Awakening in White Locks

Chapter 18

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The morning sun filtered through the heavy drapes of the Archduke's office, casting a warm glow over the meticulously arranged papers and books that lined the shelves.

Nakaupo ang Archduke sa kaniyang malaking mesa, abala sa kaniyang trabaho, nang marinig niya ang mahihinang katok sa pinto. Nangunot ang kaniyang noo, naiinis dahil malinaw naman niyang sinabi sa lahat ng nasa palasyo na ayaw niyang naiistorbo habang nagtatrabaho.

The door creaked open slightly, and Naseria stepped inside, her presence a gentle disruption in the otherwise orderly space. Nagtagpo ang mga mata nilang dalawa.

Naseria smiled, thinking, “Ang aga niya talagang nagigising. O nakatulog nga ba talaga siya?” Napansin niyang may dark circles sa ilalim ng mga mata ng Archduke, bagamat hindi ito halatang-halata kung hindi pagmamasdan nang mabuti.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice cold and guarded.

Bahagyang itinaas ni Naseria ang dala niyang tray upang ipakita ito sa Archduke. “I brought you your breakfast. I already brought one for your other siblings, and here is for you,” paliwanag ni Naseria bago dahan-dahang lumapit sa puwesto ng Archduke.

Gusto sanang paalisin ng Archduke si Naseria at sabihin na nakakaabala siya sa kaniyang trabaho. But the Archduke hesitated, torn between his desire to send her away and the memory of how much he had enjoyed the meal she had prepared for him the night before.

Reluctantly, he decided to let her stay.

“What’s this?” he asked, eyeing the tray suspiciously.

Naseria smiled, “I prepared a light breakfast for you— a plate of apple cinnamon scones and chamomile tea. The scones are not too sweet and perfect for starting your day. The chamomile tea is to help reduce any nightmares and help you relax and sleep better.”

“Apple cinnamon scones and chamomile tea?” he echoed, glancing at the tray with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

“Yes,” sagot ni Naseria, “I’ve read that chamomile can help with relaxation and reduce anxiety. I thought it might help you rest better.”

For a moment, the Archduke considered dismissing her, but something in her demeanor gave him pause.

Nagkaroon ng bahagyang pagdadalawang-isip ang Archduke, ngunit sa huli, kinuha niya ang isang scone at tinikman ito. It was delicious and comforting in a way he hadn't expected.

“Thank you, Lady Naseria,” he said curtly, not wanting to reveal any sign of appreciation. “You may leave now.”

But instead of leaving, Naseria lingered, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Her hands trembled slightly, betraying her underlying anxiety.

This was the first time she had been alone with the Archduke in such a setting, and she was determined to make the most of it.

Rather than being deterred by his dismissal, she decided to engage him in conversation, her voice carrying a playful edge. “Anong size ng paa mo, Archduke?” she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

The Archduke paused, surprised by the question. “What?” he responded, momentarily caught off guard.

Kunot na kunot na ang noo ng Archduke, which Naseria find attractive. Gusto ng pagtawanan ni Naseria ang Archduke, pero pinili niyang pigilan at ipagpatuloy ang pagtatanong.

“Your shoe size, Archduke,” she clarified, undeterred by his confusion. “I was just wondering.”

Napabuntong-hininga ang Archduke, iniisip kung ano ang nagtulak kay Naseria na magtanong ng ganoon. “Size 10,” sagot niya, kahit siya ay naguguluhan kung bakit.