Arkion—Born To Be A Queen?

"Why would your brother be here?" Tanong ni Andrei. Kami ngayon ay nakasakay sa isang karwahe papunta sa palasyo. I looked away, a hint of annoyance was visible on my face.

Her question was spot on. Why would my brother be here? Siguro nga tama si Zen sa sinabi niya kanina na baka namamalikmata lang ako. Pero nung mga oras na iyon, siguradong-sigurado ako sa mga nakita ko. Pure deep darken blue eyes gazing straight at mine. There's no way na makakalimutan ko ang mga matang iyon.

I sighed staring at the view of different trees by the sidelines habang nalalampasan din namin ang iba't ibang tao. I have never expected Zyrendel Kingdom to be this well off. Sa paggawa palang ng mga buidings, sa pananamit ng mga tao, their technologies, and that certain peaceful ambiance surrounding the entire place. Perhaps I wouldn't have had gone through so many things kung sa una palang nandito na ako napadpad.

"Hey," may humawak sa balikat ko kaya napatingin ako sa tabi ko, it was Zen. "You seem really tired." Was my exhaustion that obvious?

"Tired or not, I don't want you to get distracted now Ke'ala. You didn't think we came here just to hide, did you?"

"Of course not." I returned Andrei's gaze with reassurance. "Ano ba talaga ang gagawin natin? Palagi mo nalang tinatangihan sumagot sa mga tanong ko."

"Sasabihin ko din sa'yo sa huli. I don't want to make you anxious, so don't worry about it now." She says not to worry about it now, but it's only making me anxious more. Especially how she avoids my gaze whenever I ask questions. Why does she always love avoiding questions anyway?

"Ah we're here." Zen suddenly stated to break th awkward silence while smiling down at me. I looked away while staring back at the scene outside the window.

My eyes grew wide upon looking at the scenery before my eyes. Pumasok kami sa isang malaking gates, at dahil siguro sa magarbong karwahe na sakay namin ay alam na nila kung sino ito kaya mabilis na umalis ang nga gwardiya sa daanan at yumuko bilang respeto sa unang prinsipe.

Nang nakapsok kami sa gates, the carriage moved around a small circular fountain patched with statues on the middle, and the way the sunlights reflected on these designs, anyone could tell they are not hust any ordinary gemstones, yup they are gemstones.

Dumaan naman kami ngayon sa isang mahabang tulay. Sa bawat gilid ng tulay ay may waterfalls dito and surrounding this entire palace is actuall a big river. I couldn't help but stick out my neck at such a wonderful sight. I've always loved watching the flow of water and the sound they make while clashing with rocks gives a sense of peace. But at the same time, it also bothers me due to past memories.

Tumigil bigla ang karwahe sa unahan ng mahabang hagdanan. Pero sa itaas ng hagdanan na ito, ay may isang higanteng golden statue of a woman wearing an armour with angel wings behind her back, a shield on her right and a sword on the other hand. Sa sobrang laki ng golden statue na ito ay tiyak nakikita ito ng mga tao mula sa bayan.

Habang umaakyat kami sa hagdanan ay hindi ko maiwasang mapansin ang magandang formations ng mga ulap sa itaas with the sunlight reflecting brightly on the golden statue which makes it hard for me to look up. Even the staircase is made out or expensive marbles with diamond-patterned linings.

After like fifty steps, narating narin namin sa wakas ang tuktok kung saan may naghihintay na isang malaking pintuan. Upon opening the double doors led by the First Prince himself, napatigil din sa paggalaw ang mga tao na mukhang nagtra-trabaho sa loob. Sa gitna ng buong area ay may nakahating tatlong malalawak na hallways. On the middle of the room though, may isang circular dito na counter with a big clock on top.

Lahat mismo sila ay mukhang nagulat nang makita kami, or specifically, the Prince. I could tell dahil lahat sila ay nakatingin sa kaniya mismo. Still, Zen walked elegantly well on the red carpet at the middle connecting to the counter and through the three hallways up front.

"Y-Your Highness! Greetings! I am glad you—" Gulat na sigaw ng isa habang mabilis na tumakbo papunta kay Zen. He was wearing that usual office-like uniform with glasses on. Ah I wonder if should start talking to him politely as well, but I don't have ang reason to anyway in the first place.

"Roderick. Where is my father?"

"H-His Highness King is on his office, of course." Nang lalampas na sana si Zen sa lalaki ay bigla nalang siya hinarangan nung si Roderick while nervously smiling. "H-However, he is not expecting any visitor today—"

"Do I look like a visitor to you?"

"Definitely not, You're Highness."

"Well then move out of our way."

Nang lumakad na ulit si Zen ay narinig ko ang maliit na bulong nung si Roderick saying he tried his best. Best in what? In making sure the King won't be bothered today? Or is there something more going on in this Kingdom than it looks?

Rmdam ko ang mga emosyon ng bawat tao na nandito habang tinitignan nila ngayon ang prinsipe. Anger, hatred, disgusts...I could only wonder why.

Dumaan naman kami ngayon sa gitnang parte ng hallway and as our presences vanished from their sights, tumuloy na sila sa mga ginagawa nila. I felt Zen's urgency as he led us forwards, he's being unstable. Now I know na ganoon pala ang personality niya on the outside, I guess I thought he's just another naive always happy, cheerful, smiling prince. I didn't expect he could make an expression like that.

May isang malaking pintuan ang naghihintay sa amin sa dulo ng hallway. Napatigil kaming tatlo sa unahan nito, and as if on cue, both looked at my direction. My eyebrow lifted, waiting for what they have to say.

"Things around here never change." Wika ni Andrei.

"Since when did it ever?" Paano ngaba nagkakilala ang dalawa? Parang alam talaga nila ang isa't isa nung unang kita palang nila sa barko kagabi.

"Huwag kang pumasok, Ke'ala. Hindi mo gustong makilala ang hari." Andrei said. If I was another normal human being, meeting the King of this Kingdom would be a great honour, but because I don't want to get involve into something, I rather not.

"I wouldn't want to either."

"Even if you did, don't make him favour you too much." That was vague as usual.

Kumatok si Zen sa pintuan at agad itong binuksan, pumasok siya sa loob kasama si Andrei at bigla din namang sumara ang pinto. I leaned over the wall trying to sense the emotions inside pero wala akong makuha. Blocking magic. And it's that kind of magic that even my own energy can't pass through.

"Laire. Anong klaseng enerhiya ito?"

"It's an artificial energy, Ke'ala. One that does not require natural process, but one that creates energy at one's will."

"That's complicated."

"It is. Kung napapansin mo, mataas ang lebel ng enerhiya sa kaharian na ito, and it's different from normal. Hindi ito totoong enerhiya, isa lamang itong artificial made from a specialised technology which serves as a barrier surrounding the entire Kingdom. And those inside is blessed by this never-ending energy."

"A specialised technology? Saan naman nila ito nakuha? O sino ang gumawa nito?"

"Base sa mga past records, may nangangalang Hanilum ang gumawa nito."

"Hanilum?"

"Kung nakikinig ka lang siguro sa lessons mo sa Academy, hindi mo na kailangan itanong iyan." The fact is just I don't. "Hanilum, a woman said to be a powerful Cursed Blood from ancient times. Think of her as this Kingdom's aid in the past. Siya ang tumulong sa pagtayo at paglakas ng Zyrendel."

"A Cursed Blood huh? Akala ko ba maraming humahabol sa buhay ng mga kadugo ko noon?"

"And that fact is still the truth. However Hanilum didn't help Denaricus in the past on the Great War against a Kingdom now called the Fallen Kingdom of Leomer ."

"Ano naman ang kinalaman ni Denaricus dito?"

"If you truly wish to know...for most Denaricus is a hero who battled the Leos, who united the Cursed Bloods para tulungan siyang labanan ang mga Leos na sinasabing kasing-lakas lang nila. But after the war ended, for Cursed Bloods, Denaricus is an existence they despise and wish to kill. Naniniwala si Denaricus na makakamit lamang ang kapayapaan kung mawawala ang mga tinatawag niyang 'abnormalities' sa mundong ito."

"And these 'abnormalities', ang ibig niyang sabihin ay ang mga Cursed Bloods at ang mga Leos na kasing-lakas lang namin in terms of energy. So he wished to create a balanced world where no one is stronger and weaker than the others." How amusing.

"He united the Cursed Bloods and made them battle against the Leos. Nang natalo ang Leos ay ang Cursed Bloods naman ang kinalaban niya. He made the world think your race is a monstrous existence close to being a demon, kaya marami ang pumapatay sa lahi niyo noon. I don't exactly know how many Cursed Bloods are left in this current time, pero delikado parin ang buhay niyo. So it's best to avoid letting others know about you being a Cursed Blood Ke'ala."

"Even I know that much. But however you think of it, it's impossible for humans to defeat a Cursed Blood, in a way of course."

"Malakas nga ang mga Cursed Bloods. But people in the past are using ancient technologies like Guardians to mass murder your kind. Bago pa man nangyari ang laht ng ito, hindi sumangayon si Hanilum kay Denaricus sa pagtumba ng mga Leos and actually she knew of his plan that's why she fled to an unknown Kingdom called Zyrendel."

"So when everything has ended, Hanilum aided Zyrendel in exchange for her existence to be hidden and created this technology able to create artificial energy."

"Pero kumpara noon, humihina na humihina na ang arrificial energy na ito. Dahil siguro sa ilang daang taon na ang nakalipas."

"Zyrendel is a reputable Kingdom. Anyone wants to breach in and cause some turmoil, kaya kailangan din nilang palakasin ang barrier na ito sa huli."

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a sudden loud noise of something breaking, like a glass falling down in such a speed. Nanggagaling ang tunog na ito sa loob ng kwarto, pero wala parin talaga akong nararamdaman. Then I heard another sound, this time it was a sound of a small explosion.

"Laire, help me break this blocking magic." Utos ko habang nilagay ko ang isa kong kamay sa pintuan.

"It's a very sophisticated magic but why not?" With my own energy, may lumabas na kulay brown na magic circle mula dito.

Laire was right, it is a very sophisticated magic circle. But I can understand it inside my head very well. Each of these small circles symbolizes the spell's purpose which is to block outside magic. But when I rearranged the circles, the brown light grew brighter hanggang sa umiba ang spell, and just like that, nawala ang magic circle and I feel my own energy reducing drastically because of it.

Pero may nararamdaman na ulit akong mga emosyon at enerhiya mula sa loob. I could feel it, pain, pleasure, annoyance, and anger. May halos pitong tao sa loob, and I can feel huge energy being generated inside. Are they being attacked?

Mabilis kung binuksan ang pinto at agad na pumasok sa loob. Waves of light penetrated my sight and before I knew it, the sight in fromt if me changed. The whole room is breaking apart, marami ang mga gamit na nakahandusay lang sa gilid, may mga hindi ko kilalang tao na nakasuot ng mga armours na nakahiga sa sahig, may mga duging tumutulo sa iba't ibang oarte ng katawan nila.

Up front I saw Andrei and Zen protecting a man wearing long black claok-like clothing. His hair was white due to the signs of ageing and was holding a small staff on his right. On his other leg, ay may nakakabit dito para matulungan siyang tunayo.

It gave me the idea that he's a the King, now looking at my direction. May tatlong taong nakasuot ng puting cloak sa unahan nila, just near the huge window na ngayon ay sirang-sira na. Dito siguro sila dumaan papasok. But to think they've managed to kill such number of peopel in here, they can't be underestimated—

White cloaks?

Umatake ang isang naka cloak na tao papunta kay Andrei, but I intercepted his sword by mine when I ran towards him. I summoned my other sword and slashed him from above pero napaatras siya kaya hindi ko siya natamaan.

"You're fast." He complimented.

"You're better at it than me." I replied.

Napunta ang tingin ko kina Andrei at Zen who seemed to be quite surprised by my sudden appearance. Kailan ba nagsimula ang gulo dito? If I had known earlier I would have barged right in. But due to the blocking magic, it makes anything seem normal on the outside.

"Another visitor." The other guy stated.

"An assassination attempt?" I asked.

"Well you pretty much got the gist of it." Sagot naman ng isa, boses ito ng babae. "We have nothing against you people, so if I were you I won't meddle. Our business is with the King."

"The problem is that you aren't us." I saw her smirk due to what I said.

"You don't know who you're dealing with, do you little girl?"

"You don't know me neither."

"We don't know each other, so let's leave it at that." Sabi ni Andrei habang tinaas ang kamay niya. May nabuong kadiliman sa ilalim ng tatlong nakaputing cloak at nang isinara ni Andrei ang kamay niya ay bigla nalang sila nilamon ng kadilimang ito.

Pero agad din namang nawala ang kadiliman at may nabuong liwanag sa kamay ng babae. Yellow magic circle appeared above us then at bigla nalang kaming tinira ng mga rays ng liwanag. I hurriedly used my barrier to protect us from the light as Zen ran forward to their direction. Ginamit niya ang isang espada na nakahiga lang sa sahig para maging weapon niya. But he stopped on his feet when a ball of light illuminated everything. Sa sobrang liwanag nito ay napatakip ako ng mga mata.

"We'll meet again soon if you continue to block our way. And you won't like going against us." And with that, they just suddenly disappeared in front of us.

Bunch of guards came rushing in just as soon the enemies left. Mabilis silang umaksyon at nilibot ang paligid. Some helped those lifeless people on the floor, and the scent of blood is mingling uder my nose. Just for three people to inflict this much damage...If no one was here, the King would have been in trouble.

"Father, are you alright?" Zen asked the King who was behind us all this time.

"I'm well, just...tired. If I had known you brought the Elite, I would have prepared a banquet." Then his gaze fell to mine. "And you must be Andrei's apprentice. This might not look like a nice welcome, but I am happy to welcome you in Zyrendel." He said with a weak smile.

"Your Highness," may tumawag sa hari sa likuran niya kaya napatingin kami dito. It was a man holding some papers. "The Royal Advisors require your presence. Should I let them know you have to rest?"

"No. I will meet them up soon after this."

"Understood." Then the guy left the room hurriedly.

"As for you, won't you join me for a tea?" He asked referring to me.

The garden was filled with different set of flowers, and their scent reminded me of spring back in the island. Nandito ako ngayon nakaupo sa may isang round table, across my seat is the King himself. Our cups were filled with jasmine tea at may mga biscuits din sa gitna.

Despite what happened, the Royal Palace doesn't seem concern at all, or at least they aren't making this a big deal. Ang gulo gulo parin ng nangyari. Siyempre at naiiintindihan ko naman na maraming gusto kunin ang buhay ng Hari, pero bakit ba parang normal lang ang mga ganitong pangyayari sa kanila?

I notice they were lots of guards in the town pero dito sa palasyo, parang nabibilang lang. The security isn't that strong around here that they're only relying to the blocking magic set in specific places.

"Keila Willar, correct?" He suddenly asked after sipping from his cup with elegance. "I am Serig Calium of Zyrendel."

"Aren't you being too informal with me, Your Majesty?"

"You do not have to treat me like a King, Keila. For most people that may be a must, but you are different. You can treat me like a tyrant, it's fine."

"Different? A tyrant? What do they have to do with me?" He smiled bitterly as I drunk a gulp from my tea.

"It seems Andrei has not told you. Or does she plan to do all the work?" I frowned.

"If it was about this certain mission, then she didn't...not yet."

"I don't think she's planning on even telling you. I know you circumstances. You ran away from Magnus after destroying a whole city, killing hundreds of people, and couldn't even help a friend. A monster, for most." I was already clenching my fists as he said those words.

"What's your point?"

"I'm saying that you're free to hide here however you want. I will take care of all your needs—even support you if Magnus were to come after you."

"Doing that for me," I sighed. "Are you sure you're fine with it? Your Kingdom might just have to fight with Magnus after all."

"Keila Willar, I will fight the world if it needs to just to have you in this Kingdom." My eyes grew wide for a moment. Ano naman ang ibig niyang sabihin sa sinabi niya? Ano ba talaga ang binabalak niya? "In exhange for those you will have to work with me." Ah sabi ko na ngaba, walang libre sa mundong ito.

"Work for you with what exactly?"

"This Kingdom is falling apart on the inside no matter how good it looks on the outside. The artificial energy is weakening and more and more people have been reported to have been planning a coup to overthrow the Royal Family, to take advantage of this crisis."

"So because of my past record of being a murderer, you want me to do the dirty works of taking care of such people?" Natahimik siya bigla sa sinabi ko at tumingin sa kalayuan kung saan lumalampas ang hangin sa mga bulaklak.

"Yes." I looked down, slightly shaking the cup I'm holding with my both hands. No wonder Andrei seem hesitant on telling me. "Keila, I'm not planning on giving up the thrown to my son."

"You mean Zen?" Bigla nalang ako napatingin sa kaniya. Napansin niya ang gulat ko at ngumiti lamang.

"People hate that child. Only a few respected him. The stability of our Kingdom depends on Prophecies, that's why we've managed to survive up 'till now. He's my only son and the next in line for the thrown. That's why his name is Zen Arkion. In Zyrendel Arkion means 'born to be a King'. Yet he was a bad omen. The Prophecy stated he will only bring destruction upon Zyrendel, as to why he has purple eyes, a sign of a bad prophecy. It shouldn't have mattered if he was just another Prince, but he is the only successor."

"Do you believe more in Prophetic words than in your own son?" Mukhang hindi niya inaasahan ang tanong kong ito.

"I do." I sighed, again.

Wala akong pakealam sa mga desisyon nila sa kahariang ito pero, mas pinapaniwalaan niya pa ang mga propesiyang ito kaysa sarili niyang anak? It's like he just flat out stated that he doesn't care about his son at all. Ramdam ko ang mga emosyon niya, he doesn't feel any remorse after saying those words.

"Then to whom are you going to pass on the thrown?" He smiled.

"I only want this Kingdom to live up to its name, to preserve its strength, history, culture...so that children and their children can grow up well and happy. A country without chaos, where people can feel protected and safe. In order to achieve that goal, I have—no, I want a strong and smart successor."

"You're quite ambitious, aren't you? A country without chaos? That's a wishful thinking. No matter what rulers do, chaos will never cease. It's only from them a country rise well and shine." He put down his cup, obviously finished with his drink. There was that grateful smile on his face.

"That sort of thinking is what I would like my successor to have. But these days, people are crazy for power, they'd do anything to be on top without a care for others. That's the kind of world we live in now."

"If you know that, then how would you find the successor you'd want to give your thrown up for?"

"I've already found one." I frowned. Who could it be? May kinuha siyang isang picture mula sa bulsa niya sa loob ng coat, at tsaka ito pinatong sa ibabaw ng lamesa kung saan nakikita ko ito ng maayos.

It's a picture of a guy, with a bird on his right shoulder and have a few scratches on his left forehead down to hus left eye.

Sino siya? Siya ba ang sinasabi niyang successor? What's the point of even showing it to me? I looked back to return the King's gaze matapos niya itong ipakita sa akin. Pero hindi niya parin kinukuha ang litratro sa mesa. Patuloy lang ang pagtingin niya sa akin as if studying me.

"Your next successor?" He laughed after I mentioned that while shaking his hand.

"No, definitely not." I rolled my eyes in annoyance. If he's not a successor then who is he? And what does he want now? Can't he be just direct? "This guy is Trudy Drome. He is a wizard student on Stereden Academy, a school for mages here in Zyrendel."

"And?" Kumuha ako ng isang biscuit sa maliit na pinggan at kinain ito. It's not too sweet, but it tastes better than anything I've tasted before that I ended up taking another one habang naghihintah sa sasabihin ng hari.

"I want you to kill him." Bigla na lamang akong napaubo sa sinabi niya at agad na ininom lahat ng jasmine tea sa cup ko at tinignan siya ng gulat gulat.

"You want me to kill him? So that's my first job now huh?"

"Trudy Drome is rather close with Zen. He's famous for his unique magic of controlling animals, he knows a lot of spells as well. For the past years, he had numerous achievements and everyone keep on saying he's guaranteed to be the next Royal Wizard, the third highest rank in Zyrendel, after the Duke and the Duchess Family. Well even I know he could become a Royal Wizard, with his knowledge."

"You're worried he might support Zen in ascending over to your throne."

"You pick up things easily, and that's right. But that's not the only thing I'm worried about. In the past years, a unified group of people existed called the Arkion Faction. They support Zen in everything as long as that child becomes King." So they're the people Zen called his.

"Is this Trudy Drome a member of that faction?"

"He is. I've gathered reports that he's one of the people leading the faction. Other factions are still unknown, and I will know them one by one."

"As well as kill them. Won't Zen be furious about this?" There was silence for a moment before be replied.

"Oh he will be enraged, but he's the kind who's too good at controlling his emotions, so he usually just smile it off like it's nothing."

"For someone who doesn't care about his son, you sure do understand him."

"Of course, he is my son. And don't misunderstand Keila. I love my son, he's the only family I have after all. I care for his future more than anything, I just simply don't want him for the throne." I sighed and crossed my arms.

"You're just another complicated parent." He chuckled.

"I guess I am. But since he was a kid, Zen already knows what I'm trying to do, that I'm against him taking over this Kingdom. We may be close like a father and son on the outside, but we both know we have knives ready to stab each other's backs. That's our relationship's like. If only he wasn't a bad omen, I would have given him the throne already."

It's funny how he's just too ready to even make his son suffer for the sake of his Kingdom's future. Kung paano niya kayang patayin ang mga inosenteng tao para lang mapigilan ang anak niya na maging hari. Wala akong alam sa mga prophecy na mga sinasabi nila, pero sa side ng ama niya, ay naiiintindihan ko din.

Sometimes the life of the majority is more important than one—even if its's your own blood. Halos wala din silang pinagkaiba ni Headmistress sa Magnus, except for the fact that that woman really cares for her daughter sincerly and just showing the opposite. In this case, the King shows affection for his son but in truth ayaw niya ang tinatahak na kinabukasan ng anak niya.

"Parents are just too much handle."

"You make it sound like you don't have one." I smiled.

"I do, I'm just done with them."

"Done?"

"Done with everything concerning them."

"That's deep."

"I often get that a lot."

"So I expect you'll finish the job."

"Just don't expect too much."

"I take that as a yes." Pagkasabi niya nun ay tumayo siya at nilahad ang kamay niya sa akin. I took it and he shook it as a greeting. "Then I'll see you again in tonight's party." He added letting go.

"Party?"

"You don't think I'm just going to let you and your mentor stay here without a welcoming party, do you?" I clearly didn't expect that. "Well do you wish to have something? I can give you jewelries. Just tell me what you like." Akala niya ba talaga mahilig ako sa ganoon?

He flashed another smile then slowly walked away. A party huh? Does that mean I have to wear elaborated clothings to match their status? Ah iniisip ko palang ang party na ito parang ayaw ko na. Iniisip ko palang ang mag emosyon na mararamdaman ko mamayang gabi ay hindi ko na kakayanin.

Napatingin ako sa cup ko na wala ng laman, pati ang mga biscuits ay wala na. Tapos ay muli kong tinawag ang hari, he stopped and turned his gaze around to match mine in wonder.

"Then can I have more jasmine teas as well as those biscuits?"

I asked for jasmine teas and biscuits but I wonder how I ended up here in the town with Zen wearing his black cloak para matago kung sino talaga siya. The King insisted I buy all I need and gave a black card, he said I could even buy the whole building with this. I sighed.

Naglalakad kami ngayon sa daanan kung saan maraming tao ang naglilibot para bumili, marami din ang mga nakalinyadang nga buildings puno ng iba't ibang produkto. Despite the tall building around the area, hindi masyadong mainit ang lugar na ito kumpara sa Magnus, and the wind is blowing nice.

Pumasok kami sa isang building na nagbebenta ng iba't ibang herbs which are used to make teas. Barely anyone was inside, and everything—even the furnitures, are shining, obviously that expensive. Ang mga taong nandidito ay nakasuot ng mga magarbong damit. Looking at myself, I feel out of place. Pero sa una palang, bakit naman nila kailangang dumamit ng haniyan kaganda kung bibili lang naman sila? I don't really get rich people sometimes.

"Greetings!" Bati ng lalaking nakabantay sa may counter. Pati nga siya ay nakasuot ng magarbong tuxedo. "What can I do for you?"

"Do you have any available jasmine—"

"And vanilla." I quickly said interrupting Zen.

"Jasmine and vanilla teas here?" He asked politely kahit na obvious na mas matanda siya sa lalaki.

"Ah please wait a moment." Tapos ay umalis muna ang lalaki papunta sa may backdoor kung saan may nakikita akong maraming shelves bago niya ito isinara. We were left standing here then.

Looking at Zen, ang lalim ng hood niya, nakatakip sa mga mata niya. I didn't realise before that he's that conscious of his purple eyes when in truth...hindi ko alam kung bakit pero bigla nalang ako napatingin palayo nang muntik nang nagtama ang paningin namin.

His father, who's against him ascending to the throne, is asking me to kill one of a member of his faction, at malala pa dito siguro ay malapit sila sa isa't isa. Ang gulo din ng pamilya nila dito. Pero kung ayaw ng ama niya, hindi ba dapat wala ng magagawa dito si Zen? At may balak ba talaga siyang kunin ang pagiging hari sa ama niya balang araw? Ah that isn't my problem now, is it?

"I apologize for the wait, but here are your orders." Wika ng lalaki sabay bigay sa amin ng dalawang box na may label na vanilla at ang isa jasmine. Nilagay niya ito sa isang paperbag at masaya ko naan itong tinanggap. I gave him the black card in return at hindi ko alam kung bakit pero gulat na gulat siya dito.

"A B-Black Card." Oh, is it that surprising? Zen could only chuckle. "I am so sorry for my poor judge of characters Miss and Sir!" He said bowing while receiving the card. What's this sudden change in character?

Bago niya ibinalik sa akin ang card ay ini-swipe niya muna ito sa may isang parang machine at hindi din nagtagal ay lumabas na kami ng building. Habang naglalakad pabalik sa palasyo ay hindi ko mapigilang hindit tumingin sa may Black Card na ito. May golden linings ito sa bawat borders and there's a symbol on the middle.

"That's the Royal Family's insignia. Anyone who have such are a part of the Royal Circle." Kaya pala parang gulat na gulat ang lalaki kanina. Hindi niya siguro inaasahan na isa ako sa circle na ito dahil sa damit kong normal lang as well as Zen's normal looking cloak. It's really amusing to watch people suddenly change because of money.

"Then there must be oddly quite a few currency inside, right?" I'm suddenly interested in money. After all, money is a huge problem these days. He laughed.

"Quite a few? That's not even enough to count the number inside. Well let's just say it's enough to satisfy you for a lifetime."

"I can have this, can't I?" He smiled, though it would have been better kung nakikita ko ang mga mata niya.

"It's yours." Napatigil siya at ganoon din ako. Napadpad ang tingin niya sa isang matanda na nagdadala ng maraming paperbags sa dalawang kamay. "Excuse me for a moment." Tapos ay mabilis siyang tumakbo at tinulungan ang matanda.

I smiled because of this sudden sight and leaned over the wall. Nakita ko siyang lumiko sa may alleyway kasama ang matanda at hindi ko na siya nakita pa. May pakiramdam akong matatagalan pa siya kaya naisipan kung umikot-ikot muna sa lugar.

Carriages aren't only driven by horses, may mga kakaibang hayop din sila dito like giant lizards na mas mabilis pa sa kabayo, which most people here are using since they're faster than horses and are more flexible.

I tried buying different snacks as well to fulfill my needy stomach. At ang sasarap ng mga pagkain dito, ibang-iba talaga sa nakasanayan na pagkain sa Magnus. Ang sarap pa ng hangin. I climbed a bridge na nakadikit sa may bundok kung saan dumadaan din ang iba.

I followed the trails of stairs until I reached the top, it was a cliff but with railings on each sides. Mas nakikita ko ang view ng buong bayan mula dito. Sa malayo ay ang malaking palasyo. Behind the palace is a group of forests kung saan may mga munting bahay din and the road led to another town.

The scent of the seas are mixing with the scent of flowers by the sidelines. Malapit lang kasi ang port sa bayan kaya mula dito ay nakikita ko ang iba't ibang barko, most of all due to how bug it is, hindi ko maiwasang mamangha sa Minerva. It's so big that it's too recognizable. Pero isa lang ang tao dito, only Athena who's living on the shio herself. Wala ba siyang crew?

Tumalon ako on the other side of the railings and sat on top of it. It's too peaceful in here kahit na ang gulo gulo ng mga nakakataas na tao sa kahariang ito. Until I sensed an upcoming emotion. I didn't need to look behind because I was too familiarized wit the footsteps, light but still heavy, it reminded me of rocks falling down a river.

"So you were here." He stated the obvious.

"That took you longer." He chuckled.

"I guess so. I ended up helping a lot of people once again."

"Perhaps that's just your nature." Hindi siya pakunwaring mabait katulad ng iba. He's rather cold to some people he view as an enemy, pero hindi siya ganoon. He's kind and playful at the same time.

"Zen...you know, don't you? Why I'm here." He placed his hands on the railings on looked at the view downward.

"I do. I'm sorry for dragging you into this." I smiled. He really is kind. Reminded me of a certain person who's an enemy but still kond towards me.

"Why are you apologizing? I'm here to make sure you can't ascend to the throne, so aren't you being too familiar with me?"

"And I won't just let you, Keila. But that doesn't mean we aren't friends." Friends huh? I'm tired of having one. O siguro natatakot lang ako magkaroon ng isa pa.

"You don't need to see me as a friend, Zen. It's better for the both of us. Especially when we're against each other.

"I don't care if we're against each other. When I first saw you that night, I know you're different, there's just something in you which draws me in. I keep wondering what's making me feel that way."

"Now isn't that dangerous, prince?"

"I love dangers. I've been living in one."

"You're quite daring."

"Because I just know what I'm daring into is worth it." Nagtama ngayon ang paningin namin sa isa't isa. Bakit niya ba sinasabi ang mga bagay na ito ngayon? Nang napansin niyang nakatingin na pala kami sa isa't isa ay agad niyang binawi ang tingin niya at nilayo ito.

I held unto his cheeks to keep him from looking away, making him look deep into my pale blue eyes. Ramdam ko ang gulat niya dito, ramdam ko din ang kakaibang nararamdaman niya, that sudden beating of the heart, that flustered expression.

"Why are you looking away?"

"Because of my eyes."

"Why?" He sighed at nilayo ang kamay ko sa mukha niya.

"Because they're bad omen. I scare people away whenever they look at me in the eye."

"Do I seem scared to you?" He let the silence dominate for a few moments.

"No."

"Then you don't have to look away whenever I'm looking at you."

"You really are strange, Keila Willar."

"Strange? Anyone who doesn't get swayed by these prophetic words and omens would love the colour of your eyes, Zen."

"Does that mean you love them?"

"Maybe." He laughed.

Then suddenly, thunders came rolling and the skies turned darker than before. The air became colder and there it was, the downpouring rain. Bigla nalang may nilagay sa aking sombrero si Zen na hindi ko alm kung saan niya kinuha habang mabilis niyang tinakpan ang ulo niya ng hood.

"I really am a bad omen." He said with another sigh.

"Perhaps."

"You won't even comfort me?"

"It's all about what you think anyway. If you think you're a bad omen then so be it, and if you think you're not that bad then you're not. Why are you even complicating it?"

"Somehow that seems more like a comfort to me." May kinuha siyang isang katana sa may paa niya at ipinakita ito sa akin.

It was a short katana, with a sharp shining blade. On the blade, may Royal Insignia dito at may pangalan na Arkion, 'born to be a king'. He smiled bitterly while showing me the name.

"My mother named me Arkion, even though she knew I was a bad omen. She died protecting me since I was a kid. Thinking back, I should have...I should have chosen to be stronger back then, not to be naive."

Kinuha ko mula sa kaniya ang maliit na katana at nilagay ito malapit sa mukha ko, the more the rain pours down from the steel's corners, the more it glisten. I smiled looking at Zen.

"You're more beautiful than I thought." He returned my smile with another as he drew closer.

"I don't think I'll ever regret having these feelings, Keila." He whispered.

I gave him back his katana, and placed them back to where it was before. Tumayo ako at lumakad palayo sa kaniya. I know those feelings well, and I won't say anything about it. Siguro nga nagiging ignorante na naman ako, pero ayaw kong....I sighed. I don't want to recognize his feeling even when I'm aware about it, am I being too cruel?

"Shall we head back then?" He nodded with a cheerful expression.

Ang lakas parin ng ulan sa labas ng malaking transparent na bintana. Kakaligo ko lang dito sa room kung saan nila ako pinapatulog dito sa palasyo. And this room...well it's as big as whole house I guess. Isn't this too much for only one person to stay? Hindi naman ako magtatagal dito.

Paglabas ko ng banyo ay may isang box na nakalagay sa may master's bed. Still covering myself with a bath robe, I approached the box with my name on top of it. Hinugot ko ang pulang ribbon at bigla itong bumukas. It was a dress. A beautiful one at that. May kasama pa itong tiara and a blue gem pin.

May note na nakalagay sa tabi from the King himself saying I should make myself look my best. Ano na naman ba ang gagawin ko ngayokg gabi? I'd rather just eat on the corner than interacting with people. At sineryoso nga talaga ng hari ang welcoming party na ito.

Sinuot ko ang dress na ito and after like almost twenty minutes of preparations, tinignan ko ang sarili ko sa malaking salamin sa pader. Hindi parin talaga ako sanay na ganito ang buhok ko, I mean I do look better than before but still...wearing a dress like this is obviously too embarrassing, lalo nang hindi ako sanay dito.

Hindi nagtagal ay may kumatok na sa pintuan, after opening it, I realised it was Andrei wearing a long black dress while mine is silver-like which matches my hair. Napangiti siya ng makita ako.

"And here I thought my apprentice doesn't know how to dress well at all."

"Nag-aalala ka sa ganoong bagay? It's not like ito ang unang beses na pumunta ako sa isang party."

"And is that hair extentsion?" It was a slight change but she sure did notice.

"Yeah."

And thus we were headed to the ballroom. I did alter my hair appearance a bit using magic to match my dress, dahil pakiramdam ko walang alam ang hari pumili ng tamang damit ng babae. Naging medyo mahaba ang buhok ko para ma-curl ko ito paitaas while leaving some strands in front.

The soft orchestral music was already playing when we arrived inside. There were guards stationed everywhere but most importantly, marami ang tao ngayon. Naiilang ako sa mga taong napapatingin sa direksyon ko habang dumadaan ako sa gitna kasama si Andrei.

Sa gitna ay may sobrang laking chandelier na gawa sa diamonds, sparkling as light touches them, creating a prism of lights sa iba't ibang direksyon. Dahil dito ay parang nag-iiba ang kulay ng damit ko pati ang buhok ko, ganoon din sa paligid ko.

"Miss, may I have this dance?" May isang mukhang mayaman at gwapomg lalaki ang lumapit kay Andrei. She stole a glance at me first indicating she had to excuse herself for a moment kaya dapat kong ayusin ang sarili ko to not create any scenes. I nodded as they slowly blend in the dancing crowd.

I turned my head around when I noticed somebody was poking my shoulder. I should have known it was him. Nakasuot siya ngayon ng pang-prinsipe talagang damit, and he really looks great in that. Ngumiti siya sa akin at nilahad ang kamay niya.

"I, Zen Arkion, First Prince of the Kingdom of Zyrendel, requests to dance with a beautiful lady like you, Keila Willar." He asked with a slight bow of his hips. I smiled in returned. This guys just knows a lot of words.

"Will I get arrested if I refuse?"

"You might, by me." He stated with his hand placed on his chest. Just the moment he did so, doves came flying up surrounding the crowd making us draw more attention.

"Is that a threat?"

"Are you saying it's a no then?" I chuckled. Mukhang nagulat siya dito.

"No."

"Then it's a yes."

He immediately grabbed my hand and pulled me for a dance. Nilagay niya ang isang kamay niya sa beywang ko habang nilagay ko naman ang sa akin sa balikat niya while our free hands held each other.

Nakatingin lang kami sa mata ng isa't isa at mula dito naririnig ko ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya. It's cute how he tries to act cool when his hand is trembling while touching my skin. Hindi ko alam pero napatawa ulit ako, my laughter blending in with the music.

"Keila Willar, I really don't regret having these feelings for you."

"Your eyes really are beautiful."

"Yours are too. It reminded me of my most pleasant memories and your scent is driving me crazy."

"Flirting with me now, Zen Arkion?" I turned around with his hand guiding me abive and fell right back on his arms, and once again we were back to the dance. Sa amin parin ang tingin ng mga tao, na para bang tumigil sila para lang makita kaming sumasayaw. Sa mga oras na ito, wala sigurong nag-iisip na bad omen si Zen.

"Call me Kion."

"Why?"

"Because people I like call me that."

"Kion."

"What?"

"You told me to call you that." He avoided my gaze with his cheeks red. It's amusing.

Nang tumigil na ang music ay tumigil narin ang sayaw namin. Humarap kami sa isa't isa at nag bow, tapos ay napangiti kami. Realising na nakahawak parin siya sa kamay ko ay agad niya itong tinaggal habang namumula na naman. Teasing this guy is really amusing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! I welcome you all for this party." Naagaw ang lahat naming atensyon dahil sa sinabi ng hari sa unahan sa ibabaw ng stage. With him sitting on his throne with a crown on top of his head and the spotlight directly above hin. "Now why don't we just skip to the main event? I made this party for the purpose of welcoming my special visitors. May I call to step forward please, Andrei de la Vallìere!" From here in the back, nakikira kong lumalakad pauna si Andrei. Marami ang pumalakpak dahil sa kagandahan niya and I do admit my mentor is beautiful.

"And of course, I did not only make this event for the purpose of a welcome party. Because I am here to announce my successor." Marami ang nagulat dahil sa sinabi ng hari, pati din ako.

They all know the successor will be Kion kanit alam man nilang lahat na hindi sangayon ang hari dito at pati mismo sila. Sino ba naman ang gustong mamuno ang taong sinasabi ng pinagkakatiwalaang propesiya nilang bad omen na magdadala ng gulo dito sa kaharian?

"Please step forward, my future successor, the next in line for the throne, the next ruler of Zyrendel—" And his next words broke Kion's heart. Napatingin ako sa kaniya, blanko lamang ang ekspresyon ko. Napatingin din siya sa akin na gulat na gulat.

"Keila Willar." He announced for everyone to hear as the spitlight was suddenly directed above me. Pero nakapokus lamang ang tingin ko kay Kion who's clenching his fists in anger.

"Now Kion, do you regret having those feelings for me?"

AN; I'm really frustrated I couldn't update yesterday so I made this one extra long haha well happy reading and sorry for the late update.