Sand Scented Jar (Gazellian Series #9)

Chapter 19

While writing my fantasy stories I am listening to different instrumental music, kaya I want to share it with you since this is the music ringing inside my mind while writing this chapter. Skl. HAHA!

Chapter 19: The King's Offerings

Nang sandaling naninirahan pa ako sa Sartorias, hindi ko lang iilang beses na naririnig ang paghanga sa akin ng mga kababaihan doon. They were all fascinated by how Kreios and I could endure our distance even if we were already aware of our mate bond because it seemed too impossible for a Gazellian like me.

I once heard how my mother described a Gazellian's love, it was both a blessing and a curse— that most Gazellians would turn into madness, move heavens and earth just for their love, and suppressing it could kill one of them.

Casper was sleeping peacefully with his head resting on Lumps, mother was sitting on a carpeted floor with a book in her hand, while I was slumped on her folded thighs.

"Do you know what I noticed, Harper? Most of your siblings are like your father. They really have the blood of Gazellian."

Hinaplos niya ang mahaba kong buhok. "How?"

"They're stubborn and uncontrollable. They could be critical in decision-making sometimes, but it's always their heart."

I blinked. "You mean everyone is softhearted like father? I don't think Father is softhearted. He may be smiling at everyone, but he's too strict. Takot sa kanya sina Dastan at Zen."

Mother laughed. "Believe me, Harper. Your father could be softer than me, he can't bear to witness any of you suffer."

"What? Sabi ni Caleb ang sakit na daw ng katawan niya sa puro ensayo nila ni ama. You could have been mistaken, Mother."

Mas hinaplos niya ang ibabaw ng ulo ko. "As you grew up, and I watched you, Casper and your siblings take every decision, even the small ones, as a proud mother, I couldn't wait to see more..."

Ngumuso ako. "If everyone is like Father, what could be me?"

Nag-angat na ako ng tingin kay ina. "You are just like me. You have my blood better than your siblings... maybe because you are destined to be a queen."

Namilog ang mga mata ko. "How could I be a Queen? It could be Lily..."

Muling tumawa si ina. "Lily's going to be the tyrant Queen of Sartorias. This kingdom will live with fear with her tight laws if she's going to sit on the throne, your sister's a better advisor in the future."

Mas sumubsob na ako sa hita ni ina at napangisi sa sinabi niya dahil tama siya. Even Father's sometimes afraid of Lily. "If I become a queen someday, is it better not to use too much of my heart, Mother?"

My mother faintly smiled and combed my hair with her fingers. "Most of the time."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit iyon ang pumasok sa isip ko habang naglalakad kami ngayon ni Kreios. Siguro dahil ngayon na kumikilos na kami bilang totoong hari't reyna ng emperyong ito, higit ko nang naiintindihan ang mga salitang iniwan sa akin ni ina na dati'y hindi ko pa naiintindihan.

"May mga desisyon tayong laging may maaapektuhan at masasagasaan, at isa ang bagay na ito."

I nodded. "Hindi lang mga kapatid ko ang siyang manunuod sa amin sa sandaling lumabas na ang Ancient Quillper kundi pati na rin ang iba't ibang sulok ng mundong ito."

We needed to create a huge scandal to conceal the truth.

"And we have to face it together..."

"Thank you," ulit ko kahit nasabi ko na ito sa kanya.