Ice Stone Child

09 His Awakening POWER

She made sure Yeon Seo left to meet Master Heo. It was the morning before their date. Tinawag niya agad si Seungkwan. And she asked him to send a message to Master Park from her.

“Tell, Master Park, to met me where Ae-yang is.” Ngayon niya lang naalala ang sulat sa kanya ng matandang salamangkero noong nasa Gaenda siya. Yeon Seo handed the girl they’ve found to Soongrim.

After an hour, the messenger bird Seungkwan used came back to her holding a letter too.

“She was in Soongrim’s secret room. Meet me at the barrier. Time to answer my questions.” She read loudly.

Inihanda agad ni Keia ang karawahe niya para puntahan ang kausap niya.

Naabutan niya itong tahimik na nakaupo sa gilid ng lagusan ng Soongrim.

“Magandang hapon po, Master Park. I’m so glad you kept this secret of ours. She was safe thanks to your cooperation.” Nakangiti niyang bati at pasasalamat dito.

“Walang anuman, Prinsesa Yui. We are still indebted to you for saving our face to Jinyowan. Kung kailangan mo kami, madali mo kaming malalapitan.” Sagot nito.

“Salamat po. I just need her to be safe until she completely healed. I’m so glad nothing happened while I was gone.” She replied with very thankful voice. “Ilan ho ang pwede kong isama sa loob?” Tanong niya dito tungkol sa mga bantay niya.

“That’s was just a small favor. You can bring all of them. Mas ligtas ka kung kasama mo sila.” He replied and opened the gate barrier.

Dinala sila nito sa loob ng secretong silid. She found the same mages who guarded her before standing at room’s entrance. Nginitian niya ang mga ito.

“Can I talk to her alone, first?” Tanong niya sa lider ng Soongrim. He nodded and stepped back at the door of the secret room.

“Ae-yang? Kamusta pakiramdam mo?” Nilapitan niya ito.

She was in a good state but her face was horrified. “Hindi ka na dapat pumunta dito, Prinsesa, nandito sila.” She restraining her tears.

“That is why I have to save you. I was just hoping my guards were safe.” And quickly held her in the shoulders and transformed themselves into water to get passed through under the chamber of the secret room.

Nagtago sila sa ilalim ng sekretong silid. She waited there until the commotions upstairs stopped. Nang matahimik na ang paligid ay sinilip niya iyon bago hinila palabas si Ae-yang.

Sinalubong niya si Master Park. “I didn’t mean to bring danger here. Kukunin ko na ho si Ae-yang, ngayon.”

“It’s fine, I expected that. Kaya hinayaan ko silang lahat sumama sayo. I’m glad we can help.” He tapped her shoulder. “I hope we can keep all of this with ourselves. We were happy no one hurts, my questions can wait until next time.”

“We were trained to protect others.” Sinenyasan niya si Hanseol na pagalingin ang sugat ng matandang salamangkero. “I am also happy you didn’t hesitate protecting her without any details about her.” Saka inakay si Ae-yang. “I think I know why they were after her now.”

He sighed. “I am sorry, I can’t secure this place, alone. Hindi ko parin kayang ialok sa inyo muli ang Soongrim. If you were offend that we can’t afford to lean some spirit plaque with all of your guards, I apologized. Di ko talaga kayang isiguro ang kaligtasan ng kahit na sino, sa ngayon. I have to banned you all here, for now. Unless, I invited you here.”

She just nodded and started walking out to the Soongrim’s gate. She planned to hide Ae-yang until her kidnappers were captured.

Nang makalabas sila ng Soongrim ay sumenyas siya kay Wooshi para itago ang dalaga. No one should found her, yet. She also put a little protection spell in case someone found her. Mabibigay iyon ng senyales sa kanya kung nasa kapahamakan ang dalaga at papatalsikin nito palayo sa dalaga ang sinumang may balak manakit dito.

Payapa silang bumiyahe pauwi sa bahay ng mga Jang. Sinalubong siya ng isang katulong ng kasintahan niya at tinuro ang mga bagahe mula kay Ryujin, ang mananahing kaibigan ni Yeon Seo.

“Salamat. Mingyu, bring them inside. Tignan natin yan mamaya.” Nakangiti niyang utos sa bantay niya.

She led Ae-yang first to her hidden room with Wooshi and unhidden her appearance. “Dito ka na muna magpahinga. Mamaya na tayo mag-usap. I have something to do. Just remember, you are safe here.”

Nang tuluyan na silang makalabas sa kuwarto ng bisita nila ay sumenyas siya sa bantay niya upang gamitin nito uli ang abilidad nito. She asked him to hide Ae-yang’s room and everything in it for her safety. Magiging halata naman kung may magbabantay sa kuwarto nito lagi kung may makakapasok sa bahay na tinutuluyan niya.

Mabilis silang tumakbo sa silid na pinagdalhan ng bantay niyang malakas at binuksan ang mga ito. It was for her guards, guides and Yeon Seo’s clothes. Muling nagpagawa ng mga damit kay Ryujin nang matanggap niya ang gawa nitong una.

She smiled widely and distributed them to their owners. “You will all need this.”

“Salamat, Prinsesa.” Sabay-sabay na sagot ng mga ito.

“Maliit na bagay ang mga yan. I have to give you that in case…” She sighed before continuing. “I die, for real.” Malungkot niyang sabi.

“Prinsesa naman. You know we won’t let that happened. Nandito kami para protektahan ka—” Inawat niya si Wooshi nang isang tapik sa balikat.

“We all know my fate. I did survive before, 17 years were long enough for me. Kung meron mang dapat magligtas sainyo, ako iyon. You were all here because of me. And would love to let all of you have their own lives.” She grinned widely. “Matagal ko nang tinanggap ang lahat. My father’s last memory was about my tragic death. I won’t have to detail it but I think it was for good.”

Katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila. None of them said a word. So she hugged them one by one. At hinalikan ang mga ito sa pisngi.

She chose to spend time with Yeon Seo rather than hiding in her father’s barrier. “I will surely die happy as long as everyone was safe.”

Binalikan niya agad si Ae-yang nang malabhan na ang damit ni Yeon Seo at maisampay para matuyo. She watched her guides washing it. Naabutan niyang tulog ang dalaga. She waited and guarded her. Nang makadama siya nang antok ay naglatag siya sa tabi ng dalaga.

Naalimpungatan siya nang may maramdaman siyang nakaupo sa likuran niya. She opened her eyes to check her visitor. Kinabahan siya nang makumpirma niyang may tao sa likod niya.

She prepared herself to fight and turned to the person behind her. They were both shocked as she found out who was her visitor. Habang ito naman ay napaatras nang nakaupo. “Min Yu!? How did you know I’m here.”

Natawa ito ng mahimasmasan sa tanong niya. “I asked Wooshi. Kung di mo natatanong close na kami. He was my adviser when I was preparing for my marriage proposal. Speaking of that, I was just curious. If I wasn’t under the spell what will you answer be? Napapaisip lang talaga ako.”

Natawa siya sa naging sagot nito. “You were still curious about that? I am already in love with your friend. Sa tingin ko hindi mo na dapat iniisip yan. There were a lot of girls who like you. Wala lang silang lakas ng loob na lumapit sayo.”

He sighed. “I was just wondering. I mean, it’s not like I am against about the two of you. Nanghihinayang lang talaga ako. You proposed to me.”

Napansin niya ang malungkot ito. So she gave her a quick hug him “You will always be my first love. Although, I knew you already have yours before. I kinda saw her. Pero hindi ko maalala kailan.”

He exhaled again. “I almost forgot you can read memories. Well, I am glad to say I am lucky to be your first love. Thank you for the privilege, Princess Yui.” He finally smiled.

“You are most welcome.” Nakangiti niyang sabi dito. And tapped his shoulder before standing up to pick up her and Ae-yang’s lunch. “Pakibantayan muna siya dito. Ipahanda ko lang tanghalian natin. Join us.”

Pagkatapos nila kumain ay umalis na Min Yu saka niya hinarap si Ae-yang at pinakwento dito ang buong nangyari.

Ayon dito galing kay Shin Na mismo ang medalyon. She stole it from her master. Noong una daw ay sinabi nitong pinabenta daw iyon ni Yeon Seo at si Ju Dae ang pinag-iwanan ng katulong. But she knew that maid/shadow assassin was lying. Her boyfriend know how important a spirit plaque is. At hindi iyon magagawa ng binata.

“I am telling the truth, Princess. Gusto ko lang naman na kumita ng ekstra. I was not the real seller of it at market.” Dagdag paliwanag nito. “I would never lie to you, you save me.” And she started crying.

She tapped her shoulders and wiped her tears. Pinikit niya mata niya at tinuon ang enerhiya niya sa paghahanap ng alaala sa nang marinig nito ang usapan nina Ju Dae at Shin Na. She found it quickly.

“Kailangan ko ibenta ito, Ate Ju Dae.” Sambit ni Shin Na habang kumakain sa tagapangasiwa ng bahay-aliwan sabay labas ng plaka at nilapag ito sa lamesa.

“Hindi yan madaling ibenta, alam mo yan. Bakit nga pala na saiyo yan? That was a important plaque for mage. Isa sa mga mapalad na nabigyan ang amo at pinapakialam mo pa yan. Malala ang parusa sa mga taong nakakawala niya.” Paliwanag nito.

She sighed. “Kung di mo ko matutulungan, ayos lang naman sakin. Makakahanap pa naman siguro ako ng makakatulong saking iba, ayaw naman kita mapilitan lalo alam kong mapapahamak ka din. I admitted, I’ve stole it. I just needed money.”

Yui sighed deeper. Umahon ang galit sa isip niya. She started getting pissed on Shin Na. She blink twice to bring herself back to reality. Isa iyon sa mga napag-aralan niya habang nakakulong siya sa Talon ng Jin Yu. She calm herself as she noticed the woman in front of her worried.

Kung sa kanya halos parang isang oras na ang lumipas sa ginawa niyang pagbasa ng memorya. In reality, anyone who sees her was just like she blinked or rested her eyes. Depende sa haba ng alaalang tinignan niya.

“Thank you for your cooperation. Hindi parin nagbago ang alok kong proteksyon sayo. But I still need your answer to my question now. Are you willing to side with us no matter what for your safety or you will leave here and go back to your old life?” She asked her while holding her hands.

“I choose the first one, Princess. Kahit ano po gagawin ko wag lang ako mahanap uli ng mga iyon.” Tukoy nito sa gustong pumatay sa kanya. While gripping her hands back.

“Then it’s settled then. You stayed with us unless we say you can go. Poprotektahan ka ng mga bantay ko. You didn’t have to be scared anymore. For now, you need to write Ju Dae and my guard will bring it to her. Bibigyan ko din siya ng bayad para sa kalayaan mo. Just remember you are free as soon as we caught your kidnappers. You can do anything you want.”

Tumango ito. “Maraming salamat, Prinsesa. Kung makakaligtas po ako, gusto ko pong magsilbi sayo habang nasa Daeyo ka po.”

“No need to do that. I didn’t really hold people around me. Yang mga bantay ko at gabay ko mga kaibigan ko na sila mula bata pa ko. They were like my siblings. I would gladly accept you serving me. Pero mas gusto kong ilaan mo nalang sa pansarili bagay ang oras mo. You have all the right, you almost die. You can stay with me while you figure it out but I would be really happy to send you out as long as you were safe.”

Hindi ito sumagot at niyakap siya. Muli niya itong iniwan para magpahinga. She checked Yeon Seo’s clothes. Binilhan niya rin ito ng damit na pwede nitong suotin sa date nila.

***

Next day, after their date. She was on her way Soongrim to meet Yeon Seo. Pinatawag ito ni Master Park pero di binanggit kay Headmistress, na napagtanungan niya, ang dahilan. Sinama din nila si Ae-yang para masiguro nila ang kaligtasan nito. They can’t just leave her with some of her guards, it will be suspicious.

Ilang kilometro nalang ang layo nila nang may ibong lumapit kay Seungkwan at kinuwento dito ang nangyari sa kasintahan niya.

“What?” Without thinking she lead her horse running. Huminto lang siya nang maisip niyang di sapat ang bilis nito. “Dino!” She called her fastest guards.

She ordered him to carry her over the barrier until they found Yeon Seo at the dcenter of the training hall. Pinatalsik niya palayo sa kasintahan niya ang lahat ng salamangkerong malapit dito. And she walked at training hall uninvited.

“Stopped it. I know who took the spirit plaque.” She stormed at the hall. Naluluha siyang nilapitan si Yeon Seo na nanghihinang nakaluhod. “Leave him or you will all regret it.” Baling niya kay Master Park at pinabuhat niya ito sa mga bantay bagong dating. “I will fix this, Yeon Seo.”

“You shouldn’t involve yourself in Daeyo’s business, Princess Yui.” Sita sa kanya ni Master Park. And walked closer to her to stop his guard in picking his boyfriend.

“I will help you find the plaque, Master Park. Yeon Seo is special to me. At hindi ko maaatim na sisihin nyo siya sa isang bagay na hindi niya kasalanan. Just stop hurting him, please.” She begged the old master.

“Then I guess, I have to agree with your plan.” Pumayag ito nang makita ang mga luha sa mata niya. And signed his mages to standby.

She looked at Seong Cheol and nodded. Nilapitan nito si Yeon Seo at pinatulog. Then let Mingyu walked away carrying her fiancé.

“Wooshi, call Ae-yang.” Utos niya sa isa pa niyang bantay. He turned to carriage where her guides and visitor staying.

Nang lumabas ang pinapatawag niya sa karawahe niya ay binalot niya ito agad ng isang malinaw na harang. Protecting her from any attack. Saka niya nilapitan ito.

“You have to tell them your crime. Pakiusap, wag mong babanggitin si Shin Na. You two will all be punished and I can’t save both of you, only you.” She whispered to her while walking to Master Park.

Ae-yang sighed. “Please trust me. Magaling akong magsinungaling pero Soongrim ang kaharap natin kaya di mapapangakong di ko siya mababanggit. I’m sorry, Princess. But I won’t involved Ju Dae, I still have debt to her. Alam kong kasalanan ko. So I will make this right, I promise.”

“Okay.” She nodded and stopped at the front of the stairs. Saka hinarap ang lider ng Soongrim. “She was the one who stole the spirit plaque. We found her in the woods before Jang’s property.”

“Totoo ba ang sinasabi ni Prinsesa Yui, binibini?” Usisa ni Master Park.

“Opo, Master Park. And someone kidnapped me because of what I did. Muntik na po akong mamatay dahil doon. Alam ko pong malaking kasalanan ang ginawa ko. And I am willing to pay for it.” Sagot ni Ae-yang sabay luhod.

She suddenly thought of the best solution. “No, Ae-yang, it's me. I hid the fact that I knew about the missing pass. Gusto kong akuin ang responsibilidad. I should be the one to be punished. I was so occupied with my personal life that I forgot about her. If I could turn back the time, I should’ve handed her here, personally. I would gladly take the left flogs or penalty. Just forgive her and Yeon Seo alone.”

“There’s no need for anyone to be disciplined. Pero gusto kong tumulong kayo sa paghahanap ng nawawalang medalyon. Soongrim is more endangered now that it was in someone we didn’t know. About Yeon Seo, he is the one we entrusted with that plaque so whatever sentence we have has already decided and done.” He explained.

“What do you mean, Master Park?” Nalilito niyang tanong. Her plan didn’t work. Si Yeon Seo parin ang dinidiin ng mga ito. It seems like the old man already knew her thoughts.

“He was still banished here. Tinanggap na iyon ni Yeon Seo at wala akong balak bawiin iyon. For this young lady, right now, she is indebted to your fiancé. Kaya labas na ang Soongrim doon. But because you two wanted to get engage on this problem. I gave you my consent. You two have free accesses in this place until we found the missing plaque.” Muling paliwanag nito. But this time he was smiling.

She sighed. Hindi na naisip na madadamay siya sa paghahanap. Now, she have a lot on her hands than she expected.

“Would you two mind talking about the plan now?” Tanong nito sa kanila. And he stepped down the stairs to be close to them.

“No, not at all. But I am very, very confused, right now. Why exactly are you letting our sins just be forgiven?” Awat niya dito nang akmang aakayin sila nito sa loob ng bahay-ensayuhan doon. She really can’t get it.

“Prinsesa naman.” Siniko siya ni Ae-yang. “Ano ka ba?” Bulong nito bago bumaling kay Master Park. “I accepted all of it, My Lord. Pakiusap lang po, huwag nyo pong parusahan si Prinsesa Yui. Gusto niya lang ako tulungan at wala siya alam kung kanino siya magtitiwala. I feel her.” Nakayuko nitong sabi.

“I already have a plan in my mind after Yeon Seo confessed that he lost it. At bukod sa naparusan na namin siya, wala akong balak na manakit uli nang di nag-iimbestiga. Although, he was not talking much. I am really, really happy he has you. And wouldn’t want you to be angry at us again. So let’s plot, I finally have someone to plan with.” Sabay hila sa kanila. He was so excited about something.

“Okay, I guess, I have to agreed with this.” Nagtataka parin siya pero sumama na siya dito. Ae-yang hugged her arms to lead her upstairs.

***

Hapon na sila natapos sa pag-uusap nila sa plano nila sa gustong pumatay kay Ae-yang. She received a message from Seungkwan as soon as she got out of Soongrim. Nilalagnat daw si Yeon Seo kaya doon siya dumiretso.

Sinalubong siya ni Mingyu na kasamang umalis ng kasintahan niya kaninang umaga. She was more confused now. Tatanungin niya sana ito nang biglang lumabas si Shin Na mula sa silid ni Yeon Seo.

“You can’t stay here, Princess. Mas maghihinala sila kapag nandito ka. Obviously, you attracted too much attention.” Bungad sa kanya ni Shin Na. “But you can look for him for a while.” She said then opened the door for her.

Nilapitan niya agad si Yeon Seo at hinawakan sa noo, wala itong malay. He was sleeping peacefully. Ramdam niya ang pabago-bagong galaw ng enerhiya nito. Something was happening inside him. Bumaling agad siya kay Shin Na na pumasok uli sa silid ng may dalang gamot para sa sugat nito.

“But I can’t just get home—”

“You need to go. Basta kailangan di ka nila makita.” She whispered in her ears. “Aalagaan ko siya, Prinsesa Yui, just go home.” She said louder.

She smiled and got what Yeon Seo’s master was trying to tell her. “Okay.”

She calmly stepped away from the room. Saka inakay pauwi ang lahat ng bantay niyang nasa labas ng kwarto. She slowly walked to her place.

“I need to be with Yeon Seo tonight. Come with me, Wooshi.” She pulled him to the backdoor of the house.

“Sandali, Prinsesa. We need more explanation.” Awat nito sa kanya sabay baling sa mga kasamahan nito.

“Sorry, nag-aalala lang talaga ako sa kanya. I want to be with him tonight.” Panimula niyang paliwanag sa mga ito. “But no one should notice me. Kaya kami lang ni Wooshi ang pwede. You all need to stay here so nobody suspects anything.”

Tumango-tango lang ang karamihan sa mga ito.

“I thought it was something serious. Pwede akong sumama bilang isang ibon para mabantayan ko kayo.” Joshwa suggested.

“We also should include Seungkwan so he can translate for you.” Nangiting dagdag ni Wooshi. Then he looked at her.

Wala siyang nagawa kundi sumang-ayon dito. She wants to be Yeon Seo as soon as possible. Matapos silang mawala sa paningin ng mga naiwan nilang bantay ay mabilis silang punta sa bahay ni Yeon Seo. 

Tulog pa rin ang kasintahan niya nang makarating sila. They got in the room quietly then got back to their visible form. Saka nila nilapitan si Shin Na.

“Nandito na kami.” Bungad niya dito. She was with Wooshi, Seungkwan and Joshwa. Dinaluhan niya agad Yeon Seo.

“Aayusin ko lang ang paliguan ni Master Yeon Seo para paggising niya handa na. How long will Seong Cheol spell last? Parang ilang oras na siyang ganiyan.” Tuloy-tuloy na sabi nito.

“It usually last four hours, depends on person. Para kay Yeon Seo ay aabot ito ng lima na oras. So he should be awake an hour ago. Di naman iyon dapat nagtatagal ng ganito. Something's off.” She placed her hand on his forehead.

“It must be the flogged, Princess? Kailangan nating tawagin si Seong Cheol.” Seungkwan asked continuously.

“No need–”

Mabilis na nawala sa harapan niya ang dalawang bantay niya. She sighed. Di na talaga nakikinig sa kanya minsan ang mga ito. She called for Joshwa and sent a message for Min Yu. Kung magising man ito ni Seong Cheol, kailangan parin nito ng tulong ng may kaalaman pagsasanib ng dalawang enerhiya.

She waited for Min Yu’s reply while checking on Yeon Seo from time to time.

Bumalik agad siya sa tabi nito nang makatanggap ng sagot mula sa kaibigan nila. Then she put her hand again on Yeon Seo’s forehead. Nagising bigla ito at nakangiting umupo sa harapan niya sabay yakap sa kanya nang mahimasmasan ito.

“Why do they have to be so hard on you?” Bulong niya. “Are they always like this to you?” Then she hugged him back.

“Always but not too much. Si Master Park na ang tumayong ama ko. But he was so devoted on my father’s last wish.” Paliwanag nito. Then he let her go to wipe her tears. “Stop crying, will you? Buhay pa ko. Medyo naiinitan lang ako.” He smiled tiredly.

“Are you sure? Pinatawag ko si Min Yu nang biglang magbago ang temperatura mo. He said that your energy was completely merging to Master Heo’s while helping you on your backaches that is why you have fever. Si Shin Na hinanda ang paliguan mo. She also told me that we can’t tell anyone about this.” She answered.

“I have nothing to say.” He said half-awakened. “Siguro puntahan na natin si Shin Na.” He added while observing his stomach like a happy child.

She saved him from his last few flogs. “You should be careful not to trust someone with that plaque.”

“I know but..” Tumigil ito sandali saka umiwas ng tingin sa kanya. “Let’s go to Shin Na.”

“You think? What exactly happened with that thing?” She asked eagerly, testing him if he will tell her the truth.

“Tulungan mo kong tumayo.” Tawag sa kanya nito sabay yakap uli sa kanya.

“Yeon Seo, hindi kita kayang buhatin. I can only help you stand.” Awat nito sa pagyapos niya nang husto dito. Alam niyang hindi nito ilalaglag ang guro nito.

“I didn’t mean to do that. I just realized you just made me fall for you more.” Tanging sagot niya at  niyakap ito uli. “I wished I could just marry you right away.” Wala sa loob niyang nasabi dito. When he noticed her sighed.

She embraced him tighter. Sinakyan niya nalang ang pagbabago nito ng usapan. “We could but you have to learn to protect yourself. Sakaling kunin ka ng ibang taga-Gaenda. My guard couldn’t go against them. And I can’t handle them alone.”

“You won’t have to. I will be stronger for you, I promise.” Pangako nito. “But you can’t love anyone, just me.”

Bahagya niyang nilayuan ito at hinalikan sa pisngi. Nagkunwari itong nagulat.

“Why?” She was confused.

“Can you kiss me on the lips, next time? Lagi—”

She crossed the distance on their faces and kissed him lightly at his lips. “Tara na.” Then lead him to his bathroom.

Iniwan niya rin agad ang kasintahan niya sa paliguan nang makita niyang nandoon si Shin Na. She can’t be seen. Wala ding nakakaalam ng nangyari kay Yeon Seo maliban sa kanila.

Matapos maligo ni Yeon Seo ay bumalik ito agad sa silid nito kung saan naghihintay sila ng mga bantay at ni Min Yu.

“You don’t all have to be here. Wala naman sakin ang mga pagpalo iyon. It’s really good thing that I have my gate of energy opened. You all can rest.” Pagtataboy nito sa kanila matapos ito suriin ni Min Yu. He didn’t want them to watch him.

“I want to stay. Pwede na kayo umalis lahat.” She looked at his guard and Min Yu. “I want to take care of you.” Then she turned to him with a sighed

“I’m fine but that will be great. At least, Shin Na can rest.” He agreed.

Tumango lang ang mga bantay niya. They also recognized Yeon Seo’s power. Hindi iyon kasi hina ng dati.

Nang maiwan na sila tatlo nina Shin Na ay naglatag na ito ng higaan niya sa tapat ng sa kasintahan niya. They can’t help but smile while staring at each other. Pareho silang masaya na magkasama sila ngayong gabi.

Shin Na cleared her throat. “Aalis na po ako, Prinsesa Yui at Young Master Yeon Seo.” She said and went out of the room.

“You don’t have to stay here, Yui.” Panimula ni Yeon Seo. But still widely smiling.

“Well, she didn’t have to make bed for me. Pwede naman tayong magtabi.” She gazed at him. She was still worried.

“Are you sure? Hindi ko alam na may balak ka pala sakin. I didn’t know you have other thoughts in your mind.” He teased her.

Her eyes narrowed. “That wasn’t what I meant.” Sagot niya dito nang mapagtanto niya ang sinasabi niya. That made him answered like that.

“Again, are you sure?” He repeated his question and walked closer to her.

She looked at him with confusion. “I’m serious.”

“I am too.” He was grinning like a devil. “I’m kidding.” Then he lead her to her bed. “Good night, Yui.”

***

She woke up with Yeon Seo hugged. Nagulat siyang magkatabi na pala sila sa higaan niya. She remembered that they were sleeping separately.

Dahan-dahan niyang kinalas ang kamay nito sa baywang niya. She looked around to find her guards standing next to window. Muntik na siyang bumalik sa tabi ni Yeon Seo.

“We were just… sleeping.” Pabulong niyang paliwanag sa mga bantay niya. “We didn’t—”

Hindi natuloy ang paliwanag niya nang yapusin siya ng kasintahan niya. “Yui? Saan ka pupunta?”

Nakangiti siyang bumaling dito. “I need to go. Bago pa dumating si Headmistress Kim. Baka kung ano pang isipin niya satin.”

“I don’t care.” Nakapikit parin ang mata nitong sabi. Then pulled her under the blanket.

They heard a loud exclaimed. She automatically look for the owner by lifting the sheet covering her. It was Shin Na.

“What is the meaning of this? At habang nanood pa talaga ang mga binatang ito, Young Master Yeon Seo!” His maid said while holding her chest.

Her boyfriend unclosed his eyes and  looked at owner of the voice. Saka inikot ang mata sa paligid tulad ng ginawa niya kanina. His sleepy vision got widen as he found Wooshi, Joshwa, Seon Cheol and Seungkwan not far from them.

Mabilis itong bumaling sa kanya para silipin ang damit niya at inayos ang suot niya. “I’m sorry, I didn’t noticed them, earlier.” Saka umupo bago aalalayan siya sa pagtayo. “Good morning, my Princess. Pwede ka ng umalis. Kita tayo uli mamayang tanghali.”

She watched him with loving stare then placed a light kiss on his lips. “Good morning too, my Yeon Seo. See you later.”

Bumaling siya kay Shin Na at tumango. “Salamat din sayo.” And she stood with his guards then signed Wooshi to make them invisible. Saka isa-isa silang lumubas sa bintana ng kwarto ni Yeon Seo.

She was happy that nothing unusual happened to Ae-yang with her guard and guides, last night.

Matapos niya mag-almusal ay naligo din siya agad. She immediately prepared to visit her fiancé. She want spend time with him as much as possible. Para hindi ito malungkot kundi sila magtagumpay sa plano niyang magpakasal at magsama.

She quickly noticed a familiar royal carriage in his front yard. Tumakbo siya ng mabilis nang makilala niya ang may-ari ng karawaheng nakita nila. Her guard followed her.

Naabutan niyang nakatayo sina Jin Ru, Min Yu at Liyah sa bukana ng pintuan ng bakuran ng bahay ni Yeon Seo. She instantly searched for her man. Kaharap nito si Prinsipe Im Gon na kapwa may hawak na espada. Nasa likod nito sina Shin Na at Headmistress Kim habang nasa likod naman ng Prinsipe ang mga alagad nito.

She put her hands on they air and pulled Prince Im Gon away from Yeon Seo. “What is going on?” Pumagitna siya agad sa mga ito. “Whatever is this, I am begging for the both of you to talk it out before anyone can get hurt.”

“We already did, Princess Yui. Itong manliligaw mo ang may problema, ayaw niyang ibigay sakin sa espada ng Master Jang.” The prince shortly replied.

“Manliligaw? I’m her fiancé.” Pagtatama ni Yeon Seo dito.

Liyah waved his hand and bracelet encircled Yeon Seo hand.

She sighed deeply. Bumaling siya kay Min Yu para tanungin ito sa buong detalye. He was few steps from her.

“They were just sparring, the winner takes Master Jang’s sword. Kaso si Shin Na kasi… tinapunan si Prinsepe Im Gon ng maduming tubig. Now, he wants to punished her because it dirtied his clothes. Yeon Seo stopped the Prince but he seems to have a problem controlling his energy while holding the sword.” Min Yu explained.

She disappointedly look at Prince of Daeyo. Bago lumingon sa kasintahan niya at napansing ang maliit nitong sugat sa pisngi. She hurriedly walked towards him and healed his wound.

“You both want to hurt each other just because of that dirt. Ang nakakainis pa, kulang nalang patayin nyo ang isa’t isa. I guess, it’s my fault to expect so much of you two.” She breathed sadly.

“It wasn’t Yeon Seo’s fault. Si Prinsepe Im Gon ang unang bumunot ng espada. Pinagtanggol lang niya si Shin Na. If I were Shin Na, I will also do what she did. Master’s Jang sword was the closest thing Yeon Seo can have that was from his father. Gusto niya lang namang mapasakanya iyan tapos  binigyan siya ng pagkakataong mapatunayan iyon kaso nakigulo si Shin Na nang mukhang matatalo na si Yeon Seo. He just opened his energy, he didn’t have enough training but he able to unsheathe that sword. Kung hindi niya inawat ang Prinsepe baka si Shin Na ang may sugat. When I realized that I could do something to Yeon Seo’s arm, I put that binding bracelet. Kaso pinatanggal uli ng Prinsepe Im Gon iyon pulsera kaya… ” Naiinis na na paliwanag ni Liyah. While glaring at the Prince.

“Hindi niya ako basta sinalag. He attacked me. Bakit pinapalabas mong kasalanan ko, Binibining Jin?” Naiiritang sagot ni Im Gon.

“I didn’t, that’s what happened. Di porke Prinsepe ka kakampihan ka namin? Sumigaw na nga si Yeon Seo kanina na hindi siya ang nagpapagalaw ng espada eh. Gumanti ka parin.” Liyah added.

“Kitang-kita nyong pagsugod niya sakin bago--”

“Kitang-kita mo ring nahihirapan si Yeon Seo. And yet you choose to swing your sword to him.” Nanggigil na Singit ni Liyah dito. She was obviously irritated with Prince explanation.

She can’t helped but laughed. Im Gon face turned into slightly annoyed from being angry. He realized that he was arguing with a younger lady. Nabalot ng tawa nila ang paligid. She can hear everyone’s giggled except her fiancé. She hastily looked at him.

Nakatingin si Yeon Seo sa kamay nitong may pulseras dilaw at itim.

He was still stunned on what happened. “My energy suddenly bursting out. Kasalanan ko dapat hindi ko kinuha ang espada. Paano kung nasaktan ko si Prinsepe Im Gon? I’m lucky Liyah was here. Without this bracelet, I could hurt anyone.” Dahan-dahan siyang nilayuan nito saka tumalikod sa kanila.

“Yeon Seo!” Tawag niya dito. “Prince Im Gon, please I’m begging you. Patawarin mo si Yeon Seo. I did notice something wrong with his energy. About Shin Na, she will always help his master, my fiancé needs her. I…”

“It’s fine, Princess Yui, I already forgave them. You should talked to Yeon Seo, for now.” Tinapik siya ni Prince Im Gon balikat niya. “I also want to apologize for barging in here. If you all can keep this in secret or better forget about all of this, I will be grateful.”

She breathed of relief and smiled to the prince. “Thank you so much, Im Gon.”

“We might not be closed friend but we knew each other for a long time. The favor is on me. I should go.” Paalam nito. Then signed to his guides to follow him.

After she bowed to the prince. Sinundan niya agad si Yeon Seo. But Shin Na stopped him.

“Ako na po muna ang kakausap sa kanya.” Awat sa kanya nito bago umalis.

She sadly nod. Wala naman din siya sasabihin kay Yeon Seo. She didn’t even know why he was bothered by the fact that he can’t control his energy.

Normal naman iyon sa bansa niya. Some people gone rogue but most of them were save. Pakiramdam niya wala siyang maitutulong dito at kusa rin itong lumayo sa kanya. Napabuntong-hininga siya saka hinarap ang mga kaibigan nila at nagpaalam sa mga ito.

“Let’s go.” Aya niya sa mga bantay at gabay niya. She will cry if she keep on standing there and everyone will see her.