The Queen (Book 2)

Chapter 16

["Yes, thank you so much."] Paalam ko sa kausap ko sa telepono.

I flopped back into my office chair, feeling like I'd just survived a battle, when a knock at my door interrupted my moment of victory.

'Your Royal Highness?" tawag ni Ate Aura sa akin. Agad ko naman inaayos ang aking postura, saka siya tinawag para pumasok. Nakangiti siya sa akin bago nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita.

"Handa na po ang iyong umagahan." Pag-iinform nito sa akin dahilan para mapatingin ako sa orasan at pasado 10 am na.

Binigyan ko naman siya ng ngiti sabay iling. "Hindi na, mamaya na sigurong tanghali na lang ako kakain. Wala akong gana. Nag gatas naman na din ako." Pahayag ko dito saka itinuon ang atensyon ko sa mesa ko kung saan ko inumpisahan tignan ang mga papeles na binabasa ko kanina.

I thought she'd leave me to my breakfast-free fate, but she had more to add. "Ngunit naghihintay po si Prince Astrid sa hapag." Nakayuko nitong pahayag.

Napahilamos naman ako sa aking mukha dahil sa narinig. "Sasabihan ko po ba siya na tanghalian pa ang inyong kain?" Tanong nito sa akin na agad ko inilingan.

"No need, I'll join him. Just let him know I'm on my way." I managed a smile as I dismissed her.

Once Ate Aura was gone, I gave myself a mental smack on the head. Seriously, why did I drink so much last night?

My recollection of the evening was as hazy as my hangover. The only thing I clearly remembered was kicking Astrid's back without realizing it. When I woke up, he was already gone, and Ate Aura informed me that Astrid had stayed at the palace but had left early this morning.

Thank goodness for the milk and meds on my bedside table—they'd at least helped with the hangover. After ko mag-ayos ay diretso din agad ako dito sa opisina para kumausap ng mga taong may appointment sa akin at magbasa ng mga papeles.

I stood up, ready to join Astrid for breakfast. Paglabas ko agad akong sinalubong ni Kuya Jerry habang nakapalibot sa labas ng opisina ko sila Mr. Gabriel, Mr. Luis, Mr. Jerar and Mr. Henry, aka the Men in Black. It was nice to see them in such high spirits. They all bowed as I passed, and I returned the gesture with a friendly nod.

I found Astrid engrossed in his phone. Clearing my throat, I made my presence known. "Good morning, Your Royal Highness," I greeted him, while Kuya Jerry slid a chair out for me.

"Good morning, Princess. How did you sleep?" Astrid asked, handing me a glass of milk. We were seated at a round table in the garden, comfortably shaded from the sun.

Tahimik kaming kumain ng bigla kong maalala kung paano ako nga ba ako nakapag palit ng pantulog, eh nung tinanong ko si Ate Aura ang sabi niya sa akin, inabutan niya daw akong mag-isa sa aking silid habang naka pantulog na.

"Who changed my clothes?" I asked suddenly, causing Astrid to look up from his coffee.

"Mia," he replied casually, taking a sip.

I stared at him, puzzled. "And?"

"You threw up on your dress last night. It wouldn't have been proper for me to change you, even if you'd given me permission. Your people were off enjoying the party, so I called your friend instead." His explanation left my brain spinning with information overload.

"Anyway, if you're finished, meet me in front of the castle," he said, standing up and making his exit.

I blinked. Was he asking me out? Was there a spark here?

I quickly returned to my room to change. Given Astrid's tuxedo, I assumed our destination wasn't exactly adventurous. I opted for a beige rib-knit split high dress and beige stiletto pumps. My makeup was natural, and my hair was straightened to perfection.