SEA'S BRIDE (PHILMYTHO ROMANCE II)

CHAPTER 34

I look at Leandro once more, who has completely kept his face away from me, and I asked him, "I remember asking for help before I faint. Didn't you summon his men to help him fight those creepy sea creatures?" I scold him. I can't believe it either but seeing Leandro astounded before my eyes makes me wonder where is emotion coming from? What is triggering me so much to grieve for a man I used to despise.

He was frozen from where he stood. I bet he, too, can't still believe I am acting this way towards him. Until Leandro manages to reply, "We did." but his expression however is only manifesting a pang of guilt more than confidence.

I took another step closer to him as I pressed my words to him. "Then why did he die if you deployed guards for your master?" There was a fury in my eyes knowing someone died because one of his men is not reliable enough to assist an extra aid during his master's battle.

"But miss Emalia--" I hadn't let him finished speaking when I interrupted him to say, "Enough! There is nothing you can say that could bring back the dead anyway. I thought you are loyal to your master, Leandro. But I guess there's really a limit on how you can be of help to him." I told him as I turn my back to face the tables once again.

I mustered my courage to walk near it and as soon as I was beside the cadaver bag where Amanikable is resting breathless, more tears came rushing down my eyes. No matter how I try to brush them off my cheeks, they just keep on moistening them again and again. To my only wonder, is I can't feel that 'something' inside me especially now that I needed it most to calm me down.

"I—I'm...I'm sorry. I misjudged you all this time. Y—you weren't so bad and that hideous person after all. And I was stupid to realize that just now. Why does it need for someone to die in my stead before I could realize their genuine intentions? I feel sorry for your death just to save a mere person like me. I hope you can find peace now that you're eternally resting." I told him. I was too afraid but I would like to see his face even though it's already lifeless.

"Just what exactly are you doing there, woman?" I suddenly heard the master's voice that twitched me back away from the cadaver bag. Am I hearing a ghost now? But Amanikable isn't a ghost--he is a pre-colonial God!

I tried reaching out to Leandro through my visions but there was nothing I could get from his dull facial expression.

"Didn't you just heard that?" I instantly asked him.

"What?" He asked.

"The dead just spoke." I clarified.

"Miss Emalia, that can't be possible—" I didn't let him finished when I chimed, "Were you saying I was lying? I heard him speak just now. Leandro, could he possibly still be alive?" I asked.

And then, Leandro and I were surprised by the sudden gliding of the green curtain revealing the fully erected and strongly breathing Amanikable before us when he reacted, "You're so loud, Woman. Won't you even give me a break?" he called me ‘woman’ again. I thought he’d finally call me using my name after I heard him called out to me back when was saving me. I suppose it’s a temperamental hope he’ll even resort to using my name in addressing me after all. Yet, a portion in me is weirdly feeling a tinge of glee knowing he is aware of my name. he has been hearing it from Leandro most of the time, of course, he must’ve had remembered it already.

My eyes widened due to so much hope and relief after seeing him alive and quite well. Though I still feel guilty seeing him wrapped with those scattered bandages over his naked upper body. And like I can help it, my feet moved quickly before him.

"You're alive." I then told him with tears in my eyes. Looking at him this way, I don't mind if I'll appear so weak due to these tears as long as he didn't die in my account, then I'm good with that.

"Of course, I can't just easily die from the hands of those weaklings." He confidently said while keeping his arms to his chest.

Leandro quickly pulled a seat for his master saying, "Master, please have a seat. your stitches might open if you pressure yourself from standing too long."

I glared at Leandro and this left him in a nervous state when I asked him, "Why didn't you tell me that he is alive and fine? First, you confined him beyond my reach, and then now you've hidden away the fact that he's alive?" I am slowly giving away to telling the truth to Amanikable to reveal why I was able to escape. But I gave him my word, he should be thankful about that at least and reciprocate me the favor instead of infuriating me like this.

"But miss Emalia, how could I even tell you when you keep on interrupting me? Besides, I never intend to deceive you about my master's condition. When did I ever tell you that my master has perished?" He protested projecting that innocent face I wish I could tear apart. He even dared to retort a defense query to fortify his side. He's not a good actor at all but he's skilled in turning the tables down. I know this is one of his tricks to get back at me after I forced him to do the dirty works in my bathroom.

"Do you still remember telling me that you hope I could bear seeing him after you open the door? What do you think would that imply to me?" I told him back in a query. Just who does he think I am? To think he could trick the master to believe I was the only one who's just playing some ruckus here when in fact, Leandro played some tricks on me to believe he is dead when he is not.

But before things get more worst, Leandro bowed down with his other hand on top of his chest as his common gesture before apologizing, "Miss Emalia, that was never my intention but If I ever displeased you, I am ready to atone for my sin. Punish me anything you think best to bestow of my crime." He said. What a jerk. He's using this scheme again knowing I will not punish him in the end.

I was about to speak again when the master was quick to harbor me around my waist and forced me to sit on his lap. Then he said, "That's enough, Leandro. You are dismissed." which Leandro immediately oblige, leaving me and the master inside.

The room felt a bit colder and awkward now that it's just only the two of us. My eyes can't focus straight to look into his eyes. And my position fixed me to be stiff while sitting on his lap. He's wounded yet, he could still manage to carry my weight. What an incredibly strong man he is.