The Queen (Book 2)

Chapter 21

"Don't know that you'd be this busy."

Agad akong nag angat ng tingin mula sa pagrereview ng bumabagsak na charity fund ng recent charity project na hinahandle ko.

"Theo?" I blinked, unsure if I was seeing things. He stood there, smiling like he'd just won the lottery.

"Oh crap!" I shot up from my chair and turned to face him.

Sinalubong ako ng ngiti nito at nag bow kaya napailing ako. Nakipag kamay ako sa kanya na agad niya din dinala sa kanyang labi. "My deepest apologies, Prince Theodore," I said, realizing I'd totally forgotten about his visit.

"Not a problem, Your Royal Highness." iminuwestra niya ang kanyang bisig sa akin kaya agad ko itong pinaunlakan. Nakasabit ang aking kamay sa kanyang braso habang papalabas kami ng aking opisina.

"I was supposed to be here yesterday, but my flight got delayed," he said casually.

I gave him a curious look as we walked out of the palace. "Delayed? What happened?"

"They wouldn't let me land at your border. They actually threatened to shoot my plane if I tried to enter. So, I landed in Desi instead. Thankfully, they let me through."

His story went on as we climbed into a car. "Then I took a private jet to get here. And just when I thought it was over, I was blocked at the airport. Fortunately, your cousin helped me out."

"What?!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my shock.

Theo chuckled, as if it was all a funny anecdote.

"Why would my country reject you? We're not exactly itching for a war, are we?" I asked, puzzled.

He winked at me. "Don't worry." As he stepped out of the car and opened the door for me, I couldn't help but shake my head at his dramatic flair.

We were heading into a high-end club, so I was pretty sure the media wasn't lurking around. The loud music greeted us as soon as we walked in. Theo and I strolled hand in hand, and I noticed my friends eyeing us curiously when we approached their table.

"Who's this? Your boyfriend?" Mia teased.

I leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Husband," I shot back, adding fuel to the fire.

Mia's eyes widened as she laughed, and the teasing began in earnest.

I greeted Sybil next, who was lounging comfortably. "Masyado mo naman ata akong miss at lagi kang malapit sa akin, hah?" I quipped.

"Gwapo 'no?" Imbis na sagutin niya ako ay si Theo ang agad niyang pinuri.

"Gwapo, halatang hindi ikaw pakakasalan." Pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

"Where's your husband?" I asked Mia as we settled at the table with Theo, Sybil, and Mia.

"With Astrid and their other friends," Mia said casually, pointing to a nearby couch where a lively group was chatting.

My eyes scanned the couch, spotting a group of friends happily chatting away. Theo interrupted my thoughts by handing me a cocktail. "Cocktail?" He asked.

"Is that serious? You both came here just to drink cocktails?" Mia asked, half in disbelief.

Napasandal naman ako sa couch ng maramdaman ko ang hilo. Dapat kasi linunok ko nalang pride ko kanina at hindi pinalagan ang panghahamon ng babaeng 'yun.

"You good?" Theo asked, looking slightly tipsy himself after returning from the dance floor. I sat down to rest, feeling a wave of dizziness. Actually, I'd been feeling queasy for a while and just didn't want to puke.