ginawa ay saka namang bukas ng pintuan ng kwarto niya at pumasok doon ang Reyna. Napaatras ito at tahimik na lumabas.

Lalo siyang nakadama ng hiya nang maiwan sila uli ni Yeon Seo. Dahan-dahan siya tumayo at hinila ito palayo sa higaan niya. Then she ran in her bed. At muling nagtago roon.

She was screaming in her head while he was smiling, she saw it before she hides. Sinilip niya ito sandali. Maya-maya narinig niyang bukas at sumara ang pintuan ng silid niya. Umalis na si Yeon Seo. That’s when she let herself scream at the top of her lungs.

Pinalaki siya ng Ina niya nang may delikadesa at mabini. But she was capture acting like a girl who initiated intimate touching. Di niya alam pano magpapaliwanag dito kapag tinanong siya, pagkakataon.

She lifted her cover. At tumulala siya sa kisame. She decided to think about her mother’s opinion later. She stood up immediately after hearing a loud trumpet play. Senyales iyon na may parating na espesyal na panauhin sa Gaenda. And she knew it, her mother mentioned it yesterday.

She went to bath quickly and dress up all by herself. Tinawag niya lang sina Keia nang tuyo na ang buhok niya. She sighed again.

Paglabas nila sa kuwarto niya ay sumunod sila sa nakalinyang ng mga sumasalubong sa bago niyang bisita. Tahimik lang na nakatayo doon ang Ina niya. Usually, her mother started conversation. Ngunit ngayon ay di ito nagsasalita. Kinabahan tuloy siya sa inaasta nito.

Yeon Seo caught her attention. Kumakaway ito sa kanya. He was standing in line with them but he was a few steps from her.

“May problema ba?” Bulong dito.

Hindi niya alam kung sasagutin niya ito. Her mother already spotted her talking with him. Kung pwede lang siya gumalaw ay baka pinitik na niya ng tubig ang binata sa mukha nito.

“Joke lang. Can you relax? Halata ka masyado. It’s not like we done—”

“Stop, please.” Awat niya dito. When Jin Ru was starting to notice them talking. “Usap tayo mamaya. For now, stand still.

“Smile for me, first.” Sagot nito habang pinapakita sa kanya kung paano ngumuti. “Come on, I’ll come over to you if you don’t.” He threatened her.

Napilitan siya ngumiti. Gumanti din ito ng ngisi. That made her smile for real. Natawa na rin ito sa naging palitan ng usapan nila.

Muling tumunog ang trumpeta na simbolo naman na malapit na ang bisita. It was Jin Liyah and Hyung Im Gon. She was shocked. Masigla silang binati ng mga ito.

Inakay nila ang mga ito sa bulwagan at pinaupo sa mga upuan doon. Nang maging abala ang lahat ay lumapit siya sa malaking bintana roon. She took a deep breathe, mesmerizing the afternoon view. Nakadama siya nang kapayapaan, madalas siyang mamasyal noon ni Master Jang nang ganoong oras pagkatapos niya mag-ensayo.

“I didn’t know you visited Daeyo. Kundi dahil sa imbitasyon ni Reyna Tae Ri, wala akong malalaman.” Bungad sa kanya ni Hyung Im Gon. He was watching her seconds ago.

“Hindi ko alam na kailangan ko palang magsabi sayo. As far as I know, I don’t announce my visits.” Seryoso niyang sagot dito.

Tumawa ito sandali. “Come on, Yui. You don’t have to act formally. We have too much history to be like that.” Humakbang ito palapit sa kanya.

“Sandali, Prinsepe Im Gon, may importante lang akong kailangan sabihin kay Yui.” Awat ni Yeon Seo dito sabay hila sa kanya.

She was relief. “Thank you. I hated him. Alam mo bang pinagkalat niyang may gusto ako sa kanya kaya kami laging pinagpapares sa taunang kasiyahan ng mga Royalty. And he has the nerve to act cool.” She frustratedly said.

“I didn’t know but now I know.” Nakangiti nitong sabi. “But I was more curious why he was invited here with Liyah?”

“I didn’t know that either. The Queen invited them for me. Pero di ko alam bakit. I never had a chance to ask.” She responded.

Ngayon niya lang naisip nang tanungin siya nito. She was now wondering why the two have privileged to come in Gaenda. Hindi siya malapit sa dalawa at hindi niya rin maituturing na kaibigan ang mga ito.

“Hindi naman sa nanghihimasok ako. You could be friends to anyone but him. It’s not that I’m threatened with him. Look at him. Ni wala nga siya—”

Inawat niya ito nang isang halik sa pisngi. He was astonish. Maging siya ay gulat din sa inakto niya. Mabuti nalang at nilapitan sila nina Min Yu, Jin Ru at Liyah.

She turned to them with blushing face. Masaya naman nakatitig ito sa kanya bago nilingon ang mga kaibigan nila. Saka lang siya nakahinga ng maayos. “Hi, guys, how’s the party?”

Pareho silang sinalubong ng nakangiti nina Min Yu at Jin Ru habang nakasimangot naman si Liyah.

“We enjoyed it. Pati yung mga kasiyahan noong dumating kami. We really felt welcome.” Min Yu commented.

“Oo, sa totoo lang, hindi ko naranasang makisalamuha sa normal na tao. We usually hang out with mages. But they were all hospitable.” Dagdag ni Jin Ru.

Naglipat-lipat naman ng tingin sa kanila ni Yeon Seo si Liyah. “I thought this a welcome party for me and Prince Im Gon. Iba pala ang pinagdiriwang natin.” Saka tinalikuran sila nang walang paalam.

“She was Yeon Seo's ex-fiancée. Kaso umatras siya.” Jin Ru pointed with Yeon Seo.

“She seems to have some lingering feelings for you.” She looked at him.

Nakatingin din ito sa kanya. “See, you not the only who have admirers.” Kinuha nito ang kamay niya at sinabit sa braso nito.

“I don’t have that.” Kontra niya. “Wala naman akong—”

Bumaling ito kay Min Yu at Im Gon na nasa di kalayuan sa kanila pero nakamasid parin sa kanya. Hindi na niya natuloy ang sasabihin niya sa ginawa nito. They were in front of Min Yu. So she decided to shut her mouth. Sinamantala naman iyon ni Yeon Seo at inaya silang uminom.

***

Nakailang tawag din silang serbidor ng alak nang mapansin niyang nangangalo mata na si Min Yu at Jin Ru. Inagaw niya ang mga baso nito at tinungga ang laman. She have strong alcohol tolerance because she studied wines in her free time. Kaya nasanay na sa alak ang katawan niya sa ganoon edad niya.

“Tsk!” Narinig niyang reaksyon ni Yeon Seo.

“Could you help me stop our friends?” Turo niya sa dalawang halatang lasing na. “They both looked so tipsy.”

“Just let them. Saka kita mo naman kung gaano sila kaseryosong uminom. Ngayon lang sila nakalaya sa mga tuntunin ng Soongrim. We are guest here so even Master Heo, can’t stop us.” He answered unbothered.

They’ve been exchanging few topics like her hobbies which is reading, singing and wine making. Yeon Seo like reading and hiking. Jin Ru mostly spend his time gossiping but he like hiking too. Si Min Yu naman madalas mag-aral bukod sa pagbabasa ay nag-eensayo ito kapag wala itong magawa. Mabuti nalang at hindi siya pinakanta ng mga ito. They also talked about Gaenda’s beautiful places they can visits then other random subject their favorite color, song, dress and so on.

“Talaga?” Bigla siyang naawa sa sinabi ni Yeon Seo. “Kaya siguro nag-iinom din si Liyah.” Puna niya sa dalagang nasa kabilang lamesa lang kasama ang mga bantay nito.

“What?” Napatayo ito agad. He walked to Liyah and grabbed her cup then drank it. “Bring her to her room. She’s on her limit.”

Papikit-pikit itong tumingon sa umagaw ng baso. “Ikaw?” Nagpilit itong tumayo. “And you?” Sabay turo sa kanya. Then cried loudly while ranting. Napilitan itong binuhat ng bantay nito palayo sa kanila.

“What was that?” She stood up too to follow Liyah. Gusto niya sana itong tulungan kaso inawat siya Min Yu. He held her hand tight.

“Don’t go. Don’t make me go.” Tanging nasabi nito bago mawalan ng malay. But he was still clutching her palm.

She suddenly saw a flashed memory of Min Yu and a girl in forest. Walang usapan pero galit itong iniwanan doon ng dalagang kaharap nito. And she felt that it was the last memory of her, he has.

Yeon Seo sighed woke her up. At saka marahas nitong inagaw ang kamay niya kay Min Yu. “You still like him?” Naiinis nitong tanong.

Her hand was wet, must be because of Min Yu tears. Saka inaalala bakit nga ba sila nagtatalo? She suddenly remember him drinking Liyah’s drinks. “No. Do you still like Liyah?” Balik niyang tanong. She pried too.

“She’s just a friend. I only offered marriage to her cause I want to help her family. Pero nang umamin siya sakin na may gusto siya sakin. I’ve canceled the wedding, I don’t want to give her false hope.” He calmly explained.

She sighed. “Well, I guessed that wasn’t the case for her. At least I’ve cleared mine with Min Yu.” She took her hand back and looked around for help. But most of her guards were assisting other drunken palace officers.

Akmang isasabit na niya ang braso ni Min Yu sa balikat niya ngunit inunahan siya ni Yeon Seo. “Si Jin Ru ang tulungan mo. Mas may wisyo pa yan.”

Sinunod niya ito at humabol sa paglalakad nito papunta sa silid nang mga akay nila.

“Yeon Seo?” Tawag niya dito mula sa likod nito. “I think I know now, why I like you?” Natigilan siya nang humarap ito sa kanila ni Jin Ru.

“I’m waiting.” He was finally smiling.

“Okay.” She cleared her throat before started talking. “You have a strong will to do and understand your surroundings. To be honest, if I didn’t know why I have to look for a husband. Papabayaan ko sa Ina ko ang lahat. She knows what to look for. But when I met you again and I found out how you struggled without you energy, I was just amazed why you keep on trying to be mage. You inspired me, Yeon Seo.” She happily stated.

“And?” Tanong nito habang humahakbang palapit sa kanya. “What are you gonna do about it?”

“I…” She swallowed hard for a courage. “I want to marry you, Yeon Seo. I want to be with someone who loves life. You don’t have to answer. You can think—”

He interrupted her with a kiss. “You’re lucky I am carrying Min Yu.” Then he continued walking.

She can’t help but smiled. Ngunit nawala ang ngiti niya nang makita niyang nakadilat si Jin Ru. He quickly stood up and leaned in wall.

“I didn’t see anything.” Natatawang pumikit si Jin Ru habang pilit na nakalalakad ng tuwid. He was covering his eyes as he passed Yeon Seo.

Kusa naman siyang tumulong kay Yeon Seo na umalalay kay Min Yu. Habang tinitignan si Jin Ru na maayos namang nakapasok sa kuwarto nito.

Nang makarating sila sa silid ni Min Yu ay maingat itong inihiga ni Yeon Seo habang siya naman ang nag-ayos ng kumot nito. Hinatid din siya nito sa kuwarto niya. Saka muli niyang ginawaran ng halik pero sa noo naman.

***

Kinabukasan, simulang gugulin nina Min Yu, Jin Ru, Master Heo at Liyah sa pamamasyal ang natitirang araw nila sa Gaenda. While Yeon Seo and Shin Na was spending their time, training in the river near the Jin Yu falls. Habang siya naman ay abala sa pag-eensayo. Samantalang namasyal namang hiwalay si Prinsepe Im Gon kasama ang mga bantay nito.

Muli silang nagtipon sa huling araw ng mga ito sa bansa ngunit limitado lang sa kanila ang pagpupulong. Including her mother, Prince Im Gon, her guards and guides. Hindi narin imbitado ang mga ordinaryong tao.

“Mabuti at muli kang sasama samin sa Daeyo, Prinsesa Yui.” Panimula ni Master Heo.

“Meron lang ho akong gusto puntahan doon bago ako manatili muli dito.” Maiksi niyang paliwanag.

“Maari ko bang malaman iyon? Ang balita ko ay natitipuhan mo si Min Yu. I won’t go against it. Isa pa, alam kong may pagtingin din sayo ang bata ito.” Tapik nito sa katabi nito na tinutukoy nito.

Natatawang pinalo ni Jin Ru ang guro nila. “Nahuli ka na ho sa balita, Master Heo. Iba na ho ang gusto ni Yui.”

Nakangiting hinawakan ito ni Yeon Seo sa balikat nito. “Alam kong maaga pa pero uunahan ko na si Yui. I already planned to marry her, no matter how long our getting-to-know takes. Hindi ko pa sigurado kay Yui pero sigurado na kong siya ang gusto kong makasama.”

Kinilig siyang ngumiti sa binata. She just received a formal courtship from Yeon Seo. Nilingon niya ang Ina niya para malaman ang reaksyon nito pero nadismaya siya.

Gulat at takot ang rumehistro dito. “Then I guess, we’ll just have to wait for the official proposal. Pwede parin namang magbago ang isip ng anak ko.”

Hindi lang siya ang natigilan sa huling sinabi nito. She was like indirectly insulted by her own Mother. Para sinasabi nitong maaaring hindi parin siya sigurado.

“I mean, they were all young and in love. Kay Yeon Seo rin mismo nanggaling na nasa pagkilala pa sila. Let’s just forget what I said. What I really want to say is Yui’s marriage is the most important thing to me in this world. Let’s cheer for them.” The Queen added.

She was not convinced. Wala sa loob siyang sumalo sa inumang alok ng Reyna. But she go with Yeon Seo, she will ask her tomorrow about it.

Nag-inuman uli sina Min Yu, Jin Ru at Yeon Seo. But this time, her boyfriend gave his all. Tumagay ito nang tumagay hanggang hindi pa ito bumabagsak kasama si Min Yu na kalahating oras nang tulog sa lamesa.

She sighed with Jin Ru. Na hindi uminom nang madami dahil ayaw na nitong sumakit muli ang ulo nito. He helped her carry their two drunken friend.

“I really regret being the sober one. Sana uminom nalang ako uli.” He stated while catching his breath.

“Well, thank you anyway. Hindi ko kayang asikaso silang dalawa. I am glad—”

“Yui?” Sigaw ni Min Yu.

Natigilan sila pareho. She was carrying Yeon Seo so she didn’t hear him clearly. Si Jin Ru naman ang nakaalalay kay Min Yu. “Ano daw?” Tanong niya.

“Tawag ka.” Saka nilapit sa kanya si Min Yu. “Kausapin mo.” Nakipagpalit ito sa kanya.

Hindi na niya ito naawat. She have no choice but to guide Min Yu to his room. Mabuti nalang at kabisado niya ang silid ng mga bisita niya.

“Yui!?” Sigaw nito uli saka dumilat at kinilala siya. “Yui?” Ngumiti ito habang hinawakan ang mukha niya.

“Yes, Min Yu?” Sagot niya para matigil na ito sa kakatawag sa kanya baka magising nito si Yeon Seo.

Tumayo ito sa harap niya at niyakap siya. “I really care for you, Yui. Hindi lang dahil nakasama kita noong nasa ilalaim ako ng isang love spell. My feelings for you wasn’t just because you needed me.” Sagot ni Min Yu sabay halik sa pisngi niya saka niyakap siya uli. Then he completely fell asleep.

She was shocked but her heart almost jumped out of her chest when she saw Yeon Seo was in front of them. He was half-awake. Gumigiwang itong naglalakad habang nakasandal ang kamay sa pader. He stared at her for a long time. Bago dismayadong naglakad habang tinutulak palayo si Jin Ru na pilit na inaalalayan ito para di ito matumba. He gave one last look with teary eye before fully pay his attention on his path to his room.

“Akin lang si Yui!” Sigaw nito sa di kalayuan.

Hindi niya napigilang tumawa kahit hirap na hirap siyang hilahin si Min Yu. He got heavier when he was knock out. Kaysa nung nakapagsalita pa ito.

She tiredly strolled her way to his bedroom. Sobrang daming nangyari. And she was too sleepy to count.