The Empress (TAGLISH)

Chapter 2: The Banquet

The banquet starts early in the evening and Illyria is now standing in front of the full sized mirror while staring at her reflection. She was wearing a purple lilac ombre that parts in the front to reveal a silver beaded lace. The underlying fabric of the gown is made of white taffeta. Thin metal filigree with plum gems decorated the top of the dress and under bust. It has a matching filigree shoulder caps with thin silver chains that drape over the side of the arm and back. Her long- midnight hair was curled and adorned with a silver headpiece that looks like twisted twigs that forms a halo shape.

Illyria sighed as she put the thin purple veil to hide her eyes that she took from her trusted servant, Nulara. Kung maaari lamang ay ayaw niyang dumalo sa kasiyahan but this is an official affair of their Kingdom. This banquet was held to welcome all the emissaries from the allied countries and Kingdoms which the Anthos formed a friendship. These guests will set to attend the wedding of the First Prince William Falone Vesuius Kantakouzene and the Princess Ystrid Aveline Salvius Pashar of the Kaoath Kingdom.

Nakarinig siya nag katok sa kanyang pintuan na siyang dahilan upang mapatingin siya rito.

"Princess, it is time to go." Boses ng isa sa mga taga-pagsilbi nila sa mansion. Illyria walks towards the door and Perina opened it up for her.

"Sister, you are finally here." Wika ng kanyang kapatid na si Flaviu ng mamataan siya nito. Nakatayo ito sa harapan ng karawahe kasama ang kaibigan nitong si Ivantie at ngayon ay nagsisilbing personal knight niya. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you brother. You look really handsome tonight." Ika niya saka siya bumaling kay Ivantie. "You look good as well Ivantie."

"You have my thanks, Princess." Sagot nito.

Ivantie opened the carriage door for them and Illyria entered before them and Ivantie was the last to get inside the carriage.

Hindi kalayuan ang palasyo mula sa mansyon na tinitirahan nila at mahigit dalawampung minuto lamang ang kakailanganin bago nila marating ang palasyo at hindi nagtagal ay nakarating na sila sa harapan ng malaking tarangkahan papasok sa palasyo.

Nang makapasok sila sa palasyo agad silang nagtungo sa reception hall. Bumungad sa kanila ang iba't-ibang opisyal mula sa iba't-ibang kaharian.

When they entered the hall all eyes suddenly turned to them at hindi maiwasan ni Illyra na mapakapit sa kamay ng kanyang kapatid at bahagyang nagtago siya sa likuran nito. Flaviu lightly squeezed her hand assuring her that it'll be fine and that he was here.

"That must be the Fourth Prince. Isn't he one of the strongest candidates for the throne?"

"Yes that's him. He has the most attractive face among the princes and they said that he is also an incredible warrior."

"The Grim Reaper of the battlefield."

"That man behind him, isn't that the Black Hound?"

"Yes, Ivantie Crassius Yngrassone fought alongside the fourth prince during the war at with Laraokath and the youngest swordmaster in the history of Anthos."

"He came from the long line of knights, who pledge loyalty to the throne."

"Who is the lady beside Prince Eugene?"

"She's Princess Illyria, the youngest of them."

"Oh yes, there is no doubt that it is indeed the youngest princess. Her eyes was rumored to be cursed that's why she was hiding it behind that veil."

"Cursed? Would it be mean that it can bring death to the one who sees her eyes?"

"Plausible, since people are calling it 'the eyes of death'."

"But I heard a rumor that her face was ugly and deformed."

Illyria heard them whispering. Pakiramdam niya ay para siyang kandilang mauupos mula sa kinatatayuan niya. Naramdaman din niya ang paghigpit ng hawak ng kanyang kapatid sa kamay niya. Batid ni Illyra and galit at iritasyon ng kapatid niya. Ayaw na ayaw kasi nito na makarinig ng mga salita tungkol sa kanya.

"My dear sister, you look absolutely stunning!" A loud male voice spoke. Illyria looks towards the direction of the voice and she saw her second brother Lucio along with the third bother Brendon who are walking towards them.

"The Second Prince is really a beautiful man, as if he was a woman."

"If he's not wearing a men's clothing, I'll definitely mistake him as a princess instead."

"Thank you brother. This dress was fine brother, I really like it." She said then complimented Lucio for his dashing appearance.

"It's been a while brother Brendon." Illyria politely said to him.

"Yes, I haven't seen you nearly a month little sister." He answered and pat her head.

"Ivantie, haven't you decided to leave Eugene to work for me?" Biglang tanong nito.

"I apologise, Your Grace." Maikling wika sagot niya.

Illyria heard her brother sighed.

"Brendon, aren't you tired asking that same question? Besides, he is now Illyria's Knight."

"Oh, it's a shame that I lose to you dear sister." Ika nito and smiled at her.

The Princess Consort Tessele Remora Adelaisa, from Kaoath Kingdom had given birth to Brendon Artoria Gavin along with his twin sister the first princess Letiza Shorrin Thola, 9 months earlier before Eugene was born. That is why the fourth prince didn't addressed him with honorifics.

After a few minutes a servant came to help all the guests settle in the banquet hall and after we all settled the servant announced the arrival of the King Bram Hagar Ainethach Kantakouzene along with the Queen Kethra Selise Evalanna and the Princess Consort Tessele Ramora, followed by the First Prince William Falone and her future wife Princess Ystrid Aveline.

The guest stood up at the arrival of the King to show respect. Then a servant came and poured a wine in to the King's glass and presented it to the King while bowing his head.

The king took the glass.

"I want to extend my gratitude to all of you for coming in my Kingdom to attend the wedding of my First Son William and Princess Ystrid Aveline." Wika nito. "Now, let the banquet begin!" The Emperor raised his glass and drink the sweet wine.

The crowd raised their glasses too and clapped their hands in delight. Nag simulang magpakita ng ibat-ibang talento ang mga mananayaw, at mang-aawit at mga musikero. May mga nagpakita din ng talento sa magic at circus upang magbigay ng entertainment sa mga bisita.

Nakaupo si Illyria kasama ang kanyang mga kapatid sa mahabang mesa maliban sa panganay nilang si William na nakaupo sa lamesa kung saan kabilang ang King. Illyria's seat was at the end of table, they were seated according to the order of their birth.

Katabi niya ngayon ang kanyang kapatid na si Dona na mas matanda sa kanya ng dalawang taon. Ito ang pinakamalapit na kapatid niyang babae sa kanya at ito ang madalas magturo sakanya ng flute.

"Sister do you want to go with me tomorrow? I'm going to brother Lucio's place." Wika ni Illyira.

"Ah, I want to go but my teacher in poetry will coming over tomorrow." Sagot ni Dona na may himig ng panghihinayang.

"Brother is retiring early tonight, I wonder why?" Takang tanong nito habag nakatingin sa direksyon ng prinsipe.

"Maybe he is feeling unwell." Sabat ni Erroll sa usapan nila. "That is his physician." Tukoy nito sa lalaking nasa likuran ng papaalis na prinsipe.

Errol Dumien Montieu is the Fifth Prince and has the same age with Dona Mikha Assham. Their mother Concubine Esevele Janona and Concubine Katherine Latuer are sisters from the family of Baron Virkmund Harornsen.

"Where is sister Letiza?" Tanong ni Illyria ng mapansin niya na wala ito sa kanyang upuan.

"I don't know. I didn't notice her at all." Sagot ni Erroll na maging ito ay nagtataka rin.

Matapos nilang magtagal sa loob ng banquet hall ay napagkasunduan nilang tatlo na lumabas at magtungo sa hardin upang magpahangin.

Kasalukuyan silang naglalakad patungo gazebo na matatagpuan sa tagong parte ng hardin ng palasyo.

"I need to go to the bathroom." Sambit ni Dona and Erroll sighed in disbelief.

"Sister, can you wait for us? I'll just accompany this idiot quickly." Wika ni Erroll alam kasi nitong takot si Dona na maglakad mag-isa tuwing gabi.

"Alright, I'll just wait for you in the gazebo." Sagot niya rito. Tumango naman ang kanyang kapatid na si Erroll bago sila naglakad patungo sa banyo.

Nagpatuloy sa paglalakad si Illyria hanggang sa mapalapit siya sa kinaroronan ng gazebo, ngunit agad siyang napatigil sa paghakbang ng makarinig siya ng ungol.

Illyria's instincts told her to hide behind the tall flowering bushes. May kadiliman ang parteng ito ng hardin kaya perpekto itong lugar upang magtago.

"Ohh, Ahh, brother!" A female voice moaned.

"Sshh, not so loud sister." A male voiced said. Hindi mapigilan ni Illyria ang mapa-silip mula sa pinagtataguan niya.

Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Letiza with her back against the column of the gazebo while hugging their brother William. Illyria saw him kissing Letiza while his hands are traveling around her body.

Letiza wrapped her legs around his waist and William lifted her and walk towards the table. Letiza lied on the table while William is kissing her neck. William pulled down the off shoulder dress the she was wearing, revealing her round big breasts. He grope her breast with his large hand making Letiza moan.

"Your breasts are really good sister." He said and started to suck her breast while his left hand is pinching her n****e.

"Ahhh, your mouth feels wonderful brother! Mmm, aahhh."

"Y-you're getting married with my cousin." Letiza said between her moans.

"Is that jealousy that I'm hearing, dear sister?" William said letting a loud chuckle.

"Are you afraid that we can't do this anymore after I got married?" He said and continued licking her breast. "You know the reason why I am marrying her."

"I know." She said turned her gaze away from him.

"I'll disposed her, once I'm done using her." William said.

"Aaahh!" Letiza moaned suddenly and arched her body as William pushed himself inside her.

"How many times have I been f*****g you? And yet you are tight as ever." William said with a raspy voice.

"Mmm. Ahhh!" She moaned as he licked and bite her ear.

"You are mine brother, so I want you to f**k me hard!" Wika nito saka niya hinila si William at saka niya ito linakumos ng halik kasabay ng paglabas-masok ni William sakanya.

Hindi makapaniwala si Illyria sakanyang nasaksihan. She gasped in disbelief and immiditely covered her mouth sa takot na baka makagawa siya ng ingay at makita siya sa kanyang pinagtataguan. Maingat siyang gumapang paalis sa kanyang pinagtataguan at ng masiguro niyang hindi na siya mapapansin ng mga ito ay agad siyang tumayo at mabilis na tumakbo paalis sa hardin.

Pinilit niyang tumakbo kahit na pakiramdam niya ay naghihina ang kanyang mga tuhod, hanggang sa aksidenteng naapakan niya ang laylayan ng kanyang damit.

Illyria was about to fall on the ground but suddenly a swift strong arms caught her from falling. She looked up and saw a pair a steel gray eyes looking at her. Illyria felt a sudden relief as she recognized the man holding her.

"Ivantie.." she whispered.

"Princess, what happened? Are you alright? You look pale."

"I-I want to go home." Sagot niya. Sinubukan niyang tumanyo ngunit binigo siya ng kanyang binti dahilan upang muntik nanaman siyang matumba.

Ivantie carried her as they leave the garden completely. He called the servants to bring the carriage and to tell the fourth prince about the princess.

"How did you find me?" Tanong ni Illyria habang nakasakay sila sa karawahe pabalik sa mansion.

"Prince Erroll told me that you are waiting for them at the garden, Your Highness. Princess Dona accidentally tripped on their way to the bathroom and Prince Erroll brought her to the royal physician." Magalang na sagot ni Ivantie.

Lumipas ang ilang minuto ng katahimakan bago muling nagsalita si Illyria.

"Why do you think Brother William decided to marry the Princess of Kaoth Kingdom?"

Illyria knew that Brendon doesn't have any intention for the throne since his sight was set in the field of medicine. She had a hunched about what William was talking about. Kahit na madalang lamang siyang makisalamuha ay hindi lingid sa kanyang kaalaman ang kompetesyon sa pagitan nilang magkakapatid patungkol sa trono at hindi siya tanga upang hindi niya maintindihan ang mga salitang binitawan ng kanyang panganay na kapatid. She needed someone to confirm her theory and Ivantie was the perfect person to do it.

"I apologize Your Highness, but I don't have any knowledge about it." Ivantie answered leading to her disappointment.

He's lying. Illyria thought to herself as she stared at Ivantie making him feel uncomfortable.

***

Illyria dipped herself in the bath filled hot water added with fresh jasmine, lavender and roses that Nulara prepared for her. She sighed and rest her back. She felt calm and relaxed after smelling the fragrance of the flowers floating around her.

Umahon mula sa tubig si Illyria matapos ang mahabang minutong pagbabad niya rito.

"Thank you Nulara, you may return to your chamber now." She said after Nulara helped her dressed.

"Yes Your Highness." Magalang na sagot nito bago lumabas ng kuwarto niya.

Nahiga si Illyria sa kanyang kama habang nakatitig sa magarang chandelier na naka-bitin sa mataas na kisame ng kanyang kuwarto. Mahigit kalahating oras din siyang nakatungo hanggang sa naisipan niyang magtungo sa veranda ng kanilang mansion upang mapagmasdan ang hardin na ngayon ay babad sa sinag ng malaking buwan.

Upon arrival Illyria saw her brother sitting on the veranda while enjoying a cup of wine in his hand. Dahan-dahan siyang naglakad papalapit rito.

"Are you feeling well now little sister?" Tanong ni Eugene ng maramdaman nito ang kanyang presensya.

"Yes brother." Sagot niya at umupo sa tabi nito. "I apologise for leaving first."

"It's fine. As long as you're alright."

"Brother?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you aiming for the throne too?" Tanong ni Illyria dahilan upang bahagyang mapatigil ang prinsipe.

Lumagok ng alak si Eugene bago saka niya sinagot ang tanong ni Illyria.

"I don't know. All I want for us is to live quitely and for you to be safe." He said as he look towards the moon. "But I know living a quite life would be impossible for us to attain as long the blood of a royalty is running in our veins."

"Did something stir up your interest for you to asked me this question?" He said while patting her head

"Mmm." She mumbled and shook her head. "I am just curious." Sagot nito.

"Ivantie told me that you looked pale and was running away from the garden." Biglang wika nito. "Is something happened?" Mahina ngunit seryoso ang boses ni Eugene.

Napalunok si Illyria habang nakatingin sa mga mata ng kanyang kapatid. She knew that she can't fool him. Alam nitong hindi siya takot sa dilim at kung idadahilan man niya na siya ay nakakita ng kakaibang nilalang, alam niyang hindi siya nito papaniwalaan. Eugene knew that Illyria isn't afraid of ghosts and other supernatural beings. Eugene tried to scare when she was little but it didn't worked.

The scene flashed on Illyria's mind and without her knowledge her tears rolled down on her cheeks.

Naalarma naman si Eugene ng makita niya ang pagluha ni Illyria. Tumayo siya mula sa kinauupuan niya saka siya lumuhod sa harapan ni Illyria.

"Brother I-I saw---" utal na sambit niya habang pilit na pinipigil ang kanyang pag-iyak. "I saw brother L-Lucio, he he's having a-an illicit relationship with si-sister Letiza."

Eugene eyes widened in surprised.

"I-I saw t-them---"

"Ssshh." Eugene stopped her sister. Saka niya ito mahigpit na yinakap at marahang hinaplos ang likod ni Illyria upang pakalmahin ito.

Naramdaman ni Eugene ang paghigpit ng hawak ni Illyria sa kanyang damit at kasabay noon ang muling pagsalita nito.

Eugene felt the anger swelling inside him. Habang tahimik niyang pinakikinggan ang paghikbi ng kanyang kapatid.

Illyria finally calmed down after minutes of crying. They are now sitting closely to each other as they watching the moon flowers bloom under the moonlight.

"Brother."

"Hmm?"

"I want to eat ramen." Illyria said kasabay ang malakas na pagtunog ng kanyang tiyan.

"You and your weird cravings." He said and let out a loud laugh.