Winning The Magnate's Heart (#LTNI Book 2)

#WTMH Roll 4: Entanglement

Margaret plays the diamond ring on her finger as she was sitting infront of her vanity mirror while Jean is combing, and Ussie is blow-drying her wet hair.

"That's a very pretty ring, Princess." Puna ni Ussie.

After the... impromptu engagement party, Sofia and Margaret went outside to have some fresh air. They just sat on one bench under a tree and said nothing at all, which Marga was grateful of. That time, all she wants is some time alone to gather her sanity. She just sat there and look at the people inside having fun, Joaquin laughing, the royal heads having their fancy time. It was supposed to be her engagement party, yet no one even realized that she was missing inside the venue.

"Ang ganda ninyong tingnan ni Prince Joaquin kanina, Princess Marga." Kinikilig namang dagdag ni Jean.

Still staring at the sparkling gem on the ring, only one corner of her lips manages to draw upward. "Really?"

"Yes!" Sabay sagot ng dalawa.

> "Marry me?" Liam pulls a ring from his pocket. Plastic na singsing iyon na freebies sa isang chichirya.

Pumikit siya. "Thank you, Jean... Ussie." Tumayo siya. "I'm going to sleep."

Yumukod ang dalawa. "Have a good rest, princess." At tumalikod na rin para umalis.

She remained standing there to wait the sound of their footsteps to disappear. With little energy left, she pulls her worn-out slipper under her bed, shakes off her pink satin night-robe and pulls out a jacket from her closet.

.

.

Chomper wags his tail and peeks outside his wooden door when he sensed his owner approaching.

Tumingala si Marga sa kabayo at dinama ang mukha nito. "Hi there, Chomper."

The horse sniffs her palm.

"I'm really emotionally drained right now. I may not have the strength to pull reins. Can I trust you to bring me there safely?" [A/N: Rein - a long, narrow strap attached to the horse.]

Chomper neighs to tell her he understood.

.

.

Riding at Chomper's back, Marga is just staring ahead with a blank expression. With too many emotions on her mind and heart, her soul gave up feeling them. The horse, as agreed, gallops in the middle of the night slowly; just like having a leisurely walk on a park.

> "Will you marry me, Marga?"

Her eyes fall on her empty fingers holding the rein. Hinubad kasi niya ang singsing nung nagdesisyon siyang bumisita sa sunflower field niya. Aside from worrying that she might lose that valuable item, it also feels cold on her finger like it's saying that she's not the rightful owner... that it doesn't belong to her.

Kanina, nung nagsiuwian na ang mga bisita, para siyang robot na may ngiti na sa mga labi at paulit-ulit na nagpapasalamat sa kumakamay sa kaniya. In that moment, Marga realize that she doesn't know herself anymore. She's lost on the middle of holding her identity and doing her duties.

Who is she really?

Huminto si Chomper at dahan-dahan siyang bumaba sa likod nito.

Is she Margaret, the daughter of the late Princess Helena?

Is she Isla, the bold and unfiltered, struggling girl from Brgy. Tagpi?

Is she Princess Margaret, the royal puppet?

Is she Isla, his favorite zombie?

Hinawi niya ang mga nagtataasang sunflower para marating ang pwesto niya sa gitna. Nilapag niya roon ang suot na jacket at umupo.

Pagod na siyang umiyak.

Niyakap nalan niya ang mga tuhod at sumubsob sa gitna roon.

No one can hear her heart's cry anyway.

3 DAYS AFTER THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA | MILLER HEADQUARTERS

Hinihingal na tinaas ni Baxter ang magazine kung saan may full-page spread ang engagement proposal ni Joaquin kay Margaret.

"And?" Isaiah bit the bandage on right hand to pull it loose from its tight wrap.

"'And'? Sir, di mo ba nakikita ang nakikita ko?" Niyuko pa ni Baxter ang magazine na hawak.

"A prince asking the hand of a princess." He blatantly described. Nilagpasan niya ang katiwala palabas sa gym niya sa pinakatuktok ng Miller HQ.

Nilibot ni Baxter ang tingin sa buong gym ng amo kung saan ang dingding at kisame'y gawa sa glass. Kitang-kita ang buong bughaw na langit ng San Francisco, California. "Woah!" Nalula siya sa nakitang may pool na roon. "May pool na pala rito?" Huli niyang punta ay wala pa ito roon. Sa may sulok naman ay isang malaking bean-bag sofa at malapad na t.v.

Natauhan siya. "Sir!" Lingon ni Baxter sa amo at sinundan ito na bumaba sa hagdan papunta sa bachelor's pad nito sa baba. "Sir! Di mo ba kilala ang babae?"

Hinablot ni Isaiah ang twalya sa likuran ng high-chair sa mesa. "The princess, you mean?" He drapes the towel on his broad shoulder and pulls a bottle of water on his fridge.

"Oo!" Hinawakan ni Boyet ang magazine para titigan ng mabuti ang prinsesa. "Si Isla 'to di'ba? Siya si Princess Margaret Victoria Carolina, di'ba?"

Holding the chilled bottle, he leans on the kitchen counter. "Yeah?"

"Sir! Ikakasal na siya!"

He shrugs his shoulder. "And?"

Sinapo ni Baxter ang noo. "Sir... ikakasal na si Isla. Ba't ganiyan reaction mo?!"

With bored, blue eyes he looked at his trusted servant. "Boyet, I gave you a copy of the key of my pad. I remember telling you to use it for emergency purposes. Is that an emergency?" Pointing the magazine with the bottle.

Napaawang nalang ang bibig ni Baxter. "U-uhhh... Oo naman, sir!"

He crosses his arms on his chest. "How?"

"D-Di mo b-ba... pipigilan?"

Napailing nalang si Isaiah. "Stop watching too much drama, Boyet."

"Pero sir... Di mo ba siya ipaglalaban?"

Instead of answering his question, Isaiah just rubs the towel on his hair. "Kunin mo ang laptop ko sa opisina. Dito ko nalang titingnan ang business proposal ng mga possible investors. Tell Nadia to transfer all important calls on my personal line." At naglakad papunta sa kwarto.

Napabuga nalang ng hangin si Baxter at niyuko ang hawak. "Wala na ba talaga?"

.

.

Inside his room, Isaiah just throws the towel on the floor, slid off his yoga pants and enter his bathroom. He switches on his stereo to blast a loud music.

Pumasok siya sa banyo at sa shower-room niya na napapalibutan ng clear glass, sinalubong niya ang malamig na tubig mula sa showerhead.

BALMORAL CASTLE | SCOTLAND

Instead of having her usual morning session with Governess Amelia, that morning was different. Instead of having her breakfast on the dining hall after waking up, she went down the stairs only to see two women wearing tailored-suits talking to the Queen.

The three women, sensing her presence turned to her. Yumukod ang dalawa biglang paggalang.

Lumapit siya sa mga rito at tumango. Nilingon niya ang abuela. "Good morning, Your Highness."

Tumango naman si Queen Mary. "Margaret, this is Felicity and Regina. This two will help on the preparation for the wedding." The Queen dismisses the two females.

Nang malayo-layo na ang dalawa'y nagsalita siya. "Wedding?"

"Have you forgotten what happened last night?" Nakataas ang isang kilay ng reyna.

"Well, that was an Engagement Party. It's not yet 24 hours ago."

"So?" Naglakad ang reyna papunta sa library.

"And you're talking about wedding?"

Huminto ang abuela at hinarap siya. "What's the purpose of that party? Isn't it the announcement of your forthcoming union?"

"G-Grandma... about that, isn't it right for me to have prior knowledge a-about it?"

"You mean... gusto mong may paunang abiso ang lahat ng bagay tungkol sa'yo?"

Di agad siya nakasagot.

"Bakit, Margaret? If I would have told you that the party is a surprise engagement party... would you have planned a rejection?"

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. "I-It's not what I meant..."

"Then what?"

"Grandma..." She meets her grandmother's eyes. "It's a lifetime milestone for me. Ikakasal ako ng di ko man lang namamalayan?"

Umiling ang reyna. "Hayan ka na naman... ginagamit mo na naman ang puso mo." Tatalikod na sana ito nang may napuna ito sa daliri niya. "Ba't di mo suot ang singsing?"

Tinago niya ang kamay sa likuran niya.

Matalim ang mga mata ng reyna na tumingin sa kaniya. "Suotin mo 'yun bago pa may makahalatang ibang tao." At tuluyan siya nitong iniwan sa receiving hall.

Naikuyom nalang niya ang dalawang palad.

While writing down notes, Governess Amelia keeps discussing about proper hosting etiquette.

'If wearing hand gloves, only remove it when you are shaking hands with a person whose position is higher than yours.' Taimtim sulat ni Marga sa notebook. 'When eating crunchy food, always cover your mouth with a table napkin.'

*PLIK*

'Do not ask the guests if they liked the food. Let the sous-chef do the rounds.' [A/N: Sous-chef – Head Chef/Cook]

*PLIK*

Napahinto siya sa pagsusulat at nilingon ang bintana.

*PLIK*

Nakita niyang may tumatamang maliliit na bato sa bintana. 'Joaquin.' Binalik niya uli ang atensiyon sa pagsusulat.

*PLIK*

She manages to ignore the tinker sounds by focusing on the lesson. Plus, Marga's not in the mood to talk to him.

"P-Princess M-Marga-Margaret?"

Tinaas niya ang tingin papunta sa guro. "Yes, Governess?"

"H-How are y-you?"

A small smile forms on her lips. "Depends on the question."

"I-I know you h-have the s-same answer."

Tumango siya. Tama ito. No matter what the question asks; may it be about the party or about herself... she'll have the same answer anyway. "Not Fine."

.

.

Kinahapunan, nagulat si Governess Agnes sa liksi ni Marga habang inoobserbahan niya ito may ka-sparring sa fencing. Her opponent can't even step forward since Marga is always on the attack stance. Their foil (that thin sword used in fencing) always crosses in the middle yet never landed on their suits. [A/N: In fencing, a point is counted when your sword hits the opponent's suit, it can be anywhere on your upper body.] Di halos magalaw ng practice opponent ng prinsesa ang foil nito kasi agad sasalagin ito ni Marga.

Napangiti si Agnes. She likes Princess Marga's energy today.

Marga whips her foil making her opponent trip back and fall on the floor.

Governess Agnes claps. "Nice! Nice!"

Hinubad ni Margaret ang face protector na hinihingal.

"Nice footwork, Princess Marga --- "

"Will be taking ballet next, right?" Tinanggal ni Marga ang gloves.

Nagkatinginan si Agnes at ang nakaupo pa ring practice opponent ng prinsesa. Agnes regained her composure. "Y-Yes, Princess."

Tumango si Marga at lumabas sa studio.

And Margaret spend all day tiring herself physically and mentally. She just wants to get numb. She doesn't want to think anymore. If she can possibly not feel anything, she'll do it as well. Ayaw na kasi niyang umiyak lalo't nakaplano na pala lahat na di niya alam. Isa pa, wala namang makikinig kung aangal siya.

She will let them do whatever they want with her.

They own her anyway.

As for Joaquin, di na muna niya ito kinakausap kahit may ilang minuto siyang pahinga sa mga gawain niya. Baka kasi ano pa masabi niya. Expressing your love for someone was not wrong. But forcing it to someone is.

After her last class, she stayed in her room sitting on her bed and was looking on her empty finger. Kahit gusto niyang sundin ang sinabi ng lola niya na isuot niya ang singsing...

She looked at the shimmering jewelry at her table.

...di niya magawa. Kasi di siya karapat-dapat niyon.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA | THE CHAIRMAN'S OFFICE

Kumatok si Cora sa pinto bago ito tinulak pabukas. "I feel offended, apo."

Tinaas ni Isaiah ang mata mula sa pagpipirma ng mga dokumento. "Grandma." Kilala niya sa matanda.

Cora placed her Hermes leather bag on the glass center table and sat on one of the single settee sofa infront of his table. "Sinabi mo kay Nadia (Isaiah's secretary) na wag magpapasok ng sinuman sa opisina mo..." She crosses her legs and leans on the sofa. "Kasali pala ako. Wala bang exception?"

Niyuko uli ni Isaiah ang mga dokumento at pinagpatuloy ang pagpipirma roon. "Rules are made with no exceptions."

"I can break that rule. I'm your grandma. I can walk in and out of here whenever I want --- " 

"Well, not MY rule." Bigay-diin niya sa salitang 'my'. While scribbling his signatures on the papers, he added. "If I said no one should enter, that means NO ONE will enter." Sinalubong ni Isaiah ang mata ng abuela. "Do you want something for me?" Sandal niya sa kinauupuan, tapping his pen on the table as if giving signal to Cora that she only has a limited time inside his office.

"Wala naman." Malugod na ngiti ni Cora. "I just want to check on you."

He sighs. "For?"

"Have you read a magazine today?"

He shrugs.

"None?"

"If I did... what's in it that sends you here?"

"The headline?"

His bored, steel blue eyes looked at her. "'THE PRINCE FINALLY POPS THE QUESTION AND THE PRINCESS SAID YES.'" Ulit niya sa nabasang headline sa magazine na hawak ni Boyet kanina. "Yun ba?"

Natigilan si Cora sa nakitang reaksiyon ng apo. He looks... unfazed and uninterested as if that princess didn't exist in his life once. "Y-Yes."

"And?"

"Just checking if you are... distracted?"

"Then you're wasting your time, grandma." He points his pen on the papers on his table. "Does this look distracted to you?"

"Well --- "

"I'm not." Putol niya. "Now, if you could leave? I got a meeting at 10. I need to finish these." He resumes signing.

"Okay." Tumayo nalang si Cora at dinampot ang bag. She looks at her grandson.

Two years.

Ngumiti siya.

Two years and she made the perfect grandson on the form of Isaiah. Wise, logical-thinker, a natural born-leader, righ business acumen, charismatic and fears no one. With an iron-fist, no one questioned his being as the chairman. Gone are those doubters and haters that doesn't believe in him leading the pack. Cora can't help but regret why did Isaiah choose to be an idol in the first place when he can be greater – and that's to sit on the top throne of their business empire.

In fact, masaya siya. Nagulat pero masaya siya na wala itong reaksiyon tungkol sa balitang ikakasal na pala si Isla --- no, Princess Margaret sa isang prinsipe ng isang bansa. Nga naman ang pagkakataon, pumapanig sa kaniya.

Cora can only feel proud of what she made Isaiah into.

A Perfect Miller.

"I'll leave you alone then." Tumalikod si Cora at tagumpay na ngumiting naglakad palabas sa opisina. Iniwang nagpipirma pa rin ang apo.

After hearing the door close, Isaiah waited for few seconds before pressing the intercom. "Nadia. What did I told you about not letting anyone in? If you can't do your job properly, I suggest you find another company."

☎Nadia: "Sorry, s-sir. D-Di na po mauulit."

He un-presses the phone's button and leans on his chair.

> "Sir! Tingnan mo!" Taas ni Boyet sa magazine. "Si Isla 'to! Ikakasal na siya!"

Inikot niya ang office chair niya paharap sa glass wall sa likuran niya kung saan kita niya ang nagsisitaasang mga building rin sa business district ng California.

> "Di mo ba siya pipigilan?"

'Ginawa ko na.'

> "Di mo ba ipaglalaban, Sir?"

'Tapos na.' His blue eyes went sharp as his whole body rages with anger. 'Tapos na.' Inikot nalang niya uli ang upuan pabalik sa lamesa niya at muli'y sinubsob ang sarili sa trabaho.

BALMORAL CASTLE | SCOTLAND

A knock woke Marga from her sleep. Agad siya napabalikwas ng bangon at nilibot ang paningin sa paligid. Nakatulog pala siya na suot ang pawisang uniform niya sa horse-back riding lesson. "P-Patay..." Amoy-pawis siya. "s**t! s**t!" Tiningnan niya ang sarili sa salamin.

"Princess Marga?" Boses ni Jean.

"T-Teka lang!" Kuha niya sa suklay at mabilisang inayos ang buhok.

"Princess Margaret, Prince Joaquin wants to talk to you."

Nahinto ang pagsuklay niya.

"He wants to dine with you and the Queen tonight." Saad pa nito sa likod ng pintuan.

Biglang nawala ang enerhiya niya. "I'm not hungry, Jean."

"But Princess --- "

"I'm not hungry." Ulit niya na may diin.

"Y-Yes, Princess." Talima nalang nito at narinig nalang niyang naglakad palayo.

Tiningnan niya ang wall clock. 6PM. 'Ang tagal mag 11PM.' Gusto kasi niya uling bumalik roon sa sunflower field. Gusto lang niya makaramdam ng pansamantalang kapayapaan.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA | 30TH FLOOR | GYM

Noise of water splashing filled the quiet space. With the moonlight passing through the all-glass ceiling and wall of the place, it serves as the only source of light. The blue water of the pool sparkles as Isaiah swims on the middle of it --- tearing the calm water into two.

> "Di mo ba ipaglalaban, sir?"

> "Ikakasal na si Isla!"

Gasping for air, he holds at the poolside after swimming for few laps.

> "Di mo ba pipigilan?"

"f**k!" Suntok niya sa tubig.

"May ginawa ba ang tubig sa'yo?"

Natigilan siya at nilingon ang pinanggalingan ng boses.

Diana smiles as she was holding two crystal glass and a bottle of wine.

"Diana?" Langoy niya palapit rito. "W-What... H-How did you get in here?"

She unties her white robe, revealing a very alluring two-piece black swimwear. Bumaba ito sa pool. "Wooo! That's cold!" At lumangoy ito palapit sa kaniya. "Hey."

"How'd you get in here?"

"Your grandma called me. She said you need some..." She touches his broad, hard chest. "...company."

Napatingala nalang si Isaiah sa taas at napabuntong-hininga. "Well, at least you could have waited downstairs."

Diana wraps his arms around her waist underneath the water. "Ow come on... we know we both like this."

Diana was their company's doctor. She's a beautiful lady that almost all male population in their company got their eyes on her. And yes, something happened between them once when he was drunk after a party. The next day, rumors are spreading like wildfire in the company saying he and Diana is now in a relationship. Pinabayaan niya lang iyong mamatay pero parang walang plano si Diana pahupain ang issue. She kept on visiting him and texting him what he's up to as if they're a couple.

Anyone will lust over her but not him. What happened to them was just an accident and they're both consenting adults to know that that s*x meant nothing.

'I think I need to limit the duplicate of the key to Boyet only.' Nagbigay rin pala siya sa lola niya.

He swims away from her. "Let me dry myself and we'll drink downstairs ---- " Nahinto siya nang humawak sa braso niya ang babae. Nilingon niya ito. "Diana ---- " At naputol ang sasabihin niya nang bigla siyang sinunggaban nito ng mapusok na halik sa labi. She even slid her tongue inside his mouth.

Lumayo ito bahagya at tumingala siya. "Did you say something?" She grins.

He exasperated a sigh. He's a man with needs therefore, there was a reaction on his middle section.

Diana reaches for his groin area under the blanket of the water. "Someone needs me."

His azure eyes darken with desire, his breathes getting deeper every second.

She tangles her wet fingers on his neck and pulled him down to her. "Kiss me back, Isaiah."

He looks at her intently. The longer he stares, her brown hair seems to turn... red?

Red?

Napatingin siya mga mata nito.

Isla is looking back at him. "Isaiah?" Saying his name on her lips, it made him nearly lose control. "Kiss me..."

Her tempting voice commanded him against his own will because his hand touches her small face – tracing her lips with her thumb.

She smiles. "Kiss me. Now." Like a delectable cherry, she licks her lips with her tongue.

"God, Isla..." He groans inwardly with his dark blue eyes fixated on her red lips. "I wanted to hurt you right now... b-but at t-the same time, make love to you hard until you beg me to stop..." His other hand starts to pull the strings of her upper swimwear at the back.

"Isla? Who's Isla?"

Parang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig si Isaiah at natauhan. Nakita niya ang nagtatakang tingin ni Diana.

"Who's Isla?"

"Hell." He curses. Tumalikod si Isaiah at mabilis na umahon sa pool.

"Isaiah!" Sigaw ni Diana. "Come back here!"

Marahas na hinablot niya ang bathrobe sa may upuan at sinuot.

Umahon na rin si Diana sa pool. "Isaiah! What's wrong!!?" Lumapit ito sa kaniya. "We were getting there!!"

Di niya ito pinansin at naglakad papunta sa hagdan pababa.

"Who is Isla, Isaiah!!!" Sigaw ni Diana na umalingangaw sa buong lugar.

He stops his steps.

"Is she an ex that you can't get over --- " At naestatwa si Diana nang malamig na malamig na lumingon si Isaiah sa kaniya. "W-What?"

His look sent chill on her spine. "Don't push it, Diana. Not. Another. Word." And it's a command.

He then left the woman speechless.

BALMORAL CASTLE | SCOTLAND

"Ba't di ka bumaba kaninang maghapunan?"

Nabitin ang pagkuha ni Marga sa pitsel ng tubig sa loob ng ref. Kakauwi lang niya galing sa sunflower field at tulad nung isang araw, nasara ni Ussie o ni Jean ang bintana niya sa kwarto niya kaya't sa kusina uli siya dumaan. Nauuhaw kasi siya kaya napgdesisyunan niyang uminom muna ng tubig. She didn't know the Queen was also awake.

Hinarap niya ito. "Grandma."

"Are you avoiding, Joaquin, Margaret?"

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

"Is this a silent rebellion I am sensing in you?"

"No, Grandma." Pagsisinungaling niya.

"Then why aren't you seeing Joaquin?"

"I-I was just f-focusing on my lessons, g-grandma."

"For a future bride, you seem unexcited."

She bit her lower lip. 'I am.' "N-No, grandma."

"Then at least exert some... happiness?"

Huminga siya nang malalim at sasagot na sana nang magsalita uli ang abuela.

"Wala kang lessons bukas. Wake up early, pupunta kayo ni Nelson sa napili namin ni Joaquin na lugar ng magiging venue ng kasal niyo."

She looks down. 'Fight back, Marga. It supposed to be your wedding, and you need to have say!'

"Naintindihan mo ba?"

She nods. "Yes... G-Grandma." At naglakad na papunta sa pintuan palabas sa kusina.

"Margaret?"

She stops not looking back.

"Why are you awake in the wee hours of the night?"

Agad dumagundong ang dibdib niya sa kaba. Mabuti nga't di niya nilingon ang reyna. Namumuo kasi ang pawis niya sa noo at namumutla pagkinakabahan. "N-Nothing."

"Good. Because if you're up to something... stop doing it. You know the consequences."

She just nods and hurries out the kitchen to not let her expression give a clue to the queen that she's guilty.

Queen Mary raises her chin and looks at the part of the floor where she saw another set of sunflower petals.

Kinaumagahan, gaya nga ng sabi ng abuela'y pupunta nga sila sa Dunnet (The most North point of Scotland) para tingnan ang isang simbahan roon na gagamiting venue ng wedding ceremony nila ni Joaquin. At dahil higit dalawang oras ang biyahe'y maaga na silang umalis. With four black, heavily-tinted and bullet-proof cars as convoy, they left the palace. Marga and Joaquin riding separate cars as she requested. She's still not okay with all these immediate preparations.

Nang nasa daan na sila'y nilingon ni Nelson ang prinsesa sa backseat. "Princess?"

"Hmm?" Wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and her leather fitting pants she used for her horseback riding sessions, she looked at the old man.

"You okay?"

Binalbal niya ang makapal niyang fox-fur na itim na cape sa katawan para kontra-lamig. "No."

Tumango nalang pag-intindi ang matanda at umayos nalang sa pagkakaupo.

At dahil malayo ang lugar na pupuntaha'y umidlip muna siya sa biyahe.

.

.

Napadilat nalang si Marga nang umaalog na ang sinasakyang kotse. Napahawak pa siya sa kisame. "W-Woah! Woah!! Anong ---"

Lumingon sa kaniya ang katiwala. "P-Pasensiya na, P-Princess --- " Naputol ang sasabihin nito nang halos tumalon taas-baba ang kotse. "P-Pasensiya na... s-sira kasi ang main road kaya dadaan t-tayo sa ibang rota."

"WAH!!" Salag ni Marga sa ulo ng umalog uli ang kotse.

Mabato at butas-butas kasi ang daan na tinahak nila na nasa gitna pala ng masukal na kagubatan. Marga can't see anything but endless rays of green trees. Malayo-layo na sila sa palasyo kasi ni minsan ay di pa niya nadalaw ang bahaging ito ng lugar.

"Tsk, tsk." Dismayadong iling ni Nelson. "Tatandaan ko ang pangyayaring ito. Dapat agad maayos ang main road kundi walang pupuntang bisita kung dito sila dadaan!" Hawak pa nito sa kisame nang nagsimulang umalog uli ang kotse.

'I pray that road will never be fixed.' Kontra naman ng isip niya. Umalog uli. "Opps!!" Napahawak na siya sa pintuan ng kotse.

At nakahinga na sila ng maluwag na lumagpas na sila sa kagubatan papunta sa main road uli. Inayos ni Marga ang damit at pagtingala niya'y may nakita siyang matandang-matandang lalake na may buhat na mga kahoy sa balikat nito. "H-Huh? M-May naninirahan pa pala rito?" She stares at the old man until her line of sight was covered by trees.

After a few minutes, she saw two kids whom she thinks are around 7-8 years old, helping each other out on lifting one bucket of water. "Hmmm..." Tinitigan rin niya ang mga ito hanggang sa mawala ito sa paningin niya.

Then the scenery turns into plain, green fields and clear, blue, sky. Sasandal na sana uli siya sa kinauupuan niya nang may nakita siyang isang village sa di-kalayuan kung saan may naglilinyang mga tao. 'Huh? There's a village here?' Agad niyang inalala ang aralin niya sa geography ng Scotland at Ireland – she can't remember there was a village here. She strains her eyes to look clearly.

Nakita niyang mga kababaihan at mga bata itong nakalinya para sa isang van na may tatak ng kaharian ng Scotland at Ireland... na namimigay ng... tinapay?

"N-Nelson." Her eyes are still on the village. "S-Stop the car."

Lumingon sa kaniya ang katiwala. "Princess?"

"Stop the car." Ulit niya.

Tinanguan ni Nelson ang driver na siya namang dahan-dahan hininto ang kotse. Di pa halos tuluyang humint ang kotse'y binuksan na niya ang pintuan. "Nelson, tell Joaquin to proceed to the venue. Magpapaiwan muna ako rito." Sabay lumabas.

"H-Huh? Princess Margaret!" Tawag ni Nelson sa babaeng naglakad na papunta sa village. "Princess!" Lumabas na siya at sumunod rito.

Lumabas rin sa Joaquin sa kotse. "Marga! Where are you --- "

"Go on without me!" Lingon niya sa prinsipe. "I'll catch up with you later!"

.

.

The more Marga gets close to the place, the heavier her steps feel. Di siya makapaniwala. Mga naghihirap na mga tao ang nakalinya sa ilalim ng init ng araw para lang sa dalawang tinapay na binibigay ng mga sundalo ng palasyo. Their clothes are like rags – gray, dirty and full of patches from being worn-out. May mga babae pang dala-dala ang kanilang supling na noo'y umiiyak sa gutom. Little kids are also lining up for food when instead they should be in school. Nilingon niya ang mga sira-ira nitong bahay. Semento nga pero ang bubong ay halos di na niya masabing bubong kasi kung ano-ano nalang ang nilalagay roon para salagin ang init ng araw at ang tubig ng ulan.

She can also see old people sitting on the pavement out of their houses waiting for some scarps of foods to be given to them.

Nasapo niya ang bibig. How come this exist all along without her knowing? Without the palace knowing?

But...

Tiningnan niya ng truck na nagbibigay ng pagkain.

Does the palace really didn't know?

May nakapansin sa kaniyang isang bata na hawak ang kamay ng ina nito. "Mama.. Mama... 'oh... Prinsesa." Turo nito sa kaniya.

Napalingon na sa kaniya ang karamihan roon. "Ang prinsesa!" , "Anong ginagawa niya rito?" , "Ang ganda nga pala talaga niya sa malapitan." Napasinghap ang iba, iila'y agad rumehistro ang galit sa mga mukha pero lahat sila'y yumukod bilang paggalang sa kaniya.

Even the soldiers are in shock seeing her there. Yumukod rin ang mga ito. "P-Princess Margaret."

Lumapit siya sa mga ito. "As you were."

At nagsitayuan ito ng maayos.

Nahabag talaga siya sa nakikita niyang kahirapan. She kneels one knee to look at one child – dirty from mud and dust. "Hi."

Tumago ang bata sa likod ng binti ng ina nito.

Tumayo siya. "H-Hi. I'm Princess Margaret. S-Sino ang village chieftain rito?" [A/N: Chieftain – parang barangay captain.]

"A-Ako po, mahal na prinsesa."

Lumingon siya sa isang uugod na matanda na naka-saklay dahil putol na ang isang binti nito. "Hello. C-Can I t-talk to you?"

Ngumiti ang matanda. "Masusunod po."

.

.

Inside the village chief's house, two bodyguards stand by the door to observe the surroundings for any suspicious activities. Nelson was seated beside Margaret while infront of them is the chief, Douglas. Naglapag ng dalawang tasa na may tsaa ang may-bahay nito.

"Pasensiya na po kayo't yan lang ang makakayanan namin." Hinging paumanhin ni Sheilla, ang asawa ng kapitan.

Umiling si Margaret. "No, it's okay."

Tinitigan ni Nelson ang tsaa. Parang kumuha lang ang mga ito ng mga dahon kung saan-saan at pinakuluan.

She clears her throat. "Uhmmm... t-tell me your living conditions here, Sir Douglas. Di ba umaabot ang tulong ng kaharian rito?"

Tumango ang matandang lalake. "O-Opo, Princess Marga. Di po namin alam kong nakalimutan ba kami ng palasyo o ano... kakarampot na tinapay lang po ang binibigay nila sa amin. Ayaw ko po masabing sumbongero pero yun po ang katotohanan, mahal na prinsesa. Hindi ko po masisilbihan ang mga tao ko kasi kahit nga ako walang-wala na. Di ako nakakasali sa buwanang pagpupulong sa kongreso kasi wala kaming kotse rito. Kung kabayo ang gagamitin nami'y pagdating roon tiyak tapos na ang meeting. Ilang beses na po akong nagsulat sa reyna kung pwedeng magpapahukay nalang kami ng balon o anong pwedeng mapagkuhanan namin ng tubig. Yan lang kasi kulang namin rito, Princess Marga. Tubig. Kasi alam po naming pag may sapat na supply kami ng tubig ay makakapagtanim kami ng pagkain namin... maayos namin ang pamumuhay namin rito."

Nilingon ni Marga si Nelson. "Are you aware of this problem, Nelson?"

Yumuko si Nelson at tumango. "Y-Yes, Princess."

At doon palang na-realize ni Marga ang naringgan niyang pag-uusap ni Nelson at ng lola niya nakaraang linggo.

> "My Queen, we need to address this issue especially that drought (El Nino) is fast approaching." Rinig ni Marga nasabi ni Nelson sa loob ng library. "Mahal na reyna, ipagpaumanhin niyo po ang aking kapangahasan... Pero hihintayin pa ba natin ang buong pagsang-ayon ng kongreso kung ang dami ng nagugutom sa Marchomont at Muirhaus?" Tukoy ni Nelson sa iilang malalayong lugar ng Scotland. [A/N: Scene in Roll 2: Margaret of Scotland and Ireland.]

"What village is this again?" Tanong niya kay Douglas.

"Marchmont po. Sa unahan nama'y Muirhaus. Pareho lang po ang pamumuhay namin."

She clenches her hands. "Why are the palace turning deaf to their people's cries, Nelson?" Umalsa ang sakit at pagdamdam niya. Habang kumakain siya ng mga mamahalin at masarap na pagkain, naliligo sa bathtub na puno ng mahalimuyak na tubig at nagsusuot ng mga mararangyang damit, may mga tao namang naghihirap at mas nangangailangan. When they were celebrating, these people are thinking what to do to survive another day.

Damang-dama niya... kasi ganito siya dati.

Naghihirap.

Swerte pa nga siya kasi at least may kakarampot siyang tubig nakukuha mula sa pakikikabit niya kina Aling Gloria. But these people... all of them are hungry at thirsty.

"Nelson, take many pictures of their living conditions here. Take the statistics... ilang populasyon rito, babae, bata, mga lalake... at ---- " Naputol ang pagsasalita niya nang pumasok ang humihingal na dalawang bata na nakita niya kanina na nag-bubuhat ng baldeng tubig. She immediately loss for words.

"Lolo, lola..." Lapit ng batang babae sa mga matanda. "Heto na po tubig."

Nagpunas namang ng pawis ang batang lalake. "Pakukuluin ko na po ba?"

She covers her mouth. Sa edad nila'y nag-aaral sila. Sa edad nila'y naglalaro sila. Yet here they are, forced to think and act like adults to survive. She swallows the lump on her throat. "Do it, Nelson."

Tumango si Nelson at agad inutusan ang mga dalawang bodyguard para kumuha ng mga litrato roon.

Princess Marga calls the little girl. "Hey, baby girl."

Lumapit sa kaniya ang batang babae na cute na cute sa buhok nitong itim na pantay talaga ang pagkagupit. "You look like Dora the Explorer." Pinisil niya ang pisngi nito. "What's your name?"

"I'm Isla."

Natigilan si Marga. "W-What?"

"I'm Islanda." Ulit ng bata na ngumiti. "Sabi nila lola ibig sabihin noon ay..."

"Magandang isla." She smiles. Marga touches her cheek. "Suits you very well."

Tumango ang bata. "Salamat po. Napakaganda niyo po." Hawak na bata sa ilong niya.

"When you grow up, you'll become more beautiful than me." Humagikhik ang bata. Hinila niya ito at niyakap. Nakita niya ang sarili rito. It's as if she's holding her own little self – struggling yet always positive. "I'll make sure, I'll make the world a better place for you..." Tinitigan niya ang bata. "...Isla."

> He looks at her with love in his eyes. "You deserve everything, Isla. I promise you this, as long as you are with... I won't let you suffer."

Nangilid ang luha sa mga mata niya. "I promise you... as long as you are in my care, I won't let you suffer." Hinalikan niya ang dalawang maliit na kamay ng bata.

.

.

"S-Sure ka po, Princess Marga?" Puno ng pag-aalala na tingin ni Nelson sa kaniya kinahapunan.

Tumango siya. Nagdesisyon kasi siyang magpaiwan muna rito para maranasan niya anong pamumuhay ng mga ito sa gabi. Scotland is known for it's chilling weather at evening. Di lang kasi niya ma-imagine paano nakayanan ng mga tao rito ang lamig eh gawa sa semento ang mga bahay nito at sira-sira pa bubong. She also wants to learn what are their foods and what are their opinions... about the current regime, her grandmother, Queen Mary.

She does believe that what makes a country a beautiful place to live in is their accommodating, happy and satisfied citizens. Para mangyari yun, dapat niyang malaman ang mga saloobin ng mga ito – masakit man o hindi.

Napakamot sa ulo si Nelson. "Pero di po kita pwedeng iwan rito. Saan ka po hihiga, anong kakaiin niyo? Baka po dumugin kayo ng lamok."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito. "Thank you, Nelson. I can manage." She winks. "I'd been living like this half of my life, remember?"

Lumingon si Nelson sa mga naka-antabay na mga bodyguards at pabalik sa kaniya. Huminga ito ng malalim. "Napagdesisyon na po ako, Princess Marga. Sasamahan kita rito."

Ngumiti siya ng malapad. "Great! The more the merrier!"

.

.

Kinagabihan, nakaupo sa doorway ng bahay ng kapitan si Marga habang nakabalbal sa kaniya ang fox-fur coat niya. Dahil maginaw at walang kuryente roon, kani-kaniyang maliliit na bonfire ang mga tao roon sa harap ng mga bahay nila. The chief, too, has his own of which sending warmth to Marga's body. Kani-kaniyang luto rin ang mga tao roon. Swerte na nga daw kung may mauuwing mga usa (deer), kuneho (rabbit) at baboy-ramo (wild pig/boar) ang mga kakalakihang nangungubat sa umaga. Pag minalas, titimpla nalang sila ng sabaw na may kung anong-anong sahog tsaka ang tinapay ang gagawin parang kanin.

Lumapit sa kaniya ang munting Isla mula sa likuran. "Prinsesa..." May dala itong kalahating tinapay at mug na may sabaw.

"Oh..." Tinanggap niya ang dala nito. "Salamat." Ngiti niya rito.

Gumanti rin ito ng ngiti at bumalik sa loob para tulungan ang lola nitong ihanda ang mahihigaan nila.

Tiningnan niya ang tinapay at kumagat roon. Natigilan siya sa pagnguya. Walang lasa ang tinapay. The palace is supplying tasteless bread when the palace is rich with spices like onions, tomatoes, ginger, salt... which are enough to make this bread yummy and nutritious.

Tumabi sa kaniya si Nelson. "Okay lang po ba kayo, Princess?"

Tumango siya at ngumiti. "Masama ba pag sabihin kong mas gusto ko pa rito kesa sa palasyo?"

Tumawa ang matanda. "May karapatan ka naman pong sabihin ang saloobin mo."

She leans on Nelson's shoulder as she was looking at the bright moon above them. "Ganitong-ganito ako dati, Nelson. Pero sa tingin ko'y mas maswerte pa nga ako kasi nakakain ako ng tamang pagkain. Look..." Pakita niya sa hawak na mug. "They use leaves from those trees to make their soup at least a bit tasteful. Para na silang palaboy-laboy kung ganun 'eh nasa pangangalaga naman sila ng Scotland na isa sa pinakamayamang bansa sa Europa. I just don't get it why the Queen are hesitant to help these people."

Tahimik lang na nakikinig ang katiwala.

"May tumulong sa akin noon, kaya umahon ako sa hirap." Her heart softens remembering that dear memory she treasured. "Ngayon'g ako na naman ang may kakayahang tumulong, ba't ko ipagkakait sa iba?"

"Oh, Princess... You just don't know how much you sound just like your grandfather."

Nilingon niya ito. "Kilalang-kilala mo siya, Nelson?" Her eyes shine with excitement.

"Yes. I've been with your grandparents after they were married. I saw how your grandfather valiantly protected the two countries from invaders. Just like you, he's willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good. He can even leave your grandmother pregnant with Princess Helena that time just to fight with our soldiers. He told us, he can't just let the people protect him. He's the king so he should do all the protecting for them."

She smiles. "Sana naabutan ko pa siya."

"And you inherited Princess Helena's stubbornness."

Tumawa siya.

"Pag 'yun naka-desidido ng gawin ang isang bagay ay handang-handa ito gawin para lang makuha iyon kahit buong mundo pa ang titigil sa kaniya."

Yumuko si Marga. "Di naman ako ganiyan. Sunod-sunuran kaya ako kay lola."

"Kasi, mahal na prinsesa," Nelson pats her head like a little girl. "You have not decided what to do yet. Tingnan mo ngayon, desidido kang tulungan ang mga tao, di ba di ka nagpapigil sa desisyon mong dito ipagpalipas ang gabi. I know, Princess Marga, if your mind is fixed on something... you'll do anything to make it possible."

She nods.

"So how do you plan to do this?"

"Well..." Lingon ni Marga sa paligid. "I wanted to propose a man-made lake to be excavated here. Pero bago yan, need ko ng funds... ng mga engineers na magpaplano at maghahanap kung saan sa lupaing ito ang posibleng ma tubig sa ilalim... ng mga espesyalista para titingin kong maiinom ba o ligtas ba ang tubig... ng filtering system. I also want to propose a livelihood project sa mga kababaihan rito. Tapos learning center sa mga bata... Tsaka, may clinic ba rito? Paano pag nagkasakit sila? Ang layo pa naman ng hospital rito."

"Do you need help, Princess?"

Nahihiya itong tumango. "Oo? I need you to talk to the Queen's business consultant. Hingi ka sa kaniya ng listahan sa mga businessmen na connected sa kaharian natin. Para mapag-aralan ko kung kanina ako hihingi ng donation."

"Donations?"

She nods. "Yes, Nelson. Not investments. Kasi pagmag-iinvest sila ng pera sa proyekto ko, walang babalik sa kanilang pera kasi para lang ito sa mga mahihirap na tao. Kaya mas tamang gamitin ang salitang donasyon. Sa kung sino lang ang may mabuting pusong tutulong sa'tin. Knowing some of the businessmen wants to have good relationship with us, I am sure marami-rami ang tutulong."

Napangiti si Nelson. "Saan mo hinuhugot ang pagiging positibo mo, Princess Margaret?"

Tumawa siya. "Nasa akin na matapos ako lumabas sa pekpek ng ina ko."

Namula si Nelson sa kapahangasan niyang sabi. "Princess!!"

Umalingawngaw nalang sa gabi ang tawa niya.

Nagulat si Jean at Ussie nang dumating kinaumagahan sina Nelson at Princess Margaret na halatang di maayos ang pagkatulog doon sa village. Dahil sa katandaan, inatake ng sakit sa likod si Nelson dahil nakahiga sila sa sementong nilatagan lang ng mga pinatagpi-tagping damit para may mahigaan. Maraming pulang pantal naman sa katawan si Marga mula sa kagat ng mga lamok.

"Princess!" Gulat na lumapit si Ussie. "W-What happened to you?!"

"Princess... please, let's go upstairs so we could clean you up." Singit rin ni Jean.

"No." Iling niya at pumiglas sa mga hawak ng mga ito. "I need to talk to the Queen."

"She's in the middle of a session with the congress." Sagot ng isang boses.

Nilingon niya si Joaquin.

"Good morning, Marga." He greeted her and nodded to Jean, Ussie and Nelson to leave them alone. Tinulungan naman ng dalawang kasamabahay ang nangangalay na matandang katiwala. When they are alone, he looks at her with accusation in his eyes. "Just what are you doing?" Hablot nito sa braso niyang may mga kagat ng lamok. "Look!! What if you got disease from those insects --- "

Hinila niya ang braso pabalik. "Sandamakmak na lamok na ang kumagat sa akin sa Pilipinas, Joaquin. Ni dengue di ako natamaan." Tumalikod siya.

"Why can't you forget your life on Philippines?!" Biglang sigaw nito.

Natigilan siya at nilingon ito.

He sighs. "I'm sorry." Nameywang ito. "I didn't mean to."

"You didn't mean to... shout or you didn't mean to bring up my past?"

"Look, Margaret... I know you are upset about what happened."

Hinarap niya ito. "Damn right, I'm upset. No... I am angry, Joaquin." Pinipigilan niyang wag tumaas ang boses. "Sagrado ang pagpapakasal at ayokong madiliin iyon... Napakalaking hakbang yun sa buhay ng isang tao. I am going to get married without me knowing?? Tama ba yun?"

"As long as feelings were involved then --- "

"Feelings? Have you even considered MY feelings in all of these?" Turo pa ni Marga sa sarili.

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Joaquin at naalala ang sumbat ni Sofia.

> "All I wanted to say is that you're not giving Isla a choice! Look at her, do you think she's happy?"

She composes herself. "Mamaya na tayo mag-usap, Joaquin. May kailangan akong gawin --- "

Nakita ni Joaquin na di nito suot ang singsing na binigay niya. "Marga."

Tiningnan niya ito.

"Matuturan ba ang puso paano magmahal?"

And she knew that question was meant for her. If her heart is willing to be taught to love again. Dahan-dahan siyang tumango. "Oo naman... k-kung bukas ang pusong iyon na magmamahal uli, natuturuan ito."

"Are you willing to love again?" His dark eyes probed into her soul.

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. "Forcing your love and teaching someone how to love are two different things, Joaquin."

> "Joaquin..." Hinanakit na tawag ni Sofia kay Joaquin. "I'm sorry, but this is a wrong foundation of love."

"Then why do you accept my proposal?" Tiim-bagang tanong ng prinsipe.

"Who knows..." Malamig na sagot ni Marga. "I might learn to love you during our married life." At tumalikod na siya para tahakin ang daan papunta sa congress hall.

.

.

Queen Mary intently listens to the talks of her 20 councilors about the nation's problem and their proposal and solutions as she was sitting on the head of the table. They are disputing about the allocation of the national budget.

One guard wearing a velvet red coat and black pants, enters the hall and kneels beside her."Queen Mary, Princess Margaret is outside. Expressing her intent to join the session."

Napalingon siya rito. "Margaret?"

The guard nods.

"Tell her to wait until this session is over." Hilot niya sa sentido. Para kasing patong-patong na ang problema sa pera ng Scotland. Even their gold reserves at Ireland are near-depleting as well.

.

.

Nakaupo lang si Marga sa labas ng justice hall at tiningnan ang orasan sa taas ng pintuan. She's been waiting for three hours. Hawak niya ang isang envelope kung saan nakapaloob ang mga litrato niya sa village ng Marchomont at Muirhaus. Maybe the Queen was not just aware how worst the current condition there.

Huminga siya nang malalim. Kumulo ang tiyan niya... di pa nga pala siya kumakain. Dadamahin na sana niya ang tiyan nang bumukas ang malaki at gawa sa antigong kahoy na pintuan. Lumabas roon ang mga councilors na pawang naka-toga ng kulay na maroon. [A/N: All selected councilor should wear a toga when in formal meeting and discussion with the Queen. Of course, walang cap. Toga lang xD] Tumayo siya at tinanguan ang mga konsehal na yumuyukod sa kaniya bilang paggalang. Her eyes immediately search for the Queen. Huling lumabas ang reyna.

"Q-Queen Mary." Yuko niya bilang pagkilala.

She faces her. "And? How's your immersion on that place?"

"I-It was horrible." Komento niya.

"I can clearly see." Puna na reyna sa mga pulang pantal sa balat niya. "Puntahan mo agad ang clinic. Let the doctor see your skin so he could give you ointment --- "

"That's not what I'm here."

Tiningnan siya ng reyna.

Nilahad niya ang envelope. "Please, Your Highness. Look on it."

Kinuha ng reyna ang sobre at kinuha ang mga litrato roon. Isa-isa nitong tiningnan ang mga iyon.

Princess Margaret looks at her grandma's face for any reaction. After some few seconds, she didn't saw any empathy from the Queen. Instead, she slid the photos back from the envelope and returns to it.

"This is not your business anymore, Marga." Tumalikod ito ang naglakad palayo.

Napaawang nalang ang bibig ni Marga at di makapaniwala sa inasta ng abuela niya na para bang wala lang ang sakuna sa lugar na iyon. "N-None of my business?" Sinundan niya ito. "Grandma! Reality is on these pictures! People are starving!"

"So?" Nakatalikod pa rin ang reyna habang naglalakad.

"'So'?!" Di makapaniwala niyang sambit. They then entered the receiving hall of the palace. "GRANDMA! THERE ARE KIDS THERE!!!" Her loud voice booms inside the quiet place. The maids stops their daily chores.

Huminto ang reyna at bakas sa mukha nito ang pagkapikon sa pagsagot ng apo. "Did you just raise your voice on me?"

Huminga siya nang malalim at buong tapang na sinalubong ang mata ng abuela. "Yes. Maybe by shouting you'll finally hear their cries for help. Kasi parang nabibingi kayo sa paghihirap nila."

"This is not the right time for this, Marga ---"

"Then when will be the right time, Queen Mary?"

Pumasok na rin si Nelson sa bulwagan kung saan nagsasagutan ang dalawang babae. "Princess, Queen..."

"If I were you..." Kalmang sagot ni reyna. "You better focus on your wedding --- "

Gustong maiyak ni Marga sa inis dahil pilit siyang binabalewala lang nito ang totoong problema ng bansa nila. "There's more pressing concern than finding the perfect venue of my wedding! NAGUGUTOM ANG MGA TAO MO!!!"

"Marga!" Tumaas na rin ang boses ng reyna.

"GANOON KA NA PO BA KA MA-PRIDE AT PILIT MONG TINATAGO ANG PANGIT NA KATANGIAN NG BANSA MO PARA DI MAKITA NG IBANG BANSANG MAY NAGHIHIRAP RIN DITO?!"

"STOP IT!"

"I WON'T UNLESS THIS IS NOT ADDRESSED!!"

Huminga nang malalim si Queen Mary. "Then you won't find solutions from me."

Parang sumabog ang utak ni Marga sa sinabing iyon ng reyna. Is she really this cold and merciless? "What k-kind of a Queen, are you?!" Sumbat niya dahilan para mapasinghap ang mga taong nakikinig sa kanila. "Kinaya ng sikmura mong kumain ng masasarap na handa habang sila ni tinapay walang lasa?!!"

Tumalikod si Mary.

"You are robed with lavish clothes, yet they don't even have proper roofs over their heads!!"

Galit na humarap sa kaniya ang reyna. "And what?! You want to adopt them?! Paiiralin mo na naman ang puso mo dahil naawa ka sa kanila?! Hindi ka pa reyna kaya hindi mo alam paano magpatakbo ng isang bansa --- "

"HINDI PA NGA AKO REYNA PERO ALAM KO NA KUNG ANONG TOTOONG PROBLEMA NG BANSA!!"

"How dare you ---"

"And now you're forcing me on a marriage you knew I won't be happy?!"

"Matutunan mo ring mahalin si Joaquin, Marga. Just like what happened to me and your grandfather."

The emotions start to show as Marga cried to express her mourns. "Bakit? Did grandpa marry you against your will?!"

Natigilan si Mary.

"Did Grandpa Francis rob you of your freedom like w-what y-you're doing to me r-right now?" Buong hinanakit niyang sumbat.

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Mary nang maalala niya ang pumanaw na anak na si Helena.

> "Sakal na sakal na ako rito!!!" Umiiyak na bulyaw ni Helena sa kaniya. "You told me you're worried about me when in fact y-you're the one killing me by imprisoning me here in the castle!!"

"Have you ever known true love, g-grandma?"

Di agad nakahuma si Mary nang unang pumasok sa isipan nito ay si Arthur Miller.

"No? Not ever?" Sinalubong ni Marga ang tingin ng reyna. "Then you never sacrificed at all. You didn't lose anything... you never suffered."

Tinaas ni Mary ang mukha. Emotionless and showing that the authority on the palace is the Queen. "Maging katulad ka rin ba ng tanga mong ina? Sinusunod ang puso?"

"I'm just the upgraded version of Helena Augusta Louise and of King Francis Charles Edwin. But never of you." Buong suklam niyang sagot. "Heartless---"

"Shut up! Just for the everyone's information," Putol ng reyna sa kaniya. "May proposal na ang konseho sa Marchomont at Muirhaus village for the next year. If you bother to care."

"Next year? You think they will survive another year in that condition?"

"Budget needs approval from the high council. If you think I always had the pen to approve all reforms... then you're wrong. May proseso diyan. If you're that stubborn to help those people, then I'll let you BUT without my assistance. Wala kang tulong na mahahanap sa akin."

Pinahid ni Marga ang mga luha.

"May plano na ako sa kanila. But if you're in the rush. Go ahead. I'll give you two weeks. Two weeks... I'll let you find anyone that could fund your little dreams. And if you fail... wag ka ng maghanap pa ng problema at ibuhos mo na lahat ng atensiyon at oras mo sa preparasyon sa kasal ninyo ni Joaquin."

Margaret bit her lower lip as she ponders. She was depending on the list of businessmen she could get from the palace' business consultant but with the Queen's word, getting that list is already impossible.

"You scared? Saan ang tapang mo kanina?" The Queen dared.

Tumango si Marga. "Two weeks."

"Two weeks then."

"What if I'll find someone?"

"Then we'll put off the wedding preparation for some time and focus on your project."

Nilingon ni Marga si Nelson at sina Jean at Ussie na pawang na nag-aalala sa kaniya. Binalingan uli niya ang reyna. "Deal."

"Then you got your two weeks. Starting tomorrow." At tumalikod na si Queen Mary.

.

.

And the following days kept Marga so busy. Sinisingit niya sa klase niya ang pagtawag sa mga negosyanteng mga nakilala niya. Yet, all of them rejected her project – not because it was impossible, but bec. they are scared to suffer the wrath of Queen Mary. Naunahan na pala siya ng reyna. The Queen already called all the empires' business associate to not cater her call. Lahat ng tawag niya'y hanggang sa mga sekretarya lang ng mga ito o di kaya'y magalang nalang siyang tinatanggihan. Hindi rin siya makaalis-alis kasi final presentation niya sa archery at cooking.

After her class with Governess Amelia, she stayed on the study room to write the names of everyone she knew she could ask for donations. Kinagat niya ang lapis. 'Secretary Dawson. Rejected.' She erases the name of the female Secretary of Defense who also kindly rejected her. 'Duke Dion. Rejected.' She erases the name of the Duke she met on one of the Winter Royal Ball.

Tiningnan niya ang listahan. Tatlong pangalan nalang ang naiwan. Lord Alban Larick, Prince Joaquin Salvatore de Dalla and Sofia Ximena Miller.

Sumandal siya sa upuan at pumikit. Last resort nalang niya si Joaquin. Ayoko niya munang magkaroon ng utang ng loob sa prinsipe lalo na't di maganda ang huli nilang pag-uusap. Ayaw niyang masabi nito na lalapit lang siya dahil may kailangan. She knew she need to lower down her pride, but she just can't do it. Especially now that her time is limit. Kung sa prinsipe siya hihingi ng tulong, para na rin niyang kinompirma na gusto niyang maikasal rito.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone at dinial ang numero ni Lord Alban na naging kakilala niya nung isa ito sa nag-donate ng malaking pera para sa pagpapatayo ng District Hospital sa Northeastern Scotland.

Yet, just like the previous ones... Lord Alban's secretary also rejected her proposal.

That leaves Sofia Ximena on her list.

A Miller.

She sighs. Lumipas na ang apat na araw pero wala siyang progress. Masakit na ang ulo niya sa kakaisip. Even at night, she keeps thinking of ways to gather enough money for her project. Kung ipa-pa-auction naman niya ang mga gamit niya, pagagalitan naman siya ng konseho ng Scotland kasi lahat ng mga aktibidades ng palasyo ay dapat may approval sa konseho. Kung ang pera naman niya sa bangko, nangangailangan rin iyon ng pirma ng reyna.

How... How...

Kinagabihan, nakaupo siya sa railings ng balkonahe niya habang kausap si Sofia. Binahagi rin niya ang sagutan nila ng reyna at ang di nila pagkakaintindihan ni Joaquin.

Sofia: "So what now?"

She sighs. "Di ko alam. My time is ticking down and I can't think of anything!" Frustrated niyang sabi.

Sofia: "I wish I could help you, pero may sarili na kasing foundation ang Miller na tumutulong rin sa walang-wala. The corporate treasurer will question me if I'll release a large amount of money for a donation. Well, I have my own money... but.. I don't think this is enough for your large-scale project."

"I know. Thank you, though... Sofia."

Sofia: "Call me if you need anything. If you need money, I could lend mine naman."

Para siyang nawalan ng pag-asa pero pinilit pa rin niyang pasayahin ang boses. "No, no... you've helped enough by listening to me. I owe you one."

And she ends the call with no string of hope for the people in Marchomont and Muirhaus. 'Sino pa ba.... isip, Marga ----' Halos mapatalon siya sa gulat ng tumunog ang phone niya. It's Lord Alban. Agad niya itong sinagot. "L-Lord Alban?"

Alban: "Darlin'!" Bungad sa kaniya ng lalake na binabae kung gumalaw. Di naman ito bakla, may sa pagka-playboy ito pero binabae lang masyadong gumalaw.

"H-Hello... g-good evening."

Alban: "My secretary called me that you called... for me?" Tawa pa nito sa kabilang linya.

"U-Uh.. y-yes..." Pahapyaw niyang tawa. "I w-was about to ask f-for a favor yet your secretary already --- "

Alban: "No, no, no! You should have called me, 'darlin! You know I'm always open to help you."

Ngumiti siya. "Well, I had this project for the people in Marchomont and Muirhaus..." Then she starts laying her plans for the village.

Alban: "I'm currently here in America, darlin' and will be attending a charity event."

Agad nabuhayan siya ng pag-asa. "Charity event?"

Alban: "Yes, yes. Good timing, I think I knew someone who could fund your project."

Bumaba siya sa railings at dinikit pa lalo ang tainga sa phone. "W-Who?"

Alban: "Do you know Isaiah Clark Miller? The chairman of the Miller Group of Companies?"

Her inside churns upon hearing his name. Dumaan ang ilang segundo ng katahimikan.

Alban: "He'll be at the event and I think it's a good opportunity, don't you think? He can fund your project with money you can't even imagine how much."

'This is what Sofia meant about the foundation owned by the Miller that caters to those who are in need.' At dahil di lang nalalayo ang edad nila ni Lord Alban, di siguro nito alam ang matagal na hidwaan sa pagitan ng mga Miller at ng mga Scott.

Alban: "Darlin'? You there?"

"Y-Yes, L-Lord Alban."

Alban: "You know me, I have a soft spot for those who are poverty-stricken people. But with your project, I don't think I can't fund it alone. At least, let me help you find some well-known people that have possibility to give donations."

"T-Thank you, Lord Alban."

Alban: "Pero kailangang andito ka. Mahirap naman wala ka rito to discuss your proposal with them. I can't do it if that's what you want to tell me."

"Lord Alban, you know I can't leave the palace without the Queen's permission."

Alban: "HAHAHAH!" Binabae nitong tawa. "Let me handle it ---- "

"P-Please don't mention anything about Miller to her." Agad niyang babala sa kaibigan.

Alban: "Why?"

"Bec. I'm pretty sure she won't let me leave. J-Just tell her we'll both attend a ch-charity event."

Alban: "You got it, darlin'"

At sa hanggang matapos ang tawag nila'y di pa rin humuhupa ang malakas na kabog ng kaniyang dibdib.

Is she ready to face him again? Will she be able to control her emotions properly? Will he recognize her?

Agad niyang pinilig ang ulo. "No Marga... t-this is not about you.. and your relationship. This is for the people of Marchomont and Muirhaus... your promised them a brighter future." Tumingala siya sa maliwanag na buwan. "Therefore, you need to give your best shot. You need to set aside personal issues on this one."

She made her decision. She'll take the chance and take matters on her own hands. They are her people as well.

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | CALIFORNIA

Margaret breathes deep as she exits the arrival terminal of the large airport. With only one luggage, she looks around to look for Lord Alban. She avoids eye contact with the people inside the airport so that no one could recognize her as a princess. Nakalimutan niyang magdala ng sombrero kaya lantad na lantad ang mahabang pulang buhok niya na nakalugay. Wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers, she doesn't look a princess at all, yet her red hair is a real head-turner. Few people stop to stare at her. Yumuko nalang siya at kunwari'y may tinitingnan sa cellphone.

Bago pa lumapag ang eroplano'y nakausap na niya ang driver na kukuha raw sa kaniya. Lord Alban is also there to welcome her. Humingi rin siya ng pabor na kung pwede magdala itong ng sombrero.

.

.

Isaiah Clark arrives at the airport with Baxter and Nadia to welcome two delegates of the International Business Convention that will take part of the upcoming charity event. He looks at his wristwatch. "It's 10:00AM already." He commented as they walked past by sea of people inside the populated airport.

Tumango naman si Baxter. "Yes, Sir. Nasa Terminal 5 raw sila."

He sighs. He had a lot of things to do but here he was, wasting his time because his grandma wants them to be welcomed personally.

Naglakad si Margaret na nakayuko pa rin at ka-text ang kaibigan.

> Love does not consist in looking at each other.

Isaiah brushes past by her.

> ...but rather in, together, looking in the same direction.'

Huminto si Margaret at nilingon ang dumaan na lalake. Since Baxter was standing behind Isaiah, Marga saw Baxter's back.

"Margaret!!" Sigaw ni Alban.

Nilingon niya ang may-ari ng boses at awtomatikong ngumiti siya. "Alban!!" Niyakap niya ang kaibigan at agad sinuot ang sombrerong dala nito para itago ang pulang buhok. "Thank you for pick me up." Masaya niyang niyakap uli ito.

 > If both hearts yearn for each other and had the same objective in mind, 

Huminto si Isaiah sa narinig na pangalan. He stops and turns. He then saw a woman in black cap hugging an arm of a gay-ish male.

> Love looks past distance, time and mistakes.

"Sir?" Tawag sa kaniya ni Baxter.

"Hmm?" Lingon niya rito.

"Tara na po?" Lahad ni Baxter sa kamay papunta sa Terminal 5.

He just nods and resumes walking.