Chapter 6: A New Comfort

Isang araw bago ang nakatakdang pag-alis ni Serene papuntang Zarcaiah. Dumalaw si Marquess Iver sa palasyo upang makapagpaalam sa prinsesa dala ang isang basket ng mga Peaches.

Tamang-tama naman na naglalakad-lakad si Serene sa tapat ng Main Palace upang magliwaliw nang dumating ang carriage ng Marquess. Agad niyang binigay kay Nimfa ang hawak na libro nang makita ang pagbaba ng kaibigan sa carriage.

Nang makita siya ni Iverson sa sementadong lawn na nasa tapat lamang ng Main Palace ay agad na napangiti ang binata. Kasama ang sekretaryang si Anya ay naglakad sila palapit sa prinsesa.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness." Bati ni Iverson at yumuko pa.

Ginawa rin ito ni Anya habang dala ang basket. Nang maiangat niyang muli ang kaniyang tingin sa prinsesang kaharap ay napaawang na lamang ang kaniyang bibig. Sa unang pagkakataon, nasagot ang katanungan ni Anya sa sarili kung bakit nagustuhan ng Marquess ang Second Princess.

With her heart-shaped face, full and luscious lips that are as red as the petals of a red rose, small, button and turned-up nose with high bridge, long and wavy lashes, soft angled and bold combo brows, hip length and Honey Blonde hair, lastly, her intoxicating Hazel Green eyes with Gold freeks in it. The secretary is in awe.

The Marquess wasn't exaggerating when he said that Princess Serene is one of the most beautiful woman in our kingdom. What the hell! Para akong nakatitig sa isang anghel.

"My Lord, I wasn't expecting you to be here at this moment." Ngiting bati ni Serene sa kaibigan.

Even her voice screams beauty. Damn!

Patagong napatakip ng bibig si Anya dahil sa kilig. Hindi niya alam kung pagkatapos ng dalaw na ito ay mananatili pa rin siyang may gusto kay Iverson o sa prinsesa na mapupunta ang kaniyang atensyon.

"Am I interrupting something, Your Highness?"

"Ah, wala naman. I was just relaxing before leaving tomorrow. Iniikot ko na rin ang palasyo, baka kasi matagal pa bago ako muling makabalik dito."

Anya snapped back to reality. Bigla niya na lamang naalala na fiancee na pala ng prinsesa ang Crown Prince ng Zarcaiah. Kalat na ang balitang iyon sa buong North continent. Kaya hindi rin malabong makarating ito sa mga kontinenta ng South, East at West.

"Right, titira ka na sa puder ng fiancee mo. Finally, Your Highness. Seems like your hopeless feelings for the Crown Prince have finally paid off." Ngiting biro pa ni Iverson.

Napatingin si Anya kay Iverson. Her gaze softened. Hindi man ito napapansin ng iba o ng prinsesang kaharap, ngunit sa mula kinatatayuan ni Anya, sapat nang makita ang malungkot na mga ngiti ng Marquess. And for someone whose already aware of Iver's feelings for the Princess, she can easily read the meaning behind the Marquess' pained reaction.

"I don't think so." Serene bitterly chuckled. "Anyway! Who's this beautiful lady you're with?" Ngiting binalingan ni Serene si Anya.

Agad na namula si Anya at niyukuan ang prinsesa bilang pagbati.

Dang it, she's shining like an angel.

"Oh, she's Anya Teeves, my secretary and personal aide for about five months now." Pagpapakilala ni Iverson sa kasama.

"Oh, that being said, ngayon ka pa lang nagpakilala sa akin ng personal aide. By the way, nice to meet you, Anya." Ngiting bati ni Serene sa dalaga.

"It's nice to meet you as well, Your Highness. I am honored." Ngiting yumuko si Anya sa prinsesa.

"You're too nice. Busy ba kayo? Baka gusto niyong uminom muna ng tea or something, Iver?" Tanong ni Serene sa kaibigan.

Agad na namangha si Anya nang tawagin ni Serene ang Marquess sa kaniyang palayaw. Anya witnessed how Iverson's eyes sparkled upon hearing his name from the princess' lips.

It can't be helped, the Marquess is whipped. Wala na akong pag-asa. Kawawa naman ako.

"Yeah, sure. Tapos naman na ang trabaho namin sa araw na ito. Binisita lang talaga kita para pabaunan ng Peaches. Dinagdagan ko na rin ng Blueberries. You haven't eaten them for a long time, right?" Tanong ni Iverson.

Anya smiled lightly as to how the Marquess was spoiling her highness. Bukod sa pamilya nito ay siya lamang ang nakakaalam sa mga paborito ng prinsesa. He really paid attention to the things that has to do with Princess Serene.

"Iverson," Kunawaring naiiyak na banggit ni Serene. "Even though you're a bully, you're still the best. Pagagalitan ko ang babaeng mananakit sa'yo. You deserve the world, buddy." Serene pouted and even clung her hands to Iverson's strong arms.

Umiwas ng tingin si Anya habang nakangiwi nang bahagya.

Actually, you're already torturing his heart, Your Highness.

Natawa naman si Iverson at hinayaan na kumapit sa kaniya ang prinsesa. They've been bestfriends since they were thirteen years old, kaya hindi na bago sa kanila ang maging clingy sa isa't isa. Even though it was inappropriate for a man and woman to be that close if they're not blood-related, for both of them and for the people who witnessed their growth inside the walls of the palace, it was only natural. Something that they're already used of seeing.

"Silly. Enjoy them in Zarcaiah. Kapag naubos na ay magpadala ka lang sa akin ng sulat. I'll personally deliver them to you."

"I will, I will. Thank you. And oh! Ikaw!" Bigla na lamang hinampas ni Serene si Iver sa kaniyang braso at humiwalay.

"Ouch." Natatawang reklamo ni Iverson.

"Bakit mo naman pinadala ang mabigat na basket kay Miss Anya? Zael, please take the basket to my room."

Pinatong ni Anya ang kaniyang kamao sa bibig nito habang namumula ang pisngi.

She called me "Miss Anya". I cannot-!

"Yes, Your Highness."

Kinuha naman ni Zael ang hawak na basket ni Anya at yumuko rito bago tumalikod paalis.

"I totally forgot about that. I'm sorry, Anya." Baling ni Iverson sa personal aide.

"I-It's alright, My Lord, Your Highness! Hindi naman po gaanong mabigat. Kaya ko naman po." Alanganing tumawa si Anya at napakamot na lamang sa kaniyang batok.

"Pasalamat ka at nakatagpo ka ng pasensyosang personal aide." Serene paused and went closer to Anya. "Miss Anya, kapag binigyan ka niya ng problema, may permiso ka mula sa akin na batukan ang isang 'to. Okay?"

"What? Serene..." Agap ni Iverson.

"Heh. No buts. Okay, Miss Anya?"

"Uhm... S-Sige po, Your Highness." Napipilitang sagot ni Anya.

Agad siyang binalingan ni Iverson ngunit kumibit-balikat lamang si Anya bilang biro na rin.

Sorry, My Lord. May permiso na ako galing mismo sa prinsesa.

Pagkatapos nilang mag-usap ay pumunta na sila sa gazebo na nasa likuran lamang ng Main Palace. The three of them are having tea. Ang mga palace guards at mga tagapagsilbi ay nasa labas ng gazebo habang nakatayo at pinagsisilbihan sila.

"So Miss Anya, how's your work in the Marquess' office?" Tanong ni Serene sabay simsim sa kaniyang tea.

"Maayos naman po, Your Highness. Marquess Iverson is very considerate. Kaya hindi naman po ako nahihirapan."

"Hmm," Tumango-tango si Serene at nilapag ang tasa na hawak. "That's a relief. Well, sakit lang talaga sa ulo ang employer mo pero responsable naman 'yan."

"Sakit sa ulo, huh? Sounds familiar, Princess?"

Napairap na lamang si Serene dahil sa nais iparating ng kaibigan. Nagpatuloy sila sa pag-uusap. Anya became more comfortable with the princess. Until one of the Marquess' guards interrupted them to inform something important to the Marquess.

"Excuse me, ladies. I'll be right back." Paalam ni Iverson at tumayo sa kinauupuan.

Tumango naman si Serene at sinundan ng tingin si Iverson. Nang medyo makalayo na si Iver ay agad na bumalik ang kaniyang tingin kay Anya.

"Miss Anya," Tawag ni Serene.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Please take care of him. I think alam mo na ang iba sa mga ito, but I would still tell you all of this. Uhm, well... Iverson is rational. Sakit lang talaga sa ulo ang pagiging matigas ng ulo niya minsan, but he never made a worthless decision. That's one of the reasons why he got a recommendation from my parents to be the next Grand Duke of the capital."

Natigilan si Anya ngunit nanatili ang kaniyang atensyon at tainga sa prinsesa. She's silently thanking the princess.

"He likes fermented tea the most. His favorite food is meat skewers, he can eat it for a whole week." Serene chuckled. "He likes cold temperature, that's why we both like winter season. He value his privacy but once he's comfortable with you, he'll start showing the attitudes he never showed to anyone. His favorite color is Gray. Mukha lang siyang mahilig sa libro, but believe me when I say that he never liked reading and memorizing Ethics and Politics. Lahat ng mga natutunan niya ngayon ay either self-discovery o pinilit niya lang basahin sa isang libro. Kaya huwag kang maniniwala na nabasa niya na lahat ang mga libro na nasa office niya. In short, plastik ang Master mo."

Natawa naman sina Anya at Serene pareho. Anya never realized it. Ang akala niya sa dami ng libro sa office ni Iverson ay nabasa niya na ang mga ito. Considering how intelligent her Master is.

"Oh! And he's allergic to birds and Tomato. Then, in any case in the future that his allergies will appear, palagi niyang tinatago sa pangalawang drawer ng kaniyang desk ang gamot niya para roon. Nagdadala rin siya palagi, it's either its inside the pocket of his pants or inside his money pouch. Nasa isang maliit na bote iyon at berde ang kulay ng mismong gamot."

Tumango-tango naman si Anya. She was mentally taking down notes. She's happy that she was able to know such things about the Marquess.

"I think you already noticed this, that he's not that close with the Grand Duke. They have past issues that up until now ay hindi pa rin naaayos. If ever they would bicker again, don't leave that man alone. Itataboy ka lang niya, pero ang totoo ay gusto niya ng kasama sa mga panahong ganoon. So no matter how much he'll push you, please be patient. Or better yet, smack his jaw to wake his senses." Biro pa ni Serene.

Anya's smiled widened. But the pain that she feels for the Marquess' burdens broke her heart.

Maybe that's why the Marquess desperately clings to the Princess, because Princess Serene was the only person who stayed with him during his dark moments. Her Highness literally knows everything about the Marquess and she is the Marquess' comfort.

I can't imagine how much pain the Marquess' is feeling right now. His one and only comfort is going to leave him for another man.

"As you can see, the Grand Duke favors his first son more than Iverson. Nanatili lang siyang succesor ngayon dahil may recommendation ng mga magulang ko. That's why, I feel like his brother is just waiting for him to make mistake in order to rip off his position. Kaya kapag dumating sa punto na sa tingin mo ay nagiging mali na ang mga desisyon niya, don't be afraid to yell at him and snap him back to reality. If further damage will be done, don't hesitate to send me a letter or the Royal Family. I may be the Second Princess, but I already have made connections through my job for the past years. I will do my best to help."

"Noted, Your Highness. Maraming salamat po."

"No worries, Miss Anya. I can see through you, you care about the Marquess, that's why I told you all of those." Nanunuyang sagot ni Serene.

"P-Po?!" Anya blushed.

Serene chuckled before holding Anya's hand on top of the table.

"Sa oras na umalis ako ng Sardonia, ikaw na lang ang magiging kakampi niya rito. Everyone is trying to bring him down. So please, stay with him as much as you can. Iverson is just a dumbass sometimes, but somehow, I can feel it, It won't take long for him to realize your worth as a woman. So, good luck!" Kumindat pa si Serene sa dalaga.

Sasagot pa sana si Anya nang makitang ang papalapit na si Iverson. Mukhang tapos na siyang kausapin ang guard.

"I almost forgot, we still have to visit another office to inspect today at the Capital." Baling ni Iverson kay Anya.

"Really? Kung gano'n ay gawin na ninyo ang dapat niyong gawin. May mga kailangan pa rin naman akong iimpake." Sabat ni Serene.

Napatitig naman sa kaniya si Iverson at bumuntong-hininga bilang pagsuko.

"All right." Aniya at lumapit sa dalaga. "Take care of yourself. Zarcaiah's security is no doubt, but still, be mindful of your surroundings and always take Zael with you or any of the Crown Prince's trusted knights. Kapag nakahanap ako ng oras ay dadalawin kita roon. Don't forget to send me letters as well. Got that, Your Highness?" Sunod-sunod na paalala ni Iverson habang tinutulungang makatayo ang prinsesa sa pamamagitan ng paghila ng upuan nito.

"Noted, My Lord." Serene teased.

"Tch. If you're having a hard time in Zarcaiah, just go back here. Alam kong gusto mo ang prinsipe, but I can't just bring myself to trust him fully."

"Don't worry too much, Iverson. Kapag nagka-oras din ako ay uuwi rin ako rito. After all, this is my home."

And I am meant to go home when Marcela returns anyway. At least, that's what His Highness is hoping.

Pagkatapos magpaalam sa isa't isa ay tuluyan nang umalis sina Anya at Iverson sakay ng kanilang carriage. Serene was smiling while waving her hand goodbye. Nasa bandang likuran niya lamang sina Nimfa at Zael na nakatanaw sa kaniya.

"Your Highness, may kailangan pa ba kayong dalhin? Ako na po ang mag-iimpake." Prisinta ni Nimfa.

"Just bring my sewing and art kit, Nimfa. Paniguradong mabuburyo lang ako sa palasyo ng Zarcaiah kapag wala akong gagawin doon.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"How about the both of you? Tapos na ba kayong mag-impake?" Tanong ni Serene at hinarap ang dalawa.

"Opo, Your Highness. Kagabi pa po." Sagot ni Nimfa.

"Yes, Your Highness." Sagot din ni Zael at yumuko pa.

Serene offered an apologetic smile to her servants.

"Pasensiya na kayong dalawa ah? Kailangan niyo pa akong samahan sa Zarcaiah. May mga maiiwan pa tuloy kayo rito. Well, you still have a time to refuse going with me." Serene chuckled.

Napailing si Nimfa. "Wala naman po akong maiiwan dito, Your Highness. Buong buhay ko na po kayong pagsisilbihan kaya sasama po ako sa inyo."

"Ako rin, Your Highness. Naiintindihan naman ng pamilya ko ang sitwasyon. Huwag na po kayong mag-alala sa bagay na iyon. Your safety is my top priority as your trusted knight." Determinado ring sagot ni Zael.

Lumaki ang ngiti ng prinsesa at napabuntong-hininga na lamang sa naging sagot ng dalawa.

"Kayo talaga. Pero maraming salamat. Thank you for always being there for me all these years."

Kapwa rin napangiti sina Zael at Nimfa bago yumuko sa kanilang prinsesa. At that moment, Serene already considered Zael and Nimfa not just her servants, but also... As her family.