Tears Of Cinderella

Chapter 11 - The Infamous Prince Tristan

Ito na ang pagkakataong pinakahihintay ng lahat. Lahat ay nakatutok sa mga sandaling iyon. It was the event of the year, the engagement of Sofia York and the Crown Prince of the Kingdom, Prince Arthur Pendragon. Ngunit para kay Gareth, isang ordinaryong araw lamang ito. For him, attending this momentous event was a waste of his time, something that was forced to him.

The engagement was set inside the throne room of the Arondight Palace, but the interiors were altered to fit for the engagement ceremony.

Iginala niya ang paningin sa paligid. He was looking for someone. Agad namang nahuli na kanyang mga mata ang taong hinahanap. Kasalukuyang dinadaluhan ni Steffanie si Sofia. Even from afar, he could feel the radiating aura that she emanated. Her movements were very fluid. It was as if she was dancing on the silent music of the crowd. At hindi lang siya ang nakakakita rito. The male species from within the perimeter was ogling at her. But who wouldn't be? She was a knock-out in her sky-blue dress. She looked gorgeous, like a Snow Fairy straight from the snowy mountain range.

He suddenly felt very territorial. Nais niyang bakuran na ito. Hindi niya nagustuhan kung paano siya tingnan ng mga kalalakihang nakapaligid dito. Their stares were practically devouring her. Naiinis siya. He suddenly wanted to ran amok and gouge the eyes of these insolent men who dared to even gaze at her.

Napagpasyahan niyang lumapit dito. He needed to mark his territory. But he was only half way there when somebody beat him to her. The man was now casually chatting with her and Sofia. Agad niyang inaninaw kung sino iyon. It was Tristan. He clenched his fist. Just what did he think he was doing?

He was within earshot and he could hear their conversations. Mukhang nagkakasayahan ang mga ito. Agad siyang lumapit at nakisali sa usapan ng mga ito.

"Hello ladies and hello to you, brother," he said while grinding his teeth.

Bumaling ang tingin ng mga ito sa kanya. Steffanie beamed a gorgeous smile. Agad naman siyang tumabi sa babae. He needed to show his pesky brother that Steff was his.

Tiningnan niya ng masama ang kapatid.

"Just what are you doing here?"

He could see the mischief in his eyes. "I am just getting myself acquainted to our soon to be Crown Princess and her best friend. May masama ba roon?"

Nagsukatan sila ng tingin. He will not back down, especially when Steff was concern.

"What about you, brother? What are you doing here?"

"Same as you. I'm making myself known to the lady who'll soon be the matriarch of the Kingdom," sagot niya.

Naputol lang ang namumuong tensyon nang pumagitna na si Sofia. "Can't I just get a minute to talk to my best friend before this engagement? Kanina pa ako paikot-inot. Ngalay na ang panga ko kakangiti. And now, kung kelan naman nagkasarilinan kami ni Steff, saka naman kayo nagsisulputan. And cut that bullshit that you want to meet me. I am very much aware na hindi ako ang ipinunta niyo rito."

Sofia hit the bull's eye. Pareho sila ni Tristan na hindi makasagot. They were speechless at the tirade of their soon-to-be sister-in-law.

"Now, if you'll just excuse us. The ceremony will start any moment and we still have a girl talk to finish."

Agad na kinaladkad ni Sofia palayo si Steffanie sa kanila. Nais sana niyang magprotesta ngunit hindi na lamang niya ginawa. It was no use. Tama ito. Magsisimula na nga ang seremonya. He needed to be in his spot.

"See you later Steff!" sigaw ni Tristan.

"We still have many things to talk about!" pahabol ulit ng kapatid.