The Empress (TAGLISH)

Chapter 10: The Archduke

Naalimpungatan si Eugene nang mahinang kaluskos. He opened his eyes and saw her sister in sitting on the bed looking around. He saw relief on her face when she saw him beside her. Muli itong humiga at sumiksik sa kanya saka bumalik sa pagtulog.

Eugene listened to her shallow breaths and moved ng masiguro niyang tulog na ang kanyang kapatid. Tinignan niya ang orasan na nakasabit sa dingding na ngsasabing kalagitnaan pa lamang ng gabi.

He sighed. It was the same as before. He used to sleep with her sister when they were kids and there are times that she'll wake up in the middle of the night looking for him. And she goes back to sleep after seeing him.

'She's afraid to be alone.' That's the thought that came out from his mind after learning about her strange habit.

Eugene stroke gently stroke her hair. He remembered the first time he met her. She was just a five year old kid covered in dirt and bruises. Her face face was completely red because of the guard who slapped her. Her eyes was swelling because of her constant crying. She was so thin as if she was going to break if he hold her roughly.

She flinched whenever he speak and she always keep her wariness around him but now she has grown completely dependant on him.

Kinapa niya ang noo nito upang pakiramdaman ang kanyang temperatura. Her body is still cold but it's definitely returning to normal.

Eugene sighed.

'It would have been better if she was born without magic.' He thought since she possess a troublesome power. It hasn't fully manifested yet but still dangerous. He remembered the incident that happened with the Young Belgoat Artoria who got affected by her magic when she unconsciously use it.

Afraid that she'll get overwhelmed by her own magic and lose her own thinking. Eugene decided to asked Elrico to removed her memory and temporarily seal her power.

But even if it's sealed her magic was still power. This state that she's experiencing right now is the proof that her magic is trying to break through from the seal.

In all the History of House Kantakouzene, no one has ever possess the power of Dark Magic and Illyria is the only one to attain it first.

Dark magic is extremely rare especially in Anthos, even rarer that someone possessing Light Magic that is why there's a little information about them. He read it once in an old book that Dark Magic possessors has one noticable feature and it is their blood red eyes.

It was also mentioned that Dark magic users are bound to tragedies and untimely demise. And that is Eugene's biggest fear.

"Brother." Illyria mumbled in her sleep and her lips curved in a beautiful smile.

"I wonder what kind of dream is she having right now." He said as he looked at her.

"Don't worry brother, I will protect you."

His eyes widened and let out a soft chuckle.

"Oh you will?" Eugene answered as if she can hear him in her sleep.

"Mm. Because brother is my light."

He smiled and kiss her forehead. It made him happy hearing this words but he prayed that what she said will never happen. Because if it comes to the point that her beloved sister will move in front of him to protect him then that means they're in a very dire situation.

He glanced on the clock again. It's time for him to go back to sleep. He's quite exhausted after what happened these past days. He also needs to find his third sister Deborah after reporting to the palace.

***

The Royal palace is currently busy as they are waiting for the arrival of the Archduke of Aendaria. The Royal siblings are welcoming the guests while exchanging pleasantries to each others. The main hall is pack with nobles and aristocrats and some of them are from different nations.

Illyria take a deep breath as she looked at her appearance in the mirror. She's dress beautifully like a doll tonight. She's wearing a designer dress that is made from the finest purple silk that can be found in the Kingdom. It was embroidered with intricate design using silver and gold threads and embedded with pearls and diamonds. Half of her hair was swept backwards and was braided into a rose like bun, while leaving her fringes untouched. Her hair was adorned with ornaments made of pearl and rubies.

Nakarinig siya ng mahinang katok at kasunod nito ay ang pagbukas ng pintuan. Her brother Eugene entered the room. Napangiti siya ng makita ito, he's wearing an outfit with the same color as hers. His hair was put in a slicked back while few of his short fringe covered the part of his forehead.

"Brother!" She exclaimed. Bahagyang kumalma ang kanyang pakiramdam ng makita niya ang kanyang kapatid.

He smiled widely at her while looking at her with a gentle eyes. "You look amazing little sister." He said as he walked towards her.

His smiling face suddenly turn into a frown. "Tch. I feel rather displeased with the thought that those bastards will look at you with dirty eyes."

"Brother, I'm nervous." She said with a low voice while looking at the floor.

Eugene slightly bend his knee to match her height. Saka niya hinugot ang kwentas na nasa bulsa ng mamahaling coat na suot niya.

"Close your eyes." He told her and she did. He carefully put the necklace around her neck. "You can open your eyes now."

Illyria opened her eyes and saw a beautiful round white jade pendant with an intricate gold design coiling around it. The necklace was made of braided rose gold threads with pink gemstones on it.

"I was supposed to give it to you on your birthday day." Wika ni Eugene. "Whenever you feel nervous or sad, just hold onto it and think of it as your lucky charm."

"Thank you brother. I will definitely treasure this." She said happily and threw her arms around her brother's waist to hug him.

"You've grown into a beautiful lady now. But no matter how old you get, you're always be my little sister." He said and hugged her back.

"Your Highnesses it's time to go." Their servant knocked on the door.

"Shall we?"

"Mm."

"ANNOUNCING the arrival of His Highness the fourth Prince and Her Highness the fifth Princess!" The servant said as they entered the main hall.

All the guests turned their gaze on them which made her feel more tense. Her brother lightly squeeze her hand as he sense her nervousness.

Guests started to flock around them to offer their greetings. Some of them can't hide their greed as they introduced their daughters to her brother, desperately wanting to have a connection with the royal family.

The nobles also greeted her but their eyes can't hide their detest on her. She unconsciously gritted her teeth. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw niyang dumalo sa mga pagtitipon na ginaganap sa loob ng palasyo dahil puro kasinungalingan lamang ang lumalabas sa mga bibig ng mga maharlika.

"Eugene. Asphodel." A brusque voice suddenly called them. Both of them turned their gazes and saw their Eldest walking towards them along with his newly wed wife.

"Brother William, sister Ystrid. It's nice to see you." Illyria said politely.

"You two look good together." Eugene commented. "Are we going to expect a nephew soon?"

"Haha. Well let's hope for it. You see, my wife is such a beauty that I almost can't get off of her." William said and kissed his wife's temple making her blush.

"Your making me feel embarrass dear." Ystrid said shyly making his husband laugh.

Illyria smiles but behind her mask that hide her eyes lies a distaste expression for his Eldest brother. She's amazed on how can he easily lie through his teeth knowing that William has a current affair with their sister Letiza. Or it is just Letiza?

"Sister, I heard you fell ill from the time of my departure." Baling ni William sa kanya.

"Yes brother. It's just because of stress and lack of sleep." Sagot niya.

"I am glad you are well now. Take a good care of your health my dear sister." He said with a worried look. "I'll ask my attendant to bring you medicinal tea later."

"Thank you brother. I appreciate it." Payak na wika niya.

"Dear we should also send your sister some lavenders and mint to help her sleep better." Ystrid said while looking to William.

"You're right wife." William nodded in agreement.

Their harmonious talks continues which making Illyria uncomfortable. What bothers her the most are the weird gazes of William and the sharp glaring of Letiza as if she was digging a hole on her.

Gusto niyang umalis sa kinaroroonan niya at puntahan si Ivantie ngunit nakota niya itong abala na nakikipag-usap sa kanyang ama at kapatid na babae.

She remembered that his sister is one of the candidates for Flaviu's bride. Nikolota Racheza Yngrassone. A beautiful and elegant lady. She has the same color of Ivantie's hair at maputi ito kompara kay Ivantie. She's one of the top graduates of the Ravendawn Academy and has a strong connections within the social circle.

Their attentions suddenly shifted when the gigantic double doors swung open, letting the sunlight pour inside the hall making a path for the main guests to walk through. Slowly the Aendarians figures became clear and the people inside gasp in awe for their presence that screams high and mighty.

But one person stand out among the group, the Archduke of Aendaria. He has a dark skin and a bluish platinum blonde hair that glowed under the sunlight. He's tall and even if his clothes are a bit loose his well built muscles are still visible.

The King and Queen welcomed him and Illyria and her siblings lined up behind them.

"May the light bless Anthos," Ika nito gamit ang mababa ngunit buo nitong boses. "I am the Archduke of Marivaldi, Vincent Istefan Achard Di Aidoneus. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Illyria can hear the murmurs of the guests as they eyed the Aendarians. The ladies eyed the Archduke like a candy, seeing him as a prospect husband to fill their greed.

"I hope you are not tired considering the distance of Anthos." King Bram said.

"Not at all Your Highness. I enjoyed the scenery while traveling." Ika nito. "Anthos is truly a befitting name to this beautiful Kingdom as it is surrounded by a lot of blooming flowers." The Archduke said as a compliment.

"Haha. I am glad to know that." The King said in delight. The Archduke smiled and then his eyes looked behind the King and Queen noticing Illyria and her siblings.

"These are my children." Ika ni Bram saka tumikhim.

"Greetings to the stars of Anthos." Wila ni Vincent habang nakatingin sa kanila na tila ba may hinahanap.

The Archduke suddenly walks towards them at tumigil ito sa tapat ni Illyria. His eyes locked with hers as he bowed in front of her.

Inilahad nito ang kanyang kamay sa harapan ni Illyria. She was confused for a moment but she extended her hand eventually and place the tips of her fingers on his palm.

She's trying not to shake in nervousness. Napalunok siya dahil pakiramdam niya ay tila may nakabara sa kanyang lalamunan. She's the center of attention right now na siyang pinaka-ayaw niya.

The Archduke kiss the back of her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet Your Highness, the fifth princess of Anthos, Illyria Asphodel Kantakouzene." He said as the corner of his lips curve upwards.

Illyria's eyes grew wide as his bright orange eyes suddenly turned into a blood red color like hers.