Witnessing how the serious and cold mask of the Mistress fell and was replaced by shock and terror was a good show. God knows how much I wanted to laugh and celebrate at the moment but I refused to do so. Instead, I bit my lower lip, threw them an innocent glance and then smiled.

Tinapik ko ang balikat ng tulalang prinsipe at masiglang nagsalita.

"Now you're here, Prince Duncan! I've done my part so I'll leave you now and I've got a pile of books to read."

Pero hindi niya ako nagawang lingunin dahil napako na kay Avyanna ang paningin niya. Sa biglaang pagbaba ng enerhiya ng mukha niya alam ko na agad, nasasaktan siya. I don't really know the real score between them but I know they're deeply connected. I've studied Avyanna well.

"Duncan, what a surprise visit. Didn't know you're coming today, my friend," the king greeted, oblivious of the tension.

Or is he really not aware of the feelings of the two? O baka naman tulad ko, nagpapanggap lang siyang inosente.

"I didn't know I'm coming either," Duncan responded, almost sarcastic. "How are you, your majesty? How's work? Not busy, huh?"

"A little, I had a day break."

"I see."

Yun lang at natuon naman ang walang buhay na paningin ni Duncan sa babaeng katabi ng hari. Hindi na ito makagalaw o makapagsalita, kahit ako mukhang hindi na makita dahil nasa kasama ko na ang buo niyang atensyon.

"I know you have a lot to say to each other, Duncan. So I'll take my leave now," the king once again said with a little smirk. "Thanks for your time, Mistress Avyanna."

"Sí..." Avyanna's almost inaudible response surely added to the pain of Duncan.

In split second, I'd thought of staying beside the prince but the king has passed Duncan already and is now coming to me. Gulping, I gathered all the guts and wits I have and faced the cunning, dence king.

His smirk is really irritating, it's like he knows something that I should be aware of. I saw Duncan's figure moved further from us so I get the idea.

Binati ko na lang ang hari at inosenteng ngumiti, kahit parang peke na ako rito.

"Your majesty, didn't know you're with the second Mistress," I started, smiling innocently.

"Yeah? And now I'm with you."

"Obviously, my king. But I was shocked, why were you with her anyway?"

I acted innocently as we walk side by side down the stairs. The king's face is straight to our way and so does mine. But I can't stop giving him brief sideway glances. The smirk never really leave his lips but there's an annoying mockery that seems to be permanently drawn on his eyes.

"Haven't I told you before? I sometimes play with the Mistresses, and they play with me as well. Isn't that a good camaraderie?"

"Really huh, and that play is something so unlike the literal meaning of the word itself."

"You're too deep, my Mistress." I was slightly stunned when he guided me down the stairs, we're still far from the bottom and that's just so tiring. "Things aren't as complicated as you think they are, Fortneigh. I know you're thinking differently."

"Why, was I wrong?"

Nasisiyahan siyang nagtaas ng kilay at ngumisi lalo, nakakainis na talaga ang ngisi niyang may ibang kahulugan. Dahil magkalapit kami ay tantiya ko rin ang malayong agwat ng tangkad namin maging ang pustura ng aming katawan.

"Careful, you're becoming curious. And you know that curiosity always kills the cat."

"But satisfaction brought it back," agad kong bawi.

I needed to clench my teeth first to endure the staring contest that has been draining me. This man's eyes are too enigmatic and soulless, it's like he could see beyond what his naked eyes could. Then I wonder if through his eyes, could I peck within him?

"The thing is, are you capable of satisfaction? And what truth could satisfy your hungry soul, Fortneigh?"

"The truth the has been concealed, your majesty."

Matagal kaming nagkatitigan at agad bumigat ang paghinga ko, bigla, parang kay hirap huminga at lumunok. Pinaghalong kaba at pagkamangha ang pumuputok sa dibdib ko dahil sa lapit niya.

Am I allowed to admit how gifted he is? He's an epitome of Adonis and the most impossible being that God has ever created. He's just too attractive, strong, dominant, intimidating, appealing and like a magnet, he could possibly attract anyone. Regardless of the gender and age.

"What truth exactly, Mistress Fortneigh? Because the only truth I know is you're too beautiful to be wasted."

I didn't notice that we'd stopped since I got drowned to his amber orbs. A genuine smile flashed on his lips as his left hand flew to touch my face. We were just staring at each other when I felt his soft caress on my cheek and chin.

I wanted to curse, he's just playing and I shouldn't be affected. But truthfully, I am. The reason why I have to catch his wrist and gripped it as my payback. He will never bend me, if he uses his charm to toy with me then I'll do the same. After all, I wasn't born as beautiful as Snow White for nothing.

"Is that the reason why you're not kicking me out yet?" I smirked in annoyance. "You wanna play? Want some fun, my king?"

"I have a different definition of fun, Fortneigh. You sure you can keep up?" He mocked and arched his brows as he glanced at my gripping fingers. "Strong, admirable my lady. But you're a show off."

"I am, and I'm just starting. I'll make this palace a battle field but with a deadlier battle. And that would only be possible if you will not throw me out."

"Planning another headache, huh? But I said, I want a different fun. Could you keep up?"

He's so irritating! He's just beating around the bush and he's full of pretentions!

Padabog kong binitawan ang kamay niya at gigil na ngumisi. Nagtatagis man ang bagang ay malapad akong ngumiti at nang-aakit na dinilaan ang itaas na labi.

"I can keep up," nakangisi kong sagot at humakbang palapit sa kaniya. Wala man lang siyang reaksyon maliban sa pamumungay ng mata niya. "Surely, you're fed up with the Mistresses in your harem. I can provide you a new meat."

"Wow, interesting!" He said with a thick sarcasm and very insulting mockery.

Para bang sinasabi niyang hindi na'to bago sa kaniya at nagsasawa na talaga siya. Agad kumalat ang inis at asar sa katawan ko na hindi ko napigilang umirap at iwan siya.

"Hey, you disrespectful woman!" Tawag niya pero hindi ako natinag, after all, I know I'm the real heiress of the throne!

"Sa ayaw at gusto mo, guguluhin ko ang systema at pamamalakad mo, kamahalan!" Puno ng sarkasmong saad ko sa malakas na boses para marinig niya, kahit hindi niya maintindihan.

Agad lumitaw si Wellem nang malayo na ako sa hari at nakababa na rin sa mataas na hagdan. Stress akong pumunta sa templo para magpalamig. Nakatulong ang bughaw na kalangitan at matitingkad na ulap na nagre-reflect sa tubig para alisin ang inis ko.

My irritation died down like a setting sun in a fast pace. I sat on the edge of the temple's floor surface, took off my pumps and soaked my feet in the cold flowing water. My stress released in my mouth as I closed my eyes to feel the relaxing cold wind and the fresh water in my feet and ankles.

The place is very peaceful, the wind is cold and fresh and suddenly, I feel like there's something missing. I think...I used to do this before but with someone...and that someone is I don't know.

"Someday, we'll rule this palace together. Can you wait for me to come back, Leigh?"

Biglang pumasok na naman sa isip ko ang mga salitang yun ng batang lalake, isang alaala ng nakaraan na hindi ko maalala ng lubusan.

"What was that?"

"Ano ang ano, Neigh?"

"Shit!"

Napabalikwas ako nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses ng lalaki. Siya na naman? Arrg! Ngayon pa talaga na may iniisip ako? Iritado kong binalingan si Duke Evander na nakayuko sa'kin. Ngising-ngisi na naman siya at halos kumislap ang mga mata nang makita ako.

"Bakit nandito ka na naman? At bakit mo ba ako kinukulit?" Reklamo ko.

"Pero wala pa akong ginagawa, Neigh. Asar ka na agad?"

"Neigh?! Mistress Fortneigh!" Pagtatama ko at inis na tumayo.

Napatayo rin siya kaya napatingala ako sa kaniya, maliban sa matangkad talaga siya ay nakalublob pa ako sa tubig kaya nadadagdagan ang kaniyang tangkad. Malalim ang lake at tagos ito sa tulay na dinadaanan ko papuntang hall. At nakatuntong lamang ako sa unang baitang, kita ko pa ang apat na baitang sa malinaw na tubig para maabot ang floor ng lake.

"Neigh na lang, magkaibigan naman na tayo, at Evander na lang din itawag mo sa'kin."

"Magkaibigan?!" Mas lalong tumaas ang aking boses. "Excuse me, Duke Evander? But I am one of the seven Mistresses of the king and I hold authority in this palace. I can forbid you from coming back here again if you continue being disrespectful to me."

"Disrespectful?" He asked as if he couldn't understand the meaning of it. I can't believe this guy. "But I respect you, a lot. Not just because you're beautiful or one of the Mistresses, but because I respect women. I respect human. I respect you."

"Bullshit!"

"Language, Neigh. Kaharap mo ang Duke," nakangisi niyang wika at kumindat.

"It's Mistress Fortneigh, I said! Pwede ba? Lumayas ka sa palasyo ko bago pa kita magilitan ng leeg!"

"Your palace? Masyado ka namang mapang-angkin, paangkin nga ako."

"That's it, I'm gonna drown you here."

Nauubusan ng pasensiya akong umakyat at sinugod siya, natatawa siyang umatras pero sa isang sugod ay nahila ko ang braso niyang nababalutan ng asul na long sleeves. Gigil ko siyang tinulak palapit sa tubig pero hindi siya nagpatinag.

"Lulunurin mo ako? Sure ka na riyan? Baka lang 'di mo alam, magaling akong lumangoy. At kapag nahulog ako sa tubig, dapat kasama ka...isasama kita sa'kin."

"Shut up and jump, you flirt!"

I pushed him with all my might, but as expected, he resisted my strength and laughed instead. Frowning, I quickly reached for my heels and raised it up. I was ready to hit him hard before I would kick him to the water, but surprisingly, he docked and turned around, swayed behind me and did the most shameless thing.

He hugged me from behind...for almost a minute.

Bago siya mabilis na kumalas at dumistansya sa'kin, nanlilisik ang mga mata kong bumaling sa kaniya at handang-handa na akong sugurin siya at gamitan ng martial arts.

"Lo siento, Mistress Fortneigh." He was serious but obviously suppressing a smile. "I'm just really happy to see you again today. I felt like I'm missing you...for no apparent reason."

"And I don't care, now fuck off." Mataray ko siyang inirapan at inis na tinalikuran.

Agad lumapit si Wellem na hindi ko alam saan nanggaling at hindi man lang ako sinabihang parating na naman ang Duke. When she saw that I'm walking barefoot, she offered her three inches buckle heel that I immediately declined. Susuutin ko rin naman kasi ulit yung akin, naghahanap lang ako ng timing.

Nang makabalik sa gusali ay sa malaking library ang ako dumiritso. Malaki at malawak ang library na puno ng mala-heganteng estante at libro. May bintana naman na nagbibigay ng sapat na liwanag sa loob ng silid-aklatan. Kumuha ako ng makapal na libro saka naupo sa single sofa sa tapat ng bintana at binasa yun.

I was engrossed of the book when I read its content, it tackles about the legacy of my ancestors that I'm not really familiar of. I didn't know we have this book here.

Hindi ko natapos ang libro at halos wala pa ako sa kalahati ng kalahati, nang mapagod ay lumabas din ako saktong naabutan ko si Prince Duncan sa labas na nakasandal sa pader at malayo ang tingin.

"Prince Duncan?" Tawag ko at nilapitan siya. "Hey, what are you doing here? Where's Avyanna, I thought you'll be spending some time since you didn't see each other for weeks?"

"We're in the middle of talking when I felt like walking around," mahina niyang sagot at pilit ngumiti. "I thought of going here since you said you're gonna read...I actually want to join you."

"Is that so?" Naging mabilis ang tugon ko nang makita ko ang pilit niyang tinatagong lungkot. "Honestly, I feel tired after reading such a thick book so you're in a wrong timing. But if you want, I can show you the library."

"Thank you, but it's fine not to. I also suddenly lose interest, I just want to breathe fresh air."

"Fresh air? I think I know a place!" Masigla kong saad at nakangiting nilagpasan siya pero hindi ko pinutol ang tinginan namin. "Come on, follow me, Prince Duncan! You gotta see this!"

"Mistress Fortneigh."

Malaki ang ngiting tumakbo ako paakyat sa hagdan na mahigit pitongpu ang talampakan. Nakasunod naman siya sa'kin at mabilis din ang pag-akyat. Ngiting-ngiti ako habang nililingon siya na unti-unti na ring nangingiti, totoo'y hindi na ako sigurado sa pupuntahan namin. Maraming taon na ang lumipas, baka nilipat na nila ang mga gamit at binago ang silid.

"Where are we heading—Mistress Fortneigh! You okay?"

Muntik na akong madapa sa pagmamadali pero nahawakan niya ako sa braso at agad naalalayan. Nanlalaki ang matang napa-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya, sumalubong sa'kin ang seryuso ngunit gwapo at maamo niyang mukha. Natitigan ko ang magaganda niyang mata na pinaghalong light brown, green and gray.

Ilang segundo akong tulala hanggang sa maingat niya akong iangat kaya napasinghap ako ng hangin.

"You okay? You don't have to hurry up, it's still early. Besides, I can't let the floor scratch your beautiful face," he said with a genuine smile.

Ngumiti rin ako at tumango, binitawan niya ako at nagpatuloy na kami sa pag-akyat. Hapong-hapo ako nang marating ang pang-apat na palapag ng palasyo. Hindi ko ininda ang bahagyang pananakit ng binti at hinanap na lang ang dating silid kung saan nakatambak ang mga antikong instrumento.

"I guess this is still the room..."

Magkahalong galak at saya ang naramdaman ko nang nasa harapan na ng pinakahuling pinto sa palapag, pinihit ko ang doorknob ng ilang beses bago ito bumukas.

"What's this room? I haven't been here, honestly," rinig kong bulong ng kasama ko.

Mangha kaming dalawa na pumasok at bumungad sa'min ang malawak na espasyo ng silid. Agad kong sinara ang pinto at tumakbo ako palapit sa mga antikong instrumento na nakatambak sa gilid, may kaniya-kaniya ring lalagyan ang mga gamit.

"This is the oldest music room of the monarch, these instruments are antique and are purely made of gold," paliwanag ko habang namamanghang tinitignan isa-isa ang mga instrumento.

Kumpleto lahat mula sa piano, violen, harp, guitar at marami pa.

"This is amazing, I didn't know this room exist. How did you know about this, Mistress Fortneigh?"

Hinipan ko ang takip ng piano pero wala man lang kahit isang alikabok na lumipad. Mabuti't kahit papano nililinis naman 'tong silid.

"Nabasa ko lang sa libro," wala sa sariling sagot ko at naupo sa upuang gawa sa bronze na kaharap ng piano.

"Excuse me? I honestly don't understand your language. I've heard that you came from the Philippines."

"I'm sorry, I said I've read it on the book. And yes, I'm from Philippines."

Smiling widely, I turned to him. He's just standing behind me, hands behind his back and body as straight at a post. I chuckled softly that made him smiled more.

"This isn't refreshing, really. These are old stuffs but they're good distractions."

"I'm fine now, well, I always am."

"I know you're lying." Napataas siya ng kilay sa sinabi ko."I know you have a thing with the second Mistress but sadly, she's the king's Mistress. She's one of his harem of girls and we're not dumb not to know what they did in her room."

Napabuntong-hininga siya at humarap na lang sa iba pang instrumento sa silid, seryuso pa rin ang mukha at nawala na ang kaninang malawak na ngiti.

Palihim akong ngumiwi at nagtaas-kilay. Isang kahinaan ni Avyanna ang lalaking 'to, si Avyanna naman ay may malaking pag-asang mapili ng hari. Sa madaling salita, kakumpetensiya ko si Avyanna sa hari. Hindi ko akalaing maaga kong mahahanapan ng butas si Avyanna.

"We're good, I understand her situation," anang prinsipe na malayo pa rin ang tingin.

Nagkibit-balikat ako at inangat ang takip ng piano saka mabagal na tumugtog. Hagip sa peripheral vision ko ang paglingon niya sa'kin.

"You're a good guy, Prince Duncan. Honestly, I feel bad for the two of you. Avyanna is a very intelligent woman and she could be a great help to the king, if ever...she'll be chosen."

Isang kamay ang gamit ko sa pagtugtog dahil mabagal at mahinang musika lang naman ang ginagawa ko. Hindi ko siya nilingon.

"But how about you? You'll be hurt, you'll be dumped, unless, what you feel for her isn't that deep yet."

"I know, Mistress Fortneigh. I thought it would be okay, I thought we could figure a way out. But as days pass by, I feel like I'm slowly losing her...I'm not anymore pleased with the king...and the fact that I know they're doing it."

I gasped and shot him a worried stare, I felt a little pain in me when I saw his gloomy face. He's obviously in pain, he's jealous of the king and the privileges of that guy to his girl. And he can't do anything.

"That must be painful, does she love you anyway?"

"I know she does."

"Then why is she hooking up with the king?" Hindi naman required yun talaga, kung mahal niya si Duncan, pwedeng-pwede siyang tumanggi sa hari. "If she really loves you, she will not give herself to the king. Prince Duncan, we both know she can decline a request from the king."

"Yeah but please, don't doubt her,  Mistress Fortneigh." Malungkot siyang humarap sa'kin at malalim na huminga. "You just arrived, you don't know much about us yet, and I understand your reaction. And yes, it's painful to see her with the other man, while I'm away."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...be nosy. I just feel bad for you, Prince Duncan. I can see and feel that you're a good guy. We could be friends, you know," I said with a shrugged.

Chuckling, he turned to me and forced a smile. "Yes, we could."

Ngumiti rin ako at tumango sa kaniya. "But I'm intrigued, Prince Duncan."

"About what?"

"About you two, how can you live with it? How can you face the king with a smile knowing that he's having an affair with your girl? And...you two seemed to be friends."

Tumango-tango siya na parang naiintindihan ako kung bakit ganun na lang ako ka-curious.

"Avyanna and I are just victims, she originally doesn't want to accept the request of the council to be one of the king's Mistresses but her family had decided to send her here...as a payment to their huge debt to the monarch of Dampierre. She had no choice, she love her family so she ended up here."

Hindi ako agad nakakibo, ngayon alam ko na kung bakit nandito si Avyanna.

"You're right, you two are just victims. But you know she can make a way out, Prince Duncan. If she really wants to be with you, she can do something for the council to kick her out." Tulad ng muntik mangyari sa'kin. "She can disobey the king's rules and be a bad Mistress. You know that, right?"

He nodded and sighed, that's the deepest, I guess.

"Yeah, but her family wants her to marry the king. They want her to be the king's bride, no wonder, she's credible enough."

"Then how about you? I can't believe you'll be left alone in the end, Prince Duncan."

Hindi siya nakasagot kaya bumuntong-hininga ako. Parang...parang may naiisip akong paraan para mapatalsik ko agad si Avyanna. Masama na ba ako kung sasamantalahin ko ang namamagitan sa kanila ng prinsipe at gamitin ang prinsipe para mapatalsik siya? Dahil kung oo, pasensiyahan na. May gain naman sila, honestly.

"You don't deserve the pain, let's say you love her and you're willing to sacrifice for her...but Prince Duncan, don't you want a chance to fight for your love?"

"What do you mean?"

"What I'm saying is, forget about the crown and her family. How long have you been hurting and sacrificing? A year? Two years? Don't you think it's time for you to fight for her?"

"What matters to me is she's happy."

"Well, is she happy?" He didn't answer. "Okay, I think I'm crossing the line now."

Tumayo ako at naghanda ng umalis, ganun din siya.

"But if ever you're done waiting, I can help you with it." I can be your greatest Ally and worst enemy.