Luminaria

Chapter 15

Handcuffs

"As your wife? Uh... partner in leading your realm?" agap ko nang hindi ito sumagot. "It's not like I'm rushing things, Majesty. I'm just interested in becoming one of the candidates—not in high hopes of being chosen... but to at least establish a connection between us," kunwaring mahiyaing saad ko.

His eyes flickered to me as if my words didn't affect his life.

"So how can I be one?" I smiled behind my gritted teeth.

He leaned against the sofa, papers remained on his hands.

"You were eavesdropping," calmly, he pointed out.

Hindi ko naitago ang lito sa aking tingin. Eavesdropping?! But upon slowly realizing what he meant, I almost choke. Was it when he was discussing marriage with his friend?

Kinubli ko ang pag-palpitate ng kilay. How did he know?! Bahagya kong nilingon ang pinagtaguang pintuan. It's impossible he saw me behind that thick wooden door!

"I was," I admitted without stuttering. "I didn't mean to, Your Majesty. I apologize." Hindi ito sumagot. Binalik ko ang tingin sa kaniya, only to be greeted by his narrowed gaze.

"I heard that you'll be leading Moon Realm with your chosen queen. Can I have the chance to at least prove myself to be one?" walang-hiya kong tanong, pushing him to focus on my confession.

"Feelings aren't enough to lead a realm, Lady," he formally said, as if firmly turning down a bussiness proposal.

My beauty can add up, though.

I didn't look away despite being attacked by his intimidating air.

"It is certain. Feelings can be considered as the starting point—the next things can be work on." Tumikhim ako. "But again, I'm not desperate to be chosen... I see this as a way to get to know you. To pursue my feelings for you," malanding pagbabalik ko sa pakay.

This is so sick!

He didn't react, leading me to cross my arms.

"Is it because Your Majesty already has his eyes on someone? Someone older?"

He slightly tilted his head. "I don't have interest in that matter... But I do prefer someone older."

Sarkastiko akong napasinghap. See?! He admitted it himself! He even tried to cover it up!

"So, you don't prefer me?" pinalungkot ko ang boses.

"I don't prefer a Vicensaire," he said with emphasis. Halos mabato ako sa kinatatayuan. "From my engagement candidates, the last woman I'd choose is from the Ocean Realm," mababa ang boses niyang turan.

Unti-unting umangat ang aking labi. I couldn't help but chuckle softly. Hitting two birds in one stone. Does he have a secret grudge against ocean realm? Specifically against Vicensaires? All the more reason to be under his wing.

He looked at me darkly, I refused gulping. Tila binabasa nito ang takbo ng iniisip ko. I'm surprised he hasn't dragged me out yet. I shouldn't let his current attentiveness slip away.

"Then does that mean I shouldn't like you?" I shamelessly asked, hindi na maitago ang nanghahamong ngisi. "Are you sure your majesty would never like me too?" Swiftly, I regained my innocent eyes.

"Certainly."

"You will like me," I said as if casting a spell on him. "My adoration for you will lead His Majesty to like me too."

"You don't know me well, Lady." Tuluyan niya nang binaba ang hawak na papeles. "And while I don't reveal what I really am... I convince you to leave," his tone was deep and heavy.