The Crown Prince (Reino de Filipinas Series)

Chapter 25

GEN’S POV



NATIGILAN ako. My eyes landed on the small green box placed on top of my office table. Is that for me?

Kanina pa kami naghiwalay ni Donna, dumiretso na ito sa opisina ng mga ito sa second floor habang ako’y nagmamadaling umakyat. Medyo napasarap kasi ang kwentuhan namin, huli na nang mamalayan kong malapit ng matapos ang one hour lunch break namin.

Bahagya pa akong hinihingal nang lapitan ang malaking office table, I grabbed the note. Inikot-ikot ko iyon at lalong kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang pangalan ko ang nakasulat sa likod niyon. Mabilis kong binuksan ang sobre para lang matigilan.

To Gen,

Hope you like some sweets.

From: Ken

Laglag ang balikat na tinupi ko iyon. Okay, medyo disappointed ako. Why? Simply because in my hearts of heart, umaasa akong galing sa lalakeng malamang sa mga oras na ito’y nasa loob na ng malaking opisina sa likuran ko.

I shake my head. The root of all disappointment is hope. I should always rememer kung saan ako nakatayo sa buhay niya. I’m his royal aide in short, empleyado and he’s my boss and this nation’s crown prince. Sa pelikula at libro lang nangyayari ang mga iniisip ko.

“Umayos ka, Gen,” sita ko sarili habang dinadampot ang box.

The logo says it all. I don’t need to open it to know what’s inside but I do anyway. Tumambad sa kin ang assorted flavor na chocolates from roasted nuts, Gianduja, orange peel to dried strawberry bits.

"Wow! Patchi!"

“Your Highnes. Good afternoon po,” mabilis kong bati nang makita ang nakangising mukha ng ikatlong prinsipe sa may pintuan.

He's so darn handsome wearing a navy blue three-piece Armani suit. He’s not wearing a tie and the three of his buttons are open. I think it’s a trend for these royals. I’m not complaining dahil laging nag pi-pyesta ang mga mata ko sa napaka sexy nilang mga leeg.

He just waved his hand and stalked towards the table. Mabilis nitong nadampot ang note saka ngumisi. Amongst the royal princes, masasabi kong ang kaharap ang pinaka approachable at kung minsan maloko. He’s the darling fo the crowd. Kaya medyo kinakabahan ako sa kapilyuhang nasa mga mata nito.

"Liam's inside?" Tanong nito na sa wakas ay nawala na ang nakakalokong ngiti. Seryoso na ulit ito.

"Yes, Your Highness," sagot ko. Nagmamadali kong dinampot ang mga gamit ko’t sabay kaming naglakad patungo sa opisina ni Prince Liam.

"This Ken is from what department?" Untag na tanong sa ‘kin ni Prince Yñaki.

Natigil ako sa akmang pagkatok sa pinto, hinarap siya. Again,there's that boyish grin on his face.

"Ahm...PR department, Your Highness." I replied. He arched one of his brows at my response but he remain quiet.

I decided to knock, letting V know of our presence. Seryosong mukha nito ang sumalubong sa ‘min. Agad itong bumati sa prinsipe at isang tango lang ang ibinigay sa ‘kin.He escorted us to the main office of the Crown Prince.

"Hey,busy bee!" Masiglang bati ni Prince Yñaki sa nakayuko at abalang pinsan.

Kasalukuyan itong may binabasang papeles, sa gawing kanan nito’y nakatambak ang ‘sang katerbang files. From the looks of it, it’s from the Royal Secretariat’s office.

My eyes were back to the man himself and I couldn’t help the admiration that was creeping from the tips of my toes down to the roots of my hair.

Can’t blame me though. Geeky and sexy shouldn’t look like this. It’s illegal.

Mabilis itong huminto sa ginagawa’t nag angat ng mukha. He arranged his glasses with his middle finger, serious eyes were now staring at us.

"Good afternoon,Your Royal Highness," bati ko nang magtama ang aming mga mata.

"Sit," maikling tugon nito’t muling ibinalik ang mga mata sa binabasa.

Tahimik akong naglakad at naupo sa upuang nasa harapan nito habang ang ikatlong prinsipe’y balewalng nahiga sa mahabng sofa. May sitting area kasi ang opisina ni Kamahalan. The office that looks like a house rather than a mundane office.

Itinuwid ko ang likod at nagkunwaring abala sa pagbabasa ng schedule ng amo. Nasanay na ako rito. Dahil may OCD si Kamahalan, tatapusi niya muna ang kung anumang binasabasa bago ibigay ang buong atensiyon sa kung sinuman.

"Okay. I'm good.”

Nanlaki ang mga mga mata’t sinundan ang ginagawa nitong pagsisilid ng papeles sa isang folder. Seryoso ba siya? Mukhang kakasimula niya pa lang sa dokumentong ‘yon.

"You're not yet finish with that paper,Liam. We can wait," Prince Yñaki echoed my thoughts. Nakalapit na ito sa pwesto namin.

"I said I'm good. Dejalo!" The crown prince hissed.

Mahinang tawa lang ang sagot ng ikatlong prinsipe sa pinsang iritado na naman. He plooped on the seat across mine then wink.

My smile is instantaneous ‘cause of his carefree demeanor. Sa lahat ng princes, siya ang pinaka cool. He's handsome and carefree just like Prince Lachlan minus the playboy attitude, of course.

"Yñaki!" Prince Liam growled.

"What?" Bale walang sagot ng pinsan nito.

Ilang segundong nagpalitan ng makahulugang tingin ang dalawa bago bumaling sa akin ang amo.

"Let's start, Genessia. What do you have for me?" Seryoso ang mukha nito but his eyes were oddly warm.

I cleared my throat.

"I brought the printed questionnaire for your interview tomorrow, Sir,” inilapag ko sa harapan niya ang folder na dala.

Mabilis nitong binuklat iyon at pinasadahan ng tingin.

"I've called the Social Media and PR department earlier. They'll be here any minute now. May ilang pointers lang silang idi-discuss sa inyo para po bukas," I’ve added then met his gaze.

Tumango ito nang marahn.

"Very well," he said while his obsidian pools were caressing my face. There’s that intense gaze again as if he’s memorizing every line, freckles, and flaw. I can’t help but squirm. Every time that he's near there's that unknown tension in the air.

Parang biglang nasira nag AC sa opisinang ito?

Someone cleared their throat and the spell that seems to snare us was broken. Nag-iinit ang pisngi na nag iwas ako ng tingin kay Kamahalan.

"I heard Lachlan followed you on IG, Gen," komento ni Prince Yñaki. Swabeng nakasandal ito sa upuan habang seryosong nakatitig sa akin.

I thank the heavens above for his presence. Ipinapaalala nito sa kin ang napag usapan namin ni Donna kanina.

"Yes, Your Highness.”

"I saw him liked your photos. Nice content by the way. Who's your photographer?"

"Friends ko po,” kimi akong ngumiti’t pasimpleng tinapunan ng tingin si Prince Liam.

Tahimik lang ito na nakikinig sa aming dalawa but his eyes were fixed to Prince Yñaki's directions. His giving the clueless prince a deathly glare.

Naputol ang ano mang sasabihin ni Prince Yñaki ng dumating si Sir Rowan at Donna. Sila ang mga na-assign na i-brief ang dalawang prinsipe para sa live interview bukas. Agad kaming nagtungo sa sitting room para mas maayos na mai-discuss ang mga do's and dont's ng interview sa dalawang prinsipe. Medyo big deal sa palasyo ang event dahil first time na pumayag ng opisina ng royal family sa isang live interview. Last week pa nga trending sa social media ang mga hashtag na Royaly Live at Life of Royals.

"The interview will last for 30 minutes, Your Highness. The directors and producers of the show were given specific instructions about the flow and time. May mga teams na mag mo-monitor bukas kasama si Gen,” paliwanag ni Sir Rowan at bahagyang pa ‘kong tinapunan ng tingin.

I nodded, acknowledging his instruction.

"We've also prepared draft answers for all the questions listed, Your Highness. You have to stick with short and precise responses. Masyado hong kilala ang host na nang gigisa ng mga guests niya at mahilig mag bigay ng mga questions na wala sa script, we don't want both of you on hot seats tomorrow. And the drafted response were approved by the Queen, Your Highness." Patuloy na paliwanag nito sa dalawang prinsipe.

Tahimik na pinasadahan ng tingin ni Prince Liam ang dokumento na ibinigay ni Donna dito pagkarating kanina.

"I'll read them first. Genessia will give you a ring if I'm totally okay with everything that's written here,” saad ni Prince Liam nasa dokumento ang mga mata. He’s scratching his cupid’s bow and the gesture is quite endearing and distracting I want to smack his hand to do it myself.

"Duly noted, Your Highness."

"It says here that they will ask some question coming from Viraly. Can we have a copy of those questions before the program starts?" That’s the third prince.

Nagpalitan kami ng tingin ni Donna. Siya kasi ang naka-assign na mag-explain ng tinatanong ni Prince Yñaki. I can only imagine how nervous she is right now. This was the first time na nakaharap niya ang mga amo naming nag ga-gwapuhan and both command authority.

She cleared her throat and squared her shoulders.

“The producers agreed to send us the copy of the questions. Hinihintay na lang po namin.”

“But? There’s always a but,” ani Prince Yñaki, nakataas ang makapal nitong kilay.

Alumpihit na tumango ang best friend ko.

“They cannot guarantee na iyon na mismo ang mga questions na itatanong during the live interview tom. It is subject to changes since the show is known to pick random questions from the viewers, Sir.”

“Fair enough.”

"Make sure to send everything to my office Ms. Trinidad. Also, coordinate that with the Royal Secretary's office. We need to check if those questions are fine or below the belt.”

"I will, Your Royal Highness,” mabilis na tumango si Donna kay Prince Liam.

"Is that all?" Nakangiting tanong naman ni Prince Yñaki “By the way did you tell them the protocols?" Sa akin ito nakatingin.

"Yes, Prince Yñaki. We've briefed them the other day. I sent copies of our checklist to the producers as well as the director of the show. Nakausap na din po sila nila Jaques." Paliwanag ko sa kanya. Ramdam ko sa gilid ng mga mata ko na nakatingin na naman sa ‘kin ng matiim si Prince Liam.

I ignored him. Sinaway ko rin ang sarili ko dahil natutunaw na naman ako sa mga tingin niya. This man will be the death of me.

"Good." Marahang tumango ang third prince.

"Miss Trinidad, you will be joining the team tomorrow. Jaques will brief you, wait for his call." Ani Prince Liam at bahagyang tinapunan ng tingin ang nagulat na si Donna. Tumayo na ito mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa na nasa harapan ko. His hands were on his pockets.

"Now, if you're done here you're all excuse." He said in a dismissive tone.

Hindi na nito hinintay na makasagot kami, agad itong naglakad papunta sa office table nito.

Tumayo na din kaming tatlo at nag bow kay Prince Yñaki, ng makalapit sa harap ng crown prince yumuko kaming tatlo at nagpaalam.

"Not you, Genessia. Stay."

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

Ilang minuto nang naka alis sina Donna pero para pa rin akong estatwang nakatayo malapit sa pintuan at naghihintay ng utos ng prinsipe.

“Sit. I need help with these files. Sort them and check if there's any pressing matters that need my utmost attention,” itinuro nito ang nakatambak na folders sa tabi.

I nodded and walked towards the end of the table where the files were stacked. I was about to grab those when he stopped me.

“You’re no wonder woman. Let V get those."

Bago pa ako makahuma, nakalapit na sa akin ang number three nitong may lahing pusa yata sa sobrang gaan ng mga yapak.

"Occupy the table over the fireplace." Turo nito na labis kong ikinagulat.

That space is known to be exclusively his. Bawal umupo ang kahit na sino, even his brothers or cousin.

“Y-your Royal Highness?”

His eyebrow arched and I gulp. s**t. Royals don’t repeat themselves.

Wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang tahimik na maglakad patungo roon kasunod si V na dala ang file na mukhang next year ko pa matatapos. Umalis na rin agad si V amtapos ilapag ang mga nasabing files sa mesa.

I quickly get to work, going through the motions of scanning the files and separating them according to their importance. I’m so engrossed with the task that I totally forgot I’m still at the crown prince’s office with the two most devastatingly handsome royals sitting not far from where my ass was perched.

"Don't you have meetings Yñaki?"

Nag angat ako ng tingin. Again, I’m the silent witness of how my boss kill his cousin with his eyes. The said royal cousin was sleeping on the sectional couch. Napangiti ako. Alam ko kasing nagtutulog-tulugan lang si Prince Yñaki.

"Ynaki! '¡Coño.”

Nag uunat na bumangon ang third prince. Bahagya itong umiling at ngumisi nang nakaka loko sa galit na si Prince Liam.

"'Que te jodan! Gritas mucho, Liam."

Balewalang lumapit ito sa pwesto ko’t pasalampak na naupo sa bakanteng silya sa tapat ko.

"I'll stay here. I'll help Gen,” deklara nito sabay dampot sa isang folder. He crossed his legs and began to read the document unbothered by his cousin’s rage.

"Sinverguenza! Go back to your office or to God knows where. Stop pestering me!"

Wala sa loob na napatingin ako sa Crown Prince. Namumula ang mukha nito at kuyom ang mga kamay na nakapatong sa mesa. I don't have any clue as to why he's angry with his cousin.

Sa gulat ko, bumunghalit ng tawa ang malokong royal sa harapan ko. Nag tatakang pinag lipat-lipat ko ang tingin sa kanilang dalawa.

"Why are you so piss, Liam? I’m just being me. Chivalrous and charming. Offering a hand to our sweet Gen here,” pa-inosenteng paliwanag nito’t bumaling sa direksiyon ng pinsan.

Walang bakas ng takot ang mukha nito. Bagkus, pagka aliw ang naroon. The crown prince let a grumble.

Nagulat na lang ako nang biglang lumingon sa akin si Prince Yñaki at sumenyas. Awang ang mga labing inilapit ko ang mukha sa prinsipe.

"Sakyan mo lang ako, Gen. Smile. Aasarin ko lang 'yang gagong ‘yan,” bulong nito sa kanang tainga ko.

Absentmindedly, I nod and smile.

"f**k off!"

I jerked when I saw a flying paper weigh land on the third prince’s shoulder. I blink rapidly, my eyes were glued to the object then flitted to the man who throw it. His face is wearing that if looks could kill look. Both of his arms were gripping the edge of the table na para bang doon siya kumukuha ng pasensiya.

“Jesus, Liam! Chill. You're losing your cool."

"Don't wait ‘til I lose my s**t, you jerk. GET LOST!" He yelled, pointing to the door.

"Fine!" Sukong anang prinsipe sa harapan ko’t marahang tumayo.

He walked slowly towards the door but stopped in his tracks and turned around in my direction. He looked at me with a smug smile on his face.

"Gen. I forgot to give this back.”

Agad akong tumayo’t lumapit rito.

“Ano ho ‘yon. Sir?”

“Iyong note sa gift sa’yo ng manliligaw mo,” sabay abot nito sa putting sobre. Mabilis kong inabot iyon, mahinang nagpasalamat.

"Try the dried strawberry flavor. I heard masarap yun,” he added and winked.

"OUT!”

“Byers,” nang aasar na sumaludo pa si Prince Yñaki sa pinsan saka balewalang kinabig ang pinto.

Naiwan akong nakatitig sa nilabasan nitong door, clueless about what had happened.

"f**k that asshole!"

I winced when I heard my brooding boss slammed something on his table. Namalayan ko na lang nakatayo na ito sa kaliwa ko’t tahimik akong pinagmamasdan at mga kamay ko. His jaw twitched everytime na madadako ang mga mata sa sobreng hawak ko.

With narrowed eyes, he raked his right hand on his dark mass. Awang ang labing sinundan ko ang ginagawa nito. I wonder how those thick mane would feel on my fingers. Kasing lambot kaya ng silk?

"Don't leave. I'll be back."

I jerked and nod like a fool. s**t nahuli kaya ako nitong ina-eye f**k na naman siya? Hope not.

“What the F just happened?” Tanong ko sa sarili habang naglalakad pabalik sa couch. Nahilot ko ang sentido but when I opened my eyes and the pile of folders caught my attention, I know that what had trasnpired between the two royalties was the least of my concern. Trabaho muna kaysa kung anu-ano ang inaatupag ko.

Dinampot ko ang naiwang dokumento kanina’t tahimik na nagpauloy sa ginagawa.

"Are you done with those, Genessia?"

I blink rapidly at the man scowling right before me. Tinapunan ko ng tingin ang malaking grand father’s clock sa likuran nito. May kalahating oras rin pala itong nawala.

“Genessia?”

“H-ho. Kaunti na lang po, Your highness,” sabay hilot sa batok na biglang sumakit. Sa stress siguro or sa matagal kong pagkakatingala sa amo.

"Are you okay?” Puno nang pag-aalala ang boses ni Prince Liam na nag tanong sa kin.

"I'm fine, Your Highness. Salamat. " Pilit ang ngiting sagot ko’t hindi pinansin ang kilig na nararamdaman sa loob ko dahil sa ipinapakitang pag-aalala ng amo sa akin.

Normal lang iyon sa kanya. Siyempre tauhan niya ako, hindi ba?

"Tama na yan. Finish this some other time,” he snatched the file from me and tossed it on the table.

“Ayos lang ho talaga ako, Sir,” tumayo ako’t balak sanang abutin ang folder but a big hand landed on top of it. Gulat na nag angat ako ng tingin, and I wish I didn’t.

Ilang dangkal lang ang layo ng mukha ni Prince Liam sa akin. I could smell his aftershave mixed with sandalwood and a musky scent that was uniquely his. My eyes landed on his full sensual lips. It was parted. Suddenly, pictures of us in a dark alleyway and in the sparse kitchen of the villa attacked my hazy mind. I swallowed, my gaze darted upon his eyes.

May kakaibang kislap ang mga iyon. This damn prince know my thoughts. Tila napapasong lumayo ako’t mabilis na naupo sa pwesto ko.

"You always have your ways of defying me. You must be reprimanded, hell. You should be punished. But I'll let it pass…for now,” in an amused tone, he said. Tumayo ito nang tuwid, ikiniling ang ulo sa kanan. “I won't be as forgiving to you the third time, Genessia."

I fidget. Parang baliw na inayos ko ang laylayan ng suot na skirt. Bakit parang mas na-excite ako sa banta ng amo? Fudge. These hormones and my intense attraction to him is a concoction for disaster.

"Call the goddamn infirmary. Ask for aspirins or Tylenol, and two cups of coffee. Black and cappuccino,” ibinalik nito ang telepono sa pocket saka ako tinitigan nang matiim."If you don't feel well, rest. Don’t push it. Isang pako lang ang ibabayad sa’yo ng Crown para sa pag papaka bayani mo."

Hindi ko napigilan ang mapangiti sa narinig. He’s a lame joket and his poor attempt to lighten the mood is what makes my heart beats rapidly. Mas lalo akong nahulog sa kumunoy ni Kamahalan.

"Yes, Kamahalan,” mabilis kong sagot. I looked in his direction and caught him staring at me, for the thousandth time.

Una itong nagbawi ng tingin. Bumalik sa mesa nito’t balewalang itinuloy ang kung ano mang binabasa. Tahimik ko na ring pinagpatuloy ang ginagawa ko. May mga kailangan pa ‘kong e-email mamaya at asikasuhin para sa interview bukas.

Maya-maya pa'y dumating ang isang royal maid na may dalang tray.Laman niyon ang hininging kape mg prinsipe. Agad ring nag paalam ang staff nang mailapag ang tray sa lamesang nasa kaliwa ko.

Tumayo ako’t balak sanang kunin ang mga sweets para ihatid sa amo nang bigla itong magsalita.

"Just the coffee, Genessia. The bread and sweets are yours."

Napilitan akong ibalik ang tinapay at macarons sa ibabaw ng coffee table. Walang imik na dinala ko ang kape niya.Palagi na ay ganon ang set up namin, darating ang royal maid sa office nito’t ilalapag ang kape o anumang pagkain ni Prince Liam sa mesang malapit sa fireplace, then I’ll butt in. Ako na ang maglalapag noon sa harap ng prinsipe. I asked Jaques why but all I’ve got was a simple shrugged. I don’t bother to ask again.

Dahil yata sa lumilipad ang utak ko samahan pa ng sakit ng ulo, nahalikan ko ang sahig nang wala sa oras. Nabitawan ko ang tray na hawak, tumilapon lahat ng laman noon sa sahig. Natutop ko ang bibig nang makitang nagkalat ang kape sa Persian carpet ng opisina.

I’m screwed.

"Mierda! Genessia, watch out.”

Hindi ko pinansin ang tarantang boses ni Prince Liam, nagmamadali kong dinampot ang mga tasa at platito. Lord, kahit sunugin ako kulang pa pambayad sa mga Chinas na ‘to.

Deadma ako sa kirot ng tuhod. My mind was focused on how to salvage the super expensive coffee mugs. Kahit yata magtrabaho ako ng smapung taon sa palasyo, ‘di sasapat sa halaga ng dalawang tasang nabasag ko.

Ang shunga mo, Gen.

"Are you okay? f**k, stop that!" Lumuhod sa harapan ko ang amo’t pero patuloy pa rin ako sa pagdampot ng mga bubog.

"Aray!”

"s**t. Let me," warm, sure hands grabbed my wrist. Raised it a little higher, so that he can take a great look at my index finger. Mesmerized, I followed every movement. The way his eyes darkened while looking at the small cut like it was offending him in some ways.

Hot tingles skate from my fingertips down to my chest and stop there. Did the oxygen around us disappear? Kasabay nang pagkawala ng katinuan ko?

Kagat-labing pigil ko ang hininga nang marinig ang marahas nitong pagmumura. Can it be that he's worried about me? Or mayb–

Shit! Pinanginigan ako ng buong kalamnan at halos gumulong palabas ng eye sockets ko ang mga eyeballs ko when I eyed him slowly putting my index into his mouth.

Holy eyes! Redundant I know, but could you blame me? Si Kamahalan ang sumisipsip sa sugat ko, paano ako kakalma?

White heat pooled in between my thighs, the deafening heartbeats made my head fuzzy. How can an act be so innocent and erotic at the same time?

"Your Highness, are you okay?" Narinig kong boses ni V mula sa likuran ko’t mabilis kong nahila ang kamay.

Sinamaan akong tingin ni Kamahalan pero hindi nito binitawan ang palad ko. Mas lalo pa nitong diniinan ang paghahawak roon.

"First aid, pronto.”

Tumalima agad si V at naiwan akong tulala sa harapan ng binatang prinsipe.

“Are you okay? Stop telling me you are ‘cause you’re clearly not. Napaso ka ba? Anong masakit sayo? Tell me,” tila ito trumpo. He let go of my hand only to check my arms and my knees. Pati talampakan ko ‘di nito pinalagpas.

I shook my head. Pulling myself out into the trance that I am in.

"I'm really okay, Prince Liam,” I eyed the mugs on my lap. “I’m sorry about these. Kakausapin ko na lang po ang royal–”

"To hell with that f*****g cups! Bakit ba mas iniintidi mo pa ‘yan?” Galit na kinuha nito ang mga tasa sa kamay ko’t padabog na inilapag iyon sa gilid.

‘Di ko na nakuhang magsalita sapagkat biglang dumating si V dala ang first aid kit.

Mababaw lang naman ang cut sa daliri ko kaya tatanggi sana ko na gamutin pa iyon but the stare that Prince Liam gave me made me shut up. Inalalayan ako nitong tumayo at doon ko lang napansin na may black and blue ako sa kanang tuhod ko.

"s**t!" Napamura ko nang mahina.

"Can you walk?"

Pinakiramdaman ko muna ang sarili ko bago ako tumango sa kanya. Naupo ako sa silyang nasa harapan ng office table nito habang ito’y inukopa ang silyang katapat noon.

“Hand,” he demanded and I obeyed.

Tahimik akong nanunod rito, tanging marahas na paghinga lang niya ang namagitan sa amin habang nilalagyan nito ng betadine ang sugat ko. I willed myself to not shake everytime he softly touch my fingers.

“Next time, be careful. Always put your safety first,” he looked me straight into the eyes.

Those hypnotizing black pools rendered me speechless, all I could do is nod.

“Good. One more thing bago kita i-dismiss,” may kinuha ito sa loob ng kahon.

Hindi ko napigilan ang mapangiti nang makita nag color pink na band-aid. May mini hearts design iyon.

“T-thank you so much, Your Royal Highness.”

"Go back to your quarters and rest. No more paper works for you!" He said with finality. Hindi pa rin nito binibitawan ang kamay ko kaya pasimple kong hinatak iyon.

I noticed how his brows furrowed before he gave V an order.

"Ihatid mo siya V."

Tumango naman agad ang skin head poker face royal guard kay Kamahalan. Tumayo ako’t tahimik na muling nag paalam sa amo.

"No wandering around your dorm, Genessia. Kung kailangang i-handcuff ka ni V sa kama para mapirmi ka lang, pagagawa ko. Don't test me."

My steps faltered, nasamid ako.

Uh-oh!

"Now, go."

I slowly bowed my head.

"Have a good day, Sir,” mahinang sabi ko’t sumunod kay na V.

"Tell V if you need anything,” pahabol pa ni Kamahalan.

I glance over my shoulder and offer him a sweet smile.

"I will, Your Highness."

Shuta. Ba’t feeling ko nasa cloud nine na naman ako? Normal bang may galos at sugat ako pero ang saya-saya ko? Here’s that nagging voice in my head telling me that maybe, he likes me.

"See you tomorrow, Genessia." His face was impassive but his beautiful eyes tell me differently.

"See you tom, Kamahalan."

With that, I walked towards V. Slightly limping but my heart, as stupid as it was, bounced and twirl happily.

Sandali akong dumaan sa table ko’t kinuha ang mga gamit at ang chocolate na bigay ni Ken. Tiyak matutuwa nito si Donna, siya kasi ang may sweet tooth sa aming dalawa. Mas prefer ko ang dark chocolates.

"You're good? " V asked me and I nod.

Kinuha niya ang ilang gamit ko at walang imik na inalok ang kanang braso niya sa ‘kin. Nakangiting humawak ako roon at sabay kaming naglakad papuntang staff house.

May kahabaan din ang nilakad namin kaya nang makarating sa room namin nila Donna, medyo hinihingal ako.

"Thanks, V. Water?" Alok ko sa kanya na agad niyang tinanggihan.

Inilapag nito ang mga gamit ko sa maliit na lamesang nasa gawing kanan ng bed ko. Inilibot nito ang tingin sa loob ng kwarto saka marahang naglakad papuntang pinto.

"Call me if you need anything."

Kumunot ang noo ko sa nahimigan kong pag-aalala sa boses nito. That’s news.

"Aye. Aye, Sir. Thanks, really. Balik ka na baka kailangan ka ni Prince Liam,” pagtataboy ko sa kanya.

Tango lang ang isinagot nito sa ‘kin at tumalikod na.

"V, saglit. Hindi aking ang isang paper bag rito,” sigaw ko nang mapansin ang isang gold paper bag na katabi ng shoulder bag ko.

He looked at the bag in question, shrugged his broad shoulders.

"That's yours, Gen. Check it. Need to go. Lock your door."

Natigilan ako. Wala akong maalalang umorder ako online.

“The f**k?”

Dahan-dahan akong lumakad at inin-espeksyon iyon. Lalong bumalong ang pagtataka sa loob ko nang makitang may maliit na kahon sa loob niyon. The color of the box and the paper bag were the same. Curiosity got me, I fished it and slowly opened the lid. I gasped. In my hand lies the most decadent dark truffle chocolate I have seen in my entire life.

It’s Dark Truffle Chocolate of Knipschildt, for crying out loud.

"Oh my God!"

‘Di ko malaman ang gagawin. May hinala ako kung kanino galing iyon. Sino bang matinong tao ang may kakayahang gumastos sa tsokolateng six figures ang halaga. Nagnginginig ang kamay na binuksan ko nag sobre’t tumambad sa akin ang napaka eleganteng sulat kamay ng prinsipe.

Genessia,

Strawberry is not the best flavor of chocolate. It's dark and truffle.

You can suffer OAS from eating those stupid strawberries or worst, hives.

DON'T EAT THOSE.

P.S.

Don't you ever dare send this back to me. You won’t like it. Don't test me.

- Kamahalan

Parang baliw na ilang beses kong binasa iyon saka dinala sa dibdib. Saka ako ngumisi nang ma-realize na kinikilig ako sa isang straight forward and bossy notes from the crown prince. Pero mas lalo akong natawa nang makita ko ang isa pang note na naka-attach sa likod.

Post- super-scriptum:

‘OAS or Oral Allergy Syndrome is caused by cross-reactivity between protein in fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts with pollens. Symptoms include throat tightness, itching or tingling of the mouth, skin rashes such as hives or eczema, itchy skin, cough, etc...

A severe allergy to strawberries may result in a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Based on research, 70% of people are unaware that they have OAS. It affects 6-8% of children under the age of 3 while 9% of adults.

OAS is a bodily response that occurs when the immune system mistakes the food you're eating for pollen to which you are allergic. So, if you'll look at the numbers there's a great probability that you might have an OAS.’

I hope the numbers above convince you that those strawberries are not up for consumption. Let me reiterate to you. DON'T EAT THOSE STRAWBERRIES!

Humalakhak ako matapos mabasa ang mala google at wikipedia na PPS note ng crown prince.

“Oh, Kamahalan. Why so sweet?”