The Fairy Tale Princess [Wainwright Series 4]

FAIRY TALE 6: Sickle Chimes

ARIZS

Tangina! Saan ako nagkulang ngayon? Bakit hindi nagsabi si Khally na may lakad sila ngayon?

"Tangina!" Mura ko ulit at napasuklay ng marahas sa buhok ko.

"Lutong naman niyan. Masarap ba magmura ngayon, Arizs?" I turn my head to the princess who spoke. Her deceiving smile form on her face. I can feel the danger in her sweet voice. "Arizs, sa tingin mo ba may lakad talaga si Killio at Khally ngayong araw?" Maamong tanong niya sa akin.

"Oo. Sinabi nila—"

"Nila?" She scoffs and hit my shoulder with her fist. "Si Killio lang nagsasalita kanina, Arizs. Hindi nagsalita ang kapatid ko. Although, may lakad naman talaga ang minamahal kong kapatid ngayon." Kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya at mas lumawak ang ngiti nito. "Iedus Family. I heard it at Papá's office that Khally was invited by Prince Pericles Iedus, himself, for a house tour. She was excited to finally get out of the palace. I'm so proud of her."

"Paanong pinayagan siya?"

"Because she deserves to be out of the palace. She's always been isolated for years. I want what's best for my sister too."

"Pero hindi ba magtataka ang hari sa pag-imbita ng isang prinsipe sa kaniyang bunsong anak?"

Umiling naman si Prinsesa Viera. "No. He's honestly a sweet boy. And he acts fast." Humalukipkip siya at tumawa ng matamis. "I can imagine that the two of them walking around the Iedus Palace, hand in hand, while Killio watch them from afar. Quite the romantic thing to happen, don't you think?"

"Princess Viera, huwag mo naman lagyan ng malisya ang pag-alis ni Khally. Hindi niya magagawa ang mga 'yan dahil..." Tinakpan ko bigla ang bibig ko.

"Dahil?"

Hindi ako nakasagot. Dahil saan ba? Paanong hindi magagawa iyon ni Khally?

"Ha! Cat got your tongue. Arizs, they look so close. Even though they only met yesterday, they are like soulmates. They are given a chance to meet by destiny! And that 'destiny' is," Tinuro niya ako sa dibdib at dali ring tinanggal. "You."

"Hindi kita maintindihan, Prinsesa Viera."

She flips her hair and put her hands on her hips. "You are so dumb to understand even the simplest discussion. Ugh! I'm warning you not to pester my sister once she returns with Killio. Arizs, she's a princess who shouldn't be overpowered by the likes of you. Remember that."

"Pero..."

"Pero ano?"

"Ate Narie would be furious."

"Ate Khana? Geez! Move on from your crush! She won't get mad at you if she knew her little sister leaves the palace. She may be pleased by this change!"

"Alam mo?" Tanong ko sa kaniya na may halong gulat.

Umirap siya. "Ang alin? Yung bobo ka? O yung crush mo siya?" Sinamaan ko ito ng tingin. "Okay, both! Halatang crush mo ang kapatid ko. Sa isang tingin lang masasabi ko na."

Napangiti naman ako at napakamot sa aking batok."Umm, would you think I have a chance?"

She frowns. "Eww? Hindi ka niya papatulan dahil mas bata ka sa kaniya."

"Ng isang taon." Dagdag ko.

"Yes! Kahit isang taon pa ang agwat ninyo hindi ka niya papansinin." Tinapik niya na ang braso ko at kumaway. "Chance is zero, dumb knight. 'Saka iyong bilin ko, huwag mong kalilimutan."

"Hindi ko susundin." Wika ko sa sarili ko.

"Bye! I'll go inside and rest. Continue your shenanigans, Arizs." Naglakad na siya papasok ng palasiyo at bumalik ang tingin ko sa daan na tinahak ng sinakyan nina Khally.