To Marry The Prince

Chapter 3: First Meeting

"Are you ready?" Raymond asked Aliyah who is currently sitting at the car quietly. The entire time that they drive to the palace, she did not utter a single word. She turned around and saw through the window that they are already at the palace. The beautiful garden welcomed her and the wonderful view of flowers dancing with the wind somehow calmed her down.

"I am ready," she finally said.

Going up the steps, she held on to her father's arm. Kabado siya, halos hindi rin niya maramdaman ang mga paa niya. Parang hanggang sa bawat hibla ng buhok niya ay nanginginig sa kaba. Perfoming in front of millions doesn't compare to meeting the Queen. This may be the first time that she's nauseous just because she's eating dinner with someone.

A bunch of servants came to meet them, halata na nagulat ang mga ito sa pagkakakita sa kan'ya. Malamang ay namukhaan siya, ngunit hindi nila masabi dahil sa ngayon ay pinipilit nila na maging professional.

They were led to a different dining room, it is closed so that they're conversation would stay private and all of the helpers will stay outside of the room.

Fernan greeted them and let them in. They were the first to arrive.

"The Queen is on her way," he said.

Lalong nanghina si Aliyah sa narinig. Hindi niya alam kung kakayanin niya na harapin ang dalawa. Baka mamaya ay mahimatay nalang siya o 'di kaya ay siya na mismo ang umarte na nahimatay para lang makatakas sa sitwasyon.

She is in the middle of thinking about ways on how to survive the night but in the middle of it, she was stopped by the sudden opening of the huge doors and the announcement that the Queen has arrived.

"Mr. Kim, Miss Aliyah, welcome," said the Queen. Aliyah and her father bowed down to show respect. Pag-angat niya ng tingin ay siya namang pagngiti ng Reyna sa kan'ya. She smiled back but she wasn't sure if it shows, her whole face felt numb. And she can't think straight.

The voices of the Queen and Raymond talking can be heard, but she didn't understand a single thing. She doesn't even know if she's talking to her.

"Aliyah?"

Halos mapatalon siya sa narinig niyang pagtawag sa kan'ya. The Queen is looking at her, waiting for an answer.

"Qu-Queen Olivia pasensya na po. Kinakabahan po kasi ako," she said. Natawa ang Ginang sa pagsagot niya.

"It's okay honey, relax. I just want to talk to you in person about the proposal that I've said to your father last night," the elegant lady said. "It's a huge sacrifice for you, I understand that. And I admire how your father wants you to make the decision yourself. Sa totoo lang Prince Kairo needs your help desperately right now. But if you do not wish to marry him, it is totally fine. I am not forcing you."

Aliyah smiled while thinking, "Who would dare say no to the Queen?"

"Queen, I understand your point. I actually have read quite a lot of articles today. I can see how the Prince is in a bad spot when none of the claims were confirmed. Siguro po ay talagang malakas ang dating nang negative articles sa mga tao kahit na hindi nila alam kung totoo."

Malungkot na tumango ang Reyna sa narinig. Alam niya na lalong lumalala ang sitwasyon ni Kairo, at ilang buwan pa na ganito, mapipilitan na silang bigyan pansin si Prince Tyler. 'Yon ang gusto niyang mapigilan.

"Aliyah, hindi madali na sabihin ito sa'yo. Nahihiya rin ako sa totoo lang, babae rin ako. At alam ko na lalo na sa katulad mo, hindi madali ang magpakasal sa tao na hindi mo mahal, hindi mo man lang kilala, but I have to try."

She bitterly smiled, hearing how the Queen's voice cracked. One hundred percent she knows that her following and positive effect to the public has landed her in this situation. For some reason, given the situation where she is basically signing up to be used for the safety of the Prince's position, it doesn't upset her. It is something that deep down in her heart, she is willing to give.

"Queen, Pa, sa totoo lang po after thinking a lot, I have no problem of helping the Prince. If my social status right now can help him and the palace to remain at peace, I am glad to do everything."

Napangiti ang dalawang nakakatanda sa panimula ni Aliyah. Huminga nang malalim ang dalaga bago magsalitang muli.

"Pero ang kinakatakot ko po ay ang titulo. Once I become the Princess of Aztariya, wala po akong alam na gawin. Opo sa ngayon, matutulungan ko siya sa pag-aayos ng pangalan niya. Pero sa pagiging Prinsesa, wala po akong alam doon. I don't think my acting skills and singing can help with that."

Natawa si Queen Olivia sa pagsasalita ni Aliyah. She is very polite and a little comical, sigurado siya na makakasundo niya ito.

"If you decided to marry the Prince, you are going to stay here. May magtuturo sa'yo, lahat nang kailangan mong malaman pwede rin na ako ang tumulong. Hindi kita papabayaan."

The Queen's gaze have left a warm feeling on Aliyah. She sounded so sincere, being a daughter who lost her mother at a young age, this is the first time she felt like this for a while. She felt a motherly love.

"Nak, ano ang desisyon mo?" it was her father, she looked to see his worried face.

"If the Prince has no objections, I am willing to help."

A tear fell down the cheek of the Queen and she was quick to wipe it off before anyone else notice. But Aliyah did, she can tell how happy the woman is because of her decision.

"Now that you agreed, I can call the Prince so that the two of you can meet."

Aliyah's heart felt like it stopped beating. Pinanood niya ang pag-alis ni Fernan para tawagin ang Prinsipe.This is the moment that she's most afraid about. Meeting Kairo, she spent hours trying to figure out how she would act.

Minutes later, Fernan announced the arrival of the Prince from outside the door. He came in, the two visitors stood up and bowed down in respect. As soon as Aliyah finished, she stood straight. Her eyes met Kairo's. Nanlaki ang mga mata nito pagkakita sa kan'ya. He gave a quick slight bow as a sign of greeting to them.

"Kairo, sit down," the Queen ordered and pointed at the chair in front of Aliyah's.

Her heart started to beat wildly. It feels like her heart wants to escape out of her body. It isn't normal. She wants to scream, but she can't. Parang hindi siya makahinga.

Kairo on the other hand was speechless. He can't stop looking at the goddess sitting in front of him, the sight is breathtaking. A few seconds later, he realized what was going on and he immediately turned to his mother. The Queen is happily watching him being mesmerized by the beauty. She raised a brow as if teasing her own son.

"Prince Kairo, this is Aliyah," his mother said then winked.

"I know," he whispered to himself.

"Remember the decision that the palace made? She's the girl." Parang kinikilig pa ang Reyna sa pagbabalita. Si Kairo naman ay parang nabuhusan nang malamig na tubig sa kinauupuan. Mabilis niyang ibinalik ang tingin kay Aliyah na nakatingin sa kan'ya.

"She never changed," he thought.

"You agreed?" he softly asked the lady. Aliyah gave him a weak smile and nodded.

On that moment, his heart broke. Hindi niya malaman kung ano ang totoong iniisip niya. Ang alam lang niya ay si Aliyah ang babaeng napili nitong buong palasyo para lang sa kapakanan niya. And he doesn't like that.

"Queen, she's a celebrity," he said while looking at Aliyah. He witnessed how Aliyah's face changed. To him, she looked offended.

In her head, she's asking a lot. Is he mad that she's sitting in front of him right now? Is he offended that instead of a Royal Princess, she's the lucky one that got chosen? Or is he a one of a kind human being and he's the first ever hater of her. But in fact, none of those are the reason.

"If she really ends up marrying me, she will end up sacrificing more."

Aliyah wasn't expecting Kairo to care. She looked up at him only to catch him directly watching her every move. The actress continued to stay quiet and maintained to give an emotionless look. Never have she thought of meeting him under this situation, but she did her best not to break.

"Prince, Queen, I am sorry to interrupt. Prince Kairo, my daughter have talked to the Queen, she understands what it means agreeing to the proposal. And she is willing to help."

Panandaliang natahimik si Kairo, pero maya-maya ay tumayo ito at nagbigay galang sa mga nakatatanda.

"I wish to talk to her alone for a while, please excuse us."

The words didn't process inside Aliyah's brain. After she blinked, she is suddenly being pulled out of the room by Kairo. His warm hand is tightly gripping at her wrist as he rushed out and away from the servants. She's almost running just to catch up to his huge steps, but the both of them aren't talking.

Kairo finally stopped when they reached his own office. He looked around and once he saw no one near it, he led her inside. Not releasing his grip, he faced her. He can tell that the poor girl is nervous. It made him worry, he cleared his throat and looked at her directly in the eyes.

"Liyah, the palace wants to use you. Why are you agreeing?"

"Prince Kairo," she called. He dislike how she calls him, it made his eyes roll.

"The Queen is very worried about you right now. I can tell how she wants to help you, I agreed to help the Queen and our Kingdom," Aliyah said without looking at him.

"You are a celebrity, this is huge. Do you realize that by agreeing, you are going to throw every ounce of your hard work? "

Aliyah felt his hands on her bare shoulders, it somehow made her feel comforted very different from how his choice of words affect her.

"Aliyah, everyone is cursing me online. I'm just gonna pull you down with me if you follow their plan."

"You aren't, I am here to pull you up."

Kairo's grip on her shoulders tightened, stopping himself from hugging the beautiful girl in front of him. The sweet scent of flowers coming from her silky smooth hair isn't helping him at all.

"Liyah, you don't understand-"

"Prince Kairo-"

"Stop calling me that."

Aliyah is so close to breaking out of the character, she's doing the most to keep her composure and act tough. But Kairo's actions make it a thousand times harder.

"But Prince Kairo, I can't call you any other names other-"

"Stop pretending as if we just met. Aliyah, you know who I am," frustrated, Kairo said.

"Do I?" Maging si Kairo ay natulala sa malamang tanong ni Aliyah. He let her go. He did not expect her cold treatment, this is not what he thought would happen.

"Prince Kairo, there is nothing that could stop me from marrying you."

"What did you just say?" he asked.

"I made a choice. And I decided to marry you."

He can't believe that hearing Aliyah say these words to him would shatter his heart this much. There were times before when he wished for this, but now, it seems wrong.

"Aliyah, you don't understand. I can't let you be used like this. This is unfair to you," the Prince said. "You are someone that is very giving, and I know that right now you are agreeing just because you want to help. But this ain't it Liyah."

Aliyah bitterly smiled, "It is unfair, but I'm used to that."

Walang naisagot si Kairo sa binitawan nito sa harapan niya. As she watched him slam his fist on the bookshelf, she couldn't help but wonder why he still cares.

"Oh, I understand now," she whispered. Napalingon sa kan'ya si Kairo. "I get it now, as a Prince you are not allowed to get divorced."

Kairo heard sarcasm in her voice and it made him even more frustrated.

"And I am not allowed to have a girlfriend that the palace doesn't know," Kairo said with an emotionless look on his face, then he raised his brow before smirking as if taunting Aliyah.

"Do you think rules can stop me?" he asked.

"The news about you having a different girl per day is trending right now," she teased.

Hindi niya inakala na hihilahin siya palapit ni Kairo dahil sa pagbabanggit nito sa isang issue niya.

"Do you believe those?" he asked in a deep voice, whispering in her ear.

"No, I know that they're false, Prince."

"Really? Why? How sure are you?"

"Well, there's really no proof at any claims and-"

"And what?"

"And that can be a lot, I figured out that you'll get lazy or have no time."

Dahan-dahang lumakas ang pagtawa ni Kairo dahil sa naging sagot ni Aliyah. Her heart started to beat faster once again, she couldn't believe that she can watch him laugh like this again.

"Funny how you claim to not know me but you have the exact reasoning that I had," he said after laughing.

Aliyah didn't say anything, she just looked at her hands that were both being held by Prince Kairo as he sits on his table.

"Aliyah," he called her sweetly. "I am glad to see how far you've become."

Uminit ang mga mata ni Aliyah dahil sa narinig. He sounded so sincere, and proud of her. Hindi siya handa sa ganitong sitwasyon. Hindi niya nagawan ng script ito, hindi niya alam ang sasabihin.

"You don't know me, don't cry," he teased as he realized that her eyes are getting red.

She did her best to hold it back. She looked up and whispered, "I just met you."

"Sure, you did. Definitely," he responded. His hand went to pat her head softly.

"Liyah, think about it again. I know it is difficult to turn down the Queen's offer but please, don't give up everything for this."

"No, I want to be a Princess."

Nagbago ang tono ni Aliyah. Hindi na rin siya naiiyak kagaya kanina. Napangisi nalang si Prince Kairo sa pagbabago nito.

He bit his lip, understanding the change of her tone. She sounded competitive.

"So now you want the crown huh?" he sounded like he was teasing her again.

"Yes, sino ba naman ang ayaw maging prinsesa. Gusto ko rin na tumira sa ganitong palasyo, magarbo ang kagamitan, masarap ang pagkain-"

"Aliyah, you are literally a star. You already have all of these right now."

"Not really, I want the title."

Napailing nalang si Prince Kairo sa sinasabi ni Aliyah. She sounded more like convincing herself than Prince Kairo.

"How about this, give me a year. If I can't clear my own name, then we'll get married."

"If we wait for a year later, your crown will be gone. Then I wont get my own crown."

Kairo can't stop from grinning, Aliyah assumed a role and she's playing it well.

"You're acting got better," he thought to himself.

"Six months, I will do my best to clear out my name in six months. If I can't clear my own name, then we will follow the plan."

"Then what will I get?" tanong ni Aliyah.

"Freedom."

Sandaling napahinto si Aliyah bago nakabawi, "I told you, I want to be the Princess."

"If you're going to marry me, are you ready to leave your fans and your career?" Hindi nakasagot si Aliyah sa tanong sa kan'ya ni Prince Kairo.

He smiled, alam niya na gusto siyang tulungan ng dalaga. Pero hindi niya kaya na hayaan itong iwanan ang lahat para sa kan'ya.

"Come, let's tell them."

Prince Kairo grabbed her hand, without thinking much, he intertwined their fingers.

Mabilis na nahatak si Aliyah pabalik sa Reyna. Kahit na gusto niyang umalma, hindi niya alam kung paano sabihan ang Prinsipe mag dahan-dahan. Pinilit nalang niya na makahabol gamit ang mga binti niya na medyo kinapos sa haba.

They entered the room while she was panting. Hindi niya namalayang ang kamay nila hanggang sa mapansin niya na nanlalaki ang mata ni Queen Olivia at Raymond na nakatitig dito. Kaya naman mabilis siyang bumitaw at doon lang din namalayan ni Kairo.

"Queen, Mr. Kim, we decided, " Prince Kairo announced. "I will try to clear my own name for six months. If I fail to do so, then our marriage shall be planned."

"Six months is still too long," the Queen said. "I get it, you are trying to not get Aliyah involved in this mess, but at this point we really have no choice."

Napaiwas ng tingin ang dalawa.

"I can give you four moths max," the Queen said. Mr. Kim and the Queen looked at Aliyah's direction. She cleared her throat before she started talking.

"Queen, I am decided to marry the Prince. If something happens and I can help, please just let me know." Kaagad siyang nilingon ni Kairo na parang pinapahinto siya sa pagsasalita.

"Mr. Kim, I like Aliyah," the older woman said and giggled. She faced Aliyah's father and asked, "Can she stay here? She needs to be familiar with some rules and she needs to learn a lot."

Raymond immediately agreed and Aliyah smiled at the two. Kairo moved to stand behind her.

"We already talked, what are you doing?" he whispered. She gave him a peace sign behind her back to hide it from the Queen's view. Nagulat siya dahil bigla siyang inakbayan ni Prince Kairo sa harapan ng mga magulang nila. Paglingon ni Aliyah ay nakangisi lang ang Prinsipe sa kan'ya na parang sinasabi, "You're challenging me huh, bring it on." Gulat na napanganga ang Ginang sa nakita.

"Do you two know each other?" she can't help but ask.

Aliyah gave Kairo a fierce look before smiling sweetly to face the Queen.

"No Queen, of course not. The Prince and I just met," she answered.

"Right, right. We just met."