The Lost Flame

Simula I never like the idea of marriage. Kahit na bata pa lamang ay batid ko na ang posisyon ko sa pamilyang ito. I am the eldest yet they still think that I am the weakest just because I was born a girl. My gender is always the unexpected one in our long family line they have been asking for a boy from above before I was even born. Kaya nang lumabas ako sa sinapupunan ng aking ina ay malaki ang pagka-dismaya nila. Madalas na pinapaburan ang bunso kong kapatid na babae. Maybe, because she was born accordingly to the birth order. The Eldest, who will take over the throne, is supposed to be born as a boy, and the next in line should be born a Princess. Hindi iyon pinaburan ng tadhana. “Sigurado ka ba sa nais mo, Lady Izla?” Nemi asked. We were inside my room, while I was looking at the palace's Garden through the palladian window when she speaks after I told her about my plan. Since destiny did not favor the King of Aquilla's wish, he made a plan to make me marry a man who he probably want to give the responsibility of sitting on the throne even if I am declared Grand Princess by the late King. He wants me to marry a man because he doesn't think that I am capable of ruling the Kingdom of Aquilla even if I have been doing everything I could for almost my whole life while he's busy thinking how much he despised having me as his eldest child. “Mapanganib ang gusto mong mangyari. Maaring gamitin ng Lider ng Nedora ang alas na hawak niya kung ipapaalam natin sa kanya ang kapangyarihan non,” I already know that. I turned to her. “That is the only way, Nemi. I can't marry a man who's as violent as Prince Fennox of Arthora. He kills people for fun!” Bahagya siyang natahimik dahil alam niyang tama ang sinabi ko. Everyone knows it. The only reason why the King of Aquilla wants us to marry each other is that he is the next King of Arthora. And it is something that will give our Kingdom more power. “Pero ang Lider ng Nedora ay ganoon rin, hindi ba?” “He is tolerable. Besides, his royal badge will open opportunities to all classes. We might meet someone who's as... strong as Prince Fennox and Nedora's leader, who..” I sighed. “I don't know,” Binalik ko ang tingin sa labas ng bintana. “Just do it. Maybe, I'll accept what destiny will provide this time,” ~ • ~ • Nakaupo ako ngayon sa harap ng tukador na yari sa ginto habang pinapanood ko ang repleksyon ng mga katulong na abala sa pag-aasikaso sa akin. There's one who's fixing my hair, another one who's putting make up on my face, and another one at the back who's fixing the gown I'll be wearing for the ball. The Queen of Aquilla was the one who provided me these maids for tonight's event. Syempre, mga mayayaman at kilalang tao mula sa mga ibat-ibang kaharian ang dadalo upang salubingin ang balitang inihanda ng Hari ng Aquilla, kung kaya't maigi rin ang kagustuhan ng aking Ina na maging pormal at kaakit-akit ako sa lahat, lalo na't ako ang magiging sentro ng atensyon mamaya. “Napakaganda talaga ng ating Prinsesa,” Sabi ng katulong na naglalagay ng kolorete sa aking mukha. I just smiled at her as I look my reflection in the mirror. My wavy hair is brown like a chestnut. My skin is as pale as milk, and my lips are as red as cherry without any lipstick on. People say that I look exactly like the Queen when she was younger, while I did not get anything from the King. And I'm thankful for that. “Uh, Lady Izla, maaari mo bang ibuka ng kaunti ang iyong labi?” The maid asked me. “Can you put something darker? A red maybe?” Nagkatinginan ang mga katulong nang tanungin ko iyon. “Sigurado ho ba kayo, Lady Izla?” “Yes,” Wala narin siyang nagawa. Inilagay na lamang niya ang kolorete sa aking labi gamit ang kulay na gusto ko. I was expecting it will be good but when I saw it on the mirror, I realized that perfect is the right word to describe it. Nakalugay ang mahaba at umaalon kong buhok. Sakto lamang ang aking make up, at hindi iyon makapal kaya nababagay sa mapula kong labi. Nang matapos nila akong ayusan ay tumayo agad ako. I went towards the other maid and stopped in front of my casthano gown. It's an off-shoulder ball gown with a chapel-tail. Kumikinang ang mga gintong palamuti sa bodice nito habang ang nakaukit ang kakaibang linya sa buong laylayan. The other two maids came to help me take off the dress I was wearing. It revealed my naked chest with my boobs, undergarments, and white stockings held up by garters. Maya-maya ay sinuot na nila sa akin ang puting chemise. Marahan nila iyong ginagawa upang hindi ako masaktan. Saka naman nila inilagay ang corset na humulma ng aking dibdib dahil sa mahigpit na pagkakatali sa likod nito. Nang maisuot na ang lahat ng undergarments sa akin ay bumaling sila sa gown na nasa aking harapan. Nagtulong-tulong silang tatlo upang isuot iyon sa akin. Then, It only took me a few minutes to get ready because of their help. “I'm fine. you can all leave now,” They stood up in line and then bowed their head before they went out of my room. Dumidilim na. Kanina pa umalis si Nemi pero hindi parin siya nakakabalik hanggang ngayon. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang mabahala lalo na't sa kagubatan, kung saan naroon naninirahan ang lahi ng Nedora, siya pupunta. If only I could leave the palace, then I would not hesitate to do it myself, nang sa gayon ay hindi siya nadadamay. But she's the only person I can trust about my plans. What else can I do? Nananatili ako sa aking kwarto habang naghihintay sa pagbabalik ng matalik kong kaibigan. Tatlong katok mula sa labas ng pinto ang narinig ko kaya agad akong napatayo sa kama at madaling nagtungo roon. I was smiling when I opened the door but when I saw the four royal guards, the smile vanished. They all bowed in synch. “Lady Izla,” I saw a familiar face who bowed as soon as he speaks. Mr. Kade, the viscount of Peregrine, looks charming on his blue coat. Kitang-kita ang mga royal badges na ibinigay sa kanya, bilang kanang kamay at lubos na pinagkakatiwalaan ng Hari ng Aquilla. He came here with the other 4 Royal guards, probably to make sure that I am not running away. “The visitors are ready to see you,” “Sure they are,” I said as I walked out of the door. Nauna ang dalawang Royal Guards sa paglalakad. The other two were behind me with the Viscount of Peregrine. Medyo malayo-layo ang nilakad namin dahil sa sobrang laki ng palasyo, hanggang sa makarating kami sa itaas ng hagdan pababa sa malawak na bulwagan. The Viscount of Peregrine immediately went towards the announcer. It took them a few seconds before the announcer speaks. “Give way... to the Grand Princess of Aquilla!” Nakuha niya agad ang atensyon ng mga bisita sa bulawagan. They all turned to my direction as I roamed my eyes around the area. They are wearing some pastel colors of victorian gowns that make it look like I am looking at some pastry-shaped people. “Lady?” Kade took my attention. He offered his hand but I rejected it. Hinawakan ko ang aking malaking gown at dahan-dahang bumaba sa hagdan. Everyone gasped as soon as they saw me walking down the stairs. Nasa akin ang atensyon nilang lahat na para bang nakakita sila ng anghel na bumaba sa lupa. That's how people express their words whenever they see me and it's quite the opposite of what I can be. Nang makababa sa dulong palapag ay agad na lumapit ang isang matangkad na lalaki. He is wearing the same victorian coat like the other visitors but in dark green, the color of Arthora. Prince Fennox bowed his head as he took my hand and kissed the back of it. Agad ko iyong binawi pero hindi niya iyon pinansin. He looks happy that makes me uncomfortable. Pakiramdam ko ay dahil iyon sa magiging anunsyo ng Hari ng Aquilla tungkol sa aking makaka-isang dibdib. I knew it will be him. Even the idea of him being my husband disgusts me. “Kanina ka pa hinihintay ng Hari ng Aquilla, so shall we?” He offered his hand. Hindi ko iyon tinanggap. I just walked passed him while roaming my eyes around the hall. Nemi is supposed to be here now. She's been out of the palace since earlier this morning and she's still not here. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang mag-alala. May nangyari kayang masama sa kanya? Am I wrong for pushing her to do it for me? Hindi ko kakayanin kung may mangyari ngang hindi maganda sa kanya. She's the only friend I have. She's been keeping my secrets. I can't afford to lose her. “King Demetrius,” I bowed my head to the King of Aquilla then I turned to Mom. I also bowed to her. “What happened to you? Kanina ka pa hinihintay rito sa bulwagan ng mga bisita,” The King looked at me, sternly. I kept my eyes directed at him. “I am here now. That's what's important,” Nanliit ang mga mata niya ngunit hindi iyon sapat para matinag ako. I turned to the Queen who suddenly held my hand. “You look perfect,” She looked at every corner of my face and stopped when she saw my lips. “Red,” I smiled. “It symbolizes passionate fire, isn't beautiful?” “You are beautiful,” Mom shoved some strands of my hair at the back. She held my bare shoulder and give me a hug. “I love you,” I smiled. Hindi pa kami nagtatagal sa yakapan ay narinig na namin ang Hari ng Aquilla. He faked a cough just to get our attentions. I looked at him. “What? Do you want a hug, too?” I asked, politely, in a mocking way. Nanliit ang mga mata niya atsaka napailing-iling. Maya-maya ay lumapit ang isang matangkad na lalaki na naka-green victorian coat, kasama ang isang babae na naka-victorian dress na halos parehas lamang sa suot ng aking Ina, naiiba lamang ang kulay. They were both smiling as they bowed their heads to greet the King of Aquilla, the Queen of Aquilla, then me. “Grand Princess,” The King of Arthora greeted me with such delight while his wife looked at me from head to toe. Taas-noo ko lamang siyang hinarap habang hinihintay siyang magsalita. I was sure she's thinking of the right words to insult me. But for the very first time, she just smiled at me. “If you're waiting for me to say something bad to you, I won't. I am not that bad,” The King of Arthora tapped her hand to probably stop her from speaking. Imbes na matinag ay ngumiti ako pabalik. “Lucky me. I guess this day is not as bad as I thought it would be,” The Queen of Arthora wasn’t amused by what she heard. It’s not really my thing to amuse her, anyway. I turned to my mother who was smiling at me. Mabuti na nga ‘lang talaga ay nariyan siya. It always makes me think that there’s nothing great in this world whenever I see the ruthless Queen of Arthora and her son, Prince Fennox. I am still blessed that the Queen of Aquilla is here to remind me that there’s still beauty in this place. I smiled at her as proudly as she is. Hindi pa nagtatagal ay lumapit sa amin ang kanina ko pa iniiwasan na si Prince Fennox. He’s with his younger brother, Alexandrius, who looks irritated. I can’t imagine how it feels to grown up with someone like his brother. I honestly hate to think that I’ll be in that position sooner or later. “Finally,” Queen Camilla of Arthora said as soon as her sons came. “Since our sons and your daughter are here, what are we waiting for, King Demetrius? Patatagalin pa ba natin ang anunsyo?” “What’s the rush, Camilla?” Mom asked. Nagkatinginan ang dalawang reyna sa isat-isa. Dahil sa paraan ng pakikitungo nila sa isat-isa ay palagi kong nakakalimutan na minsan na silang naging mag-kaibigan. They treat each others differently that adds fuel to the fire. Napatingin ako sa aking Ama na ngayon ay tahimik at seryoso lamang na pinapanood ang dalawang reynang may hidwaan. The two Kings look like they have been seeing this scenario before that they are not even worried of what might happen. Napasinghap ako sa kawalan habang inaalala ang sinabi ng Reyna ng Arthora. It’s not really shocking to know that I was right of what I thought. Sino pa ba ang taong pipiliin ng Hari para maipa-kasal sa akin maliban sa anak ng kaniyang matalik na kaibigan? They have been loyal to each other even before they both became Kings. Nais nilang pagtibayin pa iyon sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga anak. It’s unfornate that I am the eldest daughter, who’s on the right age to get married. “The Queen of Arthora is right. We shall tell them the royal announcement,” I looked at King Demetrius who looks insanely ruthless. Inialok niya ang siko sa asawa bago naglakad patungo sa stage. Sumunod ang Hari at Reyna ng Arthora. Muli akong lumingon sa paligid upang hanapin ang aking kaibigang si Nemi na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa bumabalik. Nababahala akong hindi siya nag-tagumpay sa aming plano ngunit mas nababahala ako na baka may nangyari na sa kanyang masama. Hindi normal na tao ang kailangan niyang harapin. I should have asked someone else to the favor for me. “I can’t wait for it,” Prince Fennox smiled at me before he followed our parents to the stage. Naiwan naman sa tabi ko si Prince Alexandrius. “This is the start of your nightmare, believe me. You should run away now while you have time, Izla.” He whispered. Hindi ko maiwasang kabahan dahil alam kong hindi siya nagsisinungaling. Alam namin parehas kung anong klaseng tao ang kanyang kapatid. He’s violent and ruthless. I could not see myself marrying someone like him. Ang tanging pwede ko lamang pang-hawakan ngayon ay ang aking plano. Nemi, nasaan ka na ba? I swallowed hard as soon as the two Royal Families went to the stage. King Demetrius of Aquilla took everyone’s attention with just a fake cough. I sighed as I realized more about how powerful my father is. He can make everyone here kneel before him. It scares me. “Good Evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. It’s an honor to see you all on tonight’s party. Alam kong kanina pa kayo nagtataka kung para saan ang magarbong handaang ito. As we all know, today is my daughter, the Grand Princess of Aquilla’s birthday—” Oh yeah. It’s my Birthday. It doesn’t feel like it. “And as we all know, This is the right age for her to finally get married!” They all clapped and proudly screams as if I have reached the goal of life. I secretly rolled my eyes. “The Kingdom of Aquilla and the Kingdom of Arthora have been great and loyal to each other. As we get closer to the right ages to pass the throne with our heir and heiress, I think this is the time to make our Family and Kingdom as one,” Deretsyo lamang ang tingin ko sa entablado kahit na halos kumakabog na ang aking dibdib. Para akong naninigas sa kinatatayuan ko habang pinapakinggan ang sinasabi ng aking Ama na tila walang pakealam sa nararamdaman ko. Noon pa man. He’s always been like that. “Ano pa nga ba ang hinihintay natin? Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my daughter, the future Queen of Aquilla, and of course, the Future King of Arthora---the soon-to-be husband of---” Isang malakas na tunog mula sa Gong ang umalingawngaw sa buong paligid na siyang nagpatigil sa lahat, kabilang na roon ang anunsyo ng aking Ama. Napahawak ang lahat sa kanilang tenga dahil sa nakaka-binging tunog ng Gong habang nanatiling nakataas ang aking noo. That sound used to scare me when I was a kid but now it gives me hope. “Give way to the Leader of Nedora!” Everyone gasped as soon as they heard the name of the notorius clan in the whole Empire of Nysa. Isang matangkad na lalaki ang nakasuot ng itim na armor, gaya ng mga kasamahan niya. Ang tanging naiiba lamang ay ang suot niyang pulang kapa sa likuran habang ang sa iba ay itim. The red cape behind him symbolizes his position. He is the Leader of Nedora Clan, Luhermo. The guests give way as soon as Luhermo went inside the palace not because they honour him but because they are scared of him. Nauna siyang maglakad habang nakasunod ang isang matangkad rin na lalaking halos kasing-edad ko lamang habang ang mga tauhan niya ay nanatili kasama ang mga bisitang pilit silang nilalayuan. They both went towards the stage where the two royal families were confused as to why they barged in at exactly in the middle of the royal announcement. Tumigil si Luhermo nang maka-akyat sa hagdan. He bowed his head to my mother and offered his hand. The Queen of Aquilla did not hesitate to accept it and then let him kiss her backhand as a formal greeting. He also turned to the Queen of Arthora who refused to be greeted by him. “Oh. I’m sorry. I forgot you’re not the real Queen,” Luhermo said making everyone shocked. “How dare you talk to the Queen of Arthora like that!” King Philip raged as soon as he heard what Luhermo spoke. Nangibabaw agad ang tensyon sa pagitan ng Kaharian ng Arthora at ang angkan ng Nedora. Mabuti na lamang ay inunahan na agad sila ng Hari ng Aquilla bago pa magsimula ng gulo. “That’s enough. Hindi ito ang oras para sa alitan,” King Demetrius turned to Luhermo. “Sino ang nag-imbita sayo sa pagtitipong ito? Wala akong naaalalang inanyayahan ka ng aming palasyo,” Luhermo smirked as he took something from his pocket. “King Demetrius, wala akong maalala na kailangan ko pa pala ng imbitasyon gayong nasa akin ito?” A curve perfectly sketched on my lips as soon as I saw the royal badge on Luhermo’s hand. Namataan ko rin ang aking kaibigang si Nemi na papalapit habang abot-tenga ang ngiti. I am still lucky after all. “Anong dahilan ng pag-punta mo rito, Luhermo?” King Demetrius asked. “Ano pa nga ba ang dahilan? Bakit nga ba mayroong magarbong pagtitipon ang Aquilla sa gabing ito? We all know it’s because of the Royal Wedding!” Nanahimik ang lahat dahil nararamdaman na nilang hindi maganda ang susunod na sasabihin ng Lider ng Nedora. “So, I came here with this Royal badge granted by the late King Abel of Aquilla, which means… I can control any situation I want,” King Demetrius walked near Luhermo to confront him. “Ano ang ibig mong sabihin, Luhermo?” “Oh. Come on! You know I have the power to dictate whether the Grand Princess of Aquilla will marry the Grand Prince of Arthora… or not,” Nagulat ang lahat sa sinabi ni Luhermo kabilang na roon ang aking Ina, at ang Royal Family mula sa Kaharian ng Arthora. “So, I’m gonna use that power… now!” I secretly smiled and then turned to Nemi. “I couldn’t believe he accepted it,” “Hindi ho naging madali nung una pero dahil sa kahilingan ng kanyang panganay na anak ay wala siyang nagawa. Handa ang Lider ng Nedora na isakripisyo ang lahat para sa anak niya,” I turned to the young man on the stage who was with Luhermo. His red cape is telling me he’s the son of Luhermo and the next leader of their Clan. Anong kinalaman niya rito? “Luhermo, alam mong sa oras na gawin mo iyan ay wala ka ng mapapala sa palasyo ng Aquilla. Once you used the royal badge in situation like this, it means your Clan won’t get anything from our Kingdom. Magugutom ang buong Angkan mo!” May pagbabanta sa boses ng aking Ama. Alam kong kanina niya pa gustong gumamit ng dahas ngunit hindi niya iyon pwedeng gawin upang maiwasan ang gyera laban sa angkan ng Nedora. Kilalang malakas ang angkan nila kaya naman nananalo sa kahit anong gyera ang kaharian na kakampihan nila. The reason why the Kingdom of Aquilla is stable right now is that they helped the Late King to fight against the terrorists before. The royal badge symbolizes their triumph. “Sa tingin mo ba ay hindi ko pinag-isipan yan? Salamat sa pag-aalala ngunit hanggang nabubuhay ako, hindi yan mangyayari sa angkan ko,” Luhermo smirks as he faced everyone. I stood up properly as he started to speak. This is what I have been waiting for. “Everyone, you must listen to what I am going to say.” He took everyone’s attention as if his arrival wasn’t enough. “Luhermo,” Muling pagpipigil ng aking Ama ngunit hindi nakinig ang Lider ng Nedora sa kanya kaya sa huli ay wala na siyang nagawa. “I, Luhermo, the Leader of Nedora Clan, opens a competition for ALL Classes, mula ka man sa mayaman o mahirap na angkan. With the power of this Royal badge bestowed upon me, whoever wins… will marry the Grand Princess of Aquilla!” Everybody was shocked, except me.