𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝟏𝟔 | 𝐆𝐎 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐑 𝐆𝐎 𝐁𝐈𝐆

𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐀

I woke up feeling aches all over my body. Pagkadilat ko'y nakita ko ang pulang kurtina ng kama. Kumuha ako ng buwelo para lang bumangon ng kama't napadaing ako sa sakit. Paglingon ko ng kanan ko'y nakita kong naglalakad papunta sa direksyon ko si Uno. He's holding a wooden tray full of glass bowls.

''You're awake,'' he said.

Pinatong niya sa side table ang dala niya at umupo sa gilid ko. Napapikit ako nang makaramdam ng pangingirot mula sa ulo ko. I tried to remember why I was laying in bed. Napamura na lang ako kasi bumalik sa isip ko 'yong kabalastugang ginawa namin ni Vernon.

Inside a two-way mirror, other men watch us while doing our deeds. I'm the one giving them a woman's mark, right? This is just for the sake of their lives.

"How do you feel?" Dinampi ni Uno ang palad niya sa noo ko.

''I feel tired,'' I said. Napabuntong hininga si Uno at kinuha ang baso. Pumasok naman si Zander. He's also holding a wooden tray.

I tried to peek what he was holding but even my neck hurts. Napamura ako dahil sa sakit at agad naman na minasahe ni Uno ang batok ko habang nakaupo sa tabi ko. Lahat na lang masakit sa akin. Pagpahingain niyo naman ako. Ukinayu.

''We know that you feel tired. We already called for Solomon. Don't worry but for now. . .'' Bumaba ang kamay niya sa likod ko't sunod niya itong minasahe. Napataas ang kilay ko habang nakatingin sa kaniya. I was telling him to continue what he was going to say. He look so hesitant.

''We just wanted to talk about the candy that fell from your pocket,'' Zander said. Umupo naman siya sa likod ko kaya lumingon ako sa kaniya nang nakakunot noo. Kagigising ko lang ha. Ano ba'ng pinagsasabi ng mga ito?

"Tell us, woman. Did you already tasted it?" Uno leans closer. Nagtataka naman siyang tinitigan ni Zander.

"How come? The woman's voice is still the same as before." Puno ng pagdududa ang boses ni Zander. Ako naman 'tong hindi maka-relate.

"Wait lang." Tinaas ko ang palad ko't napakamot na lang sa ulo. "Kagigising ko lang, okay?"

"Zander requested yesterday if he can have his mark—"

"Damn you. I told you to keep it between us!" Zander covered Uno's mouth. Napapikit na lang ako sa inis. Sunod akong humiga sa kama't hinila ang kuwelyo ni Zander.

"G na nang matapos na agad." Naiinip kong sambit. Nanatili ang titig sa akin ni Zander at saglit siyang humawak sa leeg ko.

"Ukinayu—" Nanggigigil niya akong sinakal at binugbog ko ang dibdib niya. Tinawanan niya ako pagkatapos. Nakahawak lang ako sa leeg ko habang hinahabol ang hininga. Mga gago talaga 'tong mga 'to!

"I need to help Anthonus for his request. Later will do," Zander whispered. Umalis na siya sa taas ko't ako naman ang na-highblood nang marinig ko uli ang pangalan ni Anthonus.

"Looks like you're tired from giving marks from men here."

My eyes automatically rolled when I saw Anthonus entered the room. Umiwas ako ng tingin dahil ayaw kong makita ang mukha niya. Sumandal na lang ako sa balikat ni Zander at tumingin sa wooden tray.

"Ba't nandito ka? Epal ka talaga sa buhay ko." Saglit ko lang siya tiningnan pero 'yong inis ko sa kaniya mas malaki pa sa Mt. Everest. Mas mabuti pang aswang ang bumalaga sa akin pagkagising ko, 'wag lang mukha ni Anthonus.

"Awww, that's sad. Your woman didn't miss you an inch because she was busy marking other men when you weren't around. Love hurts."

I heard another voice. Mabilis akong lumingon sa likod. Nanlalaki ang mga mata ko habang nakaduro sa lalaking nakatayo sa harap ko. On my left side, is also a man sitting on a sofa with identical face likes him.

"Arthur!" I exclaimed. Isang tipid na ngiti ang binigay niya sa akin. Napatakip ako ng bibig dahil akala ko si Anthonus 'yong pumasok kanina. I didn't notice his woman's mark because he is wearing a high collar silvery suit.

I can't believe Arthur is in front of me! He's back!

"I apologize because I was too late. I was supposed to visit Tibbanus this morning." Arthur took off his thick maroon cape. Pinatong niya ito sa upuan at sunod na niluwagan ang kuwelyo niya't umupo sa gilid.

"Luh? Ayusin mo polo mo, ang sagwa, para kang si Anthonus, e." Naiinis kong sambit habang nakatingin kay Arthur. Dumilat siya't nagtataka akong tiningnan. Isa-isa niyang nilagay ang mga batones ng shirt niya.

"Look in front of the mirror, rat. Wearing a luxurious dress is useless because your face ruins it." Natatawang sabi ni Anthonus habang nakangisi sa akin.

Rumolyo agad ang mga mata ko hindi na lang ako nagsalita pa. Tinuon ko na lang ang atensyon ko kay Arthur dahil para sa akin ay ang tagal niyang nawala. Nakaupo na siya sa upuang malapit sa akin at agad niyang sinandal ang ulo niya sa pader. I can tell that he looks tired and sleepless because his eyebags. Napanguso na lang ako dahil pumikit na siya siya.

''Arthur is sleepless again,'' Zander whispered. Nakasandal lang ako sa balikat niya at sinilip ang mukha niya.

''Bakit? Puyat ba siya lagi?'' I asked like a curious child. Naramdaman ko ang pagkibit balikat ni Zander.

''Yeah, that's what I know. The King prefers Arthur to travel around and do heavy tasks for him. It's because there's a rumor last year that the screening of Knights became bloody when Anthonus handled it so...'' Zander kept his voice lower. 'Pansin kong hindi niya rin matuloy kung ano'ng gusto niyang sabihin kaya hindi ko na rin siya pinilit magsalita.

Hindi na ako nagsalita dahil hindi naman na ako magtataka kung gano'n mamuno si Anthonus. If he will be in my world, everyone will suffer. Someone like him who takes advantage of his position and power deserves to be kick out of his throne.

Umalis si Uno sa harap namin ni Zander at lumapit sa mesa. I observed what he was going to do. He pulled the drawer of the medium-size table. Napabangon ako ng ulo mula sa balikat ni Zander nang makitang ang daming laman na envelopes at letters 'yon. Kumuha ng isa si Uno bago niya isara uli. Feeling ko ang dami ring trabaho ni Uno at kulang din 'to sa tulog. No wonder why Uno is wearing spectacles.

''The town has been looking for you, Arthur.'' Uno walked towards Arthur. Inabot niya ang liham kay Arthur. Tinitigan ko si Anthos na naka dekwatro sa gilid malapit sa pinto. Nakatitig lamang siya kay Arthur at hindi maipinta ang lahat. Awww, kawawa naman. Siya ang nandito pero si Arthur pa rin hinahanap ng iba. I rolled my eyes. Sad life. Deserved.

''I know. I received a letter when I visited the town of Nhelgo.'' Naningkit ang mga mata ko nang makita ang reaksyon ni Uno. I wonder why he looks puzzled. I wonder what kind of place that Nhelgo. Kawawa naman si Arthur dahil ang dami niyang pinupuntahan.

''What were you doing in Nhelgo? You know that's an abandoned place because of its history of black magic. Didn't that the place where the fallen ones who live in Kazva hide decades ago?'' Anthonus leans over Arthur's direction. His hands are clasps with his usual smirk on his face. Ngumuso ako sa direksyon niya dahil hindi ko ba alam kung ba't big deal bumisita sa isang abandonadong lugar?

''Ano'ng meron?'' bulong ko kay Zander.

''Shhh.'' Tinapat niya ang daliri niya sa akin na para bang 'wag na muna akong magsalita. Ngumuso ako't nilaro naman ni Zander ang daliri ko. Sunod niyang hinawakan ang kamay ko't tinago sa kaniyang bulsa. Napanguso na lang ako dahil 'di ko alam kung ba't ayaw niya sagutin 'yung tanong ko. Tsismosa na ba ako masyado?

''Oh, you weren't aware that Ehmyr and Baste went to Nhelgo? Nakasalubong ko sila't ang sabi nila'y kakailanganin nila ito para sa akademya. I weren't going for a place for a reason, Anthonus.'' Arthur said in a calm voice. Umupo muli siya sa upuan at sinandal ang ulo sa pader. Nilagay niya sa bulsa ng inalis niyang coat ang liham.

''What were you trying to say? Do you think I went here to Tibbanus to play? I went here as your substitute. Don't be too full of yourself, Arthur.'' I can feel the tension when Arthur didn't talk and stared at Anthonus for a long time. Pati si Uno ay naiwang nakatingin sa kambal.

Anthonus scoffed. ''I'm not boasting here attention—''

''Come on. I know you like it when towns and high priests look for you when you aren't around. You can act goody-boy in front of other people but not in front of me. Admit it, you love the—''

''Is that how you welcome me?'' Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang putulin ni Arthur kung ano man ang sasabihin ni Anthonus. Nandilim na rin ang mukha ni Anthonus at nagulat na lang kami nang tumayo si Arthur. Tumayo na rin ako dahil baka magpatayan silang dalawa.

''I feel hurt that you view me like that, Anthonus. I came back here to watch you distribute your gifts to the townspeople,'' Arthur said calmly. Sunod niyang kinuha ang coat niyang nakapatong sa upuan at sinuot ito. He started fixing his hair too. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Uno. I wonder if the twins talk this way with each other.

''Did I invite you to watch it? No one needs your sympathy. Stop making a show for people to know that you're a caring older brother. Quit the show.'' Lumawak ang ngisi ni Anthonus habang nakaupo siya sa upuan. Sumandal pa siya't akala mo nasa bahay lang na nanonood ng TV. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako habang nakatingin kay Anthonus. Hindi na nga nagsasalita si Arthur, panay pa rin ang satsat niya.

''P'wede ba'ng shut up ka muna. 'Di na nga nagsasalita si Arthur,'' inis kong sambit. Everyone stares at me as if I was insane to butt in between two royals. Arthur stares at me with his usual calm expression. Nanatili naman ang ngisi ni Anthonus habang nakatitig sa akin.

''Uno, training a rat how to behave the way it is should be included in your schedule.'' Anthonus glances at me. ''I'm out of here. I'm busy for Tibbanus townspeople.'' Umiling siya a tinalikuran kami. I watched Anthonus with my eyebrows furrowed.

''Ano'ng problema no'n? Lakas ng saltik,'' I said while Zander busy playing my hand inside his pocket. Nakakunot lang ang noo ko habang pinapanood ang likod ni Anthonus.

''Just ignore Anthonus. He's just like that,'' he answered while pinching my hand.

Naiwang nakatayo si Arthur na parang hindi alam ang sasabihin. Uno is explaining something related to their scholars named Ehmyr and Baste. I wonder where is that kiddo right now. Iniisip ko rin kung sino ba 'yong Baste. I often hear his name, but the only thing I know about him is he's a scholar, that's all.

Seriously? Ilang lalaki pa ba ang makikilala ko? Whenever I meet a new guy, I always think of ways to give him a mark. 'Wag na tayong maglokohan dito. Giving them a woman's mark isn't just a simple kiss on the lips. It should be a French kiss and so much more. They even need to taste my down there.

''I need to check something. I apologize for everything that you heard.'' Arthur told us. Napabuntong hininga na lang si Uno habang hilot ang sentido niya. Arthur glances at me.

''Where are you going? Solomon and his brothers wanted to tour here. Today is Penis Festival,'' Uno said. Muntik akong natawa kahit na seryoso ang sitwasyon namin. Kung hindi pa kinurot ni Zander 'yong kamay ko. Sino ba namang 'di matatawa? Penis Festival, parang ewan. Ano 'yon? I-totour nila si Arthur tapos ang makikita niya puro tite?

''I know, Uno.'' Arthur fixes his silvery high collar suit. ''I just need to talk to Ehmyr and Baste.'' Nalukot na lang ang noo ko nang ako ang titigan ni Uno. Lah? Bakit siya nakatingin sa akin?

''Until now we have had no contact with the two,'' Uno sounded anxious. ''But the woman...''

''The woman what?'' Pati si Arthur ay napalukot ang noo habang nakatingin sa akin. Kinalbit ko si Zander pero magtanong pero sumenyas na lang siya na shut up na muna ako. Tinikom ko ang mga labi ko kasi 'di naman ako tulad ni Anthonus na hindi marunong mag-shut up.

''The woman has Ehmyr and Baste's candy.'' Pati ako ay napakunot ang noo sa sinasabi ni Uno.

''Ha? Sinasabi mo? Adik ka ba? Hindi ko pa nga nakakaharap 'yang Baste na 'yan.'' Napabangon tuloy ako sa balikat ni Zander. Nilabas niya na rin kamay ko sa bulsa niya't minasahe 'yon para pakalmahin ako.

''Wala kami sa sitwasyon para sabihin sa'yo ang totoo—''

''Zander.'' Uno cut off his words. Nagpabalik-balik ang tingin ko sa kanilang tatlo dahil kung kanino ay parang ang dami nilang sasabihin ngayon ay nakatitig lang sila sa akin. I stare at Arthur hoping that he'll say something but he just stares at me apologetically.

''It is because of this?'' Nilabas ko sa bulsa ko ang candy na binigay sa akin at tinaas upang ipakita sa kanila. Uno and Arthur stare at it for a long time before looking at each other. Para bang nag-uusap ang mga mata nila. Muli akong napabuntong hininga dahil mukhang may ayaw silang sabihin sa akin.

''Yeah,'' Arthur answered me. Hinawakan siya ni Uno sa braso ngunit umiling lang si Arthur. Napahilot ng sentido si Uno na para ba'ng hindi ko malaman kung ano 'tong candy na 'to.

''Bakit? Ano ba 'to? Droga?'' Nalilito kong saad.

''No,'' Uno answered me. Tinitigan ko siya para lang hindi siya tumigil sa pagsasalita. ''Remember the candy that we told you about? The candy the you need for you to blend in the crowd. . . Ito ang bagay na tinutukoy namin.''

''Oh, how true?'' Nagtataka kong nilapit ang candy. All I can see are pastel pink wrappers and pink candy with glitter inside. ''Paano?''

''We know that wearing a man's clothes is useless if you're voice is a woman's. So we decided to deliver letters to Ehmyr and Baste,'' Uno said.

''Tapos?'' Naiinip kong sabi. Hindi ko ba alam kung bakit pahinto-hinto pagsasalita nitong si Uno minsan.

''The candy that you're holding is made by only two people. The man who gave you that introduced himself as Travis, right? Did he mention something related to being executed when you say his name in public?'' Napatango ako sa sinabi ni Uno.

Napaisip na rin ako dahil akala ko nagbibiro lang 'yong lalaking nagbigay sa akin. They were right because that man named Travis mentioned about not saying his name in public. Napalukot na lang ang noo ko nang isa ma-alala ko 'yong lalaking kumaripas ng takbo at hinila palayo si Travis.

''Wait lang. Parang may kasama si 'yong Travis. . .'' Napaisip ako dahil pamilyar din sa akin 'yong kasama niyang lalaki kahit na nakamaskara din siya. Where did I see that face? I know he looks somehow familiar.

''How old is he?'' Lalo akong nalukot ang noo ko dahil imbes na pangalan ay edad pa talaga ang tatanungin ni Uno.

''Ha? Parang kasing-edad no'ng Travis mga 20?'' Saglit ako napaisip pero ang natatandaan ko lahat ay pamilyar ang mata niya.

''He did it again, that brat...'' Uno whispered something. Napasapo siya ng noo samantalang si Arthur naman ay napabuntong hininga.

''Ha?'' Nagtataka kong sambit.

''I'll talk to you later, woman. Excuse me for a while, Zander and I needs to fix something.'' Uno glances at Zander.  Nang tapunan ng tingin ni Uno si Zander ay agad din itong tumayo para sundan siya. Zander waves his hand at me and bows at Arthur. Ngayon naman ay dalawa kaming naiwan sa silid.

''Ano ba'ng problema ninyo? Kagigising ko lang ha. Mag-aayos na ako.'' Tumayo naman ako para hanapin ang mga gawin ko. I remember that cat named Dash told us that we can get anything in his shop. I'm crazing for some sweets and salty foods. Napanguso na lang ako nang maisip ko na hilig din pala akong asarin ng pusang 'yon.

I was busy looking inside the wooden crate that I found. It was full of odd-looking stuffs. However, I shrieked when someone hugged my from behind. Natigilan ako at tinitigan ang repleksyon ni Arthur sa maliit na salamin sa harap namin. Habang nakayakap siya sa akin at binaon niya ang ulo niya sa balikat ko.

''Please stay like that, I was so tired...'' He sighs heavily. Nanatili akong nakatayo at hinayaan siya gawin kung ano'ng gusto niya. Nagkatinginan kami sa salamin at nag-iwas ako ng tingin.

''You know sometimes I wonder what where you came from. How can you talk back to a man like Anthonus?'' he whispered. ''Uno wrote me a letter about what happened when you drank two bottles of Heat Essence. I was so worried. I requested the King to deploy me to get back to you but he rejected it. The King thought I was making up stories that a woman appeared in our world.''

''I'm fine.'' I don't know why that's all I can say. Ang dami kong gustong sabihin pero ang laman ng isip ko ay ang pagkabog ng dibdib ni Arthur. He's so close to my body and I can feel his smooth flesh to mine. His heart is beating fastl as he pulls he closer.

''I thought I'd lose you... Did you receive the letters and the chocolates I sent while I was away? I didn't even see you wearing the dress—''

''Sinuot ko,'' I said. Napalunok ako at tinitigan ang repleksyon niya sa salamin. ''I ate all the chocolates... It's my first time eating something like those... Thank you.''

''I'm curious...'' I felt him kissed my shoulder. ''Do men from your world give you a lot of chocolates and flowers?''

''Hindi. NBSB ako, mhie.'' I answered. Natawa na lang ako nang makita kong nalukot ang noo niya.

''What does NBSB means?" Takang-taka niyang sabi.

''No boyfriend since birth. I had no lover, minsan fling fling lang pero hanggang doon lang.'' Napaiwas ako ng tingin dahil kahit kailan ay hindi ko naisip mag-boyfriend. Single mother kasi ang nanay ko at nakita ko ang hirap niya. May mga kaibigan din akong madalas ay sawi sa pag-ibig kaya naisip ko na baka gano'n din ang mangyari sa akin.

''So it means that you never received chocolates from men?'' Parang bata niyang sabi. Tumango ako.

''I'm glad to be the first man that showered you with gifts. I promise that this won't be the first time that you'll receive something from me. Whenever I'm away, I promise that I'll always send letters and gifts.'' Arthur started assuring me. Naramdaman ko ang pag-akyat ng kamay niya pataas ng leeg ko. He chokes me for a second and then, I gasp.

Humarap ako sa kaniya't nagulat na lang ako nang buhatin niya ako. I watched him as he carry me like a princess. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang kabog ng dibdib ko nang ihiga niya ako sa kama. I watched him while he's on top of me smiling. Ni hindi man lang siya pinagpapawisan at ngayon ko lang napansin na parang wala siyang pores.

Grabe. Tao pa ba 'tong si Arthur? Parang galing Wattpad.

''I heard you don't feel well,'' he said. ''Do you want me to travel to bring you medicines? I'm with my favorite horse, Aldous.'' Hinaplos niya ang pawis sa noo ko at napangiti.

''H-ha? Magtra-travel ka pa para lang kumuha ng gamot ko?'' Nagtaka siya sa naging tanong ko.

I watched him chuckle. Pati pagtawa niya ang gaan sa panrinig. Nalukot na lang ang noo ko dahil nahalata ko ang dimple sa left cheek niya. Wala sa wisyo ko 'tong tinusok kaya lalo siyang natawa. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. He bit the top of my point finger and giggles again. Pinalo ko tuloy siya.

''I was worried. I apologized for what Anthonus did. He used to be a sweet child. He loved giving me gifts and surprises, and we went to the same elementary academy. I don't know what happened, it all started when the King...''

Napangon ako ng kama dahil sa sinabi niya habang nalukot ang aking noo. Arthur sighs and sits on the bed. Mukhang may na-alala siyang hindi maganda pangyayari. I didn't know If I heard it right too. Weh? Ano kaya nangyari? Hindi naman sa tsismosa ako pero parang gano'n na nga.

''You see... we are identical twins but I was born an hour before him, making me the eldest, the favorite of the King.''

Hindi ako nakapagsalita dahil hindi ko alam ang sasabihin. Sumandal na lang ako sa balikat ni Arthur at doon ko napagtanto na malalim ang inisiip niya dahil ilang minuto nang nasa balikat ang ulo niya pero hindi pa rin nagsasalita.

''Are you aware of what power my brother has? You know that I was granted the ability to copy other people's abilities, right? Everyone says that the King, our father chose and granted me to have this ability. Are you curious as to what ability my brother has?''

''Bukod sa mang-api ng kapwa, ano pa ba'ng kaya niyang gawin?'' I said sarcastically. Arthur pinches the back of my hand gently.

''Please don't talk to him that way. He... is my brother.'' Arthur's voice is so soothing and calm. Nanahimik na lang ako't hinayaang walang magsalita sa amin. I know Arthur is thinking of a lot of things too.

''You should be careful around Anthonus. The power that he possesses is extraordinary. He might erase your memories, and insert memories inside your mind that don't exist. He can also erase you from our memories. But if that happens, I'll always find ways to fix it. Just, listen to me, okay?'' Hinawakan ni Arthur ang kamay ko't pinatong sa kaniyang dibdib. He stares at me with a softened gaze. ''I promise to always protect you. Your name... I didn't know your name yet. You have a name, right?''

I stare at Arthur for a long time. There's always something about him that makes me calm. I don't know if it's his calm composure or gentle voice. He's the total opposite of his twin.

''Tiara,'' I smiled.

''I'll offer you my life, Tiara. Just listen to me, okay?'' He kissed my hand. Hindi ako nagsalita't tinitigan siyang hawakan ang dalawa kong kamay. ''Please? Listen to me, okay?'' He held both of my hands and kissed them without breaking our eye contact. I nodded to him in response.

Arthur offered to go watched what Anthonus will prepre. Pagkasabi niya pa lang ay sumimangot na ako't nakita ko siyang natawa. He caress my head and pulls me closer. Napanguso ko siyang tinitigan dahil alam niya na nga kung gaano kainit ang ulo ko sa kambal niya magpapasama pa siya sa akin.

''Oo na,'' I said.

''Come on,'' Arthur pinches my waist. ''I just want to support him. He said that he had something for the townspeople. This is the first time that Anthonus will do this so he has my full support. Please? I'm begging.'' Nag-puppy eyes pa siya parang tanga.

Ngumuso ako habang naglalakad kami sa labas. Pinalo ko siya sa braso at sinalo niya ang kamay ko para pisilin. Everyone is bowing at Arthur. Feel ko tuloy ang kapal ng mukha ko dahil pinapalo-palo at sinasapak ko lang 'yong prinsipe nila.

''Taste this! Taste this!'' I saw Flame shouting from afar. May hawak siyang claypot at nakataas ito. ''Your Highness, this the Highness' Anthonus original recipe! It tastes so good!''

''What is he doing?'' Arthur said. Sabay kaming lumapit kay Flame na ngayon ay pinapasaha 'yong hawak niyang claypot. Kinabog ang dibdib ko dahil pamilyar ang amoy niya. Wait lang ha, parang alam ko kung amoy 'yon?

''Ano 'yan?'' Nagtataka kong sabi habang nakataas ang kilay. Katabi niya si Val na ngayon ay nakasuot ng apron.

''We left something for you too.'' Val said. Inabot niya sa akin ang hawak niyang claypot na may takip. I don't know why my heart is fast. Alam ko kung ano'ng amoy ito, eh. Alam ko kung ano'ng pagkain ito.

''What's wrong?'' Athur whispered and held my arm. Hindi na ako nagsalita at binuksan ang inaabot ni Val. Nalukot na lang ang noo ko nang makita ang scrambled eggs at sinangag.

''Ano'ng pinagsasasabi mong original recipe 'to ni Anthonus? Hindi ba tatlo pa tayong nagluto nito?'' I asked them. Nagkatinginan sila Val at Flame na parang nagtataka.

''What are you saying, woman? The three of us never cooked together.'' Nagtatakang sambit ni Flame. I laughed at them sarcastically. Sunod akong lumapit kay Val at inagaw sa kamay niya 'yong hawak niyang claypot at binuksan.

''We used chopped cloves of garlic, a little bit of salt, and some pepper here, right? This dish came into my world. Ano'ng pinagsasabi niyong hindi niyo natatandaan na—''

''Tiara...'' Arthur pulls me closer. Nang titigan ko siya ay doon ko lang na-alala ang sinabi niya sa akin. He was giving my warnings a while ago but looks like I need to break our promise. Hind na talaga kaya ulo ko 'yang inis ko sa kambal niya.

''I'm sorry, Arthur—'' Agad ko siyang tinalikuran at mabilis akong naglakad palayo sa kanila.

From a far, I can see Anthonus smiling at the townspeople while distributing his self-proclaimed recipe. Hindi ko ma-describe kung gaano ako nangangatal ngayon habang papalapit sa kaniya. Ang kapal ng mukha niya lait-laitin 'yong niluluto namin nila Flame at Val tapos nanakawin niya? I scoffed when he stares at me. I can hear Arthur calling me but I didn't look back at him. Punong-puno na ako't pakiramdam ko ay sasabog na ako sa galit.

''Anthonus!'' I shouted. Tinapon ko sa kaniya ang hawak kong bowl. Everyone gasped when the scrambled eggs fell on the floor.

''Oh,'' Anthonus stares at me from head to toe. ''Arthur, did you teach this woman that what she did could lead to treason—''

''What did you do? Alam kong pinanood mo kami ni Flame at Val habang niluluto 'to—''

''I have no idea what are you talking about. You heard me when I said that I have a gift for the townspeople, right?'' Lalong nag-init ang ulo ko dahil hindi ko alam kung sa'n siya kumukuha ng kapal ng mukha.

''Your recipe?'' I scoffed. ''If this is your recipe, then prove it.''

''Tiara—'' Mahigpit kong hinawakan ang kamay ni Arthur.

''Please just ignore the woman—''

''Tomorrow afternoon, I challenged you to a live cooking show in front of the townspeople to prove if this is your recipe.'' Nakataas noo kong sambit.Nanatili ang ngisi sa mga labi niya't talagang nagpipigil akong guntingin 'yang labi niya. Nangangatal na ako sa harap niya sa galit.

Nakipagtigasan ako ng tingin kay Anthonus. He could have ask my permission to borrow this recipe, or if he could asked if nicely. Hindi naman ako madamot.

Ang hindi ko lang tanggap ay pagkatapos niyang lait-laitin ang pinaghirapang iluto nila Flame at Val ay magagawa niya kaming nakawan ng recipe? Now only that, but Anthonus even erased his memories so no one tells the public that he's a fake. His face is indeed thicker than a dictionary.

''Do you hear yourself? Do you want a public execution instead?'' Nang-aasar niyang sambit.

''Anthonus please just ignore her—'' Kinurot ko si Arthur para manahimik na siya.

''Didn't you hear me? I said I challenged you to a live cooking show in front of the towns people!'' Hindi ko na napigilan ang anghang ng bunganga ko kaya lahat ay natigilan sa sari-sarili nilang ginagawa at napatitig sa amin.

Everyone stares at me with horror in their eyes. They're probably thinking that I'm digging my own grave. Alam kong iniisip nila na nababaliw na ako't walang dignidad. But yeah, they heard it right, I challenged their dearest Highness, Anthonus for a live cooking show in front of the townspeople. I'll spill the tea for them.

Oh, yeah right. I remember someone mentioned that the upcoming Crown Prince's selection is approaching. Is this why he's doing this? Not a valid reason to steal. I pity him so bad.

𝘛𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥...