Ms. Villainess Prince Charming

Kabanata 2

My brows arch when I read the wedding invitation, Baronness Atasha sends me. Wala kasi akong nababalitaan na may kasintahan ito kaya naman talagang nakakagulat na nakatanggap ako ng ganitong uri ng imbitasyon.

"What kind of gift is suitable for soon to be husband and wife, Naisha?" tanong ko sa aking assistant s***h butler.

Naisha has been serving me since I was a child. He is appointed by my father and he's a bit older than me too. He's basically my older brother thou his attitude is completely different than mine.

Naisha prefers silence than anything else. He like books and other stuffs that he can gain knowledge with kaya nga madalas kaming hindi magkasundo because what I love is leisure, pero kahit gano'n ay may mga bagay pa rin kaming napapagkasundoan kagaya na lamang ng business with a little bit sparkle of cruelty.

Naisha is a Baron and the only heir of Capule household but he choose me because he said that he get a lot of money by serving me.

"I believe it's a house and lot my lady," Naisha replied while serving me tea.

I reach for the teacup as I think about it. "Are you sure? Isn't a bit underrated?"

"I am hundred percent sure my lady," tugon nito. "And besides, they are lowly creatures. They will surely appreciate your gift,"

"If you say so," wika ko at tiningnan ito. "Do you want to handle it?"

"Handle what my lady?" kunot noong tanong nito.

"The gift,"

"I got so many things on my plate my lady, bakit hindi na lang kaya si Issac ang utosan mo?" tugon nito na siyang kinaingos ko.

"Really?" Hindi makapaniwala kong tanong. "Sino ba sa ating dalawa ang amo Naisha?"

"You my lady," tugon nito at yumuko.

"Then do what I am saying!" I snapped. "Issac is not here at isa pa, Issac is a knight. While you? You are my butler and I trust you more than Issac,"

Nagpakawala ako ng isang malalim na hininga sapagkat nagiging suwail na naman si Naisha. Siguro dahil pinayagan ko si Issac na umalis kaya ito nagkakaganito ngayon.

Naisha got Issac under control pero syempre wala pa rin siyang magagawa kapag ako na ang nagsalita and I guess it's my fault too.

"I'll tell you where Issac go," mabilis naman itong nag-ingat ng tingin na siyang kinangisi ko. "I will give you a vacation too..."

"I'll do anything you want my lady," tela kawal na saad nito at hindi ko maiwasang matawa ng malakas nang dahil doon.

Mabuti na lamang talaga at wala si Ava dahil kung nagkataon, mapagsasabihan na naman ako no'n.

"Before you proceed to the wedding gift I want you to do something for me," seryosong saad ko.

"What is it my lady?" Naisha asks as he fix his glasses.

"Ruin some business for me. A new competitor arises," wika ko at inabutan ito ng folder na siyang mabilis naman nitong tinanggap at binasa.

"It's just a small company my lady," wika nito at ako'y tiningnan. "I can ruin it in snap with no sweat at all,"

I smile sweetly and stands up. "Good to know Naisha. You know that I trust you right?"

"Yes my lady and I won't ruin your trust,"

"Good," saad ko at tinapik ang balikat nito. "I will double your wage after it,"

"You're the best my lady!" may ngiti sa labing saad nito na siyang kinatawa ko.

"Whatever," tugon ko at pinaalis na ito.

Wala talagang pinagkaiba sila Issac, Ava at Naisha. They only say that I'm the best if I raise their wages, kung hindi naman madalas silang nakabusangot at nagrereklamo.

I walks towards the huge, glass window of my office and take a look outside. There I saw my beautiful maze garden full of blue roses—and the sign of Heist Household. I also saw ten gardeners doing their works and some maids holding a tray full of drinks and foods.

"Should I raise their wages too?" tanong ko sa aking sarili habang nakatanaw sa mga ito.

Lahat ng trabahante namin sa mansyon pili at sinasala, most of them are loyal to our family lalo na't karamihan sa kanila ay natulongan namin.

At dahil wala na naman akong ibang gagawin ay napagdesisyunan ko na lamang na lumabas at tumungo sa hardin. My father is not here, he attended some business affairs outside the Kingdom's border. Even though my father is not the head of our household anymore, siya pa rin ang nag-aasikaso ng mga bagay-bagay para sa kaharian, kabilang na ang pakikipagtransaksyon sa ibang kaharian.

I keep on wondering why my father didn't allow me to do his works lalo na't ako na ngayon ang bagong Countess, dapat alam ko ang mga ginagawa niya at isa pa, ako naman dapat talaga.

It's not that he didn't trust me, I think may iba siyang dahilan kung bakit ayaw niyang ipagawa sa akin ang mga gano'ng uri ng bagay.

My father said that I must focus on healing my heart, like what? My heart is in good state, sadyang natapakan lang ang pagkatao ko kaya ako nagkakaganito. He also said that I must move-on first, like hello? I'm not even broken hearted.

But seriously, sana nagsisisi na ngayon ang Hari sa babaeng pinili niya. Diyamante na kasi ako, pinakawalan pa.

I am angry, sagad hanggang buto. Mabuti sana kung may katungkolan ang babaeng ipinalit niya sa akin, kaso wala e. Ni hindi ko nga alam ang pangalan no'n, at wala akong balak na kilalanin siya sa kadahilanang she's not worth it.

The King is a trash, and his lover is a dust. Bagay talaga silang dalawa sa isa't isa pero hindi ako makakapayag na basta-basta na lamang silang magiging masaya samantalang ako nilubog nila sa kahihiyan.

I stayed at our mansion for one week to avoid rumors pero kahit hindi ako lumalabas ay nakakarating pa rin sa akin ang nga bali-balitang masyado raw mahal ng Hari ang bago niyang kasintahan. The King even brought a three limited edition gown just for his lover and so as a five pair of high-end jewelry with high price gems on it, na siyang hindi niya nagawa at maibigay sa akin noong kami ay engaged pa.

"Thick face," bulong ko sa hangin habang pababa ng hagdan.

Our staircase have a fifteen steps on it, a golden railings, and of course a red carpet. Our mansion is huge, at halos karamihan ng gamit dito ay gawa sa ginto, antigo at mamahalin kaya naman talagang mahigpit ang aming siguridad.

We got ten guards in our main gate and ten guards on the back. They are all well trained and most of them are retired knights. Most of our maids are exceptional too, most of them knows how to wield a sword and so as our kitchen staffs.

Our family is one of the most well-known family in the whole Kingdom because of some reasons—we got five knighthoods and guild and most of the knight that helps the Kingdom during war came from it.

We also handle food supplies all over the Kingdom and most of charities came from us too, kaya naman we are very popular and essential. Kaya naman talagang malaking kawalan sa Hari na hindi ako ang kaniyang magiging kabiyak.

"Good morning Countess,"

"Good morning too," bati ko pabalik sa nakangiting katulong.

"It's good to see you down here my lady," bati naman ng isa, at tanging tango ang aking tugon.

"Do you like some sweets my lady?"

I smiled politely and said, "No, thank you.

"Should I call Butler Naisha to assist you my lady?"

"Naisha isn't here, I can handle my self so don't bother. Just go back to your works, okay?" saad ko at nagpatuloy na sa paglalakad.

They're all like this ever since I was a child, especially those older workers of ours. They treat me so kindly kaya nga minsan nagdududa na ako lalo na't madalas ko silang napagbubuntonan ng galit at madalas ko rin silang masigawan.

They should loath me because I am not a good employer yet they prove me wrong. They stick to me—to our family kahit na they know our other side.

Bago pa man ako makarating ng hardin ay napatigil na ako sapagkat namukhaan ko ang paparating na puting karwahe. Mayroon iyong puting agelang simbolo at watawat na siyang tanda ng Royal Family.

"Don't tell me it's the King?" tanong ko sa kawalan.

Without a choice, I started walking towards our main gate. My brows automatically arches when I saw the King, standing proud and still while staring at his peasant lover.

"Kindly tell Countess Heist that we are here," utos ng Hari na siyang aking kinaingos.

"No need because I am here your majesty," wika ko dahilan para mapabaling sa akin ang atensyon nito.

I saw his peasant lover hide behind his back na siyang mahinang kinatawa ko. Tingnan mo nga naman ang isang 'to, ang kapal ng mukhang makipagrelasyon sa Hari tapos hindi naman ako kayang harapin.

"Quynh it's nice to see you again," nakangiting bati ni Haring Tyshawn sa akin.

"It's 'Countess Heist' your majesty," I quoted. "And it's not nice seeing you, especially that peasant of yours," pagtukoy ko sa babae nitong nakatingin na sa akin.

"Countess that's not nice!" The King snapped. "Apologize to her," utos nito.

"Why would I?" I cross my arms. "I didn't do anything wrong your majesty and besides she didn't pay me respect," I added.

"She's your soon to be Queen, Countess Heist. You must respect her," igting pangang tugon ng Hari.

"Respect? Why would I? Did you two even respect me?" sikmat ko. "You didn't even bother talking to me regarding about your mistress, so why would I respect you?" tanong ko.

"I'm still the King, Countess Heist. Watch your mouth," seryoso nitong saad.

I rolled my eyes and bow a bit to pay respect but as I rise my head, I saw the peasant smirking lightly that makes my blood boil in anger.

"Calm down Ryker," mabining saad ng kinaiinisan kong babae at marahan pang hinimas ang braso ng Hari.

"I'm sorry if I look horrible right now," The King said, softly.

I just rolled my eyes because they are such an eyesore. Hindi ko rin maiwasang hindi maduwal sapagkat sila'y naglalampungan na sa harapan ko, ultimo ang sampung kawal namin ay hindi sila matingnan ng deretso.

"Excuse me your majesty," pagtawag ko ng pansin nito. "Kung nandito kayo para ipakita sa akin ang sweetness niyo, you're in the wrong person. Because first of all I don't care, and secondly, public display of affection is not my thing."

"And that's the reason why I ditch you," maagap na tugon nito na siyang kinasinghap ko.

"Excuse me?!"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang dahil sa sinabi nito. Ni wala nga akong matandaan na niyakap ako nito o hinalikan man lang sa pisngi kahit na papaano. He didn't even comfort me when my mother's death anniversary came. Madalas lamang itong nakamasid sa akin mula sa malayo na para bang mayroon akong sakit na nakakahawa, and at very young age, my heart gets broken.

I always cried everytime he ignores me, I did everything I can just to win his attention pero wala talaga. Kung nag-uusap man kami iyon ay dahil sa napipilitan siya, though he always smiles at me and he seems so sweet and caring pero kahit na gano'n ay mayroon pa rin talagang boundaries. He once called me a brat, and that hurt my pride.

I admit, he got a sweet side too iyon nga lang sa oras lamang ng okasyon o kaya naman kapag may nakakakitang ibang tao. He also showered me with gifts and I highly appreciated it, lalo na't I used to admire him so much. But my dreams shattered when I found out na hindi naman talaga sa kaniya nanggaling ang mga iyon. Yes, he paid for the gift but he didn't even bother searching gift for by himself.

"You didn't ditch me because I am not clingy your majesty," panimula ko. "You ditch me because you can't take me. You can't accept the fact that I am much better than you kaya naman naghanap ka ng iba hindi ba? You didn't accept the fact that you can't control me because I am independent. You can't accept the fact that a mere Countess like me, have a power to dethroned you."

"Stop spitting nonsense Countess Heist," salubong kilay nitong saad. "I am not afraid of you. I am more powerful than you are. In fact, I can easily ruin you in snap, so be careful with your words if you don't want me to send you to the battlefield," pananakot nito.

"Whatever you say your majesty," wika ko at tinalikuran na ang mga ito.

I don't have time to entertain them because my plate is full, at isa pa they are not welcome here. Dapat pala talaga hindi na ako lumabas ng study room s***h opisina ko.

"You got no manners lady Quynh" saad ng babae dahilan para ako ay napahinto.

Mabilis ko itong hinarap, nilapitan at pinandilatan ng mga mata. Kung akala niya'y takot ako sa kaniya dahil nasa tabi niya ang Hari, diyan siya nagkakamali.

"Excuse me? What did you address me?" taas kilay kong tanong dito.

"Lady Quynh," tugon nito habang deretsong nakatingin sa mga mata ko.

"Parang kani-kanina lang hindi mo ako magawang tingnan ng maayos," puna ko. "Look at you now girl, your horn is showing," I chuckles.

"Quynh!" His majesty shouted my name.

"What?" Ito'y aking tiningnan. "I did nothing wrong your majesty. I am just stating the fact," dugtong ko pa at muling tiningnan ang nakakairitang babae sa aking harapan.

The peasant girl in front me is wearing an peach colored a-line gown with white butterfly design on it, it looks like the limited edition gown I am setting my eyes with. Mukhang siya yata ang nakabili, oh well, they looks the same—they are both trash.

She also got a dutch braid hairstyle, an inside-out plait anchored to the head. She also got peach lace colored evening gloves, and she got more than one gold necklace on her neck too, that made me wonder on how she can able to carry it, base on the huge stones attached on each necklaces.

"What's your name?" I asks, with a smile.

"Windy. Windy Millo—"

"I didn't asked for your surname so keep it on your self," pagputol ko sa sasabihin nito.

I saw how her face turns red that makes me laugh evilly inside of my head. It's point for me!

"Your majesty lady Quynh is so mean to me!" The peasant whines and clings into his majesty's arms.

"Hush now Windy. Don't fry anymore my love," pagpapakalma rito ng Hari.

I can help but to click my tongue because of annoyance. Kung pwede ko lang silang pagtabuyan, kanina ko pa ginawa.

"Stop over acting, wala akong ginagawang masama sa 'yo." Inismiran ko ito kasabay ng paglayo.

The King is looking at me the way a beast stares at his prey. He looks like he's going to kill but I don't care.

"You did something that's why Windy cried Quynh," saad ng Hari. "If you can't accept that we're getting married just accept it so we can be at peace!"

"Accept it you say?" I said, annoyed. "Mabuti sana kung sinabi mo sa akin ang dahilan kung bakit bigla ka na lang lumayo at hindi nagparamdam. Ginawa ko naman ang lahat hindi ba? I did my best so that you won't abandoned me pero wala e, you still abandoned me after all I did! You abandoned me in the middle of the crowd, crying! You abandoned me when I need you the most!" I shouted, as I burst into tears.

I don't care anymore. Wala akong pakialam kung may makakakita man sa akin na umiiyak. I need to let my emotions out, and he needs to taste my wrath.

"Do you remember what you did to me your majesty?" I asks, sobbing. "You framed me up in a very young age. You manipulated me! You made me believe that you love me, that I will be your wife! That's the reason why I caged my self inside of your rusty old palace! That's the reason why I got no friends! The reason why I am miserable. Samantalang ikaw?" Dinuro ko ito. "Nagpapakasasa at nagpapakasaya ka lang habang ako nahihirapan,"

"I-I don't know what are you talking about," his majesty replied, stuttering.

I chuckles sarcastically and said, "Of course you wouldn't know, because you don't even care at all."

Binalingan ko ng tingin ang babaeng nasa tabi nito. Wala itong kibo ngunit may kakaibang kislap naman ang kulay asul na mga mata nito na siyang mas lalong nagpasidhi ng damdamin ko.

"Now I remember who you are," panimula ko at dinuro ang mukha nito. "Your that crazy girl his majesty met outside the palace during the flower festival," dugtong ko pa at pinunasan ang luha sa aking pisngi.

Bakit ko nga ba nakalimutan ang babaeng 'to? Siguro kasi masyado akong nagpadala at nabulag sa damdamin ko. Ang babaeng ito ang dahilan kung bakit nasira ang pangarap ko. Ang babaeng ito ang dahilan kong bakit ako naging miserable. Siya ang dahilan kong bakit ako sawi at umiiyak araw-araw, gabi-gabi.

Nagpakawala ako ng isang malalim na hininga at ito'y tiningnan mula ulo hanggang paa.

"Did you bewitched his majesty?" I asks then laugh coldly. "No wonder why he gets really crazy,"

"Don't give your shoes to Windy, Countess Heist!" The King shouted. "You're the one who's crazy! You're spitting nonsense. Ni wala nga akong maalala sa mga sinabi mo," dugtong pa nito at inalalayan na si Windy papasakay ng karwahe.

"Spitting nonsense? Really? You can't remember aye? And what? I'm the one who's crazy?" Pagak anong natawa. "Well, if you say so your majesty. Dahil ako naman ang baliw dito, puwes walang magaganap na kasal sa pagitan niyo." With that, I started walking away—away from the person who hurt and tormented me.

As the knights closes the main gate, I fell on our marble path and there, I started crying again.

My heart is so full, full of pain, hatred, despair and anger. I want to let it out to those person who made me like this. I will make them pay big time and I won't stop until they feel the same way as I do.

Ipapasa ko sa kanila ang sumpa ng pamilyang 'to. They will be in despair and in unending nightmare.

"They're all going pay for what they've done to me," I whispered while clenching my fist.

They will surely see the villainess residing inside me.