The Empress (TAGLISH)

Chapter 7

Ivantie is standing near the princess's door to guard it suddenly he heard a creaking sound as the door beside him slowly opened.

"Your Highness!" Ivantie exclaimed when he saw her stepping out from her chamber. "Why are you still awake in this hour?" He asked worriedly.

"I can't sleep. Let's take a walk shall we?" Mahina nitong wika saka naunang naglakad. Sumunod naman si Ivantie sakanya.

The night is so silent that the only thing they can hear are the sound of the rustling of leaves and the faint sound of the soft grass as they step on it.

He wondered how can she see clearly behind those lace mask that she always wear especially during the night. Does she has a keen eyesight like a wolf?

"It's very quiet." Sambit ng prinsesa ng marating nila ang bungad ng hardin. Pumaroon sila sa parte ng hardin na nasisinagan ng liwanag na nagmumula sa mansion, kung nasaan nakahilira ang iba't-ibang kulay ng Camila.

He watched her as she gently held the flower. Pinagmasdan ng prinsesa ang bulaklak na tila ba ito'y ginto.

"Do you know that flowers has different meanings?" Wika nito saka niya maingat na pinitas ang bulaklak. "Camillia symbolizes love, affection and adoration. Isn't it beautiful?" Ika nito saka ngumiti sa kawalan.

"Indeed it is Your Highness." Sagot niya at narinig niya ang marahang tawa nito.

"Will you give me a hand?" Tanong nito saka muling pumitas ng bulaklak.

"I will be glad Your Highness." Sagot niya saka kinuha ang mga bulaklak na napintas nito.

"Mmm. That's probably enough to smell in my room. I hope it'll help me to sleep tonight." She said and looked at him. "More importantly, pffft~ ahahahaha"

She suddenly burst in laughter as she held her stomach trying to held back.

"It doesn't suit you at all Ivantie!"

"Eh?" He uttered confusedly.

"Haha. With that deadpan look of yours, yo-you look like a wolf unwillingly decorated with flowers."

"Haha let's head back now Ivantie." Wika nito saka naunang naglakad pabalik sa loob ng mansion.

Ivantie placed the flowers beside her bed.

"Ivantie." She called making him to stop from leaving the room.

"Yes Your Highness?"

"Would you mind to sing a lullaby for me?" She asked shyly. "M-my brother used to sing me one whenever I can't sleep, but he's not here."

He can't help but to let a chuckle because of her request. He doesn't sing that much but Ivantie is pretty confident about his singing skills that's why he gladly granted his master's request.

O moon shining so bright

Fill up my longing tonight

Your lustrous glow now on sight

Don't be selfish about.

O moon shining so bright

Hear my cry tonight

Into the darkened world of mine

Would you give it a light

So I won't get lost

If you have forgotten

And your vow to me have ended

Then I will take a sweet death

O moon, accept it

My love has withered

Make it come to life

My prayers, please heed it quick

If you have forgotten

And your promise has gotten old

Then I will take a sweet death

O moon, accept it

My love has withered

Make it come to life

My prayers, please heed it quick

"That's a beautiful song Ivantie. Where did you learn that?"

"Thank you Your Highness." Wika niya. "I often hear it from a soldier and learned it eventually. He said that it's a love song from his town Shorisea and he always sing it to his beloved." Sagot niya. He remembered that soldier, he's a tall tanned man at halos ka-edad lang niya ito. He's a cheerful man and good singer, ito madalas ang kumakanta tuwing nagkakaroon ng maliit na kasiyahan sa kanilang kampo and Ivantie somewhat took a liking on him.

He always brags about how he loves his fiancee and even invited him to attend their small wedding after the war which he gladly accepted.

"That's so sweet of him. I hope his leading a good life with his beloved." Illyria said smiling.

"He died during the last war Your Highness." He said with a quiet voice. Ivantie who has grown fond to the man took his remaining belongings personally delivered it to his family in Shorisea. Grief was written all over their faces especially the soldier's fiancee.

She gasp. "That's so sad. What happened to his beloved?" She asked with a sad voice.

"Grief consumed her and followed him to death." After a week passed since he went to Shorisea, Ivantie heard the news that the woman hanged herself. It was said that she can no longer live without the soldier since her existence has no meaning without him.

"What a tragedy." She whispered.

Indeed, it was. He can still vividly remember the grave sorrow written on the woman's eyes. He wondered what will he do if he was in her position. Will he continue to live and move on? Or will he take his life like the lady did?

"What kind of town is Shorisea?" She suddenly asked.

"It's a peaceful town nearby the sea Your Highness. The people there lives a simple yet quiet life and the scenery is the most captivating there, especially the sun set. The sea glistens in the color of orange as it reflects the setting sun." He answered while remembering the time when he was there.

"It must be a sight to behold. I wish I can witness it someday." She smiled and Ivantie caught a faint of sadness within her which immediately vanished.

"I am excited for tomorrow." She said changing the conversation. "Lady Dulcan will be visiting me."

"But Your Highness you just recovered. Wouldn't it be better for you to take a rest for a little while and not strain yourself untill you completely recovered?"

"It's fine." Sagot nito. "Well, goodnight Crassius." She said and covered herself with her blanket.

"Goodnight princess." He answered as his lips curved a little.

***

"My Prince we're now approaching the Casdel road." Veyron reported inside the wagon. Eugene and his knights disguised themselves as a merchant and mercenaries to catch the bandits in Esterholt.

"Mmn. Don't let your guard down and watch out for archers." Sagot niya. "It'll be bad if they have them." Eugene is expecting an ambush from the bandits and it will be very bad if they'll let there guard down more especially because the terrain is quite favourable for the enemy.

"Understood Your Highness." Sagot ni Veyron.

As they coming closer to Casdel, Eugene ask Roberyk if he detected their enemies using his detection magic.

"There are forty of them Your Highness. Nine of them are archers and among those nine, three of them can use magic."

"Isn't this a bit overkill for mere merchants?" Kunot-noong ika ni Veyron. "Not to mention we're only more than half of their number."

"And we are going to be surrounded by them as soon as we enter that area."

"Remember capture one alive." Eugene reminded them.

"Understood Your Highness." They answered in unison.

Hindi nagtagal ay umulan ng palaso sa direksyon nila kasabay ng pagsugod ng mga bandido. As the bandits start to close in Eugene and his knights jump out from the wagon and clash their swords with the enemies.

"Gyaak!" "Urk!"

Klang! Klang! Klang!

The sound of the swords are mixed with the screams of the clashing parties.

"Aaack!" "Ugh!"

"Hyaah!" Klang! Klang!

Eugene threw his daggers like a darts on the enemies head who are trying to get close to him. He sensed an arrow embedded with poison magic coming from behind. Eugene covered his hand with mana as he skillfully catch the arrow and use it's momentum to throw it back to the enemy.

It didn't took them long to outnumber their enemies, as his knights killed more of them, the bandits started to run disorganizely for a retreat. Roberyk, Langdon, Reopold, Darwick and Veyron pursued them and to let anyone escape.

"Your Highness, what should we do with the corpses?"

"I shall burn them." He answered and the knights move to collect and pile them in one place.

"My prince, we have returned." Wika ni Langdon. His armor was covered with more blood that before.

His Knight Langdon has an excellent talent in swordsmanship. Despite his large stature he is fast and agile compared to other knights with the same stature.

"Have you caught one alive?" Tanong niya.

"Yes Your Highness." Sagot ni Langdon.

Hinila ni Darwick patungo sa harapan ni Eugene ang walang malay na lalaki, na ngayon ay nakatali gamit ang binding magic.

"Good. Put him inside the wagon." Utos nito na agad namang sinunod ni Darwick.

"Your Highness, we're done piling the bodies." One of his knights said.

"Good work." Sagot ni Eugene saka nagtungo sa kinaroroonan ng mga bangkay.

He stretch his arm and open his palm then, "Le Fire." He said and a large amount of fire came gushing out from his palm burning the pile of bodies in an instant without a trace.

"We are done here. Let's move ahead." Wika niya.

"Ha!" His knights answered in unison.

It was already dusk when they are arrive at the Astorlio's state and Count Albert Lune welcomed Eugene and his knights on his state as they arrived in the Esterholt. They're going to stay their for the mean time until Eugene returns to the Capital.

"Welcome Your Highness, it's been a while. You must be tired traveling so far from the Capital." Count Albert said. "Please let's head inside. We've prepared a dinner for you Your Highnes."

"Ah yes. Thank you Count Albert." Eugene said. "Also allow me to use your dungeon for a while." Ika niya.

"Darwick." Eugene called and the knight appeared carrying the prisoner.

The count called his butler and told him to lead the Darwick to the dungeon. Then Albert and Eugene headed towards the dining room. The dining room is quite large and was painted with bright red and gold. In the center, lies a long mahogany oval shaped dining table with 20 seats. It has a glossy and smooth texture on top, the sides has been carved beautifully adding to the elegance of the table. The ceiling was adored with a broad crystal chandelier.

As Eugene seated comfortably across the count, the servants started to serve them food.

He cant help but to notice the flowers and small candles that was placed as a centerpiece. Eugene smiled secretly as his sister's face flashed in his mind by looking at the flowers.

Nalala niya kung gaano ka-gusto ni Illyria ang mga bulaklak dahilan upang halos punuin ni Eugene ang hardin nila sa mansion ng iba't-ibang uri ng mga bulaklak. Just by the thought of his sister smiling gives him joy.

In the middle.of the meal, Count Albert suddenly spoke.

"Your Highness, I heard that the young Archduke of Aendaria will be visiting the Kingdom. Is that true?"

"Yes, that it true. He sent an official letter regarding to his visit and stated that the reason is in a search for a bride." Sagot niya saka sumimsim ng alak.

"A bride?" Albert said and laughed. "Heh. So there's no woman that can suit his taste within his huge Empire?" He said with a displeased tone.

"But if our Kingdom will successfully built a relationship with the Empire, there is no doubt that we can reap a lot benefits from it. And father will be ecstatic for acquiring the Draklinite ores." Wika ni Eugene. "Though I doubt his intentions." Dugtong niya.

Eugene is drying his hair inside his room using a soft towel after stepping out from a relaxing bath. He poured his glass some wine that is sitting on the table and took a sip from it.

Then he heard someone knocking on his door making him frowned.

"Your Highness, it's me Veyron. I came to report that the bandit has gained consciousness." Wika nito. Eugene moved and took his robe to wear it over his pajamas.

"Lead the way." Wika niya ng makalabas siya sa kanyang kuwarto. Agad namang tumalima si Veyron at nag umpisang maglakad patungo sa kulungan.

"Your Highness." The knights said politely and slightly bowed their heads when they saw Eugene.

"Has he said anything?" Tanong niya sa mga ito.

"No, he hasn't. Robyrick is questioning him inside." Sagot ni Veyron.

Nakita niya ang bandido na naka luhod sa malamig na sahig habang naka dipa ang mga kamay nito na nakatali gamit ang makapal na kadena. Bugbog ang muka nito at dumudugo ang labi.

"You bastard!" Galit na ika ni Robyrick.

The bandit snickered and spit some blood.

Pumasok si Eugene sa selda at lumapit sa kinaroroonan ni Robyrick.

"Move aside." Ika niya at agad namang sumunod si Robyrick.

"Tell me. Who is your leader and where he is?!" Tanong ni Eugene.

"Tch. As if I am stupid to tell that f*****g scum!" The bandit laughed.

"How dare you to call his Highness a scum!" Galit na wika ni Robyrick sabay sipa sa mukha nito.

"Ack! Haa hah."

"I am asking you again who is your leader?!" Muling tanong ni Eugene.

"f**k you!" The bandit shouted.

Hah. Eugene sighed they're just wasting time here since this bastard doesn't want to spill anything.

"Veyron." Eugene uttered.

"Yes Your Highness."

"Bring Martina here." Utos niya. His female knight Martina has the ability to look on the person's memory in a short period of time.

Agad namang sumunod si Veyron at nagmadaling lumabas sa selda. Ilang minuto lamang ang lumipas at bumalik ang binata kasama si Martina.

"Your Highness. You called." Martina said and bowed.

"Yes. Can you use your magic on him?"

"Of course, Your Higness." Sagot nito saka niya lumapit sa lalaki at lumuhod sa harap nito. She extend her arms to reach for his head and a transparent light came out from his hand.

"What are you trying to do you b***h!" The bandit angrily said. "Hey f**k off!"

"What a foul mouthed insect you are." Martina scoffed.

When the bandit realize what Martina is trying to do, he swallowed a small pill that is hidden on mouth. "You won't get anything from me." He said. It didn't take long for him to feel a sudden excruciating pain. He began to cough and his breathing became painful.

"Aaaccckkk!" The prisoner suddenly shrieked.

"s**t! s**t! It's poison." Malakas na wika ni Robyrick.

"It's no use. He's dead." Martina said.

"f**k!" Veyron exclaimed as he looked at the corpse mouth. "He must've hidden a poison in his mouth."

Eugene narrowed his eyes in anger as his icy blue eyes look coldly on the bandits dead body beneath him.

The three knights felt a sudden chill as they look at their Lord's back walking out from the prison cell with his heavy footsteps slightly echoed in the dungeon.

***

Isinandal ni Eugene ang kanyang likod sa upuan habang idinidiin niya ang kanya daliri sa pagitan ng kanyang kilay.

"Your Highness I brought some tea." Eugene heard right after the knock on his door.

"Come in."

The maid entered the room and walk towards his table while holding the tray containing a beautiful white ceramic tea pot with a blue lines that formed a small flowers and vines paired with a tea cup with the same design.

The maid carefully place the tray on his table and removed the tea pot and cup on the tray and place them on the oak table in front of him.

She elegantly poured the freshly brewed tea in front of him making the scent travel on his nose and quickly took the cup near him.

"You may go now." He said dismissing the maid. She politely bowed before leaving him.

Eugene sighed while glancing at the papers in front of him. It's been more than two weeks since he left from the capital. After that incident in the dungeon he ordered some of his men to investigate. He wanted to subdue them as soon as possible.

Wellcrest is a group of bandits that's been a bother to the Kingdom for such a long time. But ten years ago they've been purged by his late uncle the Duke of House Silvegraft, Teran Nillus and the Marquis of House Esperado, Eric Wilton.

He read the report before leaving the capital and it l was stated that the group has been uprooted and no longer exists. He knew his uncle and the Marquis and both of them are very thorough in purging criminals, it is impossible for them to miss an escaping person.

"Your Highness, a letter has arrived from the Captain. Also I have a new report about the bandits." Wika ni Reopold ng makapasok ito sa loob ng kuwarto ni Eugene.

"Speak." Eugene said.

"They found out the bandit's nest Your Highness. It was located deep in the forest near the border of Esterholt and the Bellshade of the Jeralihal Kingdom."

"Jeralihal? Isn't it became a part of the Aendaria Empire now?"

"No Your Highness. According to the informants from Redcry. The Jeralihal Kingdom strongly opposed the Empire but there are rumors that some of the nobles are trying to curry a favour from the Empire." Sagot ni Reopold.

"Hm. Then let us plan the preparations later." Ika ni Eugene.

"Understood Your Highness. I'll take my leave." Reopold said and bowee his head before leaving.

He opened the envelope and took the letter to read its contents.

"Hm. So they're pressing the matter of choosing the crown prince." Eugene said to himself.

He knew that most of the nobles are supporting his brother William especially right now that he married the First Princess of Kaoath, which means he has more connection that will allow him to have more power.

There is also a talk about his marriage and finding a wife candidate for him. Though Ivantie's younger sister Nikolita Racheza and the Duke's daughter Victoria Sara Bauer are the strongest candidate for him.

Nagsalubong ang dalawang kilay niya ng mabasa niya ang huling pangungusap sa isinulat na mensahe ni Ivantie. Humigpit ang hawak nita sa papel dahilan upang magusot ang kanang bahagi nito.

"The Emperor summoned the princess in the palace."

Why? Why did he summoned her? What did he say to her? These are the questions that Eugene keep asking in his thoughts.

He remembered the time when Illyria first saw the King and called him father. He just look at her with anger and disgust and said. "Who dared to give you the permission to call me father? You disrespectful insect! I don't have a disgusting bastard of a daughter like you!"

"Brother, am I really your sister?" She said with a broken voice.

"Of course you are. You're my precious sister." He answered as he kneeled in front of her.

"But the King said that I am not and even our siblings are ashamed of me. Some people frowned at the mere sight of me." She said and tears started to pool on her eyes. "I am the only one with a different eyes. The King and all of you have the same blue eyes but mine is red like blood. Brother, I feel that it would have been better if I didn't exist."

His eyes widened at her last words and Eugene felt a pain and anger inside him as he watched her sister crying horribly. He hugged her tight and gently stroke her hair.

"Whatever they say, always remember that I am your brother and you are the most precious to me. I love you and I will protect you no matter what. I promise." He said.

"Mm. I love you too brother. You are my only family in this world."

"I need to finish this soon and go back to the capital!" Eugene said as he stood up from his chair to go with his knights and plan their next move.