Chapter 26

15.5K 611 116
                                    

Chapter 26: The Past

When everything I thought was about to fall into place—Tres, who took Kreios' role as the groom, Juniper, as an obedient bride, unaware of the sudden change in her groom, the Viardellons, who were introduced as the delegates, the successful wedding ceremony, and the farce where I had to dance with countless eyes as witnesses—I had never expected, of all the creatures in this world, that I'd see him again— Livius, my childhood friend, who never looked at me as royalty, and the first one who had seen the real Harper. The friend I thought I had helped to claim his freedom and happiness, but unexpectedly discovered his unfortunate fate.

In this world where life and death have a thin line, where sometimes even the dead leave more visible traces than the living, as a princess who had witnessed every impossibility in this world, here I was, with my heart wrenching, my breathing heavy, and my eyes blurring with tears. Yet the sound of his matured voice, different from the little boy I admired before, still had that warmth I had wished for and longed for years.

Amidst the chaos and my willingness to keep myself awake, all I did remember was the sound of the chaos in Mudelior and Livius' voice ringing in my ears.

***

Years ago...

Even without Livius, I continued visiting the commoner's place. With Lailani's identity, at a young age, I discovered more about the reality of what was happening outside of the palace. It wasn't just about the information written on the papers, the meeting of the vampire court, the opinion and debate of the councils and royalties in terms of law, and how I heard whispers of news about the situation outside—which was more different from the actual situation.

I had been grateful to Lailani for letting me borrow her clothes and identity because, as I grew up sneaking into the palace, I learned more about our kingdom.

Bagaman nakikinig ako sa bawat balita na nakararating sa palasyo, iba pa rin sa tuwing nasasaksihan ng sarili kong mga mata ang sitwasyon sa labas.

"Are you feeling unwell?" tanong ni Casper habang nakapangalumbaba ako sa bintana.

"You're aware of it, right?"

"I've been aware of everything, Harper."

Bumuntonghininga ako at lumingon ako sa kambal ko. "Dastan's standing in this kingdom. I already had the idea that a lot of creatures are doubting him as a young king, but to hear those personally..."

Hindi na muling sinalubong ni Casper ang mga mata ko at tumanaw siya sa labas. Nakagat ko ang pang-ibabang labi ko.

"I stopped myself to attack them when they badmouthed Dastan. Hindi nila alam ang hirap ni Dastan nang sandaling umupo siya. They can't just expect him to properly take the throne. It's a long process."

Halos sabunutan ko ang sarili ko habang paulit-ulit kong naririnig ang usapan ng nag-iinumang bampira at kung paano nila paulanan ng insulto ang kapatid ko.

I had always admired Dastan, and to hear creatures who questioned his capability... parang sasabog ang puso ko.

"That's the world outside, Harper."

Mapait akong ngumiti at muling pumangalumbaba sa bintana. Agad nahuli ng aking mga mata si Dastan na naglalakad mag-isa sa hardin, may mga tagasunod na nagkalat na abala sa pagdidilig o 'di kaya'y pagputol ng mga ligaw na halaman.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko at isinigaw ko ang pangalan niya.

"Dastan!"

When he looked over his shoulder and saw us, I waved happily at him. "Can I join you?!"

Sand Scented Jar (Gazellian Series #9)Tahanan ng mga kuwento. Tumuklas ngayon