The Hourglass

Chapter 22 - Library

CIELLE

“What?” Magkasalubong ang kilay na tanong ni Kuya Luke.

“Just as I said it. No kidding.” Sagot ko.

Kuya definitely heard me the first time. It’s probably a case of disbelief that he’s hearing this from me.

“And where does Gray fit in that?” Tanong ni Kuya at tiningnan si Gray na nakatayo sa tabi ko.

“I’m quite curious about it. Kaya sasamahan ko na lang si Cielle.” Sagot ni Gray.

Parang kinikilatis ni Kuya kung ano ba talaga iniisip ko kaya kahit gusto ko mag-iwas ng tingin ay hindi ko ginawa.

He’s definitely one of the few people I can handle having eye contact with for more than three seconds.

“Do you have any idea what you have in schedule for your break before the start of the second semester?” Tanong ni Kuya.

Nagsalubong naman yung kilay ko dahil wala pa namang sinasabi si Nana Delilah.

“Nana Delilah hasn’t told me anything.” Sabi ko.

“Birthday mo na in more or less 2 months. And this break is perfect for starting to plan it.”

My wide eyes scanned the room for a calendar and a small gasp came out of my mouth seeing what month and day it was. And I don’t need Nana Delilah or any other maids or employee to tell me how hectic things will be.

I’m turning 20 and that is a big thing as an Elite. Turning 20 years old is kind of the rite of passage for Elites. Like a promotion.

We basically have the right to know about more sensitive information. Kung dati sa history lang, ngayon ay pati sa present affairs ng Kingdom of Artisan.

I love being able to know more. But I’d rather read over a dozen books during the break instead of spending it being measured, trying on clothes, tasting stuff, and all those necessary party preparations.

“You got away with your 18th birthday Cielle, you’re not getting away on your 20th.” Kuya said with finality. “But with your proposal to investigate the Forbidden Island, tell the King and Queen about it.”

“Ha?” Gulat na tanong ko. “But we own the island. I just asked for your permission since you are older than me.”

“So if you were, you would just go on with it?” Natatawang sabi ni Kuya habang nagpapasok ng folders sa bag n’ya. “The island’s listed under the most dangerous places in the Kingdom. You want to study or prove it? Ask for the King or Queen’s approval.”

“And you deliberately let it be the final destination of the training camp?!” I shrieked.

I certainly did not know about that list! Kuya’s definitely talking about something official. And he still went on with it despite knowing how rarely do people get out and being listed in the most dangerous places in the Kingdom?!

“Gray knew about it too.” Sabi ni Kuya at itinuro si Gray. “And you have him. Try mo pumunta sa Palasyo at magpaalam kasama s’ya. Baka pumayag pa agad yung mga magulang n’ya.”

Retorting became impossible because Kuya left his office in the mansion.

Naghintay ako ng ilang araw bago s’ya makauwi tapos yun lang? And he tells me go and ask permission from the King and Queen?

I clearly remember now that the Queen would watch over the four of us when the meetings with the Elite carry on longer than intended. But that doesn’t mean I can just go and tell them about it!