The Tailor Princess [Wainwright Series 2]

TAILOR 34: The Queens Cry

KHEILANIE

Who will save my husband?

Hindi ko na kaya makita siyang patuloy na lumalaban. Ang dami na niyang natamong sugat. Marami na ring dugo na kumukawala sa kaniyang katawan. I feel so hopeless. Wala akong magawa kundi umiyak at panuorin ang paulit-ulit na pakikipaglaban ng asawa ko sa mga kalaban. Wala na bang tutulong sa amin? Wala na bang darating?

Where are the pillars?

Where is Codhille?

Where is Khanarie?

"Papá... W-why can't I-I fight?" I wail in my father's embrace.

He tries to hush me and calm me. "This is not your fight, Kheilanie. You are only stuck between two family rivalry."

Lumakas ang paghikbi ko at hindi ko nakontrol ang emosyon ko. "This is all your fault... Ka-kasalanan ninyong lahat ng 'to! If you have given us a chance and never dictated us, we would have been happier! This would never happen! The fight would've ended sooner than later! You destroyed your own family!"

"Kheilanie, I'm sorry..."

"T-This is all your fault! If-if you never intervene... If you never control anyone... No...none of these could have happened!" All he thinks about was himself. Our family is falling apart because of that. My husband would not be fighting such a dangerous fight. Matagal na sana kaming malaya sa kamay ng mga kalaban.... Yet, this is not the right time to blame after all anyone.

Kailangan kong tulungan si Kohlen. Kailangan niya ng kasama ngayon. We vowed to be with each other. Dapat ay lumalaban ako na kasama siya. Akmang aabutin ko ang espada niya nang makarinig ako ng pamilyar na boses. All the worry and anxiety I felt was washed out.

"King Howard," a familiar pillar spoke.

My eyes became teary but it is visible enough to see who came to our rescue. Beside Khally was Arizs. Maliligtas na ang asawa ko. Matatapos na ang kaguluhan dito. Kumawala ako sa kamay ni Papa at lumapit kay Arizs. I'm really desperate. I need somebody to take my husband's place. Hindi na talaga niya kaya roon.

"Arizs tulungan mo ang asawa ko! Mamamatay si Kohlen sa grand hall!" I beg him.

He immediately agreed since they have finished their first task. He left without a word but my broken voice and continuous sob never stop. Hinagkan ako ng kapatid ko para mapatahan dahil sa nakakasama sa aking anak na nasa sinapupunan ko. "Ate Khei, tahan na. Your baby will also be at risk kapag nagpatuloy ka sa pag-iyak. Baka mapaano ka at ng baby mo."

"B-but..."

"Don't put yourself and the baby in danger, Ate Khei. We will be safe and I'm sure ganoon din sa asawa mo. Stop crying na po," Hinagod niya ang likod ko at unti-unting nabawasan ang sakit na nararamdaman ko.

I'm sorry our baby. Pinapahamak ka na pala ni Mommy. I'm really sorry.

KOHLEN

I'm so tired. My body is exhausted.

Bago ako bumagsak sa sahig may sumalo sa akin. His arm pulled me up and drag me away.

"Co-Codie?" I pant.

He drag me away and put his arm on my back to support me. While my right arm was on his shoulders. "Pasensiya na, Haring Kohlen, ngunit wala pa rin sila Prinsipe Codhille at Heneral Wainwright. We are your reinforcement at the moment." Sagot ni Arizs sa akin.

Ah, that was funny. I thought it was already Codhille. He always got my back. 

"I'm sorry." 

"Ayos lang ho, Haring Kohlen."