Ice Stone Child

11 The BREAKING point

Ikalawang araw na silang di nagkikita ni Yeon Seo. Pero wala man lang siyang kahit anong sulat o balita mula dito. It was like she didn’t exist to him. She wanted to see him. Ngunit di niya alam ang gagawin niya kapag nakita niya ito. Lalo na kapag pinaalis siya nito.

Although, she was busy implementing their plan of capturing Ae-yang’s kidnappers and tracing the love poison maker that Min Yu had before. Hindi parin mawala sa isip niya ang itsura ni Yeon Seo ng huli silang magkita. She was her fiancé and yet they can’t talk at time like this. She really get used to him coming her.

“He must be busy on training. Kung hindi niya makokontrol ang kapangyarihan niya. He would be able to save anyone especially you.” Komento ni Min Yu nang bisitahin siya nito kanina. He was with  Yeon Seo but only yesterday and on the other day too, helping him secretly.

“I know.” Maiksi niya sagot dito. She didn’t want to get too emotional. She should composed herself.

Nang umalis ito ay saka niya lang hinayaan ang sariling umiyak. She never cried like that before. Sobrang nangungulila siya dito pero ayaw niyang ipakitang nasasaktan siya para dito. Baka lalo itong ma-pressure sa sitwasyon nito.

Tulad ng nakaraang araw ay maaga siyang natulog at nagising sa tulong ni Seong Cheol. She didn’t want to get sick by worrying about Yeon Seo when he was trying his best. Alam naman niyang hindi siya kinakalimutan nito kahit madalas niyang naiisip na baka iyon na nga mangyari lalo na kapag nagtagal pa ang di nila pagkikita.

This morning she wanted to clear her mind. Karapatan ni Yeon Seo magkaroon ng sarili oras. So she will try to have her own time too.

Nilibot niya buong kalupaan ng mga Jang kasama ang mga bantay niya. She wanted to be familiar on the property. Kung saka-sakaling madugtungan pa ang buhay niya ay may alam na siyang ibang parte mapapasyalan niya doon kapag wala siyang magawa.

She didn’t want to return to their place yet, so she asked her guides to prepare for the snacks before. Para kahit tanghali na sila bumalik ay di malipasan ng gutom ang mga bantay niya. And she needs to eat too even though she didn’t have appetite anyway.

Saktong tirik na ang araw ng makabalik na sila sa tinutuluyan nila. She was stunned to found Yeon Seo’s carriage. Ngunit kinalma niya ang sarili niya. Ayaw niya magdismaya kapag hindi kasama ang kasintahan niya sa bumisita sa kanya.

Dahan-dahan siyang naglakad papasok sa bakuran ng bahay at sinalubong sila ni Shin Na kasama ang ibang katulong ng Jang. She stopped in front of her while roaming her eyes and saw the guy she’s been longing to see. Ilang beses siya kumurap para pabalikin ang luhang namumuo sa mga mata niya.

“Prinsesa Yui, gusto ko pong pormal na magpasalamat sayo. Alam kong natagalan iyong pagbisita namin sayo, gusto lang makasiguro ni Young Master Yeon Seo na di ka delikado kapag kasama mo siya.” Panimula ni Shin Na habang pareho silang nakatulala ng kasintahan niya sa isat isa.

“I get it, I understand. That is why I waited for him to come here.” She smiled and walked to him. Niyakap niya ito sa braso. Then lead him to sit next to her chosen chair.

He was obviously looking for some words to say. He swallowed hard while still looking at her to tell her something but she tapped his arm.

“Let’s just eat. Let’s talk later.” Sambit niya bago pa ito magsalita. She didn’t want him to feel sorry at that very moment.

“I’m fine now, really.” He cupped her hand and show his wrist. “I will be able to learn Japsu soon. Sana kaya mo pa kong intindihin kung…” He paused and stared at her apologetically.

“Yeon Seo.” She turned her palm facing his then place her fingers between his. “I’ll always wait for you. Kahit gaano katagal. As long as I breathe.”

Nakahinga ito maluwag sa sinabi niya. “Thank you, my future wife.” Masaya nito sagot sabay halik sa likod ng palad niya.

She felt the relief on his gesture. But deep inside, she hope he will never push her away that much. Baka sa susunod, hindi na niya kayaning antayin jto at mabaliw siya. She usually say words she didn’t meant whenever she went crazy about something.

***

After lunch, they strolled in the backyard of her temporary place. Pinili niya ang medyo malayong bahagi doon. So they can have peaceful talk as long as they want, meters away from his crowded guesthouse.

“To be honest, I wanted to see you badly. Natatakot lang ako masaktan kita. So I focused on getting rid of the bracelet.” He started and stepped in front of her then hugged her.

Tinitigan niya ito sandali bago siya nagsalita. “Akala ko kinalimutan mo na ko.” Naiiyak niya sagot. She wanted to say more and ask him, like how can he survive days without seeing her? At bakit parang hindi man lang siya nito sinulat kahit maiksi lang? Pero inawat niya ang sarili niya

“No, no way. Parang sinabi mong mababaw lang ang nararamdam ko sayo. Since when you lose your high confident. Ang bilis mo naman atang mawala ng lakas ng loob, ngayon.” He lifted her face.

Hindi siya sumagot sabay punas ng luha niya. He was right about her losing her sanguine attitude. She wanted to blame him. At gumanti sa ginawa nito pero hindi niya kaya.

“My Yui.” Niyakap siya nito uli. “Sorry na talaga. Di ko naman talaga sinasadyang pag-isipin ka ng kung anu-ano. I only intend to control it as soon as possible.”

She hugged him tighter. Tahimik parin siya nakasubsob sa balikat nito. She was about to say something when Headmistress Kim appeared in front of her.

Kusa naman nitong sinundan ang umagaw ng atensyon nito. His brows were narrowed. He was puzzled. Ngunit inakay din siya nito sa harapan ng ginang matapos mag-iisip sandali.

Yumuko ito sa kanya bilang paggalang saka hinarap ang alaga nito.“Young Master, pinapatawag po kayo ni Master Park sa Soongrim.” Lahad nito.

She want to ask the old lady but she realized she can find it out on her own. She smiled and immediately removed her arms from his waist. “You should go.” Sambit niya sabay hawak sa kamay nito para iparating dito na ayos lang sa kanya na umalis na ito. “I promise, I’ll stay here until you come back.”

He nodded then held her head lightly with his other hand and placed a gentle kiss in her forehead. “Sana wag mo na muna kausapin si Master Park. I’ll tell you everythinh myself.” Bago marahang pinisil sa kamay niya nakahawak parin kamay nito. He slowly let her palm go then waved at her before turning away.

She deeply sighed. She had a bad feeling about her fiancé’s meeting with the head of Soongrim often.

***

Inurasan niya agad si Yeon Seo nang mabalitaan niya kay Min Yu ang nangyari dito. She wanted to see him to make sure he was fine. Pero inawat siya ng mga kaibigan nito sa balak niya.

It was already dark when she decided to go to Soongrim secretly. She didn’t want to gather too much attention while disobeying her boyfriend’s words that she wouldn’t confront Master Park. Mabuti nalang at tulog na ang mga bantay at gabay niya. She can freely do what she wants.

Paliko na siya sa eskinitang papuntang Soongrim sakay ng kabayo niya nang may mapansin siyang itim na usok sa langit. She can’t help but followed the flying smoke. Nang mawala ito sa ere noon lang siya nagising sa ginawa niya pagsunod dito.

She was about to turn her horse when she sensed a strangely familiar presence near by. She sighed while getting drawn to something again. Pero ngayon ay nagdadalawang isip na siya at hininto ang sinasakyan niya. She really want to see Yeon Seo.

Bigla siyang kinabahan nang maramdaman niya ang kakaibigang enerhiya papalapit na sa kanya. She was about to order her horse to run when it lifted his forelegs and made her almost kiss the ground. Mabilis itong tumakbo palayo sa kinalulugaran niya.

“Ayos ka lang, hija?” Dinaluhan siya agad ng napadaang matanda sa di kalayuan. The old man held her aching back to help her stand. “Pasensya ka na at—” Natigilan ito nang makita nito ang mukha niya.

“Ayos lang ho ako, Manong.” Sagot niya dito nang di na ito magsalita. Then she quickly cleaned up her dress, ignoring her aching back. Hahabulin niya sana ang alaga niya nang mapansin niyang may kasama ang matanda na kakaibang aso.

Napangiti siya sa itsura ito. She was about to ask him what kind of dog it is when she noticed the blood stained on the animal’s face. Hahawakan niya sana ito para pigilan siya ng ermitanyo.

“It wasn’t his.” Saka tinitigan siya nito uli. “Hindi ka dapat gumala ng ganitong oras, Prinsesa.” He tapped her shoulder and started walking away without letting her talk.

Nalilito niyang pinagmasdan ang papalayong estranghero kasama ang aso nito nang marinig siya ng yabag ng kabayo sa likod niya. She happily grinned, thinking it was her horse coming back to her. Nanlaki ang mata niya nang makita niyang nakasakay na doon si Hoshi.

She waved at him when she realized she can’t run away from him.

He glared at her with a judging face. Napabuntong-hininga na lang ito ng ngitian niya ito na parang walang nangyari. He offered his hand and pulled her up at the horse.

Katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila sa buong biyahe nila hanggang sa makarating sila sa tinutuluyan nila. He still didn’t say a thing even when they reached her room. Yumuko lang ito at umalis sa harapan niya.

She sadly lay in her bed again. Dahil nahuli siya ng bantay niya ay malamang nakabantay na ang mga ito sa labas ng kwarto niya. So she surely fail if she ever try sneaking again.

***

She must be really tired because she woke up with sun lightening her room. It’s already morning. Ni hindi man lang siya naalimpungatan. Lalong nagising ang diwa niya nang makita niyang nasa harapan niya si Yeon Seo. She wanted to cry but when she saw his teary eyes, she held back.

“Sorry, I fell asleep at the secret room. Kagising ko lang.” Paliwanag nito. While he touching her cheek.

“Good morning, My Yeon Seo. Parang inaantok ka pa ata ah.” Hinawakan din nito ang mukha niya. Then she stared into his eyes. Wishing she can read his mind.

“I’m fine. I should go.” Mabilis siya tumayo. Leaving her confused. “See you later, my future wife.”

Hahabulin niya sana ito nang may maramdaman siyang basa sa higaan niya. It was where her fiancé laid. She immediately collect all the liquid there that must be his tears and started reading them.

Nakita niya lahat ng nangyari sa Soongrim nang pumunta doon si Yeon Seo. She can’t helped but cry. Napahagulgol siya sa mga nalaman niya. Even her guards were bothered but no one can ask her why. Mas pinili ng mga itong iwanan siya muli hanggang mahimasmasan siya.

She quietly went to the dinning room when she felt hungry. Bagsak parin ang balikat niyang naglakad papunta sa labas paliguan. She will visit her fiancé after. He needs her more than ever.

Nasa gitna silang ng paglalakbay papunta sa bahay ni Yeon Seo nang muli niyang maramdaman ang presensya ng asong nakita kagabi. She was still bothered why she felt it’s energy even though she had nothing to connect with the creature. Binalewala niya ang pagnanais niyang makita ito, prioridad niya ang kasintahan niya at hindi na niya gustong maligaw ang isipan niya uli.

As she reached the gate of Jang’s main property, she heard a commotions of the servant. Nang makababa sila ay inutusan niya agad na makibalita ang mga gabay niya. They found out about Yeon Seo and Prince Im Gon, one on one fight that was suggested by Shin Na with Master Heo and Jin Ru.

Naiinis niyang hinanap si Shin Na at hinila ito palayo sa mga tauhan ng Jang.

“What the hell is your problem, maid? Gusto mo ba talagang mamatay si Yeon Seo? Wala ka ng ibang ginawa kundi ipahamak siya.” She burst on her.

“You don’t know me, Princess. Ginagawa ko lang ang kailangan niya.” She replied without any sign of remorse.

“Kailangan niya? Really? Para sa kaalaman mo, kilala kita. I know who you were. And I won’t let you hurt him again.” Nanggigil niyang sabi dito. She wanted to say more but she stopped as she noticed someone was coming there way. Napabuntong-hininga nalang siya saka iniwanan ito at pumunta sa kwarto ng kasintahan niya.

Naabutan niyang tahimik na nakaupo sa silid nito si Yeon Seo. He was reading some books about poetry. Kinalma niya ang sarili at umupo sa harapan nito.

“Why are you looked so calm at times like this? Ilang oras mula ngayon ay susunduin ka ng opisyal ng palasyo para tanggapin ang muling paghaharap nyo ng prinsepe. Come on, tell me what’s your plan?” She was confuse. He seems to be unconcern.

He smiled unhappy. “I suggested you to go home. Di mo kailangan pumagitna uli samin tulad noong una. He was after my dignity and I can’t decline the palace’s request.”

She sighed and held his hand then put them down the table. “Can you at least tell me what’s your plan? Kahit iyon lang, gusto ko lang namang—” She was stunned when he took his hand away from hers.

Tumayo din ito bigla. “I… I need some time to think alone. Kaya pakiusap lang, Yui. Umuwi ka na muna.” Saka tuluyan siyang iniwanan nito sa silid nito.

She blinked a couple of times. Para ibalik ang mga luha niyang nagbabadyang pumatak. This is the second time he shuts her out. Na parang wala siyang karapatang makialam dito. She thought that he will never walked away from her again. And it pains her more knowing the truth about his mother’s affair and can’t say anything about it.

Napilitan siyang bumalik sa tinutuluyan niya at malungkot na humiga sa silid niya. No one seems to want to understand her problem. Napaisip tuloy siya kung wala ba talaga siyang karapatang makialam sa nangyayari.

She fell asleep as she keeps on thinking about Yeon Seo. Baka nawala na sa puso nito ang pagmamahal sa kanya. Or maybe he never love her in a first place. It’s really hard for her comprehended his attitude towards her, lately.

Ang pinakamasakit ay gusto niya makatulong dito kaso pinipigilan siya nito. She was sure she will anything for him and so is he. At mukhang nakadagdag lang siya gulo ng buhay nito. Kung kaya niya lang sanang baguhin ang lahat. So they will be strangers again and forgot all about their feelings. Mas madaling hindi sila naging magkasintahan.

She won’t expect things and he will never feel pressure or anything to her.

***

Nagising siya sa mabining tapik sa balikat niya. It was Min Yu with Jin Ru beside him. She slowly sat sleepy and stared at them. Inantay niya ang mga itong magsalita.

“Yeon Seo still can’t win against the prince so we decided on sending him away, secretly.” Min Yu began talking.

“Di ka na namin natawag dahil nagmamadali kami. He went to Silla, Shin Na’s hometown.” Dugtong ni Jin Ru.

She was still confuse. Hindi niya maintindihan bakit nagpapaliwanag ang mga ito sa kanya. While Yeon Seo was already gone. Natawa siya bigla sa naaalala niya. She was his fiancée she remembered. Even though, he isn’t treating her like one, most of time now.

She grinned to them and said. “I think, Yeon Seo will have a great time away from here. Saan nga banda ang Silla? I haven’t heard about that place before.”

“It was just few rivers away from here. Kilala ang lugar na yun sa magagandang palamuti sa buhok. You could visit there tomorrow as soon you’ve done preparing for the trip.” Paliwanag ni Jin Ru. He wanted to comfort her for the sudden news.

“There’s no need for that. I bet he will have a good time.” Saka inayos ang higaan niya at pumormang matutulog uli. She didn’t want to get in between Yeon Seo and his solution. If he didn’t want her to help him, he maybe didn’t want her to see him too.

“Ayaw mo bang makita si Yeon Seo? The king, offered him a half month training before proceeding on his battle with Prince. Nabanggit din niya na ipaalam namin sayo kung nasaan siya para hindi ka mag-alala.” Kwento ni Min Yu.

She breathed out tiredly and lay down facing opposite side from them. “Then you both done your part, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Sabi din pala ni Shin Na na aalagaan niyang mabuti si Yeon Seo at babantayan.” Dagdag ni Jin Ru.

Napaupo siya bigla sa sinabi nito. “You mean, Shin Na was with him after causing all of this. I really can’t believe him—” Natigilan nang makitang gulat ang mga ito. “What? Can you tell me again where is this Silla Village is?” Tuloy-tuloy niya tanong sa mga ito.

Dahil alam niya ang tunay namamagitan sa dalawa ay di talaga siya komportableng kasama ni Yeon Seo ang tulad ni Shin Na. She was a former assassin but without her real body. Kaya marahil ay marahas ito pagdating sa pangarap nito.

“Did we just witness a Princess Yui got jealous?” Nang-aasar na sabi ni Jin Ru habang sinisiko si Min Yu. He was laughing happily when he noticed how serious she is.

She sighed irritatingly. Sabay tayo at lumagpas sa dalawang kausap niya. She looked for Hoshi and asked him to track Yeon Seo.

“Mauna na ko. Kita nalang tayo doon.” Paalam niya kila Min Yu.

Nagmamadali niyang inutusan ang gabay at bantay niya sa paghanda sa paglalakbay. She left some of her guard with Wooshi for Ae-yang safety. Bukod sa hindi niya pwedeng isama ang dalaga para sa kaligtasan nito ay kailangan niya rin bawasan ang kasama niya para hindi siya masyadong mapansin ng mga tao.

Kasama sina Dino, Joshwa, Seungkwan at Hoshi ay simulan niya ang pagbiyahe papapunta sa kinalulugaran ng kasintahan niya at katulong nito. She wasn’t jealous for the record. Hindi lang talaga siya kampante sa mga pinaggagawa ni Shin Na.

She expected a long journey but they arrived at a excluded area, just outskirts of Daeyo. Wala silang kahit anong bayan sa dinaanan nila. It wasn’t like the place she expected, it was not even on the map.

Hinihingal niyang inayang magpahinga ang kasama niya. They were more like going on a hiking than traveling to visit someone. Hoshi’s tracing lead them up to a mountain. Na parang walang katapusan. Doon niya nakompirma na wala sila sa Silla Village, malayong malayo sa paglalarawan ng dalawang kaibigan niya ang lugar.

She was about to signal Joshwa to tell Min Yu and Jin Ru her news when she saw someone was also going up to the Mountain. Naestatwa siya nang makilala niya ang papalapit sa kanila. It was the old man she met after getting sidetracked from sneaking out to see Yeon Seo the last time.

Nilapitan agad ito ni Hoshi at kinausap. “Manong, makikiabala lang po, magtanong. Malayo pa po ba ang Sari Village?”

He stared at her and looked at his guards before answering Hoshi question. “Naku, hijo, naliligaw kayo. Danghyangkok ang tawag sa lugar na ito. If you need some place to rest, I have a place just after the river there. Doon muna kayo magpahinga.” He offered and smiled to them.

Another suspicious person has come to her way but she won’t eschew danger until she found Yeon Seo. She nodded to her guards as they were waiting for her confirmation.

Maliban kay Joshwa, na pinabalik niya sa Daeyo, tinuloy nila ang paghahanap kay Yeon Seo habang sumusunod sa ermitanyo.

“Prinsesa, mukhang pareho lang ang lugar na pupuntahan natin saka iyong bahay ng matanda iyan. Did you think we can trust the old man?” Bulong ni Hoshi sa kanya.

“I think he is more trust worthy than my fiancé’s maid.” She sighed. “We need to move faster.”

“Matanong ko lang ho, manong. Bakit ho kayo dito nakatira?” Usisa ni Seungkwan na katabi lang nito sa paglalakad.

“Naku, hijo, mahabang kwento. Kung handa kayong manatili dito ng isang buwan ay malalaman nyo ang lahat.” Masiglang paliwanag nito habang bumabaling sa kanya.

“Manong, tungkol sa aso nyo noong una tayong magkita, nasaan na ho siya?” Lipat niya sa usapan.

“Ah yung aso parin bang iniisip hanggang ngayon, binibini? Sa tingin ko nauna na siya sa bahay ko. Mabilis na tumakbo ang aso kong iyon.” Sagot nito sa kanya.

That is why she didn’t felt the creature presence. “Ganoon po ba?” Maiksi niyang sagot dito. She didn’t know how response now that she heard about the dog whereabouts.

Ngunit nakakailamg metro palang sila ng lakad nang biglang umulan. They were forced to stay at the nearest hut they found. Dahil wala silang dalang mga payong.

Natatawang sinuot ng ermitanyo ang sumbrero nitong nasa likod ng ulo nito. They all know what was his laughing about. “Paumanhin mga ginoo at Prinsesa, mauuna na ako at kailangan ko pang ipasok ang mga sampay ko sa bahay ko. Sana ay muli tayong magkita.” Paalam nito sa kanila habang nakatitig sa kanya.

They all nodded on him. Wala naman silang maisasagot dito. No one wants to tell him their destination.

She can’t help but sighed. Everything was stopping her to meet Yeon Seon. Wala rin siyang maisip na rason kung bakit nagsinungaling si Shin Na. Although she casually lie on a lot of things.

“Princess, mukhang lalakas pa ang ulan. Okay lang po ba sayo manatili dito hanggang matapos ‘to?” Tanong ni Seungkwan.

“I’m good. I don’t want to any of you got sick because of my stubbornness. Mas okay na mag-ayos na tayo sa pagpapahinga.” She smiled to them forcedly.

Kahit ipilit niya, pakiramdam niya sumasalungat ang tadhana. And she had enough of worries for today. Kailangan niya ring ipahinga ang isip.

She grinned sadly as negative thoughts flooded in her head. Mabilis niyang pinunas ang luhang pumatak sa pisngi nila. She can’t stopped now but she know if he pushes her away, she will surely quit everything. She was holding her last string and all she need was for Yeon Seo to pull her back.

“Prinsesa Yui, may bisita ka po.” Pukaw sa kanya ni Hoshi.

Napakunot-noo siya sa sinabi nito. “Sino? Dito?”

“Si Prinsepe Hajin, tagapagmana po ng Hatun. He said he was having an outreach program in the outskirts of Daeyo. May nagbalita sa kanya na nandito ka daw kaya hinanap ka niya agad.” Sagot nito.

“Papasukin nyo sila kahit sa silong lang.” She replied and breathed couple times to calm herself.

Prince Hajin Satoh was one of his close friend when he visited Hatun as a child. At dahil maganda ang naging una’t huli niyang bisita doon, nakakatanggap siya ng regalo sa binata taon taon. He was traveler but he offer his hand to her for marriage and she declined him. She have always looking for love in marriage and there was no sign of that between them.

“Prinsesa Yui.” Salubong sa kanya nito. He was standing the front porch of small house with his big umbrella.

“Prinsepe Hajin, kamusta?” She casually asked him without any interests.

Natawa ito sandali. “Still this snobby, my little Princess? Akala ko nagbago ka na, knowing you’ve already found a husband, you’ve always wanted. Siguro ganoon talaga pag maganda.”

Tinitigan niya lang ito. She got it that he just wanted to catch up but she doesn’t have any good news. Lalo’t alanganin na ang kasal na binabalak niya kapag tuluyan silang naghiwalay ng landas ni Yeon Seo.

He narrowed eyebrows. Kilala siya nito pag may problema kaya nag-isip ito sandali bago nagsalita. “It’s must be really nice seeing me in this kind of situation. I always have an umbrella and a carriage, maybe I could help you reach your destination?”

Akala niya bibiruin na naman siya nito sa kasal na gusto nito. She was sure he noticed her tears. Pero totoo ang binanggit nitong lagi itong may karawahe at payong sa tuwing magkikita sila ng may problema siya. He was like her knight and shining armour. Lagi itong dumarating pag kailangan niya. Hindi iyon ang unang pagkakataong nagkita sila sa ibang bansa.

“I would be glad to join you but I have my guards handled the situation. Salamat sa pagbisita.” She smiled at him and waved a goodbye.

“Sandali, Yui.” Awat nito sa kanya. “I know you know that I intentionally avoided you at your farewell party. For that we didn’t have time for proper goodbyes. I’m sorry for being immature. Kung bibigyan mo ako ng pagkakataon, gusto kong bumawi.” Sumenyas ito sa mga bantay nito. His guard and maid bring out some gifts for her. Mabilis din nag-ayos ng tent ang mga iyon para ayusin ang tutuluyan niya at ng prinsepe.

“Where did that all came from—?” Naputol ang tanong niya ng siko mula kay Dino.

“Prinsesa Yui naman. I don’t think you should asked that.” Masayang bulong nito.

Nakuha naman niya ang nais nitong sabihun. Kapwa sila pagod at gustong magpahinga. The small empty house won’t be enough for the four of them. Wala rin silang kahit anong dala dahil akala nila ay syudad ang pupuntahan nila kundi salapi. And there nothing on the Danghyangkok except for trees and river. At mukhang walang mangangalakay na naliligaw doon.

Natawa siya sa asta ng pinakabata sa mga bantay niya. “Thank you, Hajin. Mabuti nga at nagkita tayo uli dito. Maraming salamat din sa mga regalo."

Hoshi lead the formal appreciation gesture to the Prince of Hatun. Bago siya nito inalalayan at dinala sa tinayong silong para sa kanila. Her guard were all happy as they went in the magical tent. It was small outside but the inside was like a mansion.

Kanya kanyang hanap ng higaan ang mga ito matapos siya ihatid sa pinakamalaking silid doon. It has ten rooms including the bathroom and dinning room. Maging siya ay humilata agad sa kamang nadatnan niya.

It was cozy and soft. Kaya nakatulog din siya agad. For the mean time, she set aside her worried and rest. She will face Yeon Seo and solve their problem or end things for them, the sooner the better.

***

Nagising siya sa malakas na halakhak mula sa labas tinutulugan niya. She found her guards with Joshwa and drinking at the broad daylight. Sa tantiya ay alas-dyes palang ng umaga.

She was frowning as she saw a familiar face on the crowd. Yeon Seo, Shin Na, Min Yu and Jin Ru were sitting at left side of a table. Nakikipagkwentuhan ang mga ito sa taga-hatun. She took a deep breathe and walk towards them.

“You were all here.” She started and turned to Yeon Seon. “Kamusta pag-eensayo mo, Yeon Seo?” She didn’t want to make sound as sarcasm but it registered like that.

Her fiancé smirked. “I was not really motivated but now that you asked, I think I should begin it, please excuse us.”

Pinigilan ito ni Min Yu pero tumuloy parin ito at nilagpasan siya.

A sharp pain stroke her chest. Kapareho iyon ng naramdaman niya nang paalisin siya ni Yeon Seo noong huling pagkikita nila. She wanted to stop him but she stunned of how cold he was to her.

Sinundan ito agad ni Shin Na. She vowed to her quickly and walked to her master. Napipilitan itong naglakad palapit sa kasintahan niya.

She sighed and smiled forcefully on everyone. Malungkot niyang pinanood ang papalayong lalaking dahilan kung bakit siya nandoon. She really have to prepare herself of letting go of him, now that she confirmed that she was not his priority anymore. Mas mabuting tanggapin na niya na hindi talaga siya parte ng buhay nito. She never was.

“Yui?” Tawag ni Hajin sa kanya. “Gusto mo bang mamasyal?”

“I’m sorry but I have to say ‘no’ for that. Wala talaga sa ako huwisyo. Maybe for another time.” She answered and went to her room.

Doon niya binuhos ang mga natitirang luha niya. Yeon Seo might confessed his love for her first but she fell harder. Ngunit noon niya pa tinanggap na kailangan niya itong ibalik sa buhay nito. Where he was safer and happier. Dahil kapahamakan lang din ang dala ng pagkikipaglapit niya dito.

She decided to formally inform him about her decision tomorrow. Ihahanda niya ang sarili. She was gladly used Hajin gifts for her meeting with Yeon Seo. The cute sky blue dress suits the main event tomorrow.

Matapos ang tanghalian ay inipon niya ang mga bantay niya at pinaliwanag dito ang desisyon niya. She didn’t want her agony confused them. Binanggit niya rin sa mga ito ang balak niyang manatili sa Daeyo hanggang di pa ligtas si Ae-yang.

“Talaga po bang si Ae-yang ang dahilan? Kahit di mo sabihin samin, Prinsesa Yui, alam naming umaasa ka parin sainyo ni Ginoong Yeon Seo. If you could just forgive him and proceed with your plan. Baka kailangan nyo lang ng panahong magkalayo?” Komento ni Joshwa.

She tapped his shoulder. “I will surely lie to all of you if I say I still have hope for us.” She sighed. “Pinag-isipan ko ito ng mabuti. And every time I did, I always end up leaving him, one way or another. I think you all know why and how, this is the best ending for us. The more time we stay together, the more we will hurt each other.”

“I agreed with you, Princess Yui but Joshwa have a point too. Kapag tinuloy mo po ang pakikipaghiwalay kay Ginoong Yeon Seo, alam naming mahihirapan ka ng bawiin iyon. If you could just relax and—”

She raised her right hand to stop Hoshi suggestions. Sinubukan niya narin gawin iyon. But she was new to all of this. At malinaw na nahihirapan lang si Yeon Seo lalo dahil sa kanya. Her decision was final unless her fiancé stop her.

“He still have an option to stop all of that. Kapag humingi siya paumahin sakin tulad ng una. I have no choice if he feel the same. I don’t want to hold him back with those impossible promises. I already have plans without him and it will still go on even if he is with me.” She explained further.

Tahimik lang na nakamasid sina Seungkwan at Dino sa kanila.

“I’m always happy spending time with all of you. Di ako nakakaramdam ng lungkot. I have let him go sooner or later as I will be leaving everyone.” Huling sabi bago pumunta sa paliguan. She planned to met Yeon Seon before night time tomorrow.

***

Naabutan nilang nagluluto mag-isa si Master Lee. He was cooking some fresh fish. Sinalubong din agad sila nito at binati.

“Magandang umaga din ho saiyo, Manong. Matanong lang namin kung nasaan na ho si Ginoong Yeon Seo?” Panimula ni Hoshi.

Hindi na ginamit ng bantay niyang iyon ang abilidad nito dahil kasama naman nila sina Min Yu at Jin Ru. Nauna ang mga ito kahapon doon matapos niyang kausapin ang mga bantay niya. They decide to stay for another night to stay with the people of Hatun. Bilang pasasalamat sa mga tulong nito at regalo.

“Naiwan sa ilog sina Yeon Seo at Shin Na.” Sagot ng ermintanyo bago bumaling sa kanya. “Prinsesa Yui, mabuti at dito rin pala ang punta niyo, meron akong ibibigay sayo.” Akay sa kanya nito sa loob ng bahay nito.

She roamed her eyes around while focusing her ears on the old man.

“May natagpuan akong libro ng Gaenda mula sa isa lugar kong napuntahan bago ko bumalik sa Daeyo. This was an ancient spell book made by your grandmother.” Kwento habang hinahanap ang aklat na nabanggit nito.

The small house was bigger on the inside. Nakasandal kasi iyo sa isang malaking bato na naging haligi nito sa kanang parte nito. Kompleto din ang bahagi nito. But there was no divider from the kitchen to the bedroom.

“Isa rin sa guro ng bantay mo ang nag-alaga dito at tinago ito sa mga taong hindi nyo kadugo. It will only be use by your bloodlines.” Dagdag nito sabay abot sa kanya ng libro.

Napahinto siya sa balak niyang paglapit sa  napansin mga gamit nina Yeon Seo at Shin Na. She turned to him and grabbed the book. “Salamat po sa pagbalik samin nito, Manong?”

“Tawagin mo akong Master Lee.” Pakilala nito.

“Master Lee, thank you again for this. Gusto ko po kitang imbitahan sa Gaenda at doon ka po pormal na pasalamatan.” Alok niya dito. “You will be welcome to any day and any time in my country. Just mention your name to our guards and you will be—” Natigilan siya nang maramdaman niya ang presensya ng asong nakita niya noon. It was moving fast and suddenly it jumped to her after it opened the main door.

Everyone were both shocked. Natumba siya bigla. While the old man immediately held the dog away from her.

Dinaluhan naman siya ng bantay niya at tinulungan tumayo. Hoshi was about to scold the old mage but she stopped him. Tinitigan niya ang alaga ng matanda saka sumenyas dito. Mukhang naintindihan naman siya nito at masunurin itong sumalampak sa sahig.

Everyone stared at her unbelievably. She never good at pets or any animals since. Ngayon niya nga lang halos naalala ang mga pusang bigay nila Marli at Leo. Kampante siyang umupo sa silya sa kusina saka sinimulang basahin libro sa kamay niya. But it was blank even to her eyes.

She cleared her throat and turned to the Master Lee. “Do have to do something?”

“It needs your blood.” Hinawakan siya nito sa isang niyang daliri sabay tusok ng karayom na di alam kung saan nito nakuha. Then he lead her arm in tip of the book.

Slowly the magical book showed its true appearance with her. Nangiti siya habang mabilis sinuri ang mga pahina nito. It has all the forgotten spell her country had.

Masaya siyang bumaling sa matanda at yumuko ng ilang segundo sa harapan nito. “Thanking you for this missing legacy wasn’t enough, Master Lee. Gusto kong maibalik ito sa bansa namin sa madaling panahon kasama ka. Just send me a mesaage, anytime.” Sambit niya dito bago humarap sa bantay niya. “Seungkwan, kailangan ko ng ibon.”

Atubili itong lumabas at bumalik kasama ang isang maya. He gave her the bird after whispering in its ear. She thanked him and passed the creature to old mage. Tinanggap naman ito agad ng matanda saka nangiting tumango sa kanya.

“Tutulungan ka ho niyang sabihan akong handa na kayo sa pagbisita sa bansa namin. She will be bound to serve you until then. Until then—” Inawat siya nito saka pinalaya ang ibon. “Master Lee, bakit nyo po iyon pinaalis?”

“Ako na mismo ang pupunta saiyo kapag handa na ko. She won’t be needed.” Paliwanag nito saka tinapik ang balikat niya.

“Sandali ho, Master—” Natigilan siya sa pagtawag sa matandang salamangkero nang makita niya si Yeon Seo sa bukana ng pintuan. “Yeon Seo.” Pabulong niyang tawag dito.

She paused and breathed to focus her emotions for confrontation. Sandali siya tumingin kay Master Lee at muling yumuko dito bilang pasasalamat. Then she looked at Yeon Seo with plain face. “We should talk.”

Sinundan siya nito hanggang sa makalabas sila bahay. Hinarap niya ito agad nang makalayo na sila ng ilang metro.

Katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila ng ilang sandali. She carefully memories every details her fiancé has at that moment, in case they break up. Habang malungkot itong nakamasid sa kanya. He must be confused with her being so distant. O baka nagtataka ito bakit siya nandoon? Hindi niya sigurado kung tamang subukan niya pang isipin ang takbo ng utak nito, ngayong mukhang wala rin itong balak lapitan siya.

Tumikhim siya para muling kontol ang sarili niya sa pag-iyak o paglapit dito. “I was so worried about you. Seeing you here seems not a good idea.” Intro niya dito.

“You shouldn’t have come. At hindi mo kailangang mag-alala sakin. Mas ligtas ako dito. There’s nothing here could hurt me. This is the best idea I have heard to Shin Na. Biruin mo may ganito palang lugar sa Daeyo. I stunned to found a complete functioned small house..” Kwento nito. With a very happy voice that she would never believe in, knowing what she discovered recently.

She sighed. They might not really established a very deep connection but obviously they have something. Sigurado siyang di lang siya inalok nito dahil lang sa sitwasyon niya. She was so sure there was love involved for the past few weeks and she didn’t like to waste it with miscommunication unless it wasn’t just that.

“Do you still don’t want to talk about what happened to you at Soongrim before you shut me out for second time?” She began. Hindi na siya magpapaliguy-ligoy sa pinunta niya doon. She had to push the topic or nothing will happen.

“Shut you out for second time?” He was confuse. Na nakapagpainit lang ulo niya lalo. He was like a cheating boyfriend who’s denying her evidence.

Muli ay pinakalma niya ang sarili niya saka pinaliwanag dito ang unang pangyayaring pinalayo siya nito at di kinausap.

“I thought that was nothing?” Nalilito parin ito. “You said for yourself, I was going to beg for your forgiveness that time. Pero inawat mo ko, sabi mo…” He stopped to recall the happenings. “Oh, you didn’t say anything back then. Pinatawag pala ako ni Master Park. And we didn’t have a chance to talk about it again.” He remembered and looked at her after massaging his neck. He was tired but so is she.

She nodded and sat on nearest big stone.

“What do you want me to say now? Alam kong may gusto kang malaman sakin ngayon. But believe me, you won’t want to hear them at this time.” He was talking to himself loudly.

“What do you know about what I want to hear?” Napabuntong-hininga siya sa tanong dito. “I want you to tell this is not the end of us.”

“Anong ibig mong sabihin sa tanong mo? And where do you even got that idea of ending us? Yui, this is just all in your head. Kailangan ko bang sabihin lahat sayo? No, let me rephrase that, do we have to say everything to each other. Na parang normal tayong tao na hindi naintindihan ang simpleng sitwasyon ng isa’t isa. We are not like other couple, Yui.” Nakahinga ito ng maluwag nang hindi siya makasagot agad.

“To be honest, we do have to talk frequently. Eventually, we will be like the normal couple. Kailangan naming magtagpo sa iisang konklusyon. But clearly, you failed to share a lot of things to me especially the last time I ask you. Yeon Seo, you can’t keep leaving me when things gets hard. And I can’t be there for you until you realized that I need answers.”

“I know and I’m so sorry for that but I need time, Yui.”

She can’t helped but laughed. She expected his responses yet, she felt betrayed. Kapag siya tinanong nito, hindi niya kayang itago ang kahit ano dito. But he certainly can do it to her. She got that he used to be alone. They might be completely opposite in spite of that, they have a understanding. Pero hindi niya kaya magkunwaring di siya nahihirapan sa gusto nitong mangyari. Na parang siya lang ayaw bumitaw sa relasyon nila. If he needs time, she wants space.

She inhaled and exhaled for times then prepared her heart to be break. “I can’t always be the one who understands your silence. Hindi rin pwedeng wala ako gawin lagi at manahimik lang. Hindi rin kita kayang antayin ng matagal hanggang maging handa ka nang isipan ako. This is not the love I was looking at.”

“Sinabi mo bang hindi kita naiintindihan? That I was being too hard to speak to? Yui, hindi ako ganoon sayo, alam mo yan.”

“But you were like that, lately. Alam kong mabilis ang mga naging pangyayari satin. Nevertheless, we made it and this is all that I can see to help us grow if not breaking up. Yeon Seo, our relationship is supposed to be two way.”

“Breaking up? Are you saying you can’t love me anymore?”

“No, I’m saying this is not the way I want us to be. Kailangan natin mag-usap sa ayaw mo o sa hindi. I can’t always use my powers to know where you’ve been, I’m not limitless. Time will come and I couldn’t rely on this ability of mine to read you. I am not as powerful—”

“Read me, did you…?” Sumeryoso ang mukha nito. He breathed heavily. “You…? I can’t say I am glad you knew what you know about me. Pero hindi ko in-expect na gagamit mo yan sakin. I was being to trusty with you.”

“I can’t say, I am apologetic with it. Pero noong una, hindi ko sinansadyang gamitin iyon. However, the next time and onwards were intentional. This was Shin Na fault if only—”

“If only she what? Ano bang problem mo sa kanya? I get it now where you were heading at this. Regardless of what she is, she save me a lot of times.”

“She should save you, she was caused of most of it. Aminin mo man sa hindi. She was putting you in danger, period.”

“You clearly don’t know how I have to fight everyday to be accepted. You are a princess.”

“Don’t say that, Yeon Seo. I understand you more that anyone because of what I am.”

“No, you don’t. Given the fact that you can read memories. You still can comprehend what’s stuck in my head and heart. Masyado kang inaalagaan ng mga tao ng bansa nyo. While I have few and very secretive people around which I had grown with.”

“Please don’t say that. I’m sorry I even brought this up. I was just—”

“Quit apologizing, Yui. For once, stand your belief when you are talking to me.”

She exhaled nervously. He was right. Nilapitan niya nito at ngitian. “Nag-alala lang ako sayo kahit Min Yu napapansin din yang kakaiba mong katulong. She was not just a maid to you—”

He stopped her mouth with his finger when she was about to rant. “Are you worried or jealous? Kasi malaki ang pinagkaiba nun. Your action was interrupting us here.”

“Seriously? Kinakampihan mo siya.” Naatras siya. She wanted to hurt Shin Na right now.

“No, that’s not what is this. Come on just be honest—”

She stepped back again, away from him. “You were the one who should be honest, choose. Me or her? Sinong gusto mong makasama dito?”

“Calm down, Yui, please. This is not about who I wanted to be with. Ang importante ngayon ay kung sino ang makakatulong sakin. Let’s stop fighting.”

“Makakatulong sayo?” She sighed. “I get it. Alam ko namang siya talaga pipiliin mo. I was just hoping you won’t say to my face. I think we need a break. Nakakaabala lang ako sayo.” Huling sabi niya dito bago niya iniwan ito ng walang paalam.

He didn’t even try to talk her out of their break up. Pinanood lang siya nitong umalis. She can feel his eyes watching her until she stopped at distance.