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

#WTMH Roll 10: Knight

Napangiwi nalang si Margaret matapos siyang turukan ng vaccine kontra-tetano ng isang doctor sa may braso niya. She presses a cotton ball after the injection was pulled out. Nasa harapan naman niya ang isa pa ring nurse na noo'y gumagamot sa sugat niya.

She looks on the doctor who supervises her medication. "Doctor, makakaalis po ba ako matapos nito?"

Malapit nang makagulo ang hospital kanina nung pumasok siya sa entrance. Nagsisigaw ang guard at ang nakatoka sa information desk na emergency raw kasi andito raw ang prinsesa. Doctors who are on their rounds checking their patients, immediately came to cater her needs. Mabuti at napakalma niya ang mga ito na di dapat mataranta kasi simpleng sugat lang naman sa daliri niya ang meron.

Sometimes, special treatment feels really not special at all. There are more patients that need their medical attention more than she do that's why it's kinda disrespectful how these doctors leave their station to kiss her feet. Pwede naman kasi nurse ang titingin sa kaniya.

Umiling ang doctor bilang tugon sa tanong niya. "You need to stay here for at least three hours to ensure that there are no future infections on you."

Lumabi siya. "Nahiwa lang naman ako 'ah."

The doctor shrugs. "Royal Protocol, Princess Margaret. All Royals who are admitted to any hospitals are compelled to be detained for few hours." He gently smiles.

"I see." Tango niya at tiningnan ang maayos at malinis na pagkabenda ng nurse sa gauze sa daliri niya. It wasn't just a simple cut as the nurse stated earlier. Medyo ilang skin tissues raw nahiwa kaya daw namamaga na ganun kalaki. Idagdag mo pa raw ang discoloration ng nakapaligid na balat.

> "Take off your lipstick."

Bumaling siya sa salamin sa tabi na kasing laki ng isang notebook sa may mesa. Isang kamay niyang kinuha iyon at tiningnan ang labi. Ayaw niya sa kulay? Paborito ko pa naman 'to kasi di masyado matapang ang kulay.

Naalala niya ang nakaw na halik ni Joaquin sa kaniya. Nasapo nalang niya ang noo at napailing. "Damn it."

Then they heard a knock. It was Joaquin.

Iniwas niya ang tingin nito.

"How was your wound?"

Dumaan ang ilang minuto ng katahimikan. Pinaglilipat pa ng dalawang nurse ang mga tingin nito sa kanilang dalawa.

One nurse eventually answers. "It has been treated, Prince. We also gave her a shot of vaccine."

He nods.

The nurse wraps a last roll of gauze on her finger then curtsied as she exits the clinic.

Umupo sa Joaquin sa binakanteng upuan ng nurse at hinawakan ang kamay niyang may sugat.

She looks out the window. She's really not up to more word wars with him. Every time Marga talks, Joaquin always had something to say. It's an endless bickering. Can't she have some peace?

"How are you feeling?"

Di pa rin siya sumagot.

"Marga. Talk to me."

Masama ang tingin niya na nilingon ito. "Then argue every word I say? I'd rather keep my mouth shut."

"I'm just jealous with Isaiah, Margaret." He looks down on her hands, massaging her palm softly.

"Yet you brought him here." Sumbat niya. "You made your own demon, Joaquin. Oo, nagkamali ako sa pagtago sa katotohanan mula sa inyo. Pero hanggang doon nalang sana 'yun 'eh. Hanggang doon nalang sana dapat sa pag-ako ni Hunter sa donation ni Isaiah."

He keeps quiet.

"L-Let's not talk about feelings here, Joaquin. What Isaiah and I have now in common is just the project. Stop testing my loyalty... kasi kung di ako matapat sa katungkulan ko bilang prinsesa, matagal na akong naglayas. Noon pa nung sumakit ang ulo ko sa isang bagsakang turo sa akin ng pamamalakad sa palasyo pero andito pa ako di'ba? Bakit ka ba nakikipag-kompetensiya sa kaniya?"

"He has something that I don't." He looks at her intently.

And she knows what it is. "No talks about feelings, Joaquin." Binawi niya ang kamay mula rito. "If we can't act like we used to before, then at least let us be civil. I had your ring. You had my word. Just trust on that." Tumayo siya at lumabas sa clinic.

.

.

Paglabas niya sa clinic ay may nakita siyang wet wipes/tissue sa counter ng nurse station.

> "Your lipstick, take it off."

Ewan ba niya't awtomatikong gumalaw ang kamay niya para kumuha ng isang sheet at inipit iyon sa labi niya para matanggal ang lipstick. 'Ano ba meron ----' Then she remembers the kiss again and Isaiah's immediate tight grip on her arms. 'Was he jealous ---' Pinilig niya ang ulo. 'Epekto lang 'to ng bakuna.' Nilingon niya si Joaquin na bagong labas clinic at nagpasalamat sa dalawang nurse na tumingin sa kaniya.

"I'm sorry, Marga." He wears his coat. "I told the Queen ---"

Nanlaki ang mata niya. "What --- "

"..about your wound." Maagap nitong singit. "Patapusin mo muna ako."

"Ow, sorry..." Nakahinga siya nang maluwag. "Sorry. Ano reaction niya?"

Ngumiti ito sa dumaang doctor. "She wants to have lunch with us." Nagpatiuna itong lumabas sa hospital. Sumunod naman siya rito.

Pagkasakay nila sa kotse, agad inutos ni Joaquin na pupuntahan nila ang palasyo.

Umupo nalang ng maayos si Marga at tumingin sa labas ng bintana.

Sumandal si Joaquin sa upuan at nilingon ang katabi. 'You don't want to talk about feelings, Marga.' He looks out on his side of the window. His dark eyes deepen with sadness. 'Bec. you still have feelings for him. You always talk about duty...but never about your feelings towards him. Meron pa ba o wala na?'

CAMP | SCOTLAND

"I see." Isaiah's eyes wander on the wide, dryland infront of him. "She was accompanied by the Prince out the hospital, huh?" Nakaramdam siya ng inis sa binalita ni Jack sa kabilang linya nang tinawagan niya ito para kamustahin ang kalagayan ng babae. Jack informed him that after admitting the princess into a clinic, he immediately steps aside upon seeing the prince enter the hospital. Matapos raw ng ilang minuto'y nakita nitong lumabas ang dalawa at sumakay sa kotse.

He sighs. "Thank you, Jack. I owe you one." He slid the phone inside his pocket. Nagtatagis ang kanyang baga. He thought he already had a complete control over his emotions, he stands corrected. Di pa pala. Tiningnan niya ang palad niya na bahagyang nasugatan sa higpit na pagkakuyom niya kanina na wag iyon ilipad sa mukha ni Joaquin. Napatiim-bagang siya sa pagkayamot.

He can't understand himself whenever she's around. His mind becomes blank. His attention becomes unfocused. Hell, he can't think straight and keeps glancing on her direction.

Every time he caught her stealing glances at him, he feels elated. Yeah, her gaze should only be his. And his alone.

Naglakad siya papunta sa nakahilerang mga water dispenser para uminom ng tubig.

Yet, he has contrasting emotions within him. He's not here to patch things with her but to give the arrogant prince the dose of his own medicine. He's not here to feel those emotions again.

Uminom siya mula sa styrocup.

He's not here to take her back. He didn't let her go. She left on her own, free will.

He crunches the cup on his bare hand.

But hell! He doesn't want anyone touching --- kissing her other than him!

Nakapameywang nalang siya ng de oras at pataas ng nagbuga ng hangin. "Get a grip on yourself, Isaiah."

Maybe the few hours of the princess' absence can sort his confused reasoning.

Nagpasalamat nalang siya na tumunog ang phone niya. This could take occupy his mind. "Miller." Sagot niya.

Nadia: "Sir, sorry ulit napatawag ako sa kabila ng higpit niyong utos na tatawag lang ako basta emergency."

Napakamot nalang siya sa noo. "What is it Nadia?" Parang may ideya na siya kung ano ang gusto nitong ibalita sa tono ng boses palang nito na parang natataranta.

Nadia: "Andito po kanina ang lola niyo. Kakaalis lang nito mga sampung minuto siguro."

He knew it.

Nadia: "She always drop by here every day, asking me if I had an idea when will you be back or what you are up to know... Sorry talaga, sir. Pero baka kasi bibigay na ako sa susunod na balik at tanong niya. You know how effective Madame Cordelia is on intimidating people."

He nods and walks towards his tent. "Okay, okay. I'll talk to Grandma."

Nadia: "Thank you talaga, sir. Sorry uli."

Isaiah ends the call and immediately dials his grandma's number.

NAIL PARLOR | LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Cordelia puts down the fashion magazine when her phone vibrates on the glass table. Kasalukuyang nakasuot siya ng puting bathrobe at may putting twalyang nakapulupot sa ulo nito habang may naglilinis ng kuko niya sa isang kamay at isang attendant naman sa mga paa niya. She cunningly smiles without bothering reading the name of the caller. "Isaiah, grandson."

Isaiah: "Stop harassing Nadia, Grandma."

"That's a very offensive word, apo." Kompartable siyang sumandal sa malambot niyang upuan. "I only came to ask."

Isaiah: "About what?"

"Tsk. Kung sinasagot mo lang ang mga tawag ko'y di ito hahantong sa ganito."

Isaiah: "What is it?"

"You're getting impatient again." She looks at her nails being painted in bloody red.

CAMP | SCOTLAND

He leans on a tree trunk. "I don't have the time in the world, grandma." A now is not a good time for riddles. Medyo maikli pasensiya ngayon.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Sumeryoso ang mukha ni Cordelia. "The Treasury Department told me you withdraw a large sum amount of money and made a check to guy named Hunter Lin."

Isaiah: "Are you keeping an eye on my every movement, grandma?"

She smiles sweetly. "I'm not. I just want to know what's happening on the company. You're managing not just two or five names under you. You got hundreds of Miller's subsidiaries. I just thought you need a little helping hand." She looks at her newly-polished nails and raises her hand in the air. "And viola... I discovered something. Mind telling me what transaction that might be?"

Isaiah: "It's business, Grandma. The Lin's own an airline company. Though new in the industry, it shows potential. So, I invested."

Binaba ni Cora ang kamay. "Oh. I see..."

CAMP | SCOTLAND

His jaw tightens. "Now, can I ask you to stop nosing around my affairs?" 'Mapagsabihan nga ang head ng Treasury Department mamaya.'

Cora: "I apologize."

Bahagyang nakahinga ng maluwag si Isaiah nang maramdamang naniwala naman ito sa sinabi niya. But it was short-lived when she speaks again.

Cora: "Be sure the investment will return. I expect a double amount, Isaiah. Klaruhin mo kung saan napupunta ang pera ng pamilya natin." [A/N: If you invest on a business, dapat talagang may babalik talaga sa'yo na profit. But given that it was donated, no money will be returned to the treasury.]

She still doesn't seem to know where the money was used for. Kaya sumagot nalang siya. "Yes, grandma."

Cora: "Where are you by the way?"

"Really? You want to keep tabs on my travel destinations?" Lumapit ang isang foreman at may pinapirmaha sa kaniya.

Cora: "I am just asking, apo. Chill..."

His forehead is in a knot. "I'm not a kid you should supervise every second, grandma. If you are worried about the company, I see to it that before I leave, everything is in order. Is that what you are worried about?"

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

"No." Tanging sagot ni Cora na ang tingin ay nasa mapupula niyang kuko. "Di mo raw kasi sinasagot si Diana."

Isaiah: "From business, now to my personal life? I got to go. I had something much better to do."

He ends the call. Nagtagis ang baga ni Cordelia at nilingon ang manicurista niya. "Change my nail color." Tumalim ang mata niyang tumingin sa labas ng bintana. "I... hate... red."

CAMP | SCOTLAND

Tinitigan ni Isaiah ang hawak na cellphone matapos niyang putulin ang pag-uusap nila ng lola niya. He never lied to her since he coveted the position of the chairman two years ago. Blunt, frank and harsh his words might be, he always speaks what's on his mind. She doesn't seem to mind at all.

It's just... this time, it's different. He doesn't know but something in the back of his mind is saying that he must not tell Grandma Cora about this project. Not just because it was for Scotts that she detests the most. Kung tutuusin naman kasi, he the holds the greatest authority in their family right now --- sitting on the chairmanship means to be on top of the Miller family tree. He can do whatever he wants, whenever and whoever he was with.

He massages the back of his nape.

But there is this small voice telling him to be cautious about his own grandmother.

Why?

Then a memory visits his thought.

2 YEARS AGO | NOAH'S CLINIC

Liam plays Kira's fluffy ears as he was lying on his cousin's sofa. Malapit lang kasi ang studio kung saan ginawa ang photoshoot niya sa isang men's magazine kaya dumaan nalang siya rito bago umuwi para kumustahin. Nakangisi siyang nilalaro ang tainga ng aso na noo'y nakahiga sa dibdib niya.

"Don't play with him too much." Hinubad ni Noah ang doctor's coat nito at sinukbit sa coat hanger sa likod ng pinto. "Baka biglang tumahol 'yan sa inis. Bawal pa naman mga hayop rito sa hospital." He uncuffs his wrist cuffs and unbuttons his light-green shirt from the neckline.

"Ba't kasi dinala mo ito rito kung bawal." He pokes Kira's nose.

"Wala kasing magbabantay. Punuan ang pet clinic ngayon tsaka isa pa, di yan makakapagkatiwalaan pag iniwang mag-isa sa apartment ko. He bites everything his eyes can lay upon."

"You should have called Isla." Tingala sa pinsan niya na noo'y nagbabasa ng ng medical records sa hawak na clipboard. "She loves animals."

"I did. Pero bibisitahin raw nito ang papa nito sa Sta. Clara."

"Ohhh..." Liam nods and resumes assaulting Kira's ears. Sa inis ni Kira's pilit nitong hinahabol ng kagat ang kamay niya. "How about Fire then?"

"Naaahh, may sariling mundo 'yun." Noah presses a ballpen and starts writing diagnosis on the patients' records.

"He seems to hate the world, huh?"

"What do you mean?" Napatingin sa kaniya ang doctor.

"I mean... he doesn't talk a lot. Even to you guys. Si Isaac kasi masungit pero nakikihalubilo naman kahit papaano. Fire is... distant?"

"If Finnian Reed can baptize himself again, pipiliin nitong wag masabit sa pangalan niya ang apelyido natin, Isaiah."

"Why?"

Binaba ni Noah ang clipboard. "We have our own demons we choose to conceal, Isaiah, and... somewhere along our lives, we'll meet that someone that we are comfortable enough to reveal our demons to. Just like Isaac, he decided to open his whole soul and heart to Avery. Same thing happened to Fire. He met a lady named Winter."

"Huh... Fire and Winter. Compatible." He shrugs.

Noah gave a tight smile. "But it was short-lived."

Napalingon si Liam mula sa pang-iinis sa aso. "Short-lived... you mean agad silang naghiwalay?"

The doctor shakes his head. "Winter died on an accident. Fire is with her on that fateful day."

Di agad nakahuma si Liam sa narinig. "D-Died? You mean she --- "

He nods. "Oo, namatay sa mismong pinangyarihan ng disgrasya si Winter. Two broken ribs stab her heart and puncture her lungs. Dead on the spot."

Bumangong paupo si Liam at pinaupo si Kira sa tabi niya. "And Fire?"

"Fire was an Ex-SEAL, Liam. He knows what to do when faced with imminent danger." Hinubad ni Noah ang eyeglass nito. [A/N: SEAL – an elite American military team that means Sea, Air, and Land. They are given special death-defying missions on war-torn countries. Osama Bid Laden, a renowned terrorist was killed by a SEAL.] "So, when their car loose break in a highway on their way to their Christmas Eve celebration, it fell on a cliff... 15 ft. down. Fire suffer few injuries and a deep cut on his forehead. Nothing more."

"Christmas Eve..."

"Yes, Winter died on the middle of winter. December 25. 12:15. Midnight."

"But..."

"And Fire blame Grandma Cora for it."

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "So that's why he doesn't want to do anything with the Millers."

Noah crosses his arms on his chest. "Di ko alam kug bakit naisip yun ni Fire. Our cousins said that it might be... his process of accepting the reality. You know, one of the stages of acceptance is depression and anger."

"But why Grandma Cora?"

"Doctor ako, Liam. I might not specialize in Psychology... or Psychiatry... but we have courses on that. As a neurosurgeon such as myself, we are taught how to read our patient's small actions – like eye movements and their shortness of breath. What I can deduce about Fire is he know something that we don't. I believe, he has a reason to see Grandma Cora as the one behind the accident. Di ko alam kung ano. Among us, Fire's the one who doesn't give s**t about the world. Suntukin mo man siya ng walang dahilan, di ito nagkikimkim ng galit. He thinks life too short. Yet it's been years since Winter died, and he is still dead-set about proving Grandma Cora's involvement."

Nilingon ni Liam si Kira at marahang ginulo ang balahibo nito sa ulo.

"If I were you..."

His blue-eyes turned to his cousin.

"...don't trust Grandma too much. Alam kong di pa kayo halos nagkausap pero binabalaan lang kita, Isaiah. You don't want to mess a Cordelia May Crawford-Miller. You can't predict her next move."

PRESENT

She may be cunning and manipulative... but so far... not dangerous. She is good on intimidating other people and Noah's right that behind her smiles and gentle taps on his shoulder lies a message. Parang may gusto itong paniwalaan mo para malihis ka sa totoong pakay nito.

Pero, di naman ito ang uri ng tao na nananakit.

She's not dangerous.

. . .

Or... is she?

Pinilig nalang niya ang ulo.

He's thinking bad things about his own kind. Worse, about a family.

BALMORAL CASTLE

"Grandma." Margaret curtsied upon seeing the Queen on a banquet in the garden. Nasa parihabang mesa ang maraming pagkain. Too much for a lunch of three people. Lihim na napangiwi si Margaret sa paging garboso nila tuwing kumakain. Di naman ito natatapon kasi yung di nagalaw na pagkain ay kinakain ng maraming kasambahay at utusan sa palasyo. But living for few weeks in the camp where food supplies are saved to the last grain of rice.

"Have a seat." Tango ng reyna. Umupo sa magkabilang upuan si Joaquin at Marga. Napansin nito ang daliri niyang may benda. "What's that?"

"Uhhh..." Too late to hide. "Nagkaroon lang ng konting disgrasya sa kusina. Pero," Agad niyang salo. "Kasalanan ko po. Nagpupumilit po kasi akong tumulong."

"You weren't there to serve them." The Queen starts to eat while Joaquin places his table napkin on his lap.

Uminom nalang siya ng tubig.

"How's the project doing?"

"Uhhh, okay naman po." Ngiti niya. "For a few weeks, we're on 1/8th on the whole excavation progress."

"Any problems encountered?"

Natigilan si Margaret sa paghawak ng kubyertos at napatingin sa kaharap na prinsipe. Pagkatapos ay sa reyna. "Little misunderstandings with the decision-making process." She musters a tight smile.

"I see..."

At tahimik nilang pinagpatuloy ang pagkain.

"Okay ka lang ba doon?"

She raises her eyes on the queen. That's a genuine question of concern. Nag-alala talaga ito? She nods. "O-Opo. Di naman po ako pinababayaan ni Ussie at Jean. Medyo mainit pero kaya naman."

The Queen smiles. "Good."

Natural lang na mag-alala ito kasi abuela niya ito pero sadyang nakakapanibago lang na bukal sa loob nitong tanungin siya kung anong estado ng proyekto at sa pamumuhay niiya roon. This is the most emotional conversation they had ever since she started living in the palace. Napakasaya niya sa oras na iyon.

Nilingon ng reyna ang prinsipe. "I heard from your mother that you decided to stay for few weeks here in Scotland?"

Jaoquin nods. "Yes. In Marchomont, exactly."

"Oh." Siya naman ang binalingan ng reyna na nagtatanong ang mga mata.

She shrugs. "W-Well, he wanted to... experience the life on that place."

Tumango ang reyna. "That's a good exposure for you two. Tataas ang kumpiyansa ng mga tao sa kaharian natin lalo pag nakikita nila na magkasundo kayo sa bagay-bagay."

She tries hard to swallow the food on her mouth.

"Andoon rin ako para bantayan siya." Walang pasabing bigla nitong saad.

Nanlaki ang mata niya at nilingon ang reyna.

The Queen drinks wine on her crystal glass. "Bantayan? Para saan?"

Nagsukatan ng tingin si Margaret at Joaquin. He turns to the Queen. "From danger, My Queen. Di maiiwasang may masasamang loob ang mag-isip ng ikakasama ng prinsesa." May kahulugan ang pangungusap na iyon sa mga mata nito.

The Queen leans on her chair and turns to Marga. "Do you need additional security there?"

Mabilis siyang umiling. "No, no, Y-Your Highness. In fact," She threw a sharp look on the prince. "...the men there are on their scheduled rotation for guarding the premises." Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang di na muling pinilit iyon ng reyna. More staff from the palace, the riskier it is for Isaiah.

"Pero magpapadala pa rin ako ng mga guwardiya roon. Joaquin's right. Di natin alam. But I'll tell Bench (head of Royal Security Unit) to guard only the entry and exit points of the villages. Enough not to intimidate and restrict the villagers there."

'Okay na yun.' Tinapunan uli niya ng matalim na tingin ang prinsipe.

On the middle of their lunch, Nelson arrives with a yellow envelope on his hand. "Your Highness, Prince..." At agad lumapad ang ngiti nito nang makita siya uli. "Princess."

She giggles as she sees the old man on his usual red velvet and gold uniform. "Hello, Nelson."

"What is it?" Queen Mary gently wipes her mouth with the table napkin.

"Oh!" Nilahad ni Nelson ang dilaw na sobre. "A letter from the Ministry of Tourism, My Queen."

Kinuha iyon ng reyna at binuklat para basahin.

"Hali ka, kain ka." Alok niya sa matanda.

Magalang na tumanggi si Nelson. "Okay na po ako. Kakatapos lang naming kumain sa loob."

"Kamusta na pala ang kaibigan mo?" Usisa niya.

"K-Kaibigan po?" Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Nelson. 'Sino?' "Sino po?"

"Mr. James?"

At parang nalagutan ng hininga si Nelson na agad binalingan ang reyna. Buti nalang at tutok ito sa binabasa. Nilingon siya uli nito na parang namumutla.

"You okay?"

In a lowered voice, he answers. "O-Opo. O-Okay lang p-po si James."

"Send my greetings." Matamis niyang ngiti.

Napahid ni Nelson ang noo nito nang de-oras.

Tinupi ng reyna ang sulat. "It's about the Selkirk Spring Ball." [A/N: Selkirk Flower Festival is a yearly festival in Scotland held to welcome the first day/week of Spring (tag-sibol). This festival is mostly celebrated with lots of different flowers. At night, there's the Selkirk Spring Ball to honor the Scottish Goddess Creiddylad (Goddess of Spring, Flower and Love) for the new life and bountiful harvest.]

"What about it?" Tanong ni Joaquin.

"The Ministry of Tourism wants to hold the Selkirk Spring Ball on the flower gardens of Brodie Castle." [A/N: Brodie Castle – One of the oldest castles in Scotland and considered as a national heritage.]

Upon hearing the name of the castle, a smile form on Margaret's lips. Aside from the majestic old castle that is rich with history and world-class collection of Renaissance paintings, binabalikbalikan ito ng mga turista sa malawak nitong hardin na namumutiktik ng marami at de-klase-klaseng mga bulakalak. For the Spring Ball to be hold there, it will be heaven! "That's a good choice!"

"It is." Tumango ang reyna at nilahad ang kamay kay Nelson. Agad namang dinukot nito ang isang ballpen at binigay sa reyna. Pinirmihan ito ni Queen Mary bilang pag-apruba sa lugar kung saan igagawa ang taunang kasiyahan. "Is there someone you want to invite, Margaret?"

Agad pumasok sa isipan ni Margaret ang mga tao sa Marchomont at Muirhaus. "Yes!!" Masaya niyang tango. "I want to invite the villagers, if you permit me to do so, My Queen. I bet they've never been into a festival this... this huge!" Her eyes round as excitement drives her to talk. "I-It will be a great opportunity for them to know... us.. y-you, My Queen, more!"

Nag-isip muna ang reyna at dahan-dahan tumango. "That's a nice idea." She turns to Nelson. "What do you think, Nelson?"

Nagkibit-balikat ang katiwala. "Well, I think so to. They are citizens of Scotland, why not?" Ngiti nito.

Binalingan ni Mary ang tahimik na prinsipe. "You're quiet, Joaquin. Something bothering you?"

He looks at Margaret. "Only for the citizens of Scotland, right, My Queen?"

Tumawa ng marahan ang reyna. "Kasali ka na doon. Total, magiging bahagi ka na rin naman ng kaharian."

"Outsiders can't come, right?" His eyes still on the princess.

Margaret sighs and avoids his stare.

Sumingit si Nelson nang maramdaman ang namumuong tensiyon sa dalawa. "Mga turista po ba ang ibig niyong sabihin, mahal na prinsipe?"

"Why don't you answer him, Marga." Udyok nito at sumandal sa kinauupuan.

Nelson and the Queen turns to Margaret.

Naikuyom niya ang mga palad na nakapatong sa ibabaw ng mesa. 'Why are you doing this to me, Joaquin?' Nakangiti na siyang nilingon ang reyna. "W-What Joaquin means is... the people I hired for the project. The geologists, the technicians...." She looks at Joaquin. "Are they invited too, Your Highness?"

Tumango si Queen Mary. "Yes, of course. They are the people behind the project. They deserve a little break from their work. Bigyan natin sila ng pagpupugay sa ginawa nila."

.

.

"Margaret."

Napahinto si Margaret sa kalagitnaan ng malawak na receiving hall ng palasyo at nilingon ang reyna na nakasunod sa kaniya. "Grandma?"

Lumapit ito sa kaniya. "Is there something wrong with you and Joaquin?"

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

"Masamang tingnan yun sa mata ng mga tao na di kayo nagkakasundo sa ganitong di pa kayo nakakasal.."

She nods. "W-We're trying to settle our differences, Grandma."

"Di ba't malapit kayong magkaibigan?"

'Being friends and being lovers are two different things.' Gusto sana niyang isagot. "Yes, Grandma."

"Can I expect you two to work things out?"

Napatingin si Marga sa prinsipe na kakapasok lang sa palasyo. She eventually nods. "Yes, Grandma."

"Good." Nilingon ng reyna si Joaquin. "Why don't you stay here for the night? Bukas nalang kayo bumalik roon."

Tatango na sana ang lalake nang sumingit siya. "My apologies, grandma. I promised them I'll be back before the sun sets." A lie. She just doesn't want to spend more time discussing about marriages and fixing strained relationships. "But I'll rest the afternoon here. May bibilhin rin kasi ako sa bayan. Pasalubong ko sa mga bata roon."

The Queen waits for Joaquin's answer. The prince has no choice but to agree with her. "As what the Princess said, Your Highness."

Mary sighs. "So be it."

"May I be excused." Hinging permiso ni Margaret at tumalikod na para akyatin ang gawa sa batong hagdan papunta sa ikalawang palapag.

PHILIPPINES | ISAAC'S OFFICE @ SMITH&MILLER CG.

Noah knocks and pushes the door open. Bumungad sa kaniya ang dalawang pinsang may kani-kaniyang hawak na mga papel. "Did I miss something?" Hinubad niya ang eyeglasses at hinilot ang pagitan ng kaniyang ilong.

Walang sumagot kina Fire at Isaan na pawang nakakunot ang mga noong nakatitig sa mga papel. Both men are sitting in opposite single settee and the center table between them is cluttered with papers and pencils.

"O... kay?" Lumapit si Noah sa mesa at kumuha roon ng isang papel. "You called me in the middle of my rounds in the hospital like it was some emergency and now you're giving me this cold treatment." Binasa niya ang nakasulat sa papel na parang photocopy mula sa isang notebook. "What's this?"

"Aunt Bethany's diary." Sagot ni Fire.

"Aunt ---- what?" Napakurap si Noah at pinaglilipat ang tingin sa dalawang pinsan. "Aunt Bethany's? What the hell? Bakit kayo nagbabasa ng diary ng isang tao?"

"Look at the dates, Noh." Sagot naman ni Isaac.

He looks down on the paper. "'April 22, 1977.'" Noah then calculates. "They're... 14, 16 years old."

Walang sumagot sa dalawa.

"The more it's absurd! You're reading Aunt Beth's diary during her teenage days!!"

Wala pa rin sumagot sa dalawa.

"Great." Napataas nalang niya ang dalawang kamay bilang pagsuko. "I have two cousins trespassing the privacy of our aunt's personal life ---- "

Napahinto siya sa pagsalita nang may tinaas si Isaac na papel.

"What's this?" Kinuha niya iyon at binasa.

'Sept. 15, 1976.'

Dear Diary,

I heard mom (Cora) and dad (Arthur) fighting again about someone named Mary. I am scared. I can clearly hear their voice on my room. Good thing, my big brother Adamson (Fire's Dad) always enters my room and play his flute to drown their loud voice. Who is Mary? Why do they always fight about her? Is my father having an affair?

"Grandpa Arthur's might have an affair." Tango ni Noah. "So?"

Sumandal si Isaac sa sofa. "Possible with a woman named Mary. Does that ring a bell?"

"Mary?? Yung bulldog doon sa pet clinic na kalaro ni Kira, Mary ang pangalan. Tsaka yung ----" Unti-unting namilog ang mata ni Noah. "No way! Mary, Queen of Scotts!?"

Si Fire naman ang may tinaas na papel. Kinuha niya iyon at binasa.

'Jan. 9, 1975.'

Dear Diary,

It's just 8 days after New Year but Dad decided to leave for Europe. Mom was hysterical. She throws vases to the floor and shouts loud. She keeps saying that Dad might be seeing Mary.

Mary. Mary. It's Mary again.'

Umupo na sa sofa si Noah at kumuha ng mga papel sa mesa. "You mean...our families are connected other than the conflict of our ancestors?"