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

#WTMH Roll 12: The Queen's Wrath (pt.II)

CAMP

On one of the benches, Isaiah's tapping a finger in his lips as he was reading the file Nadia sent to him. The owner of the company that Miller's want to buy wants to see him personally so that they could negotiate the price. He can send the head of the contracts team or the head of the purchasing department on this one, but he needs to think carefully. May rason kung bakit gusto siyang personal na makita ng may-ari at mahirap pag di niya tuparin iyon. Baka ibigay pa nito ang kompanya sa ibang nagkaka-interes rin na bilhin ito.

He looks at the location.

'Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California.'

He whistles as he leans on the trunk of a tree. Beverly Hills. One of the riches neighborhoods in the U.S. Owning that company is like winning a lotto. Di pa nga niya pormal na nabili ang kompanya'y ang dami na niyang gusto gawin roon. He's thinking about advertising studio, or a music record label or a modelling agency under the Miller Group of Companies' ever-spanning market.

Tiningnan niya ang nakatakdang araw. It will be two days from now.

Nilingon niya ang excavation site.

The project is really doing well. They are exceeding their daily expectations. Halos malaki-laki na rin ang nahukay ng mga backhoes at nasisimulan na rin ang geographical study sa planong idugtong ang lawa sa isang ilog papunta sa karagatan. 

[A/N: I read a comment that if the lake is connected to an open ocean, will the lake be salty defeating the purpose of making it drinkable? Ang lawa po'y hindi direktang konektado sa dagat. The oceanwater's saltiness will be filtered palang sa pagdaan sa ilog – by the rocks, trees, etc.]

Unlike other projects, suportado niya ang mga gastos kaya walang problema sa pera.

Maybe it'll be okay to leave the camp and return to U.S. for the meantime. Nadia's definitely a dead-beat there.

Tiningnan niya ang walang taong tent ng prinsesa pagkatapos ay ang relong pambisig.

Is she coming back?

Because of the spur-of-the-moment kiss they had last night, he forgot to ask her contact number.

> "I thought you want more." Malalaking matang tingin sa kaniya ni Marga. Innocence and lust rolled into one. Her lips damp from his passionate assault.

A corner of his lips drew upward remembering her question. They both want more but they also knew it was wrong. Wrong place? No. He can make love to her hard on the middle of those sunflowers. Wrong time? Yes. They are both tied to their responsibilities especially her. If only he could smash that ring into pieces, he would. Despite wanting her, he still looks out for her. She is a princess with a name to hold. Ayaw niyang masaktan si Marga pag magsimulang humusga ang mga taong nakapaligid sa rito.

He was once on her position where every movements you made and every word that comes out in your mouth should be filtered so that no one, even a kid, could get offended.

Di man pinapakita noon ni Marga, alam niyang madali lang ito masaktan. She is sensitive.

Just like she is in bed.

He needs to talk to her before going back to U.S.

But how? He can't possibly barge into the castle. Well, he could do that just to pissed off that prince, but it would be a great risk especially the engagement still stands.

"Mr. Miller." Lapit sa kaniya ni Douglas gamit ang crutches nito.

"I told you to call me 'Isaiah'." Kinuha niya ang folder para makaupo ito.

"How was the dance last night?"

He shrugs. "Should I tell you the details?" He grins when the old man blushes. "I'm just kidding. We talked. Our bodies talked."

"Kilalang-kilala mo talaga ang prinsesa, ano?"

Natigilan si Isaiah. "M-Maybe?"

"You can see her sufferings behind her smiles. She definitely needs you."

> "Keep loving me, Isaiah. That's the only thing that keeps me sane all these times."

"She needs saving."

Nilingon ni Isaiah ang katabi. Doon lang niya napagtanto. Margaret wants him to keep loving her, but does she want him to save her?

He looks at the array of trees nearby.

Margaret didn't tell him to take her away from Scotland. Instead, she'll be contented by just knowing that he still loves her.

Does she want to leave this place or not?

CARDOZA-FONSECA ASYLUM | North Carolina, USA

Arthur was sitting on a wheel chair being pushed by a nurse into the hospital's garden.

"How about this place?" Tanong sa kaniya ng lalakeng nurse.

Tumango siya at tiningala ang isang Japanese maple tree kung saan namumutiktik ito ng mga pulang dahon.

The male nurse then positions his wheel chair under the tree's shade then crouches down to talk to him. "I'll be back here after 15 mins." Then taps his shoulder before leaving him alone with the tree.

> "I trust you to do the right thing, Arthur." A weak Francis smiled at him. The King of Scotland was on its bed, pale as a ghost. "S-Sa ating dalawa... ikaw ang matalino." Slowly, the king reaches his hand. "For our families."

Arthur's sunken eyes get teary as he picks a fallen red leaf.

> Umiling si Arthur. "Damn you, Francis..." Trying to hold his tears looking at his dying bestfriend. "I told you our families can't ever mend. We tried already. You and I tried, countless times. Pero mas lalo pang lumalim ang alitan ng mga pamilya natin."

Dinama ni Arthur ang magaspang na yari ng dahoon.

> Kahit mahina na ay tumawa ang hari. "If our friendship can't fix the problem. Maybe love can? I'm not saying my daughter, Helena and your son, Elijah can. But I do believe and w-will still believe until my last breath... a Miller and a Scott can end this long war. Maybe not us, maybe not our children --- just d-don't give up. We always dream of getting our families in one house, drinking, singing to our heart's content ---- ugh! Ugh!!" Umubo ito at huminga ng malalim bago nagpatuloy. "We promised that to each other. S-Subukan mong di t-tuparin yun. Di ka makakalabas rito sa palasyo na buhay." At nadala pa nitong magbiro sa kabilang ng dinaramdam nito.

"Francis." Usal niya sa pangalan ng namayapang kaibigan.

"Arthur."

Nanigas ang kalamnan niya nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses ng asawa niya. Slowly, he turns to look at Cora who promptly sits on a wooden bench. She then touches Arthur's sunken cheeks. "Hi, my love."

Di tuminag si Arthur.

"I heard from the nurse you finally spoke." Her fingers, with nails painted in black, feels the skin under his eye. "Nakatulong nga talaga ang paglagay ko sa'yo rito." His blue-eyes look up the tree. Tumingala na rin si Cora. "Red. The color of blood." Tumayo ito at yumakap sa likod niya. Her arms encircling Arthur's shoulder – but feels like strangling the life out of him. "Yes, Arthur." She whispers. "The presence of Scotts in our lives ends with you and Francis. For the future? I'll make sure no traces of them left in our lives. Your first grandchild is in Scotland right now. Cunning like you, akala niya di ko malalaman."

"Leave. Him. Alone." He looks at her, speaking to her after choosing to be mute for almost a decade.

She faces him with sharp eyes. "Make me."

"Pati rin ba buhay ng mga apo natin, Cora... mamanipulahin mo kagaya ng ginawa mo sa mga anak natin?"

"Our children are all successful in their fields. You really think mararating nila ang kinaroroonan nila kung di ko pinilit si Clive mag-abogasya? Si Bethany maging fashion designer? Si Elijah na pamahalaan ang negosyo natin? Si Jared na ---"

"At sa tingin mo masaya sila?"

"Ha!" She scoffs. "Foolish person you are! Wala na bang ibang laman ang utak nito kundi puro emosyon --- "

"Cordelia."

She stiffens as he calls her by full name. Arthur always made it sound so scary. "W-What?"

"Wala na bang laman ang isip mo kundi paghihiganti?"

Her cheeks redden with anger as she clutches her purse off the bench. "Laking pasalamat ko walang isa sa mga anak ko ang nakihalubilo sa pamilyang iyon." Hinarap nito uli ang asawa. "Dito 'ata ako mapapasubo sa mga apo natin." She walks passed him. Bago pa siya tuluyang makalayo sa asawa ay nagsalita ito.

"I know you have something to do with Mary's niece death, Cora. Iniwan mong nagpipighati ngayon si Fire." Di nilingon ni Cora ito pero ramdam niya ang tingin ni Arthur sa likod niya. "Now you want to do the same for Isaiah. Wag mong hintayin na makalabas ako rito."

Hinarap niya si Arthur. "You are so updated with our family, Arthur. Alam mo ba sino kalandian ng apo mo?" She grins like a mad cat. "It's Francis and Mary's granddaughter."

Natigilan si Arthur. "What?"

"Isang malapit sa puso ng dalawang taong minahal mo ng sobra. If I successfully killed Winter, I can easily do it to Margaret. Sa puntong ito, dalawa kayo ni Isaiah ang iiyak." She gritted her teeth. "Wag mo rin akong sagarin, Arthur. Sa laro ng paunahan, alam mong liyamado ako." At tumalikod na siya para pumasok sa building at umalis roon.

But Arthur's mind was not on Cora's threat – but on what she said before that.

> "Alam mo ba sino kalandian ni Isaiah?" She grins like a mad cat. "It's Francis and Mary's granddaughter."

Nilingon niya ang punong pulang-pula sa dahon niyon nang maalala ang sinabi ni Francis.

> "If our friendship can't fix the problem. Maybe love can? I'm not saying my daughter, Helena and your son, Elijah can. But I do believe and w-will still believe until my last breath... a Miller and a Scott can end this long war."

For the first time, Arthur's eyes smile. "Francis... what are you a fortune teller?"

> "But I do believe and w-will still believe until my last breath... a Miller and a Scott can end this long war."

Their promise to each other still has hope in the form of Isaiah and Margaret.

.

.

Yumukod ang director ng asylum nang makitang pumasok mula sa hardin si Cordelia May Miller. "Mrs. Miller ----"

Habang naglalakad palapit rito'y nagsalita si Cora. "Tighten the security. Don't leave your eyes on Arthur. He might attempt to escape here." At nilagpasan ito para lumabas papunta sa parking lot.

BALMORAL CASTLE | SCOTLAND

Naabutan ni Nelson na nakatingala ang prinsesa sa malaking painting ng yumaong hari. "Princess?"

Lumingon sa kaniya si Margaret. The orange sunlight from the afternoon sun made her red-hair so bright. "Hi Nelson." Ngiti nito.

Tumabi siya rito at tumingala na rin sa painting. It was a King Francis on his royal robe, holding a golden scepter and wearing the King's Crown on his head. He might not be smiling but his brown eyes are that whoever stares at the painting can't help but smile as well. A proud look is in his face. "Isang napakabuting hari."

"Ang gwapo niya." Anas niya at dinama ang naka-emboss na pangalan ng abuelo sa ibabang frame. 'King Francis Charles Edwin Scott, 114th King of Scotland and Ireland.' "Chickboy 'to ano?"

Tumawang umiling si Nelson. "No, no, Princess. King Francis loved no other woman aside from Queen Mary."

She smiles. "Really?"

Tumango ang katiwala.

"Did my father loved my mother the same way too?"

Biglang pinawisan ng malamig si Nelson. "I-I think?"

"Nelson." Humarap ang prinsesa sa kaniya. "I've been wanting to ask you this."

"Y-Yes, Princess?"

"Is my father alive? I really wanted to know more about ---- "

"Princess?" Tawag ni Jean na siyang nakapagpaginhawa sa kumakabog na dibdib ni Nelson.

"Yes?" Lingon ni Margaret sa katiwala.

"The studio is ready for your ballet practice."

Ngumiwi si Margaret at tinapik ang balikat ni Nelson. "Let's talk later, Nelson." At naglakad na ito palapit kay Jean.

Huminga nang malalim si Nelson at binalingan uli ang painting. "Mahal na hari... hintay lang po muna. Medyo di pa tama ang panahon." Tiningnan niya ang nakatalikod na pigura nang prinsesa. "Makikita mo rin si Alessandro, Prinsesa Marga."

CAMP

Isaiah was in the middle of reading the results of the water sampling inside the water lab when his phone rings. Sinagot niya iyon. "Miller."

Cora: "Grandson?"

Nahinto siya sa ginagawa nang marinig ang boses ng lola niya sa kabilang linya. "Grandma?"

Cora: "How's the travel?"

"I'm doing something right now, can we talk --- "

Cora: "I see. Look, you need to come home, okay?"

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Isaiah sa tono ng boses nito.

Cora: "You'll be meeting the owner of the company you are trying to buy right?"

'How'd she knew about it?' "Yeah."

Cora: "From Scotland to U.S., it will take 8 hours."

Tuluyan nang binitawan ni Isaiah ang hawak na papel. She knew he's in Scotland. He can sense his grandmother smiling on the other side of the line bec. of his silence.

Cora: "You don't want this to be messy, Isaiah. Believe me."

> Noah crosses his arms as he looks at Liam playing Kira on the sofa. "If I were you... don't trust Grandma too much. You don't want to mess a Cordelia May Crawford-Miller. You can't predict her next move."

> "Fire suspected Grandma is the one behind Winter's death. No one knows the truth but one's thing is for sure. Grandma won't think twice putting blood on her hands."

Cora: "Have a safe trip back, apo. I expect to see you here anytime this week."

Then she ended the call.

"Mr. Miller?" Silip ni Trish sa tent. "The architects want to talk to you."

Tumango siya. "I'll be out in a minute." He then ponders why his grandmother came to know about his whereabouts. Is she really keeping an eye on him?

BALMORAL CASTLE

Nakahiga si Margaret sa ilalim ng kaniyang makapal na kumot sa kama pero ang mata'y nakatingin sa ilalim ng pintuan niya. It's near 11PM and around this time, nagpapatay ng ilaw ang mga maids hudyat ng oras na para matulog. After hearing the disappearing sound of the footstep in the hallway, she comes out from the bed and in tiptoe she approaches the door and peeks outside.

Walang tao.

Agad niyang sinagawa ang pagsuot ng tsinelas at pagpusod sa kaniyang mahabang buhok para bisitahin uli ang sunflower fields.

Sa maingat ng galaw ay binuksan niya ang pintuan ng kaniyang balkonahe at walang-ingay na umakyat sa sanga para makababa sa punong-kahoy.

Sinuot niya ang tsinelas pagkatapak na pagkatapak niya sa lupa tsaka dahan-dahang binagtas ang kulungan ng mga kabayo sa likod.

.

.

Nang marating ang lugar ay tinali niya ang puting kabayo na si Chrome sa kahoy. Tiningala niya ang maaliwalas na gabi at pinuno ang katawan ng sariwang hangin.

Then she saw... Chomper on a nearby fields eating grass. "T-Teka.. si Chomper yun 'ah. Bakit siya andito --- " Nahigit niya ang hininga niya. "Wait... so that means..." Tinakbo niya ang pababang lupain at huminto nang makitang may nakaupo sa gitna ng taniman. Nakatukod ang dalawang braso nito patalikod. She smiles as her heart swells with love.

In the middle of the sunflower fields, her sunflower is looking up on the large, bright moon as the caressing wind softly blows his golden curls.

"Isaiah?"

Isaiah moves and turns his head to look at her. "Marga?"

Tumakbo siya at napaluhod sa likuran nito sabay yakap ng mahigpit sa likod nito.

"Easy." He chuckles as he touches her arms.

"You're here." Sinubsob niya ang mukha sa balikat nito. Paluhod siya naglakad para harapin ito. "A-Andito ka!" Hinawakan niya ang mukha nito na parang di makapaniwala.

Napakurap nalang si Isaiah at bahagyang napatawa. "Yes. This place is nice for some deep thinking."

Marga hugs Isaiah tightly. "Isaiah..." This time, he didn't burst into pieces of petals. Isang araw palang na di niya nakikita ito'y parang isang taon na. She wants to feel him every second.

Hinawakan ni Isaiah ang mukha niya. Caressing the princess' cheek, he grins. "You're wearing a shirt, a short and a... slippers, huh?"

"The most comfortable clothes ever." Tawa niya.

Isaiah plays her shirt's neckline and pulls her towards him. "It's more comfortable without." And slowly claims her lips.

Tumugon naman si Margaret at pinikit ang mga mata para damhin ang tamis ng halik nito. Indeed, his kiss is a drug. It takes always the heaviness she felt the whole day. The minty taste of his tongue drives her crazy as it meets her.

Isaiah licks her lower lip before ending the kiss. "I didn't expect you'd be here."

"Me either." Ngiti niya at muling hinalikan ang lalake.

Isaiah's hands slowly crawl inside her shirt and feel the side of her breasts. Napaungol si Marga habang patuloy na ninanamnam ang halik nito.

Both catching their breaths, Isaiah buries his face on the side of her neck. "No one can hear you scream if I'd take you here, right?"

"Chrome and Chomper will?" She touches Isaiah's wet lips. At umupo siya sa pagitan ng mga hita ng lalake. With her back against his chest, they both looked up the moon. "Pasensiya ka na't di agad ako nakabalik sa kampo. May pinag-usapan lang kami ni Lola." Pagsisinungaling niya. Her grandmother doesn't want her to be back in the camp anymore. Marga's still thinking of reasons to go back there.

She sharply inhales as Isaiah's spans his hand on across her belly while the other drops her bra's strap off her shoulder. She closes her eyes as she feels his warm breath then lips on his shoulder. "I-Isaiah..." She moans.

"Keep talking." He murmurs in his skin.

"W-What?"

"Keep talking." Softly, he bites her skin.

"O-Okay." She looks up at the moon trying to clear her clouded mind. "S-So yun nga... m-medyo matagal-tagalan pa 'ata ang balik ko r-roon." She gasps as Isaiah's hand slid inside her short's garter and feels the inside of her left leg. "I-I'll try to visit there once in a while." Nahihilo na siya sa sensasyon na nararamdaman. "O-Or..." Margaret shuts her eyes again as Isaiah sucks her shoulder not to gently.

"Or??" He licks the red spot.

"Tang*na ka, Isaiah!" Namumula niyang saad. "Di ako makapagconcentrate!!"

He heartily laughs. "Yes, Princess. Curse all you want. Only Chrome and Chomper can hear." He then stops upon remembering something.

Nahalata ni Margaret ang pananahimik nito kaya nilingon niya ang binata. "Isaiah? What's wrong?"

He plays the hem of her shirt. "I'm going back to U.S. probably by tomorrow, Marga."

Bumagsak ang balikat niya sa narinig. "W-Why?"

Isaiah shrugs. "Got a company to run."

She looks down feeling the sadness in one blow. 'And I also got a kingdom to reign.' Hinawakan ni Margaret ang kamay nito at dinala sa pisngi. "Don't go."

Umiling ito. "I can't. This time, I just can't do a press-con telling I'll be stepping down as a chairman."

She bit her lower lip, trying to hold back her tears. Aside from missing him, there's a huge chance she can't come with him if he'll ask her to ----

"Come with me."

She looks at his blue eyes. "Isaiah..."

In one move, he pulls out her phone on her short's pocket and types in his number. "Just say the word, Margaret. You know, I'll come and get you by any means possible."

Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang cellphone at tumango.

"Bukas, sasakay ako sa chopper papuntang mainland kung saan naghihintay ang private jet." He kisses the back of her hand. "I'll take you anywhere you want." Isaiah smiles as cups her face. "I'll take you to every Ducasse store in the world."

Tumatawang umiiyak si Margaret. "I-Isaiah... Anywhere with you is where I belong."

He gently plants a kiss on her cheek, kissing her tears away. "One word, Marga. All I need is one word."

THE NEXT MORNING | BALMORAL CASTLE

The Queen is talking to a congressman in the wide receiving hall of the castle when a stable boy approaches her. "M-My Queen."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Mary sa nakitang hitsura ng lalake. Hinihingal ito at parang nagmamadaling ibalita sa kaniya ang alam nito. She turns to the congressman. "I can't wait to read your draft, Lord Reinhart."

Yumukod ang may-edad na lalake at magalang na yumuko bilang pamamaalam.

Nang tuluyan nang makalayo ang kongresista'y binalingan ng reyna ang katiwala. "What's the hurry, Camden?" At naglakad siya papunta sa study room kung saan nakasunod sa kaniya ang stable boy. "I'm talking to someone. The least you could do is wait for our conversation to be over --- "

"I-It's about the princess, M-My Queen."

She stops her steps and turns to the man. "Margaret?"

He nods. "I-I was in the middle of assisting one horse due to it's neck injury last night in the stables when I saw Princess Marga left the castle grounds with Chrome."

Tuluyan niyang hinarap ito. "What else?"

"Matagal-tagal pa po bago ko siya nasundan pero di ko na siya nakita. She was heading due west."

'West...' If Mary's memory serves her right, that direction pointing towards the ---

"Upon searching for the princess, I saw Princess Margaret's horse appear nowhere."

"Chomper?"

Tumango ang katiwala. "Riding him was not the Princess."

"Who?"

"It was a man with blonde hair. Definitely not Prince Joaquin."

Nanginginig ang kalamnan ni Mary sa deskripsyon ni Camden. "Tell no soul to anyone, you heard me?"

Yumuko ang katiwala. "You have my word, My Queen."

.

.

Nasa hardin sila Nelson at Prinsipe Joaquin habang nag-uusap sila tungkol sa bagong plano ng reyna na renovate ang matayog at lumang tore ng Balmoral Castle sa right wing ng palasyo. The tower witnessed a lot of war and the Queen thinks that it needs the care it deserves for the purpose it serves. Mula daw nung namatay ang hari. Di na raw masyado nagagamit ang mataas na tore dahil ang hari lang naman ang nagtitiyagang umakyat sa mataas at paikot-ikot nitong hagdan.

The sight at the top, as per Nelson, is indeed breathtaking. It overlooks almost half the land mass of Scotland.

Pareho nilang nilingon ang tore kung saan may nakapalibot ng lubid roon at simulang baklasan ang mga sirang kahoy na siyang nagsisilbing kisame sa tuktok. Nelson was in the middle of discussing the plan to him when Ussie interrupted them.

"Prince Joaquin?"

Pareho silang napalingon sa babae. "Yes?"

"The Queen demanded your presence on the study room."

'Demanded?' Nagkatinginan muna sila ni Nelson bago siya tumango. "Thank you, Ussie." He nods at Nelson. "I'll be going, Lord Brock. I enjoyed our talk."

Naguguluhan namang tumango si Nelson at sinundan nalang ng tingin ang dalawang pigura na naglakad papasok sa palasyo. 'What could that be?'

.

.

Joaquin knocks on the large oak-door of the study room. He then heard the Queen's voice inside, giving her permission to enter. Pinihit niya iyon pabukas at nakita ang reyna na seryosong-seyosong nakaupo sa likod ng malaking mesa na puno ng mga libro. "Yes, Your Grace?" Sara niya sa pinto at naglakad palapit rito.

"Is there something in that camp that I should know, Joaquin?"

Naudlot ang pag hakbang ni Joaquin at napatitig sa reyna.

"I demand the truth, Joaquin. What's behind the project that I should know?"

"Is there a special event today, Princess?" Nakangiting tanong ni Jean na siyang nag-ayos sa damit ni Margaret ng umagang iyon.

Umiling siya. "None." Huminga siya nang malalim. Di siya halos nakatulog kagabi sa kakaisip paano niya kakausapin ang abuela niya tungkol kay Isaiah. Of course, she can't possibly ask the Queen that she'll leave the kingdom. She'll just ask – politely and nicely as possible if she can go back to the camp today because Isaiah will be leaving. Alam niyang maiintindihan ni Isaiah na di siya makakasama sa pag-alis nito.

At least, she'll be honest with the Queen that she'll decline the marriage to Joaquin, confess the truth about the Man-Made Lake Project and a Miller's presence in Scotland.

How she wishes the Queen will listen to her.

Pero bakit ng aba kontrang-kontra ang reyna na may Miller sa Scotland?

Lumabas sila sa kwarto niya at kasunod si Jean ay tinahak nila ang direksyon ng study room.

.

.

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Joaquin sa tanong ng reyna.

"I'll ask you again, Joaquin. Is Isaiah Miller in Scotland?" Mahinahon pero mariing tanong ni Mary.

"Y-Your grace... I think it's best heard from -----"

Malakas na dinamba ni Queen Mary ang mesa. "IS THERE A MILLER IN MY COUNTRY!?!!" Her angry voice vibrates the whole room.

.

.

Nabitin sa ere ang kamay ni Marga na kakatok na sana sa pintuan ng marinig ang dumagundong na boses ng reyna sa loob.

"Miller?" Lingon sa kaniya ni Jean. "Does the Queen mean Isaiah Miller?"

"I DEMAND YOU AN ANSWER, PRINCE JOAQUIN!" Galit na ulit ng reyna.

And what Marga heard next shatters all her chances.

"Y-Yes, M-My Queen. H-He is here in Scotland."

"And is it true he was behind the billion-grant for the project?"

Then they never heard Joaquin answers the question.

Napasinghap nalang si Jean nang bumukas ang pintuan ng study room at niluwa roon ang namumula sa galit na reyna. "Y-Your Grace --- "

At bago pa makahuma silang lahat at tumaas na ang kamay ng reyna at malutong na sinampal si Marga.

"PRINCESS!" Sigaw ni Jean at agad dinaluhan ang prinsesa na napalingon sa bintana sa lakas ng sampal ng reyna.

With a trembling hand, still shocked about what just happened, Margaret feels her warm cheek.

"Jean." Lingon ni Mary sa katiwala na halatang natakot sa kaniya. "Kunin mo ang cellphone ni Marga sa kwarto niya."

"B-But ---- " Nagdadalawang-isip pa si Jean kung tatalima ba o dadaluhan ang prinsesang kaibigan.

"NOW!"

"Yes, Your Grace!" Mangiyak-ngiyak na sagot ni Jean at tinakbo ang hagdan pataas ng kwarto niya.

"You ruined my trust, Margaret." Namumuo ang luha sa mga mata ni Mary na nakatitig sa apo. "You just broke my heart."

Nakatayo lang sa loob ng study room si Joaquin at nag-iwas ng tingin nang masaksihan ang buong pangyayari. 'I told you Margaret. The Queen will eventually know.'

Isa-isang pumatak ang mga luha ni Margaret na tiningnan sa mata ang abuela. "G-Grandma..."

Dumating si Jean at nilahad ang cellphone ni Marga sa reyna. "Here's the phone --- "

Umiiyak na umiling si Margaret. "G-Grandma... n-no."

> "Just say the word, Margaret. You know, I'll come and get you by any means possible."

Hinablot iyon ng reyna at malakas na hinambalos sa sahig. The phone smashes into pieces deeming it impossible to repair or to use again.

Napapikit nalang si Margaret at tahimik na humagulhol. Agad na niyakap ni Jean ang prinsesa.

With firm voice, Queen Mary looks at Jean then to the Prince Joaquin. "Push through the wedding preparations. I want it done next week!" Higpit nitong utos sabay tumalikod.

Paimpit na umiiyak si Margaret sa dibdib ng kaibgian habang tahimik namang tumutulo ang luha ni Jean. "Oh, Princess."

Prince Joaquin remains standing with mixed emotions. Di niya alam kung ikakasaya ba niya o ikakalungkot ang nangyari.

7:00 PM | CAMP

Jack peeks outside the helicopter's window. "Isaiah?"

Isaiah is standing with his hands on is pocket, waiting for his phone to vibrate. Nakatingin ito sa kawalan.

9:00 PM | BALMORAL CASTLE

Mugto ang mat ani Margaret na lumabas sa balkonahe niya at napayuko sa iilang palace guards na nakatayo sa paanan ng punong-kahoy. Outside her room are two palace guards guarding her door.

Napaluhod nalang si Marga sa balustre at doon napaiyak nang malakas. "Isaiah.... I-I'm sorry.... I-I'm so sorry f-for letting you feel the same pain all over again."

.

.

Nelson approaches the Queen as she was drinking wine on her crystal glass while looking out the window and into the dark garden outside.

Di siya nakita ng reyna pero naramdaman nito ang presensiya niya. "Is there something you want to say, Nelson?" Bahagya siya nitong nilingon.

Tumikhim si Nelson. The Queen personally wants his opinion as a close confidante, not as an employee. "Mary." Tawag niya rito. "You're repeating the same mistake. You're doing what you had done to Helena. Don't do this."

Humarap sa kaniya ang reyna. "I get to say what I want to happen, Nelson." Binaba nito ang crystal glass sa kalapit na mesa. "Burn that sunflower field."

11:00 PM | CAMP

Nagising si Jack mula sa pagkaidlip nang gumalaw ang chopper. Nilingon niya si Isaiah na umupo na pala sa katabing upuan. "Andito na ang hinihintay mo?"

Instead of answering, he buckles his seatbelt. "Let's go, Jack." He looks outside. "I was waiting for no one after all."

Tumango nalang ang lalake at sinuot ang aviator headset para paandarin ang malaking sasakyang panghimpapawid.

[NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW pt. 1]

"Nelson... is there something going-on in the palace?" Nainis si Alessandro nang nag-iwas ng tingin ang matanda. "May nangyari ba sa anak ko?"

[NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW pt. 2]

PHILIPPINES

Nagulat si Lizbeth nang pagbukas niya sa pintuan ay bumungad sa kaniya ang tatlong lalakeng nakasuot ng ternong itim na damit at may gintong pin sa may kaliwang dibdib. It was Scotland's official seal. "W-Who are you?"

May tinaas na sulat ang isa sa mga lalake. "We are here to ask you if Princess Margaret is happens to drop by here."

"M-Margaret? B-Bakit?" Umalsa ang kaba sa dibdib ni Lizbeth. "Anong ginawa niyo sa anak ko!" Patungkol niya sa prinsesang tinuring na niyang anak.

One guy answers. "The princess has been missing for three days already."

A/N: ⚈ ̫ ⚈ OY! Mag-vote⭐