Romancing My Royalty

Special Chapter

felt like i wanted to share this...nasa tambakan lang. 🎀
_

Seventeen years later...

A RESOUNDING applause dominated loudly across the whole ball room of the duchy's Grand Palace as the archbishop gently put the crown for the Crown Princess of the Duchy of Cambrevia.

I, Chiara Ivonne Santiago-Rasquin, was crowned as the official heiress to the throne, next in line to my father, at my 21st birthday tonight that was celebrated through the grandest ball of the season. I had been practicing not to tremble while standing queenly-strong and demure in front of everybody, but the sceptre in my hand was shaking slightly.

My etiquette masters had been molding me for almost half of my life for this role. My father, the Duke, had been instilling me the rules and duties of being his heir apparent to the throne. But he didn't pressure me though. However, I knew the parliament was expecting so much especially my grandparents who were still the best version of health.

Isa lamang ang ibig sabihin nang pagtungtong ng korona sa akin. Hindi na ako sa Pilipinas mag-aaral, lilipat na ako rito sa Cambrevia. My happy years there would be replaced by the pressures of the monarchy.

Malayo pa naman ang pag-upo ko kasi nandito pa naman si Daddy, however, my activities would now be limited. I needed to be the best princess for the monarchy's reputation.

I waved and smiled at everybody while they were gazing me here up at the royal balcony of the ballroom. My heart wrenched with slight nervousness.

"May I present to you, Princess Chiara Ivonne Rasquin of Cambrevia! Heiress to the duchy!"

Another resounding applause resonated the whole arena.

After the official crowning, I was caught up dancing with the princes of different monarchies from neighboring countries. Talking to them were my forte because I was trained very well to communicate, but this bored me so much. Iniisip ko na ang celebration namin nina Celestina at Astrid pagkatapos nito. As Astrid promised that if Celestina arrived, they would embark at the heart of the city to celebrate.

My personal assistant informed me that my Filipino friends and family were now completed. Dumating sina Tito Thomas, Tito Rydean, Tito Crexion kahapon habang iyong iba naman ay ngayon dumating.

My Filipino family means my Daddy's friends' families and all of their sons and daughters. Ang buhay ko sa Pilipinas na kasama sila ang ma-mi-miss ko nang lubos.

After the fifth prince, thank God, I was given a break to rest my feet. My want to sit down a little bit, kasi kanina pa ako nakikipag-usap, was blocked by Celestina, wearing her sapphire sparkling gown.

Agad akong nagwala sa saya nang makita siya. My arms immediately went to hug her. She hugged me in return and we were happily jumping. Not so demure, but whatever! Bestfriend ko si Celestina.

"Oh thank God, nakarating ka!"

"I won't miss your official coronation as the official crown princess of Cambrevia, Vonne. Na-delay kami ng konti dahil sumabay kami kina Tito Jonah and the Mondejars are waiting for Kuya Zechari. Eh, may lectures pang tinapos. Alam mo na, persevering sa pagiging pari 'yon."

The mentioned of his name lighted the dim spark inside my brain. Zechariah Francis Mondejar.

Pero agad kong winaglit ang pagsagi niya sa isip ko. I was trying hard not to think of him. Really trying hard because I am a princess and in any lifetime, a poor princess like me wouldn't win his heart from God.

And I would marry a prince. A prince. A prince. Yes, a prince.

This admiration would fade. It wasn't here for forever. Mere likes and infatuation were not classy things that a princess shouldn't entertain.