The Princess-Queen [Wainwright Series 3] [R-18]

PRINCESS 22: Sigh and Relief

KIMORA

The Hadfields gave their regards for today. Even Jiara gave her speech and blessing to the deceased queen.

"If I knew better nagpapasalamat siya sa kademonyo niyang plano." I hissed under my breath.

Akmang tatapusin ng emcee ang kaniyang pag-eenganyo nang lumapit ako sa kaniya at nilahad ang kamay ko. Mukha pa siyang nagulat at napatingin kila Caliber sa likod ko. He smiles back at me and gave the mic. The moment we've all been waiting. A revelation that I am not ready for.

We're all not ready for.

I stole another glance at Caliber. My lips quiver as his eyes showed sadness. God, give us strength to push through this challenge of ours. We badly want to finish our charades.

I took a deep breath and followed my encrypted speech inside my head.

"Good day, everyone. First, I want to say rest in peace to your beloved deceased queen. She's a remarkable person. And the sweetest mother that anyone can have. Hindi ko man siya nakilala pero madalas siyang ikinukwento sa akin ni Caliber. Which made her feel closer to us," I pause as the sudden hitch of my voice caught the sight of an unexpected person. Tumango siya mula sa malayo at tinuloy ko pa rin ang misyon ko.

"I'm sad for everyone here because the queen is not here with us. Where she is alive and we are celebrating a festival instead of her death." They snickered and I ease a little. However, fear came back instantly. "But I'm much sad because you chose a queen who does not deserve you, the people of Tanakki." The people gasps and murmur. Lumakas ang kanilang boses at naghalo-halo ang kanilang boses. I even heard Jiara curse at me.

"Believe me, you don't deserve your current queen. Do you think she's a saint? Because I know that she's not. And I bet some of you think the same way as I do." The voices of the people became louder. Louder of protest and disapproval on my statements. I hold the microphone firmly. I should not show any sign of regret coming out of my mouth. This is for the people. For the king's freedom. For Caliber's peace.

"Your queen, Jiara Hadfield, is nothing more than a snake." Turo ko naman kay Jiara at hinarap ito. "Call me outrageous and mean, but I will not fold from my words!" Medyo naging matinis ang boses ko sa mic at humulma ang boses nila.

Napabuntong-hininga ako at pinakalma agad ang sarili. "I'm used to insults. I don't care about what you say. After all, I'm doing what is right for everyone who is present here tonight." Ibinaba ko ang aking kamay at pinanlisikan ito ng tingin. "Again, your queen is a snake. Habol ito ng habol sa kapangyarihan at kayamanan. Mas masahol pa siya sa mga taong naghihirap ngayon na nagsusumikap na mamuhay sa mundong ito. Mas masahol pa ito sa mga taong nakakulong sa bilanguan!" Muli kong tinaas ang kamay ko upang iduro siya. "She was in a relationship with your prince, at his teenage year, a fifteen-year-old young boy. And they dated until he was seventeen. A remarkable way of a woman to groom a child to his need of affection that a dying woman may no longer give him." Again, Jiara curse at me and I grit my teeth. "But what did she do? What did you do?! You betrayed him! You left and wag your tail towards his father, the king."

I scoff and look back to the audience. Enrage by the story I have heard from Caliber. It's so disgusting I wante to throw up right now. "She gets involved in an affair with King Dimentio, who was currently in a healthy relationship with Queen Millene!"

God, patawarin niyo ako. Lalo ka na, Mamá. Patawarin ninyo ako at pakiramdam ko nagkakasala ako sa paninira ng relasyon ng iba.

"King Dimentio, with all due respect, and we demand and answer. My questions should be answered by a yes-and-no answer. Nothing more, nothing less." Tumango siya at isang nakakabinging katahimikan ang binigay ng madla. "Did you have an affair with Jiara while the queen was alive and loving you wholeheartedly?"