Chapter 35: Monarchs' Farewell

Natigil sa paglalakad si Serene at tumingin sa itaas ng bubong ng Main Palace. Black flags with the Queen and King's insignia were raised to tell the nation that everyone is weeping for the great loss of the kingdom. It was a shocking news for everyone. Dahil hindi lamang isa kung hindi dalawang monarch agad ang nagpaalam sa kanila sa iisang umaga lamang.

It's been three days and the funeral is going smoothly. Everyone is devastated. I am also barely hanging on. It was a great shock for me as well. I would always wonder that if I just had arrived earlier, would I be able to save them?

Alam kong ang isipin pa ito sa mga oras na ito ay wala nang silbi. Mother and Father cannot come back anymore.

"Your Highness, nandito na po sila," bulong ni Rainielle kay Serene.

Muling ibinalik ni Serene ang kaniyang mga mata sa unahan. Doon ay sinalubong siya ng dalawang magkakasunod na mga carriage. Umayos ng tayo si Serene at inangat ang shawl na nakapatong sa kaniyang balikat. Kasama niya sina Nimfa, Rainielle at ang kaniyang mga knight escort habang naghihintay sa mga bagong dating.

Nang matigil ang mga carriage sa kanilang tapat ay bumaba rito sina Queen Mahlia at King Estefan. Sa isang carriage naman ay ang mga kapatid niyang sina Crown Prince Rolfo at Prince Constantine.

"Mother, Father..." bahagyang ngumiti si Serene sa mga magulang.

Agad namang lumapit sa kaniya ang mga ito. Mahlia's eyes are puffy, halatang umiyak ito habang nasa biyahe.

"Oh dear... Theodosia and Luther..." tanging naiusal ni Mahlia at muling lumuha habang yakap si Serene.

Serene closed her eyes while reciprocating her mother's hug. Her warmth made her remember about Theodosia's embrace. Hindi niya na napansin ang pagtulo ng isang butil ng luha sa kaniyang kaliwang mata. Estefan also hugged his daughter and wife.

"Our deepest condolences, sweetie. Even I, still can't believe about all that's happened," malungkot na usal ni Estefan.

"Me too, Father."

It is indeed unbelievable. Everything went too fast. Kakakasal lamang namin ni Levi, we just had our inauguration as well. Even thought the chances are low, I hoped that they'd get through it.

"Is Ate okay?" tanong ni Serene matapos umalis sa yakap nilang mag-ina.

"Yes. Hindi lang siya nakasama dahil masyado nang malaki ang tiyan at mukhang malapit na rin manganak."

"All right. That's better. Let's get inside, naroon na silang lahat sa hall."

Sabay silang pumasok muli sa Main Palace. Agad silang dumiretso sa main hall ng palasyo kung saan nakaburol ang hari at reyna. Agad na binati ng magkakapatid na Lockridge sina Mahlia at Estefan. Perry whose eyes are already red cried again upon receiving a warm and tight hug from Mahlia. Estefan also comforted Levi and his brothers.

"If you need anything, we are willing to help, all right? Not as Sardonia's monarchs but as your second parents, Levi," ani Estefan.

"Yes, Father. Maraming salamat po," sagot naman ni Levi.

Nang mag-alay ng prayers sina Mahlia at Estefan at upang silipin ang kabaong ng dalawa ay siya namang paglapit ni Vega kay Serene.

"Your Highness, I have a spirit that can make someone sleep. Ilang araw ka nang walang maayos na tulog. Kung gusto mo ay tutulungan kita," ani Vega, his voice are full of concern.

Malumanay na ngumiti si Serene at pinat ang braso ni Vega, "I'm fine, really. But thank you, I appreciate the thought."

Si Levi na kausap sina Constantine at Rolfo ay bahagyang napasulyap kay Serene. Naglakad si Serene palapit sa mga bagong dating na nobles. Dahil sa kulay itim niyang dress ay bahagya siyang nahirapan maglakad, but Vega immediately lift her dress up a little bit, just enough for Serene to walk comfortably. His brows twitched when he saw Vega's eyes glimmer when Serene pat his arms as a thank you before talking to the nobles.

"Anyhow, brother Levi..."

Saka lamang nabalik ang tingin ni Levi kay Rolfo nang muli itong magsalita. Instead of burying himself in jealousy, he just shook it off. He's already stressed with everything that's happening, this trivial matter for Levi is just gonna be a burden for him and his wife.

I don't want to be such a possessive jerk to Serene. If I were to be driven by jealousy, she might get tired of me.

Madaling araw na at kaunti na lamang ang mga tao sa main hall. Inikot ni Serene ang kaniyang paningin sa buong paligid, tumigil ang kaniyang mga mata kay Levi na nakaupo sa isang single sofa sa gilid habang minamasahe ang kaniyang noo at nakapikit. Naglakad siya palapit dito, umikot siya papunta sa likuran ng upuan ni Levi at hinawakan ang ulo nito, napaiktad si Levi.

"You should take a rest. You've been working hard since last night," ani Serene habang marahang minamasahe ang ulo ng asawa.

Tumingala si Levi kay Serene habang kinuha ang isang kamay nito at hinalikan.

"Should I? Then, take a rest with me," sagot ni Levi at marahang hinila si Serene papunta sa kaniyang unahan.

Serene caressed Levi's head and back when he shoved himself on Serene's tummy. Mahigpit niyang niyakap si Serene sa baywang at inilibing ang mukha sa tiyan nito.

"Sis, you should take that stubborn jerk with you. The twins and I will stay here for tonight," biglang sabi ni Perry na kalalapit lamang sa kanila.

"Will you be fine?" tanong ni Serene.

"Of course. You should take a rest as well. You stayed up last night as well. Go on, kami na ang bahala rito."

"All right. Don't overdo it."

"Hmm," Perry nodded, "Take a plenty of rest."

Sabay nang umalis ng hall sina Levi at Serene kasama ang kanilang knight escort at mga servant. Nang makarating sila sa chamber ng dalawa ay nagpaalam na ang mga knight escort at servants nila, ang dalawang natitirang maid ay inutusan ni Serene na ihanda ang bathroom. Pabagsak na umupo si Levi sa gilid ng kanilang higaan.

"I asked the maid to prepare the bathroom. You should soak yourself to relax," sabi ni Serene kay Levi.

Napatitig naman si Levi sa asawa habang tinatanggal ang mga tali nito sa buhok. Since they are still mourning, the girls in the family are not wearing any accessories and everyone are required to wear black or white dresses with simple designs.

Even without a make up, she's still beautiful.

Tumayong muli si Levi at lumapit kay Serene na nasa tapat ng salamin. Niyakap ni Levi si Serene mula sa kaniyang likuran. He buried his head on Serene's shoulder. Napatingin si Serene sa repleksyon ni Levi sa salamin bago hinawakan ang kamay ni Levi na nasa kaniyang tiyan. Ilang sandali silang natahimik at nanatili sa ganoong sitwasyon bago makaramdam si Serene ng mainit na likido sa kaniyang damit sa balikat.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Serene sa vanity table. Unti-unting lumabo ang kaniyang paningin dahil sa nagbabadyang mga luha. Maya-maya ay dahan-dahan siyang humarap kay Levi. Her heart shattered the moment she saw Levi's eyes full of tears while head is facing down the floor. His shoulder was trembling and his grip in Serene's dress tightened.

He did not shed a tear in front of those people in the hall. He looks okay and composed outside which lead to some rumors that he's not even affected by his parents' sudden death because he's bound to inherit the throne. But all of those emotions... He kept them inside. Without everyone knowing that he is also suffering silently.

Marahang hinawakan ni Serene ang magkabilang pisngi ni Levi at hinalikan ang noo nito. His trembling hands and shoulder calmed down a bit.

"Serene..."

"Yes, Levi."

"Please... Don't leave me too."

Tuluyang tumulo ang isang butil ng luha sa kanang mata ni Serene. She immediately embraced Levi and caressed his back.

"I won't, I promise. Where else should I go? We are each other's home, aren't we?" Serene smiled, tears falling from her hazel green eyes.

Hindi sumagot si Levi, bagkus ay tumango lamang siya nang ilang beses habang niyayakap nang mahigpit si Serene. He buried his head on Serene's shoulder again. Tila bata na ayaw bitawan si Serene.

My Serene. My peace.

Levi and Serene decided to take a bath together. After that, they lay down to their bed. Naunang nakatulog si Levi habang yakap-yakap si Serene sa baywang at nakalibing ang mukha sa pagitan ng leg at dibdib ni Serene. Meanwhile, Serene was also hugging him and giving him gentle pats on his back.

He must be so tired. He's been taking the state affairs and are going in and out of the boarders to monitor the movements of rogue warriors.

"Please... Don't leave me too."

Natulala si Serene sa bintanang ilang metro ang layo sa kanilang kama nang maalala ang pakiusap ni Levi sa kaniya kanina. The stars are shining and the crescent moon of winter is beautiful. Pumikit si Serene at mas hinigpitan pa ang pagkakayakap kay Levi.

Even though we're already married, I still feel uneasy. Not because I don't have a trust in Levi, but because I don't have a trust in myself. Because when it comes to him, I am willing to sacrifice anything.

A week past by and it was finally the time for the King and Queen's burial. The luxurious coffin of the King and Queen was placed in a well-decorated wagon with glass. Habang papunta ng sementeryo ay nakaabang ang mga tao sa gilid ng kalsada. Napupuno ng mga tao ang route na dadaanan ng wagon sa capital. The people whose loyalty to the royal family are incomparable, cried upon seeing the two coffins. Their cries can be heard on the whole capital while shouting their majesties names and throwing white roses to the wagons.

Serene and Perry are also silently shedding tears while watching the sorrowful scene outside from inside their carriage. The Lockridge brothers are also trying their best hiding their tears. It was a heartbreaking moment for them. Serene who's silently watching the brothers as they ride their horses outside to follow the wagon pained her even more.

Last week, we could still feel Her Majesty's and His Majesty's warmth. Last week, I just heard them saying my name so gently and I could still sometimes hear their voice full of sincerity inside my head. I even imagined that Her Majesty Theodosia will give me advices on how I would take care of my body when I finally get pregnant. An image of His Majesty carrying his grandchildren would also often cross my mind.

Realizing all of these, I feel like it finally hit me. My beloved mother and father-in-law... Won't come back anymore. I won't be able to show their grandchildren to them anymore.

Napatakip sa kaniyang bibig si Serene habang pinipigilan ang humikbi. Agad itong napansin ni Perry. Agad niyang niyakap si Serene habang patuloy rin sa pag-iyak. At that time, they didn't talk much, but they shared the same sadness and unbearable pain of losing someone precious to them.

Perry almost fainted while her mother and father was slowly going down the ground. She was relentlessly crying for Theodosia and Luther's name. The twins are holding her while crying at the same time. Lucio, for the first time, was seen hugging Ezra and Ahren as they cry like a child in each other's arms. As for Levi... He was holding Serene's hand tightly while tears fell like waterfalls in from his eyes.

Mother, Father... I won't disappoint you. I will take care of my siblings and the kingdom you have built and prospered for years. So please, watch over us and you both should rest now. You've done well. Thank you for everything.

Humigpit ang hawak ni Levi sa kamay ni Serene.

Thank you for guiding Serene to me. She's the best gift you have ever given me.

Mother, Father... Thank you for loving and raising me. If I were to live another life again, it doesn't matter whatever status I'd have, so please... Become our parents again.

Inangat ni Levi ang kaniyang tingin sa kawalan. His teary eyes widened upon seeing an image of two smiling people under the tree in the cemetery where they are in right now. Umawang ang kaniyang bibig at maya-maya ay unti-unti siyang napangiti.

If there's one thing that I regret, that is...

"I love you," usal ni Levi habang nakatingin sa dalawang kabaong.

... That you haven't heard those words from me for a while.

Napatingin si Serene kay Levi, unti-unti siyang ngumiti at sinandal ang ulo sa balikat ng asawa. Levi looked at her as well before giving her a peck on the forehead.

After the funeral, the two more weeks are spend for the continuation of mourning. The black flag are still raised during that time and all of the people in the palace are still required to wear black or white. During that time as well, the royal council are also preparing for another inauguration. Even though Levi and Serene was against it, saying that they should at least wait for a month, the nobles are still urging them.

Wala nang nagawa pa sina Levi at Serene nang maglabas ng will and testament si Rupert, ang Chancellor ni Luther. The last testament stated that Levi and Serene shall proceed with the inauguration as soon as possible after the funeral. Upon hearing that, Serene and the siblings immediately knew that Theodosia and Luther must've guessed that Serene and Levi will both delay the inauguration to show respect to their death. Ngunit kabaliktaran naman nito ang gusto nina Theodosia and Luther. The reason they stated in the will and testament was because it'll be too risky to leave the thrones of King and Queen for a long time. Plinano na nila ang lahat sa kanilang last will and testament.

True enough, two weeks after the mourning was lifted, a huge attack in the Southern Territory was launched by the rogue warriors. Kahit wala silang iniwang mensahe ay maliwanag pa sa araw ang tunay na dahilan ng kanilang pag-atake, and that is to rebel against the enthronement of Serene and Levi as the new Queen and King of Zarcaiah.

"The inauguration ceremony will proceed as planned. If you're against about anything, please do state your complaints. Serene and I are willing to delay the inauguration, so don't hold anything and just let your opinions out," anunsyo ni Levi sa mga kapatid.

Dahil na rin sa problemang nagaganap ay naisipan niyang kausapin ang mga kapatid. Levi doesn't want to cause anything that may tarnish his relationship with his siblings.

"Brother, you don't have to worry about us. If anything, this is also what we want. Mother and Father was right, kapag hindi pa kayo umakyat sa trono ni Serene ay mas dadami ang magiging desperado para sirain tayo. You know full well that a kingdom without monarchs has greater risk," ani Lucio.

"Kuya Lucio's right, you're the Crown Prince, that's your responsibility. Also... You're also worried about Nohenberg Kingdom, right?" ani Ezra.

"Huh? What's up with Nohenberg?" tanong ni Perry.

"We're still investigating about it but they suddenly wanted to withdraw their membership in the International Council, saying that they want to have their own independent international laws," ani Ahren.

"If they try something funny, a kingdom without a monarch like Zarcaiah is at great risk. Especially if their territory is just next to us," dagdag pa nI Ezra.

"Is that possible? Withdrawing in International Council, I mean. What could be their motive?" tanong muli ni Perry.

"It's possible if they were to justify that they could establish their own international law to win the trial that will be set by the court of International Council. A kingdom like Nohenberg with advance technology and stable economy can easily win the trial. As for the motive, you do know the first and foremost purpose of International Council of North Kingdoms and the peace treaty among the five kingdoms of North Continent, right?" harap ni Ezra kay Perry.

Natigilan si Perry nang unti-unti niyang mapagtanto ang nais iparating ni Ezra.

"It is to avoid the territorial dispute among the five kingdoms and to avoid the five kingdoms to clash in conquering each other's territory," sagot ni Perry.

Natahimik din sina Klaus at Vester sa narinig na diskusyon ng mga kuya at ate.

"Precisely. That's why the royal council is restless about the empty throne of our King and Queen. Kaya Kuya... Please proceed with the inauguration. You have our full support," ani Ahren.

Napabuntong hininga si Levi at saglit na ipinikit ang mga mata. Maya-maya ay umayos siya ng upo at hinarap muli ang mga kapatid.

"All right. Let's start the preparation."

Agad namang napahinga nang maluwag ang magkakapatid sa desisyon ni Levi. With this, they can safely proceed with their obligations.

...

"The Crown Prince announced at the meeting today that the inauguration for the new King and Queen will proceed as what the will and testament stated," Grand Duke Fraser took a seat on the sofa in his huge office.

Ngumisi ang babaeng kaharap niya bago kunin ang tea na nasa kaniyang harapan.

"I told you. With the pressure of Nohenberg's withdrawal in the International Council and the threat of rogue warriors, they will eventually proceed as soon as possible. The will and testament was just a bonus to the plan."

Ngumisi si Duke Fraser at humithit sa kaniyang Tobacco pipe.

"Good work. Then, when are you planning to go and visit His Highness again? Do you really think he's gonna come running to you after seeing you again... Marcela?"

Inangat ni Marcela ang kaniyang tingin kay Duke Fraser.

"He will. After all, he's been an obedient dog to me ever since he was young. Aside from that, I would still use 'that', so everything is already settled. Just trust me... Father."

Hindi sumagot si Duke Fraser at bumuga na lamang ang usok na kaniyang hinithit sa Tobacco pipe na hawak. Agad niyang naalala ang mga panahon na nakita niyang magkasama sina Levi at Serene.

I have seen more than what she saw and I know for sure that this is not gonna be easy. Well, let's see what she can do, but when it comes to my judgement, I can never be wrong.

I doubt Marcela will succeed getting back His Highness' genuine affection this time.