The festival

14

»» Daphne ««
»» Seravina ««
»» Cedric ««

It has been a week. I haven't left the duchy during those days. Nagplano kaming magkita at mag-usap para sa planong gagawin namin.

We will catch the queen in the act on the kingdom's foundation day.

Unfortunately, because of the accident, the attempted assassination of the priestess, the palace was closed. No outsider could get in, including me. 

Of course, me. The main suspect.

Kade only visits from time to time to fill me up the details they've talked about.

So, today, I-

"Lady Seravina?" A knock and a call from Sir Welro interrupted what I'm thinking. Napalingon ako sa direksyon ng pintuan.

"Yes?"

The door opened, Sir Welro came in looking displeased. "There's a couple outside . . . looking for you."

I was taken aback. "For me? Who are they?"

Mas lalong nandilim ang ekspresyon niya. "They're wearing cloaks, my lady. I apologize, I couldn't see their faces . . ." He sound disappointed. "But they introduced themselves as D and C?"

My expression lightened. "Oh, I see. Please let them in. Pasabi na mag-aayos lang ako," nakangiting sambit ko.

Sir Welro wasn't reassured by my response. "Are you sure, my lady? Do you know them?"

I smiled at his reaction. He must be very worried after learning what happened during his majesty's birthday.

"Yes, Sir Welro. They are my friends. Don't worry," nakangiting sagot ko.

He was taken aback, surprised. "F-Friends?"

I chuckled. It's really surprising to hear that the villainess and the most hated person in the kingdom has friends.

"Yes, please let them in, hmm?"

He was startled and immediately nodded. "Certainly, my lady," he bowed before leaving.

Hmmm, Daphne and Cedric are here?

I chuckled at the thought of those two arguing whether to come here or not. Maybe they'll invite me to the festival. They were in disguises, so I think I should wear something that won't get attention as well.

With the help of my maids, they helped me pick clothes that won't get too much attention. Inayusan din nila 'ko para hindi ako masyadong makilala. Ayokong may mangyari, lalo na't mainit ang mga mata sa 'kin ng mga tao ngayon.

"You're so pretty Lady Seravina! Hindi natatago ang ganda mo!" One of the maids squeaked as we watched my reflection in the mirror.

They tied my hair in a long braid, a huge hat enough to cover my face when lowered. Plain white clothes with light yellow embroidery. It still obviously looks like high quality, but it's very simple, perfect for the festival.

"Hmm, if I may, your lady?" Napaharap ako sa maid na tumapat sa 'kin. She's holding round glasses, slowly putting them on me. "It's hard not to recognize your beautiful eyes, Lady Seravina." She smiled.

"Though I doubt the glasses would help." She chuckled. "Perfect."

"Please have fun at the festival, our lady!" the maids said in chorus. "If someone's mean to you, let us know! We will find them!" They all nodded.

I smiled and nodded at them. "Thank you."

After getting ready, I went to the living room where Daphne and Cedric were. As soon as the door behind me closed, a tight hug greeted me.

"Wahhh!! Sis Sera! I missed you!" Daphne rubbed her face on me making me chuckle.

"Oh my . . ." I patted her head. "You didn't say you were coming."

"We wanted to surprise you!" Inangat ni Daphne ang mukha niya sa 'kin. "We couldn't see you for a whole week! Do you know how miserable I was?" Her eyes were round and teary, she looks like a puppy.

"I'm sorry, ate Sera. I couldn't do anything when his majesty ordered the palace to be closed." Cedric stepped in. Our eyes met, he looked down.

I smiled with my eyes. "No worries, Ced. It's out of your control." I then looked down at Daphne. "Let's go to the festival, hmm?"

Her eyes sparkled. As if her blue eyes were filled with stars.

"Hmmm! Yes!" She nodded, smiling.

We went to the festival, just us three. Turns out, they really did sneak out of the palace in disguise. I mean, the crown prince can't go anywhere without a guard.

"You didn't ask Kade and the others to join us?" I asked, eyes on them.

Daphne pouted and frowned. "Let those idiots be, sis Sera. This is our time . . ." She side glanced Ced. "He shouldn't have been here too."

Nagsimula na naman siya ng away. Tumalim ang tingin sa kaniya ni Cedric. "Huh? Kung 'di sa 'kin, 'di ka makalalabas!"

Daphne mocked the way Cedric spoke, making him angry more. I let out an awkward chuckle. Wow, this is something I didn't miss.

"Bleh." Daphne gently took my arm and ran with me in the street, followed by Cedric who's cursing her but obviously laughing too.

We spent the three together, roaming around. It's just the first day of the festival but it's already lively. There are dozens of booths selling accessories, foods, and stuff.

"Hey! I want that!" Naunang tumakbo papunta sa isang booth si Daphne. Hinila niya si Cedric. "Buy it for me!"

I laughed watching them, about to follow them when the booth next to me caught my attention.

"Hello, my lady! Please check our toys!" A little girl was at the booth. Mukhang umalis ang kasama niya kaya siya ang nagbabantay.

She smiled. "Wah! Your hair is so pretty!" Her eyes sparkled, looking at my braided hair. I was worried at first that she might recognize me, not until she took one of the toys they were selling and showed it to me.

"You have the same color!" She smiled, I was taken aback.

A red rabbit. A red rabbit with a black ribbon on its neck.

It made me smile and I leaned closer to the girl. "Oh my . . . what a cute toy you have there," I said, meeting her eyes.

"Hehe . . . look at that! It has gray buttons too! Like your eyes!"

Naapangat ang dalawang kilay ko. "A-"

"Sis Sera!"

Daphne's voice caught my attention. Napalingon ako sa babaeng tumatakbo papalapit sa 'kin na unti-unting bumagal nang mapansing may kausap ako. She looked at me, before at the booth I'm looking at.

Her eyes were locked on the toy and the kid.

"Hey! Daph! You forgot to take the stick-" Cedric followed her irritated, but soon stopped when he realized we were looking at something.

Naapayos ako ng tayo at napangiti. "Oh, sorry. Hindi ako nakasunod kaagad." I looked at Daphne. "I'll go get your stick, hmm?" I said to make it up to her.

She couldn't answer fast. For some reason, her expression was off before she tried to stop me.

"N-No, I'll get it-"

I chuckled. "Stay here with Ced, hmm?"

I winked at her before leaving them together. I looked for the booth where they were at. I still have a smile on my face, it looks like Daphne and Cedric are enjoying the festival which makes me feel happy as well.

Oh, there it is.

Hahakbang pa lang ako papunta sa booth nang may sumulpot sa harapan ko. My eyes widened, facing a pink cotton candy. 

Behind it is a familiar man, making my eyes widen more.

"What a lucky day it is . . ." He said with a smile, still has a black mask covering half of his face.

"It's been a while, my Vina."

╭ ─┉─ • ─┉─ ╮

»» Behind the scenes «
»» Next chapter ««
»» Omniscient Point Of View ««

Forehead furrowed, Cedric went closer to Daphne to see her face.

"What is it, Daph? You made ate Sera-" He stopped midway when he saw Daphne staring at the toy rabbit, expressionless.

His face was worried. "Daphne?"

Without looking at him, she answered. "Say . . . we basically grew up together, right? With Sis Sera." Her voice was cold and dry. Cedric was surprised by her question, but before he could answer, she spoke again. "Have you ever seen her play a doll before?" 

Humarap na si Daphne kay Cedric, dahilan para matigilan ito. Cedric's face softened, trying to remember if he did once saw Seravina played a doll before.

"Perhaps, some other toys? Did she also experience having a tea party in her room? Have she once picked some flowers in the garden on her own?"

Cedric watched Daphne as tears formed in her eyes.

"Did we . . . really grow up together?" She faced him. "Or sis Sera just watched us grow?"

Cedric couldn't answer. He felt something sharp hitting his chest. Daphne stared at him for a couple of seconds, remembering the sight she saw minutes ago.

Watching Seravina talking to a kid, looking at a rabbit doll. She looks so warm, so innocent. She realized that even though she's always been like that, she never saw her like that. 

She was used to Seravina being on their side, always someone they could lean on. A person they can always go to. But not once, Seravina asked something for them. Not once, was she in a state where she was the one in need.

She has always been a supporting character.

And both of them, without realizing it, took her for granted.

Cedric looked down, Daphne started sobbing. Both of them were getting eaten by guilt, hating themselves for despite loving her . . .

They haven't done anything for her.

╭ ─┉─ • ─┉─ ╮

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