Winning The Magnate's Heart (#LTNI Book 2)

#WTMH Roll 11: Back to Neverland (pt.II)

Mabilis na hinila ni Margaret si Isaiah palayo sa pintuan at marahang tinulak papunta sa sulok katabi ang drawers nila.

They heard Ussie's nervous voice behind the curtain. "S-She's in the middle of c-changing clothes."

"Changing clothes?" Si Joaquin. "Is she going somewhere?"

"Oh no! No, no, no, no." Singit ng boses ni Jean. "S-She's changing clothes...f-for the nighttime. P-Pantu-Pantulog."

Nakahinga nang maluwag si Margaret nang marinig na kumagat si Joaquin sa rason nila Ussie at Jean. "I see. I was hoping I could talk to her tonight."

"B-Bukas nalang po, mahal na prinsipe." Boses ni Ussie. "T-Tulog na 'ata ang prinsesa."

"Okay. Good night, ladies."

"Sleep well, our prince." Sabay na sagot ng dalawang dalaga.

When Margaret heard Joaquin steps leave the premises, she turns to Isaiah. "Coast is clear."

Lumapit ito sa kaniya. "Does he do this every night?" His eyes were sharp.

Napatingala siya sa katabi. "What do you mean?"

"Does he visit you... 'every night'." Now his voice was stern.

"No." Iling niya. "He never steps foot inside here."

Nagtiim-bagang pa ito bago lumabas sa tent. Iniwan siyang naguguluhan.

.

.

Isaiah was in the middle of putting out the flame on his bonfire when he heard footsteps behind him. Paglingon niya'y si Joaquin.

Joaquin c***s his head sidewards to a distance. "Can we talk?"

Nilingon ni Isaiah ang mga umiinom na mga kalalakihan sa paligid ng malaking bonfire sa gitna nang kampo pagkatapos ay binalingan ang prinsipe. "Okay." Sinundan niya ito na nagpatiunang naglakad. What could it be?

Just a nearby grassland, far from anyone's earshot, they stopped and faced each other. The dimming light of the huge bonfire and the moonlight serve as their source of light.

"What is it you that wanted to talk?" Unang basag ni Isaiah sa katahimikan nila.

Namulsa ang prinsipe. "I owe you a thanks for saving Margaret earlier. Thank you."

He nods then turns to the laughing, drunk men on encircling the bonfire. "If you wanted to thank me, you could just do so easily back then. Why wanted a distance from the people?"

Joaquin voice then laced with warning. "I appreciate it if you'd lessen your contact with Margaret."

Isaiah turns to the prince, chuckles as he was unmoved by Joaquin's words. "What?"

"You might need a little reminding. Marga's engaged to me and all people knew it. Siguro rin naman alam mo rin yun. You don't want to ruin the princess' image, do you?"

Doon na nagtagis ang baga ni Isaiah. This prince surely knows how to tick him off. Bigtime. "And you really think I give a damn about her position? As far as I knew, we're partners on this project ---"

"And you should keep it that way." Joaquin raises his chin as if enforcing his authority as prince.

"Easy there, prince." Isaiah closes their distance. If this sonofabitch thinks he'll back down, think again. "You don't get to tell me what to do like what you've been doing all your life to your servants. You care about the princess' image? I care about Isla's welfare. At wala akong pakialam kong may masagasaan man akong tao."

"I thought it's bro code to keep your hands off to someone else's girl." Joaquin smiles seeing that he provoked Isaiah toward his boiling point.

"Girl? And you call Margaret a girl." Isaiah grins. "Margaret can all well rule two kingdoms without our help, Joaquin. Alam mo yun. Sa tingin ko, yun ang kinatatakutan mo. You knew Margaret is so stubborn and independent that if she puts her heart and mind into something, she'll do it any way she wants." He raises his chin to meet the Italian's dark eyes. "If she chooses to leave you, beware."

Joaquin nose flares with anger as he clutches Isaiah's shirt's neckline. "You ---"

"I hit a nerve." Isaiah's smile turns to a grim straight line of his lip. "You are scared bec. you didn't know a thing about the princess' true capacity." Malakas niyang tinabig ang braso nitong nakahawak sa kwelyo niya. "Tell me, Joaquin. What do you know about Margaret?"

Di ito agad nakahuma ng sagot.

"You were too consumed by your jealousy that you ignore her body signs that should have been telling you she has Thalassophobia. Did you know that when she refuses to eat, all you need to do is to give her something sweet to boost her appetite? No? Did you know that when she smiles and says she is okay; her sad eyes will tell you she's truly not and you need to force her a hundred times to make her confess what makes her sad? No? You don't know that?" [A/N: Thalassophobia - the compulsive fear of the sea (or really any deep, dark body of water).]]

Nagtiim-bagang si Joaquin at nanlilisik ang mga matang tinitigan siya.

"You've been with her for two years and failed to see it. I lived with her for few months and got to pick up her mood. Have you been really a doting fiancée or just wanted her to boost your princely image?"

"Watch your word, Miller." Pagtitimping babala ni Joaquin.

"I give zero f***s, 'Prince'." With thinning patience, he levels his dark blue eyes with Joaquin's. "Di ako ang dapat mong bantayan dahil hindi ko pag-aari ang utak ni Margaret." Binangga niya ang balikat nito nang magdesisyon siyang bumalik sa kampo. Yet his pride won't let him be quiet about the prince near assault on him by grabbing his neckline. Nilingon niya uli ang nabwebwesit na prinsipe. "Alam mo ba paano mag-usap ang mga lalake sa Pilipinas, Joaquin? Ginagamit ang kamao at nagsusuntukan."

"Are you threatening me?" His eyes slit.

"Yes. But the next time you want to talk to me. Let's do it on my way." At tuluyan na niya itong iniwan.

THE NEXT DAY

'Isaiah spreads her legs and smiles at her upon seeing her wet center. "You seem to be ready?"

Catching her breath, she nods. "Take me."

­-BLAG-

Napalingon sina Jean at Ussie sa prinsesang nahulog sa kama nito. "PRINCESS ---- "

In all fours --- both hands and knees on the floor, Margaret still looking down to hide her red cheeks, immediately raises her hand to stop Ussie and Jean on helping her get up. "I-I'm okay.. I'm o-okay..." Pailalim siyang tumili at kinagat ang labi sabay pikit sa mga mata. 'Diyos ko! Anong klaseng panaginip iyon! Ba't naputol?!' Damba pa niya sa sahig.

Nagkatinginan nalang si Jean at si Ussie na noo'y busy sa pagtutupi ng mga damit.

.

.

Tiningnan ni Marga ang kaniyan repliksyon sa salamin. "Ang putla ko pala." Nilingon niya si Ussie na nagliligpit sa pinagkainan niya. "Pasensiya na kayo't pinag-alala ko kaya kahapon." Upo niya sa kama.

Umiling ang katiwala niya. "Walang anuman po yun, mahal na prinsesa." Lumapit ito sa kaniya. "Pero sa susunod, sabihan mo naman kami kung may dinaramdam ka. Ayaw namin ni Jean na makita kang malungkot." Ginagap nito ang kamay niya.

She smiles and nods. "Yeah. I'll try to be more open next time." At may naalala siya. "Oh! Speaking of open..." Lumuhod siya at kinuha sa ilalim ng kama niya ang bag sabay may hinalungkat sa loob. "Tsada!" Taas niya sa isang kulay rosas na scented paper.

"Ano po yan?" Tumabi si Marga rito at sabay nilang niyuko ang papel. Ilang segundo lang ay napasinghap si Ussie sa nabasa. She turns to the prince with wide eyes. "T-This is --- "

"An invitation to the Selkirk Spring Ball." Nakangisi niyang tango.

"Oh my! Oh my!! Next week na pala!!" Di makakapaglagyan na tumatalon sa saya ni Ussie.

The Selkirk Spring Ball is considered to be one of the prestigious gathering of higher rank nobles in Scotland and only those who receive the coveted invitation can join. Ang di nakatanggap ng imbitasyon ay hanggang pangarap at imahinasyon nalang talaga kung gaano ka-gara at kaganda ang pagtitipon.

"Right?" Tinago ni Marga ang invitation sa likod niya. "And you are invited."

Natigilan ito at kumikislap ang mata na tinuro ang sarili. "A-Ako po?"

She nods. "You and Jean."

"Ohhhh~" Tinakpan ni Ussie ang bibig nito para wag mapatili. Given her reaction, Marga concluded Ussie never been to one. Mahigpit kasi ang seguridad na tanging kaharian talaga ng Scotland at Ireland ang namamahala mula sa pagkain, seguridad ng lugar at sa mga pangangailangan ng mga panauhin kaya di na kailangan pang magdala ng mga personal attendants. Marga already attended two Selkirk Spring Ball with the Queen and Joaquin. Doon sila naging close ng kaibigang si Alban na anak ng isang Duke ng Ireland. "T-Totoo?!"

She nods. "Yes! You, Jean and all the people of Marchomont and Muirhaus. Kasali na rin ang mga bisita natin mula sa ibang bansa ---- "

"YAAAAAAAAY!!!" Malakas na sigaw ni Ussie. "YES! YES!! Dream ko talagang makapunta sa Selkirk noong bata pa ako, mahala na prinsesa!! Di mo lang alam gaano ako kasaya ngayon!!"

Margaret laughs. "Shhhh~" Patahimik niya rito. "This is a surprise for all of them. Now help me have my bath then I'll announce it to them after."

Energetically, Ussie salutes. "Masusunod, Prinsesa." At pagkatapos at nagtitili uli sa saya.

.

.

"Princess Marga?" Tawag ni Ussie sa labas ng banyo sa loob ng tent nila.

"Yes?" Margaret answers from the inside as she was pouring water on her hair.

"Kailangan mo ng tulong?"

Napatawa siya. "Tulong? Kaya kong maligo gamit ang tabo at balde, Ussie." Kinuha niya ang body wash sa rack roon. "On second thought." Niyuko niya ang balde na nangangalahati nalang ang laman. "I think I need more water."

"I'll get it for you." Sinampay ni Ussie ang twalya ng prinsesa sa kalapit na upuan at dala ang isang walang laman na balde'y lumabas ito sa tent para mag-igib sa may fire truck.

Marga pours another water on her body as she keeps rubbing the lavender scented body-wash on her body.

> Isaiah licks her skin between her breast down to her belly button.

"HOY, MARGA!!" Nanayo ang balahibo niyang inalala ang naudlot na panaginip kanina. "Tigang ka ba?" Mabilis niyang buhos ng tubig sa sarili.

Dumating naman si Ussie na dala ang isang balde ng tubig. "Princess?"

"Yes, Ussie?"

"I'll leave this here. Babalikan ko lang yung mga sinampay namin ni Jean na damit kahapon. Baka ilipad ng hangin."

"Sure! Thank you, Ussie!" Sigaw niya at kinuha ang shampoo sa rack sabay piga ng laman niyon sa palad niya at sinimulang linisin ang mahabang buhok.

Ilang minuto lang ay pumasok naman si Jean sa tent. "Ussie?"

Walang sumagot.

"Asan kaya yun?" Libot ng paningin nito ang loob ng lugar at nahagilap ang mga plato sa mesa na di pa nahuhugasan. "Tsk.. ito talaga si Ussie 'oh. May hugasin pa pala." Lumapit ito sa banyo at kinuha ang baldeng may tubig tsaka binuhat sa kabilang kamay ang tray ng mga maruming plato at lumabas sa tent.

After washing her red hair with the shampoo, her eyes were closed as she bends over to reach the water dipper (tabo) on the pail. Sasalok na sana siya ng tubig nang wala siyang nakuhang tubig. Slowly, she opens one eye to check the pail.

Walang tubig.

"Tsk!" Nagsisimulang dumaloy na ang bubbles mula sa buhok niya papunta sa mukha niya kaya dapat na niyang mabanlawan ang ulo. She peeks outside to grab the extra pail of water when ---- "Huh?" Gamit ang isang mata'y nilibot niya ang tingin sa paligid. "Asan ang balde ng tubig? --- ARAY!" Napaigtad nalang siya nang napasukan ng bubbles ang isang mata niya. "Ussie!!! Jean!!! Ussie????" Lumabas siya sa banyo at agad tinakpan ang kahubdan niya sa twalya na hanggang tuhod lang ang haba. "Jean! Ussie!" Tawag niya uli pero walang sumasagot kaya minabuti nalang niyang pumunta sa kalapit na portable C.R para magbanlaw.

Pilit iniinda ang sakit sa isang mata'y sumilip siya sa labas ng tent.

Walang tao.

"Okay... all clear." At lumabas sa tent na maingat na binaybay ang direksyon ng dalawang portable CR roon. Palingon-lingon pa siya sa paligid para walang makasalubong. A princess who is nearly-nude, skipping with nothing but a towel is surely a scandal.

Pero ang sakit na talaga ng mata niya tsaka ang lagkit na ng pakiramdam niya dahil sa bubbles.

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.

Twirling the towel on his hand, Isaiah whistles a song as he walks on the pathway towards the camp. Kakatapos lang kasi ng morning jog niya at noo'y pawisan. He already rested enough therefore he'll wash off the sweat so that he could start another day of work.

Tinanguan niya ang isang trabahante na kakatapos ring mag-ehersisyo.

Pumasok siya sa tent niya at kinuha sa bag ang kaniyang gamit panligo.

.

.

Isaiah approaches the array of almost ten portable C.R. and every time he knocks, someone from the inside will answer. All the C.R. are occupied. Paglingon niya sa may di kalayuan ay may nakita siyang dalawang portable C.R.. Hoping those are unoccupied, he struts towards it.

'Pagkalapit niya'y kinatok niya ang isa. May sumagot. Lumapit siya sa isa at kumatok. Walang sumagot. 'Lucky.' Pumasok siya roon sabay ni-lock ang pintuan.

He was in the middle of taking his white shirt off when he faces the washing area --- "OH FOR f**k'S SAKE!!" Sigaw niya sa gulat nang may humarap sa kaniyang babaeng nakatalukbo ang pulang buhok nito sa mukha na para bang si Sadako sa pelikulang The Ring --- red version. "I-Isla—Marga? Margaret??"

"Hmm?" Lumingon pa ito sa paligid na parang bulag. "T-Teka! Si-sino ka?!!"

Isaiah reaches her sticky hair in front of her face and swipes it sideways. Nakita niyang nakapikit ang dalawang mata nito. "What the hell are you doing?"

"I-Isaiah?? I-Ikaw ba 'yan?!" Nakahinga ito ng maluwag nang malamang hindi siya isang estranghero. "Isaiaaaaaaahhh~" Mangiyak-ngiyak nitong ungol. "Tulong naman 'oh."

Tuluyan ng hinubad ni Isaiah ang damit pang itaas at sinabit iyon sa naka-usling pako sa may taas na dingding. "Bakit ba?"

One hand clutching the towel on her chest, the other tries to search the washing area. "Naubusan kasi ako ng tubig sa banyo namin sa tent. E-Eh ang hapdi na ng mata ko tsaka dumaloy na sa likod ko ang bula --- Aray!" Hiyaw niya nang matama ang paa sa tuhod.

He immediately grabs her arm. "Let me." Lumapit si Isaiah sa balde. "And would you please lower your voice down? May gumagamit sa kabilang banyo." Nag-salok siya ng tubig mula sa balde gamit ang tabo at hinarap ang babae. "Close your eyes, I'll wash off the shampoo."

Tumango ang babae na mahigpit na hinawakan ang twalya habang si Isaiah naman ang nagbanlaw sa mukha niya. "Seriously, Marga... you walked the distance from your tent to here with nothing but a..." Niyuko ni Isaiah ang lantad na cleavage ng babae. Agad niyang binalik ang atensiyon sa paglinis sa maliit nitong mukha. "...a towel." He clears his throat.

"Masakit na kasi sa mata."

"Open your eyes a bit. I'll wash it off with water."

Bahagyang binuka ni Marga ang mga mata para mabanlawan ni Isaiah. He can help but smile how Marga looks to cute beneath the water. He cleans off the bubble suds near her ear then on the side of her smooth neck and into ----

His hand slows down upon touching her bare shoulders.

Marga, aware of their closeness and his hand on her body, remains eye-shut. Malakas na kumabog ang dibdib niya sa mga oras na 'yun. Memories of her dream earlier starts to play on her mind. Will it be wrong to ask him to kiss her... just once?

At nahigit ni Marga ang hininga nang hinawakan ni Isaiah ang mukha niya. Waiting for his lips, she tries to calm her excited heart.

Yet, the kiss didn't arrive. She felt his body moving away from her.

Dinilat niya ang mata at nakita na ito sa may pintuan na sinusuot uli ang damit nito. "I-Isaiah?"

"Wash off. I'll use the other C.R." Lumingon ito sa kaniya. "Use my bathrobe." Nguso nito sa itim na bathrobe nitong nakasabit na sa nakausling pako. "Don't use that towel anymore, heard me?"

Marga bit her lower lip because of her annoyance. "Ayoko."

"You'll drive any man crazy with that towel, Marga. Don't use it."

Lumabi siya at sa mahinang boses, nagsalita siya. "Yet you weren't crazy about me."

"May sinabi ka?"

"Wala." Nagdadabog niyang hinarap ang tabo at balde. "Sabi ko, lumabas ka na.. maliligo na ako."

Tumango nalang si Isaiah at tinapunan ng tingin ang makikinis na hita ni Marga bago lumabas sa banyo.

Bagong ligo at preskong-preskong sumigaw si Marga dala ang kulay rosas na invitation. "Hear 'ye, hear 'ye~" At nakangiting pumalakpak para makuha ang atensiyon ng mga tao roon.

Lumingon ang mga ito sa kaniya at unti-unting lumapit at nagkumpulan sa harap niya.

"Be careful, Princess." Babala ni Ussie na nag-aalala nang umakyat siya sa isang bench.

"Andito na ba lahat?" Pinasadahan ni Marga ang lahat na nakatingin sa kaniya. She saw Joaquin exits his tent. Isaiah leaning on a tree trunk. "Okay. Next week, will be the Selkirk Spring Ball." It initiated murmurs and whispers from the villagers while the foreigners looked at her with puzzled looks. "So to those who aren't familiar with the ball, it's the culmination of the week-long celebration of the Selkirk Flower Festival. The Spring Ball is held for the honor of the Celtic/Goddess of Spring, Flower and Youth, Creiddylad, for the years' bountiful harvest." Tinaas niya ang invitation. "This invitation is signed and sealed by the Queen."

Agad nakuha ng iba ang gusto niyang ipahiwatig nang isa isa tong nagsinghap-an. "Oh my God!", "Could it be..."

She nods. "Yes, my dear citizens. You are cordially invited to the Selkirk Flower Festival and," Napangiti siya nang makita ang bakas ng mga kaligayahan sa mga mukha nito. Tinaas niya ang isang kamay. "Don't worry about your dresses and suits, madame and gentlemen. I got you covered." She winks.

Mas lalo pang lumapad ang kaniyang ngiti nang nagsisigawan ito dala ng kanilang galak na makadalo sa isang napaka-pribadong pagtitipon. Nakita niyang tumayo mula sa pagkasandal sa puno si Isaiah at naglakad palayo

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The whole week was indeed busy. Seamstress and couturiers from all over town came to the camp to measure the size of almost 200+ people of both villages. It pleases Margaret that all of them are very supportive of her decision. Hindi kasi biro ang dumalo sa Selkirk lalo na't di basta-basta ang mga panauhin roon. Pero di yun ang inaalala ni Marga. Her concern is how to let the people feel they belong there and not feel they are an outcast because of their status.

Tinulungan niya ang mga bata na gumawa ng flower crown gamit ang mga synthetic (plastic) flowers para may dagdag kasuotan ang mga tao roon.

She then caught glimpse of Isaiah on the bench working on his laptop. May oras na may lumalapit na tao rito para magtanong o may ipapapirma.

Para siyang nahiya. Kasi nag-donate na nga ito ng pera, isa pa ito sa namamahal sa proyekto. He is a chairman of a large international company – dagdag pa ito sa pasanin ni Isaiah. But never did once he saw that he regretted taking the project. He seems to be enjoying it.

Naudlot ang pagdikit niya ng rosas sa isang korona nang magkasalubong ang kanila mata. Ngingiti na sana siya nang niyuko uli nito ang laptop. Napasimangot nalang siya.

One week. It's been also a week they last talked.

'Sinuot ko naman ang bathrobe niya 'ah.' Lumabi siyang pinagpatuloy ang ginawa.

Joaquin, aware of the glances of Marga and Isaiah's give to each other, sighs as he looks away.

.

.

Two days before the Selkirk Spring Ball, their dresses and suits arrive. Nakaupo lang si Marga sa bench at masayang tiningnan ang mga tao na kanya-kanya nang suot at sukat sa kanilang mga damit. May namumuong luha sa gilid ng kaniyang mga mata dahil sa tuwa. The smiles on their faces are really priceless. Sometimes, she thought that being a princess is just a mere title with empty purpose.

Looking at them, she's at least thankful she has this position to help others.

Napalingon siya sa iilang magkasintahan na nag-pa-practice na paano sumayaw.

Selkirk, aside from being a prestigious ball, is also known for its extravagance with flowers and the Lover's Dance on the middle of different colors of petals on the dancing floor. She can't wait to see them enjoying the party.

'Si Alban kaya, pupunta? Dadalhin kaya yun kasama si Nadia?'

She then turns to the bench beside her. Isaiah's sitting there, also watching the happy villagers checking their dresses and suits.

"Napapangiti ka rin kahit nakatingin ka rin sa kanila 'no?" Tanong niya.

He turns to her and nods. "Yeah."

"Got your suit ready?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay nito. "What?"

"Do you have suit? For the ball?"

He scoffs and turns his attention on the noisy villagers. "You seriously asking me to a ball where there is a 90% chance I'll get bumped unto the Queen. Or worse," He looks at her. "...accidentally step on her foot."

'Oo nga pala... andoon pala ang reyna.' "Well, there are lots of guests. Hmmm... there will be blondes too??"

"But there is never one like me." He was not smiling yet the playful glint on his eyes makes Marga blush. Tumayo ito dala ang notebook at isang bote ng beer.

.

.

The following day, Margaret need to leave the village to prepare herself, Jean, Ussie and Joaquin for the ball. She kisses the little kids' goodbye. "See you." Pisil niya sa mga pisngi nito. "Steal the show tomorrow night, okay?" She then shakes hands with the two villages chieftains, Douglas and Perry. "Around lunchtime, limousines will be here to pick you guys up. You need to leave here around 4PM since the road is still under repair. Baka lang mahirapan kayo sa pagbibiyahe kaya mas mabuti ng maaga kayong umalis."

Tumango ang matandang si Perry. "Opo, mahal na prinsesa."

She looked at the two chieftains. "I expect you there. Please don't make me sad by backing out."

Umiling si Douglas. "Makakaasa kang pupunta kami, Princess Margaret. Ako ang kukuyugin ng mga tao kung di kami tutuloy."

Tumawa si Marga. "Oo nga 'eh." Sinilip niya sa likuran ng mga ito ang mga tao nitong nasa mukha ang excitement. "Mauna na kami?"

"Sige po." Ngiti ni Perry. "Mag-ingat po kayo sa biyahe."

"Gabayan kayo ng Diyos." Pahabol ni Douglas.

Walking behind Jean and Ussie towards the car, she stops to look around. Searching him among the crowd.

"Margaret?" Tawag ni Joaquin sa kaniya.

"Y-Yes?" Lingon niya sa lalake at tumango. "Sorry." Saka pumasok sa loob ng kotse.

On the middle of the woods, Isaiah lends a handful of grass towards Chomper's mouth.

Pagdating sa palasyo kinapunan ay agad inasikaso ng Royal Seamstress ang pagsukat sa katawan ni Marga. Standing infront of the huge mirror, the woman measures her hip and waist. Raising her arms on each side, Margaret looks at her reflection. She looks at her collarbone where Isaiah's fingers travelled the other day. She closes her eyes remembering his gentle touch on her skin. She looks at her reflection again.

Why is Isaiah so hesitant to touch her more?

Was she not physically appealing to him?

"Princess?"

Niyuko niya ang seamstress na noo'y kumukuha ng measurement sa beywang niya hanggang sa sahig para sa skirt ng gown niya. "Yes?"

"We have rose pink, baby violet and imperial white gown. Which do you prefer for the color of your dress?"

"White." Sagot niya at tiningnan ang repleksyon uli. "I don't want to stand out too much." She hates all the attention.

"As you wish, Princess."

Kinabukasan ay agad dumating ang gown na pinagawa niya. Di niya lubos maisip kung paano ito ginawa 'eh kahapon palang kinuha ang measurements niya.

On her room, Jean and Ussie are sitting on her bed as they wait for the princess to exits the dressing room for them to peek her chosen dress.

"May magic 'ata ang mananahing iyon." Saad niya mula sa loob ng dressing room. "Ang balis makagawa ng gown."

Humagikhik na nagkatinginan sina Ussie at Jean. "Just let us see how the gown suits you, Princess."

Lumabas siya sa dressing room at nahihiyang ngumiti. "Fast or not, the dress fits all my measurement. Saktong-sakto talaga."

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW~" Nanlaki ang mga mata nitong nakatingin sa kaniya.

With a weird look, Margaret laughs seeing their reaction. "What?"

Jean and Ussie each hold her arms and turns her to face the mirror. Napasinghap siya sa nakita sa salamin. "W-Wow." Tanging sambit nalang niya sabay yuko sa sarili.

The off-white gown with intricated flower and leaves design hugs her figure perfectly as if it was weaved by the gods. The white belt on the waists which is studded by crystal beads and gems gives her curves and the low lacy neckline enough to cover her cleavage, shows of her smooth neck and chest. "T-This is..."

Jean and Ussie hugs her. "This is your mother's, Princess Marga."

Natigilan si Marga ang tiningnan ang mga kaibigan sa salamin. "What do you mean it's my mother's?"

Ussie smiles. "This is Princess Helena's gown, Princess Margaret. She wore this on his first Selkirk Spring Ball. The seamstress only took your measurements to modify this dress a bit based on your numbers."

No wonder...

Niyuko niya ang gown at dinama iyon ng kaniyang mga palad.

No wonder it feels so perfect on her body. Uminit ang sulok ng kaniyang mata. She somehow felt Helena's warmth on the cloth. "It's Mama's gown."

Maluha-luha ring tango ng dalawang katiwala niya. "It is, Princess. It was indeed made for you."

Tumango siya at niyakap ang mga ulo ni Ussie at Jean sa magkabilang-balikat niya. "Wish she can see me." 'Wish Isaiah can see me...'

CAMP

Sumampa at humiga si Isaiah sa duyan nang hapon na yun para basahin ang di niya matapos-tapos na mabasang kontrata. Alone in the camp, he enjoyed the quiet company of the night birds and the crackling sound of the bonfire he made.

He taps the pencil on the document he is holding as he ponders. 'I need to go back to Los Angeles. I need to be present during the official turnover of the two new companies.' Kamakailan lang kasi, kahit nasa Scotland siya, may napalunan pa rin siyang dalawang deals.

Also, he only plans a month leave. Nadia might be overworked by his full yet conflicting schedules.

Napalingon siya sa may paanan niya nang may narinig siyang yapak. Akala niya nag-iisa lang siya, di pala.

Gamit ang crutches, paika-ikang lumapit sa direksyon niya si Douglas. "Mr. Miller."

Umupo siya sa duyan. "Douglas." Kilala niya sa village chieftain ng Marchomont. "Di ka pupunta?" Puna niya sa pambahay lang nitong damit.

"Hahaha!" Tawa nito. "Magiging pabigat lang ako roon."

He smiles. "Your wife must be lonely right there by now."

Umupo ang matanda sa isang bench. "Nakow, di nito mahahalata na wala ako roon kasi tiyak nag-eenjoy yun doon. Ikaw ba?"

Tinaas niya ang folder.

"Ang bata mo pa para magpagod sa trabaho."

He shrugs. "I need to."

"Or maybe you're looking for an excuse to not go to the party."

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "What do you mean?"

"I saw your stolen glances at princess, Mr. Miller."

Isaiah chuckles as he faces the old man. "Really?" Is he really that obvious?

Nakangiting tumango ang matanda. "Yes."

"Tell me more."

"I can sense there's longingness in your eyes, Mr. Miller. You're suppressing your need to touch her..."

Unti-unting nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Isaiah. "We're talking about your princess here, Douglas. Engaged to a prince."

"I am also talking about a woman who also looks at you with the same yearning, Mr. Miller."

"What do you mean?"

"The princess looks at you the same way you do to her. You two once loved each other --- No, you still love each other."

One corner of his lip draws up. "Paano mo nasabi?"

Tumawa ang matanda at tumingala sa dumidilim na langit. "Wisdom comes with age, I guess."

Isaiah looks at the dancing flame in the bonfire.

"The princess is not happy, Mr. Miller."

He raises his eyes to Douglas.

"But she is when she looks at you working. She is when she can sense you are around. She is when she heard your voice nearby."

A moment of silence passes by before he asked the old man. "What should I do then?"

Ngumiti si Douglas. "I have suit on my house. You might want to wear it."