Excelium II: Hunting Season

Kabanata 69

Zai confidently walked in the palace grounds as Shane and the other two children walk behind her. Dumating naman ang butler ng hari na si Ron at sila'y inasista patungo sa lugar kung nasaan ang hari. They stopped in front of a big wooden double door. Bahagyang yumuko si Ron habang bumubukas ang pinto.

Zai went in and the others followed her. Shane and Rui stared in awe at the huge library. Mataas ang kisame at marami ring mga bookshelves ang nakikita.

Sa di-kalayuan ay nakita nila ang hari na nakaupo at nagbabasa ng isang libro. Noong sila ay nakita nito ay tumayo ito at ngumiti. Shane and Rui were hesitating whether they should follow Zai to his place or just stay where they are standing. Even Claysen is thinking of a decision.

Ngunit kusa ring gumalaw ang kanilang mga paa noong lumapit si Zai rito. She confidently stood in front of a royalty that they could barely believe it. Phrim glanced at the children that Zai has brought along. Ngumiti siya sa mga ito at inginuso ang isang malaking mangkok na may lamang mga tsokolate sa ibabaw ng lamesa. Tila ba kuminang ang mga mata nito at nagpunta roon. Zai glanced at their direction, "Don't eat too much sweets." tumango naman ang mga ito bilang sagot.

Shane remained standing on his place as he look at the king, "Uhm.. can I have a look around the library?"

Ngumiti sa kanya ang hari, "Feel comfortable."

Ngumiti naman si Shane at nagpasalamat rito bago ito umalis. The king chuckled as he look back at Zai, "You're fond of kids?"

But the girl seemed uninterested with his question. Phrim smiled and he showed her the seats. They sat opposite of each other. There's a small table between them where there is two empty cups and a teapot. Zai leaned her back on the backrest, "Get to the point."

Phrim picked up the teapot and poured tea into the two cups, "I believe that we should work together to have a greater chance of success. Don't you think so?" Phrim said with his natural calming voice.

Zai rested her cheek on the knuckles of her right hand, "You want a collaboration."

Phrim smiled and nodded, "Yes," his face softened, "I don't want my citizens to die pointlessly. In exchange for some of my soldiers' lives, we must bring victory to this kingdom at all cost. As a king, it's my responsibility to keep this nation standing. If there is a way to raise the percentage of success, I'll do it."

Nanatili namang nakatitig si Zai sa mga mata nito. She then looked outside of the window, "I had no intention in forming an alliance with your nation but a little change of plan is not a big deal. Fine, I'll cooperate with you."

Phrim's eyes were immediately filled with gladness, "I'm truly grateful--"

"However," natigilan naman ang hari noong marinig muli itong magsalita. Zai put both of her hands on the armrest and her natural sharp eyes stared at his kind ones. "In alliances, there's always a catch and you already have yours. The assurance of a helping hand. And I want mine."

Bumalik naman sa pagiging seryoso ang mukha ng hari at tumango rito. Zai temporarily closed her eyes then when she opened them she continued speaking, "Be familiar of these three's faces," nagtaka naman ang hari sa sinabi nito. He glanced at the children that are sitting on the other table. Naroon na rin si Shane na nagbabasa ng isang medical book. Ibinalik naman niya ang kaniyang mga nalilitong mata sa dalaga. Zai squinted her eyes, "You better remember them."

Phrim was confused but he nodded. Zai told him the reason why he should mark their faces in his head and Phrim seriously listened. Claysen, who was listening silently, stopped from eating and glanced at their direction. He stared at the girl when he heard all of her words. His face softened as he purse his lips and he eventually looked away. Pretending that he didn't hear anything.