Ways To Escape Death

Chapter 05: Lawrence's POV

Lawrence's POV

"There's a letter for you from Lady Elizabeth of White Dukedom," my aide said while holding the tray that has the letter on top of it.

"What is it this time?" Nahinto ako sa pag-review ng reports para paglaanan siya ng pansin.

"See it for yourself. Are you that cold-hearted to your fiance?"

What is he talking about? I believe that is just like usual. Wala namang bago kay Elizabeth.

Pinunit ko ang dulo ng sobre para kunin sa loob ang laman. Sunod kong binuklat ang liham para pasadahan ng tingin ang nilalaman niyon.

His Highness, the Crown Prince
To: Lawrence William

I greet the future sun of Asterin Empire, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Lawrence William. I hope you have a great day today. I, Elizabeth White, daughter of Duke White, request permission to be your audience. We are going to have an important discussion regarding the annulment of our engagement.
I need your cooperation as soon as possible. Thank you!

Sincerely yours,
Elizabeth White

I blurted out a sigh. Napahilot na lang ako sa sintindo ko. Is this her new tactic for bothering me? I crumpled the paper to throw it into the trash bin. I believe any minute from now she will barge in herself again, here in my palace.

"Lady Beatrice from the House of Philip has been requesting for your audience, Your Highness the Crown Prince," announced the guard standing outside of the door.

Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko dahil sa narinig. Madali akong tumayo upang salubungin ang presensya ni Beatrice.

"Your Highness! We still have a lot of businesses here!" He is about to cry because of difficulty.

"I pay for your overtime in double." Madaling lumiwanag ang itsura niya nang marinig ang sinabi ko.

"Enjoy yourself to the fullest," he happily said while waving his hand.

"Where is she?" I asked the Royal Knight who declared her attendance.

"Maghihintay raw po siya sa favorite spot niyo, Your Highness."

Hindi ko na ito sinagot pabalik. Agad akong nagtungo sa Imperial Garden, kung saan kami unang beses na nagkakilala. I still clearly remember the exact moment when I saw her. I was stunned by her beauty back then. She was shining like a bright star. Her innocence makes her more attractive. Siya ‘yong tipo ng babae na ang sarap protektahan.

"Beatrice," tawag ko rito. Pinanood ko siya habang pinagmamasdan nito ang mga bulaklak sa paligid.

Humarap siyang may ngiti sa labi. "Your Highness ..."

Lakad-takbo na lumapit si Beatrice sa kinaroroonan ko, muntik pa nga siyang madapa. Mabuti na lamang ay nasalo ko siya agad.

Nagkatitigan kaming pareho sa isa't isa, bago natawa.

Inalalayan ko siyang makatayo ng maayos. "Let's go?"

Hinawakan niya palad ko bilang pagsang-ayon. "Yes, Your Highness."

MAGKASAMA naming nilibot ang Imperial Garden. Paminsan-minsan ay nakaw tingin ko siyang pinagmamasdan. Nabibighani ako sa pagiging mahinhin niya at sa hilig nito sa mga bulaklak.

"Nabalitaan ko ang nangyari kay Elizabeth," malungkot nitong sabi.

Kasalukuyan kaming nakaupo sa ilalim ng puno para makapag pahinga at hindi masinagan ng araw.

"Nagpapaniwala ka naman sa mga pekeng balita. Kilala mo si Elizabeth, malamang nagpapanggap lang 'yon," naiirita kong tugon.

"Hm ..." Sinandal niya ang kaniyang ulo sa balikat ko. Palihim akong napangiti saka marahan siyang niyakap sa tagiliran.