Whispers of the Ethereal Threads (𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓻 𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼 #1)

CHAPTER 34

Ganap nang lumalim ang gabi na bumabalot sa malawak na dining hall. Sa harap ko ang masaganang pagkain at ramdam ko ang init ng tingin sa akin ng reyna. Mula sa dulo ng mesa, ang hari ay tahimik na nagmamasid.

Sa dulo ng mahabang hapag, magkatabing nakaupo ang hari at reyna.

Sa aking kaliwa ay naroon sina Seliv, Yzol, Zoldi, Thalio, at Grego. Si Adelfa naman ay nasa kanang bahagi ng mesa, kasama si Hail — ang nakababatang kapatid ni Fros — na nakangiti at tila aliw na aliw sa aming pag-uusap.

Samantala, sa kabilang dulo, katabi ko si Fros. Walang anumang ekspresyon sa kanyang mukha habang nakatingin lamang siya sa kanyang kubyertos.

"You're feeling better now, hija?" Fros' father asked gently and carefully.

Itinaas ko ang aking tingin at nagtama ang aming mga mata. May tunay na pag-aalala roon na nagpahigpit ng pakiramdam sa aking dibdib.

Napalunok ako, pinilit ang isang maliit na ngiti, at tumango.

Lalong lumambot ang mga mata ng Hari. "You don't have to force yourself to be strong all the time, dear," he murmured. "Pamilya mo na kami ngayon."

At those words, a lump formed in my throat. The warmth of their presence, their acceptance- it was almost too much.

"So, you're engaged with my son?" malambing ngunit may bahagyang kapilyuhang tanong ng reyna, may ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

Napatingin ako sa kanya, bahagyang tumuwid sa pagkakaupo bago tumugon nang magalang. "Yes, Your Majesty," mahinang sagot ko habang matamis na nakangiti, maingat at may respeto.

They are the parents of the one I love.

The queen's smile deepened, and the king gave a slow nod, exchanging a knowing glance with his wife.

"Call us whatever you like. There's no need for formalities, Princess."

I swallowed, something fragile cracking in my chest.

It had been so long since I had called anyone mother or father. Since I had the right to.

For a moment, my lips parted, as if the words wanted to escape. But nothing came out.

I wasn't sure if I could say it yet.

But the warmth in her eyes, the quiet understanding made it clear that she was willing to wait.

"So, you're a Silvjourne?" Maingat na tanong ng Reyna, may banayad na ngiti sa kanyang mga labi habang pinagmamasdan ako.

Bahagya akong nabigla, bago ako umayos ng upo. Magalang akong tumango at matamis na ngumiti.

"We have heard much about your kingdom," the King remarked. "Though we rarely attend banquets, news still reaches us. They say Silvjourne is well-governed, disciplined, and prosperous."

Bahagya kong ibinaba ang aking tingin at hinigpitan ang hawak ko sa tela ng aking damit.

"Thank you," mahina kong sabi na halos bulong na, saka napakagat ng labi dahil nag-aalab nang sobra ang puso ko sa saya dahil sa kabutihan nila.

"They also say their princess is both wise and kind... but cunning," dagdag ng Reyna, lumambot ang tingin niya at nakipagpalitan ng tingin sa asawa bago binalik ang tingin sa akin habang nakangiti. "And now, here you are, sitting at our table."

I felt my throat tighten, my fingers instinctively curling against my lap.

Silvjourne. My home. My family.

For a fleeting moment, warmth filled my chest, only to be quickly replaced by a dull ache.

I could almost hear my father's deep laughter, my mother's soothing voice as she hummed a lullaby from my childhood. I could picture the grand halls of our palace, the scent of fresh parchment in my father's study, the soft fabric of my mother's embrace... and then my brother...