Bare (Royal Society #2) COMPLETED

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Luck of Night

Pacing back and forth, waiting for the time to pass by. Halos hindi na ako mapakali at kating-kati na ako makipagkita sa kaniya. It's not just the feeling wanting to comfort him, it's the desire to make him feel that he is not alone. 

When the clock striked twelve midnight, dali-dali akong lumabas at bumaba para pumunta sa garden side ng East Palace. There are a lot of hidden places in the East Premises but that place was our always go-to whenver we meet at midnight.

And I found him there, sitting on the bench while staring at the darkness of the sky. Hindi mo mahahalata sa itsura niya na may problema siya at parang nagsi-sight seeing lang siya sa kalangitan na puno ng bituin.

But I know him. He may act strong all the time but he is Izaac, my Izaac.

For the past months I've been with him, I discovered things about him- things that he doesn't even realize himself. He is gooofy in nature but he also uses that mask his emotions. I told him that once and he only smiled.

He said afterwards that it is better that way, because if he showed his true feelings, people around him will use it as his weakness. He is the first prince. I can't even imagine the burden he carries.

And even though I don't want to, I pity him. Because it feels like the crown in his head, restricts his freedom. 

"Izaac..." mahina kong tawag nang makalapit ako sa kaniya.

He smiled and tapped the seat beside him. I did and I noticed that he was drinking. No, he drank because I don't see his glass anymore. Even the bottle. 

"Akala ko hindi ka na dadating," he said and faced me.

He caressed my cheeks using his right hand while he rested his head on his left hand which is placed on the backrest of the bench. "Why are you so pretty?" He asked in slurred voice.

I pushed his hand away and rolled my eyes. "I know you aren't that drunk, Izaac. Don't act like one," I firmly said. Kilala ko siya, if he is really drunk, he would be sleeping right now. 

"You really know me," he chuckled. "Stop glaring at me, love," he added.

I sighed. "Izaac," I started but he shook his head. He even placed a finger in front of his lips, like he doesn't want me to speak.

"I know you saw it, Arlaise. But you don't have to worry a thing 'cause it has always been like that, bago ka pa man dumating dito," he said and fixed his posture. Bumalik siya sa dati niyang puwesto na nakatingin sa kawalan.

"Father said it's because her favorite is Zach. I don't mind... at first. But I eventually got greedy, wanting to experience a mother's hug... mother's care... mother's love." My heart ached for him.

"Izaac..."

He chuckled and side glanced me. "Please don't pity me. Everyone around me already do, don't be part of it because it would just worsen my misery, hmm?"

I nodded. He smiled and leaned in to kiss my forehead. "What could I do, then?"

He looked at me and pursued his lips, like he is thinking so hard. "Izaac!" Inis kong tawag dahil alam kong pinagtri-tripan nanaman niya ako.

Tumawa siya bago ako hinila at yakapin. His body feels so warm that I quickly melted in his arms. I felt him sniffing my hair and kissing it afterwards. 

"Just stay with me 'cause you are my home, Arlaise."

He removed his hug and just faced him with his body turned like that. "I sometimes envy Zach because he got to experience all those but Father always makes sure he is with me kaya nababawasan yung inggit na nararamdaman ko. Besides, I am the older one, I should learn how to give way."

What about him? Kung palagi siya ang nagbibigay, sino naman ang magbibigay sa kaniya ng pagmamahal na kailangan niya? Isn't too unfair? He doesn't deserve this.

He is giving in to her mother's favors. He is yielding to Zach all the time. He is conceding to understand the situation like what his father wants. 

Pero paano naman siya? Paano kung maubos na siya sa kakabigay niya? 

"Why... why are you crying?" He asked and I turned my face away from him.

"Arlaise, love, face me," he said and tipped my chin to his side.

Izaac sighed. He seriously wiped my tears and caressed my hair. "Such a crybaby," he chuckled. "I told you don't be like that but why am I touched seeing you cry because of me?" He shook his head na parang pati siya hindi niya maintindihan sarili niya.

"And why are wearing such a thin clothing? It's damn cold, Arlaise!" He scolded and removed his coat and placed it on my shoulders.

"What about you? You are just wearing a longsleeves!" I pointed out but he just shrugged.

"I don't need it, I'm already hot."

Umirap na lang ako sa sinabi niya. With Izaac, it always a rollercoaster. But I'm willing to ride that rollercoaster just to be with him.

I moved closed to him and leaned my head on his arms. "Your sweetness really surprises me," he commented and wrapped his arms on my waist.

I played with his left hand while enjoying the silence around us. It wasn't awkward but comfortable kind of silence. I just want this to last.

But our time is limited and luck doesn't favor me that much. 

On my last step, I stopped. Dusk just came out of my room... while I am still in the last step of the stairs. I can feel his anger and I don't want him mad. But it is inevitable, I should have prepared myself but I enjoyed too much.

"Where have you been? I went to visit Mama and you," his voice is like he is controlling his temper and Dusk is not the type of person to hold his anger for long.

Unable to speak, he dragged me towards my room and closed the door. I remained standing like a statue in the middle of my room.

"Arlaise Dawn Miranda!" I flinched at his voice.

I should be scared with the thought of making a scene among the other attendants but I'm more concerned with my confrontation with Dusk that I could no more if they will hear us arguing.

Then he scoffed with a hint of sarcasm. "Why am I even asking when I know where you went?"

That brought my eyes to him. I looked at him in confusion, wondering what does he mean by that. 

But he provided me the answers I was looking for. "Yes, Dawn. I know your relationship with the First Prince but I hoped that you'll realize the path you're walking into. But I was wrong. I should have stopped you instead of settling with observing your secret glances and secret meetings."

"D-Dusk, hear me out," I pleaded but he didn't say anything to calm me down like he always does. "D-Dusk, please don't tell Mama."

He looked at me furiously. "Is that your concern, Dawn? Ang maitago ang relasyon niyo?" He clenched his jaw. 

"Who are you and what did you to my sister? Because the Dawn De Guzman, my twin, is firm believer of rules. She won't cross the boundary she knows she can't touch."

My tears fell. My hands are trembling as I tried to reach out to him but he took a step back as if I disgusts him. 

"You know! You are very much aware of the rules, Dawn. Are you trying to put us three in coffin? Because if that is your plan, then good for you, it's progressing."

"No, Dusk. I swear... I... I..."

"You what, Dawn? You didn't know that you will fall for him? Or you didn't know that consequences of your actions? Which of the two?" 

I looked down and avoided his eyes. Because I am aware of the consequences and I know from our very first interaction, that I am walking in a dangerous path. 

He grabbed my wrist which made me look up and look at his furious eyes.

"Choose. Save our family or save your relationship with him."

***

Sorry for the late update, got really really busy with school. Accounting is so demanding grrr.

Anyway, hope you like this update :))