The basement of the mansion was furnished as the floors above. It had furniture sets, some with artfully arranged books and flowers. Its walls were bright and concrete. The only thing that gave it the appearance of a prison was its location; its foundation was buried deep underground.

However, the stairs to the basement were quite dark. Helia had to bring her lampshade down. And when she finally stepped onto its floor, she sighed before looking down at the food tray she was holding.

She advanced her steps and approached the door to where Lady Lara was inside. The basement had been her lodge for more than a month now. Nanny opened the door slowly to not frighten up the young lady, whom she saw slowly tapping the wall adjacent to her bed. She was spacing out again; her hair was not combed, her face was not washed, and her eyes seemed not to be closed for sleeping. She didn't even bother to look at her nanny, who after entering had put the food in front of her.

Nanny gulped, seeing the young lady's situation. Mahigpit ang hawak ng isang kamay nito sa kumot na nakatakip sa mga tuhod niya. When she attempted to touch Lara's hair, the girl moved and looked fiercely at her. "What are you doing here again?"

Makikita ang pagtulo ng luha mula sa mata ng ginang pero bago pa man ito makita ni Lady Lara ay inabante na nito ang pagkaing dala para sa dalagita. Nagbaba nang tingin rito si Lady Lara saka pumikit nang mariin. "It's not what I need."

"Alam ko, Lady Lara," Nanny whispered. "It's not what you think you need. But you have to eat. The duke would be-"

"The duke again," Lara hissed. "The duke who locked me here just because I didn't cry. How ridiculous."

"Lara, this is not the time to hate each other. He's your father, your only family left. This isn't the time to get tough in words but weak in here." Nanny pointed to Lara's heart. Lara got silenced. Nanny took it as a sign that she understood. But not long after, Lara shook her head.

"There wasn't time for everything, nanny. I didn't even have time to give mom my farewell. All the time I have is for isolation. And all dad has is to make me suffer too." Nanny gulped at it. "He's making me more confused about all these things. Tell me, nanny. Did mom even have a funeral?"

As soon as Nanny heared it, she couldn't sustain her strength to stare at Lara. Kaya nagbaba ito nang tingin at walang maisagot. Lara saw through that. Umatras ito palayo sa nanny niya at bumalik sa pagkakasandal sa pader. Nanghihina nitong kinagat ang labi niya. "Wala nga ring panahon para masagot ang mga tanong ko."

"It's not like that Lady Lara, you wouldn't understand. Your father locked you up here because it's all too messy, too noisy outside."

"E bakit parang ako 'yong niligpit, nanny?" Halos pasigaw nang ani Lara. Makikita ang pinaghalong galit at lungkot sa mga mata nito. "Kung makalat at maingay sa labas matapos . . . matapos mamatay ni mom bakit ako 'yong pinatahimik?"

"Because you're naïve. Vulnerable," Nanny carefully explained. "It's not because you didn't cry, dear. Hindi ganiyan kababaw ang utak ng duke. Rumors have been scattered about your family. And you wouldn't fathom those. They've been digging up your parents' pasts. Oh, and . . . hindi ko dapat sinasabi sa'yo 'to." Pumikit nang mariin ang ginang. "Young lady . . ." she reached for Lara's hand and caresses it, "I'm sorry that you have to suffer all of this. But starving yourself won't get you anywhere. Eat." Kinuha nito ang plato ng pagkain saka prutas at tipid na ngumiti sa alaga. "I'll be here the whole day. The duke commanded me to."

It was as if Lara was conditioned. Hearing that the duke still cares for her lightened the burden inside her heart. But she hadn't been too fatigued to lift the spoon up. Nakita ito ng ginang at nagkusa na lamang itong subuan ang alaga.

She already looks like the duchess. Helia thought, seeing that stress made the young lady's appearance mature. If only I could solve everything for you.

For the first time after the duchess' death, Lara was comforted. Nanny somehow made her forget that she had lost a mother. Ilang araw siyang nagmukmok sa kuwartong 'yon, pinupuno ang isip ng sari-saring katanungan.

"Her grace was ambushed on her way to the palace."

Pabalik-balik sa utak niya ang boses ng lalakeng iyon na siya ring nanguna sa utos ng duke na dalhin siya sa basement. She was facing her misery alone, imagining what really happened to her beloved mother and what could have happened next, for the duke didn't bother to talk to her again. Lara thought her father was enraged with what seemed like her ignorance of her mom's situation-bloody and unconscious. Little did he know, she experienced everything-the stage of denial, confusion, and everything that sums up anxiety-except for tears. It was very odd that it was on top of Lara's questions.

But there wasn't enough time to ponder more. The morning came at nakita niyang magligpit ng pinggan ang nanny niya na tinabihan siya sa pagtulog. "You're leaving again?" she miserably asked, feeling all the anxieties all over again.

Nanny paused in what she was doing and smiled at Lara. "We are."

As soon as she finishes, inayusan nito si Lara at marahang inakay palabas sa basement. Lara, slightly delighted, followed her nanny's steps on the dark stairway up. "Did I change your mind, nanny?" she asked as they hurried.

"Be quiet until then, okay?"

"Why?"

"I said be quiet, Lara. I'll talk to the guards."

"Are there?"

Nanny stopped and gave Lara a look. "Hush."

"O-Okay," Lara finally whispered.

When they came into the opening, two men immediately approached them. When Lara saw those alert faces, she quickly hid behind her nanny. As if she could.

"This is His Grace's order." Nanny was composed, staring directly at the guard in front of them.

"Then we should escort you." Napapikit si Lara, nagsimula nang mainis sa lalake.

"No need, sir," the nanny calmly answered. "What the young lady needs is peace."

The guard tilted his head to look at Lara. "Peace." Lara faked a smile, and the men gave way. Dali-daling sinundan ni Lara ang lakad ng nanny niya.

"Marapat na mauna maglakad si Lady Lara!" habol ng isa sa mga guwardiya.

"Peace!" Lara's voice echoed.

When they have walked meters away and reached the front hall, they thought they had skipped the tension. Ngunit nakasalubong nila ang duke. Hindi pa nito naibababa ang malaki niyang sombrero at sungkod. Mahahalatang galing ito sa labas at mag-isa lamang. Maaaring hindi sana sila makikita nito dahil sa sombrero ngunit napansin ni Helia ang pagtigil ni Lara. Nang malingunan ito ay nakatingin na nang deretso ang dalagita sa ama niya, walang planong gumalaw mula sa kinatatayuan.

Not a second had passed, and the duke saw them. But instead of reacting, blanko lamang itong tumingin sa anak nang ilang segundo saka deretsong naglakad papalapit. "Bring her up then, Helia."

"Y-Your Grace," nalilitong pagtawag ni Helia.

"Resume with your escape. But this time, from His Highness' presence." Nang mapansin nang duke ang pagkatulala ng dalawa ay pinagtagpo nito ang dalawang kilay. "Go," he sternly added.

Nanny grabbed Lara's hand and hurriedly brought her upstairs to her room.

"What's that, nanny? His Highness-what did he mean?" naguguluhang ani Lara nang makapasok sa kuwarto.

"His Highness, the prince, has already promised a visit here to see you," Nanny explained. "And-and . . . the duke said he sent you abroad."

"No, why did he have to lie?" Lara exclaimed. "Nanny, what's going on?"

"Look, Lady Lara. Your father isn't giving you to the royals. He's working with your mother's case, and he can't just entertain another turn. He wouldn't lose you to anyone. No, not until everything is solved."

"What, why? What did the prince say?" Lalo lang naguluhan si Lara.

Nanny sighed and brought Lara to sit on the bed. "No more competitions for the crown princess. His Highness is choosing you to be his future bride."
Lady Lara was dumbfounded and had nothing to do but shake her head. "No, it's true, Lara. It's true." Nanny convinced her. "Now allow me to go down and make breakfast for you."

"And for the prince?"

"No." Nanny slightly chuckled as she stood up. "The duke has always been advanced in thought. Pero hindi naman ibig sabihin no'n ay bibisita ang prinsipe nang ganito kaaga."

Lara almost rolled her eyes. "Nanny naman. Nagmamadali ka kanina eh."

"Aba'y pasensiya," natatawang sagot ng ginang. "You saw His Grace' expression, right?"

Tahimik na tumango si Lara. Natatandaan niya ang ekspresiyon ng duke kanina. Tila hindi man lang mararamdaman mula rito ang pangungulila sa anak niya. Hindi rin sigurado si Lara kung dapat nga bang maramdaman iyon ng duke. Gayong siya naman mismo ang may utos na ilagay siya sa basement.

Lara took a look at her room when the nanny was already out. "Everything has changed," she whispered to herself as she saw the curtains had been replaced. It became all white. She sighed before touching her bed. "I didn't know my life would revolve like this. The prince? Choosing me? Never saw that coming." She sighed again. "Nor mom's death."

She stood up and went to the window to see the birds flying outside, her old habit. She missed this. Of course, there were no windows in the basement. Napalaki ang mata niya nang makita ang isang pangkat ng ibon na dumaan sa harapan niya. Ngunit nalungkot naman agad ito nang mawala sila sa paningin niya nang gano'n kadali.

But not a minute had passed ay may isang ibon namang ang dereksiyon ng lipad ay papunta rin kay Lara. Naiwan yata 'to ng pangkat niya kanina. Lara thought. Lumiwanag agad ang mukha niya nang dumapo ito sa frame ng bintana. Napaatras ang dalaga nang makitang pinapagaspas ng ibon ang pakpak nito at nagliparan papasok sa kuwarto ang ilang balahibo.

But Lara noticed something tied to the bird's feet. She sighed in relief when she realized it's a cloth, a sort of cloth that was similar to paper, used for letters. Inangat-angat ng ibon ang paa niyang iyon na para bang gusto nitong kunin ni Lara ang bagay na 'yon. Lara got curious; she had never experienced such a thing in her life until today.

"Can I?" She gently asked the bird at maingat itong nilapitan. She patted its head, and it seemed happy. Pagkatapos ay maingat niyang tinanggal ang pagkakatali ng bagay na 'yon at binuksan ang tila sulat.

To Lady Lara,
I want to send my condolences to you and your household. I was saddened by the incident. I hope you're still well.

It's been one month since we first met at ngayon lang kita nabigyan nitong sulat. If you're free, I want to console you with a cup of coffee. Write your reply on this paper's back and tie it again to her feet. I'll be very glad if you could come to the following address and date.

17th of July
Asull Phragrance

Forever lovely, Lady Kanye

Pabalik-balik iyong binasa ni Lara. She wasn't focused the first time she read it. At nang tuluyang maintindihan ang pahiwatig nito ay naramdaman niya ang paggalaw ng dibdib sa mahinang pagtawa. It was probably the first chuckle she had ever since her distress. Forever lovely, huh. She thought. I don't think there's something that lasts forever, Kanye.

Gano'n pa man, sinunod niya ang sinabi sa sulat. Kumuha siya ng panulat. Tila nagtitipid ito ng letra habang pinapanood siya ng ibon.

I can't.

Pagkatapos ay kagat-labi niya itong itinali ulit sa paa ng ibon. Tipid rin siyang ngumiti rito. She sighed when the bird had left. "Now, where's the broom?" she whispered to herself when she saw the feathers on the floor.

Even until someone had made consecutive knocks on the door, probably her nanny, Lady Lara hadn't gained her focus. She was sitting on the bed, with an odd posture, spacing out again after throwing the feathers outside the window.

"Lady Lara?"

Saka lang siya natauhan nang marinig ang may kaliitang boses. Kumunot ang noo niya bago tumayo at nilapitan ang pintuan. That voice couldn't be Helia's. As soon as she opened the door, it revealed a rather younger looking lady than her nanny-even younger than her.

"M-Magandang araw po, Lady Lara," the girl greeted her in a thin voice. When Lady Lara saw the tray of food the girl was holding, she opened the door wide and motioned for her to enter. Sinundan niya ito hanggang mailagay sa maliit na mesa ang pagkain.

Lady Lara crossed her arms. "You're unfamiliar."

Napatingin ito sa kaniya saka natulala dahil sa pagtitig niya rito. "And you're young, aren't you?" Lara said as she walked toward the huge window to open the curtains. Baka ayaw niya ng madilim. Anito sa isip.

She smiled at the girl, trying to send her a vibe. "I haven't seen you before, do you reside here?"

"O-Opo," sa wakas ay sagot nito sa kaniya. "Bago lang po."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Lara sa katawan ng babae at nasigurong magkaedad lang talaga sila o kaya'y mas bata pa ito sa kaniya. "Bago lang?" pagtataka niya.

I didn't know Dad's still hiring.

"Ah, oo po. Bakasyon ho kasi kaya," dahilan nito habang inaayos ang buhok, naiilang sa pagtitig ni Lady Lara, "inalok po ako ni nanay na dito na muna tumuloy para matulungan siya rito. Mukha po kasing," nahihiya itong nagpatuloy, "umunti 'yong mga tao sa mansiyon. K-Kain na muna po kayo, Lady Lara. Luto ito ni nanay pero ako na lang ang pinahatid niya kasi may pupuntahan pa siya."

"Nanay?" tanong ni Lara habang umuupo. "You mean, Nanny?"

"Opo." Ngumiti ulit ito. "Nanay ko po ang nanny niyo."

"I didn't know." Patuloy pa rin sa pagkunot ang noo ni Lara. "Sa'n raw siya pupunta?"

"H-Hindi niya po sinabi. Ang sabi niya lang ay hatiran ko rin kayo ng pagkain mamayang tanghali."

Lara scoffed. "Like I'm a pet," she whispered to herself. "You, did you eat already?" baling niya rito. Nakita niya itong nahihiyang umiling. "Join me then. Nanny used to."

"Huwag na po, nakakahiya-"

"Mas nakakahiya kapag nakatingin ka lang diyan," Lara said then chuckled. "Swear it's really awkward. Come on, sit. Hindi ko rin naman 'to mauubos lahat."

"S-Sige po."

Hindi maiwasan ni Lara ang magtanong nang dumaan ang ilang segundong pagkain nila ay wala pa ring umiimik. "What's your name? It wasn't fair 'cause you know mine."

Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kaniya. "Ynara po. Mukhang hindi ako naikuwento ni nanay sa inyo."

Tipid na ngumiti si Lady Lara. "Hindi nga, Ynara. Sabi mo kanina ay umunti ang tao sa mansiyon?"

"O-Opo. E pero 'wag niyo na po 'yong alalahanin. Sabi ni nanay ay kailangan niyo raw mapahinga ang isip niyo."

"You did know how we look the same age, right?" Lara chimed in. "Don't call me 'po', I beg you." They find themselves quite sharing laughter before they continue eating. When finally they have finished so, niligpit ni Ynara ang mga pinggan.

"Do you also know about the prince's visit?" nakuhang magtanong ni Lady Lara.

"Oo p-Oo, Lady Lara," sagot ni Ynara at handa nang mamaalam na bababa siya.

Lady Lara made a glance at the mirror before looking at the girl again. "Do you mind coming back here?"

Napatikom si Ynara bago tumango. "Mamayang tanghali po-"

"I bet no," Lara interrupted. "I need you as soon as I finish um . . ." she looked at herself. ". . . dressing up. I messed up the last time I was coloring my face," she shyly added. "And if you could . . . you know. If, of course, you wouldn't mind."

Nang makitang matulala ang kausap ay napilitan siyang ngumiti. "I have to look good, Ynara. Then I'd meet the prince."

"E-Eh sabi po ni nanay-"

"To take care of me, that's what she told you, right? I guess part of it is doing me a favor. Please, Ynara?"

The girl couldn't help but nod. She sighed before smiling. "S-Sige po. Ibababa ko muna po 'to."

As soon as the girl went off, Lara grinned. Meeting the prince wouldn't be as bad as her father thought. She doesn't get why the duke sees it as a hindrance to continuing working on the case of her mother's death. She had read in books that the monarchy also holds the judiciary system. The royals are the most powerful beings in this empire. It would be best to have them side with her family. Maybe then they can get justice and charge whoever ambushed the duchess.

The thought of her mother suddenly hurt her chest. But she snapped out of it and started ransacking her closet, trying to find the most sophisticated, or if not, the most proper dress she can wear. The first thing she found was the red dress she wore during her ball. And it only brought her a memory.

She remembered how she had run through the corridors, escaping from those people who made her shed her first tears. Tears, about which her mother warned.

"Do not ever . . . cry again. Do you understand?" Such strength was in the duchess' voice. Lara couldn't help but nod when she sensed it. "No tears should be coming from those eyes again."

Why mom? Lara thought, holding tight to the two doors of the cabinet she was facing. Mom, I didn't cry after that until now. I didn't. But it doesn't seem to help me ease the pain. Why did you have to leave that day?

"Shouldn't they be red? Here, Ynara." Natutuwang pinatuloy ni Ynara ang pagpupulbo sa pisngi ng Lady Lara habang tuturo-turo ito sa pisngi niya.

"Hindi na kailangan, Lady Lara. Kulay rosas naman na ang pisngi niyo."

"I thought it should have circles."

Pinigilan na lamang ni Ynara ang pagtawa rito saka pinatuloy ang pag-aayos kay Lara. She was braiding the young lady's chestnut-colored hair with its natural curls at the ends. Later on, she joined Lady Lara outside the room. The young lady wanted to go to the library before the prince would ever arrive. Ynara said she heard from the other maids that His Highness would be in the mansion before sunset. They had even eaten their lunch inside the library. Lara was focused on reading a book she thought would help her face a royal.

Nanatili lamang tahimik si Ynara sa harap niya. Natutuwa itong pinagmasdan ang mukha ng Lady Lara. To her, she was the prettiest thing she had ever seen. She wouldn't call her other peers pretty when all they would call her is 'ugly tree'. Ynara studies at a school for nobles when she's not. However, the girls she has as classmates don't seem to describe her truthfully.

Although she had thick, curly blonde hair that made her head look like a leafy tree, Ynara had a pair of beautiful black eyes that it didn't matter how meaty her nose appeared to her bullies, anyone could tell she was a beauty with just one glance. That is, only that the other girls wouldn't admit it.

Duchess Liria sponsors her education, her mother told her. That's why it's not mere sympathy she felt for Lady Lara. Although she hadn't met the Duchess herself, she could tell she was a very kind person. But Helia warned her not to mention the duchess to Lady Lara.

Nevertheless, Lady Lara did it first.

"That day, I was waiting for mom here." She put down the book she was reading and looked at the table. "She must have had something really important to say. But she hadn't said it."

It seemed like she's not talking to Ynara. It felt like she just wanted to express herself. "Before that day was my ball. I thought then . . . my life was starting to change." She finally looked at Ynara, but with a blank stare. "Only that I didn't know it would change for the worse."

Ynara didn't know what to do. She wasn't sure if it's appropriate to reach for Lady Lara's hand. So she just continued listening instead.

"I remember wishing for a different life, meeting other people. If only I knew about what would happen, I would've wanted to be locked in this mansion with just mom . . . alive."

"Naiintindihan kita, Lady Lara. Masakit po talaga ang pagkawala ng duchess. Kung may magagawa lang sana ako para mapawi ang nararamdaman niyo," maingat na ani Ynara. Saka nagpalabas ng malalim na hininga. "Kaso ay kung meron man, hindi rin magiging madali 'yon."

Lady Lara smiled. "Hindi mo naman ako kailangan patahanin. Hindi ako umiiyak."

"P-Po?" Nabibiglang imik ni Ynara. Ngunit nakita niya ang dagliang pagtayo ni Lady Lara at sinuli ang aklat sa lalagyan nito. Nang makabalik ay nagtanong agad ito.

"Do you think it's already sunset?"

"Ah, hindi ko po sigurado, pero matagal-tagal na po tayo rito."

"Did my make-up wear out?"

"Y-Yong sa labi po."

Lara touched her lower lip before looking at her finger. "Doesn't matter, I guess. Hindi ko naman hahalikan ang prinsipe." Agad itong tumalikod at pumunta sa pintuan.

"P-Pero, Lady Lara-" Hindi na natapos ni Ynara ang sasabihin nang agad nang mawala sa paningin niya ito. She could have told her that Nanny said Lara shouldn't go meet the prince. Kaya agad-agad niya itong sinundan pababa. Pero sa hinaba-haba ng hagdanan ay nawala agad ito sa paningin niya.

Lady Lara reached the dining hall, where four maids were lining up at the entrance. One maid immediately held her. "Young lady," the maid whispered with a warning. Lady Lara was trying to pull her arm away from her when she heard a man's voice from inside.

"The empress swore she hadn't given you or your daughter a travel pass, Your Grace. You do know you cannot go abroad without the royal court's permission, right? My courage seemed to work more than your alibi." The voice seemed to be amused, although it sounded hoarse to Lady Lara.

She succeeded in pulling her arm off the maid's hold, and then she ran to enter the hall. However, she stopped when she heard her father's response.

"Pardon me, Your Highness. I was just afraid my daughter couldn't entertain you, for she is sick . . . until now."

The young man, in his royal suit, with his dark hair pushed back and a few strands falling in front of his electric blue eyes, didn't fail to see Lady Lara as soon as she arrived. His Highness grinned, making him look more gorgeous.

"Well, she doesn't seem so," he told the duke.

***

A/N: Sino 'yan siya? Nahirapang gumawa ng assignment na fairytale pero batak sa pagsulat nito? Paano, mahal ko na yata 'tong si Lady Lara eh. Sana mahal niyo na rin. Salamat ulit sa pagbabasa. Muah.