CLOAKED IN ROYALTY

Chapter Twenty-Two

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"Al, Your Majesty, My king. I am not...I am not the real Julius...I am not...your beloved," I said with my lips trembling."
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Chapter 22

"How have you been, Your Majesty?" I teased.

"Julius, what's the meaning of this?" He started and stopped right in front of the door railing. He's definitely angry judging by his deep, authoritative voice.

Nanatili akong nakaupo habang nakatitig sa kaniya. The only thing separating us both is the cell door. He's now gripping it while glaring at me.

"What? What did I do? Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? What's the MEANING of this?" I raised my eyebrow while emphasizing the word "meaning".

"You sneaked out without informing me," matigas na sambit niya.

"And? This is how you welcome me back? I did not sneaked out, I was just finding something."

"Then, perhaps you should've told me first!" He bursted out.

"Now, now, My King. You were peacefully sleeping, how can I disturb you?"

"You!" He gritted his teeth while intently looking at me. He wanted to say something but it seemed like he stopped himself, looked away, and took a deep breath.

Maya-maya'y ibinalik niya ang tingin sa akin. Ganoon pa rin ang ekspresyon niya. May bahid ng galit ang mukha niya.

"Bakit mo ginagawa ito?" He asked, but now, more calmly.

"I'm simply searching for someone. That's all," I honestly replied.

The king clenched his jaw and avoided my gaze. I saw how his grip on the railing tightened. "Why?" He asked.

"Because...that person will be able to answer my questions." Napayuko ako at napatitig sa lupa. I wasn't lying. I'll tell him everything that he wanted to know now that we're here. I shouldn't hide anything, should I? This would be the best for both of us. Because everything has changed...the moment I came to this world.

"Why? Wouldn't I be able to answer your questions?" Pagpupumilit niya.

"Al, you know damn too well it's a different matter." I briefly answered, slowly losing my patience.

"What matter, Julius? How is it different to the point of you sneaking out to find another person before consulting me first!" He shouted.

"Bakit? Alam mo ba kung anong nangyayari sa akin ngayon?!" Out of nowhere, I also bursted out.

"How will I know if you're not telling me!"

"As if you'd understand! As if you would believe me! As if you would trust me!"

"Why wouldn't I?! Julius, tell me, why wouldn't I?!"

"Because I am not the Julius that you know anymore!"

Hindi ko na napansin, na mayroon na palang mga luha ang tumulo sa pisngi ko. I am now standing up while facing him, but there's still some distance between us. After yelling at him, I am now breathing so heavily.

He froze after hearing my answer. Now, Al, My king, how will you be able to answer me?

"Al, Your Majesty, My king. I am not...I am not the real Julius...I am not...your beloved," I said with my lips trembling. Subalit ginawa ko ang lahat ng makakaya na kontrolin ito upang makausap siya ng maayos.

"I don't know...where he is now, but...I just woke up like this...in his body. I am...I am from another world. I am not...from here. Everything...everything is strange to me at first but...but I tried to get along with everyone and adjust to the new world I'm in. I refused you tell you the truth because I know...I know that you'll punish me...that you will not believe me..."