Ocean of Feathers

Chapter 87

The short story is dedicated to Sandy Nicole. Thank you for helping me during the muting days!

Chapter 87

I gently sipped the jasmine tea that our servants usually served. I took a glance at my father in front of me, who happened to enjoy the same tea. I wonder what was he thinking?

It's been a while when we last had this tea time together. Father had been busy with his duties as a commander of the imperial division squad of the palace.

"How's your study?"

Tipid kong ibinaba ang tasang hawak ko at inilagay ko iyon sa aking platito. Ngumiti ako nang matamis sa kanya.

"I've been doing well, father."

"Good to know. I have high expectations on you."

"I will always do my best. I don't want to disappoint you."

Tumango siya at muling sumimsim ng tsaa.

My father is not just known as a skilled imperial commander of the palace. Hindi rin lingid sa aking kaalaman ang pagiging kilala niya sa mga kababaihan.

I even heard some whispers from our servants about the possibility that my father might have to marry another woman.

It's been what? Almost six years when my mother passed away. But the idea of getting married again?

Hindi ko maiwasang mag-angat ng isang kilay. My father will only love one woman, and that is my mother.

Siguro'y napansin ni ama ang tipid kong pagngiti nang walang dahilan.

"Sandy Nicole?"

Tipid akong umiling. "I just remember something..."

"Something?"

"It's not new to me, father, the circulating—" he cut me off.

"About me getting married again."

Tumango ako. Hindi ko na napigilan ang ngisi ko at ipakita sa kanya ang gusto kong emosyon. Kung tatanungin ako tungkol sa bagay na iyon at kung iyon naman ang makapagpapaligaya sa kanya, sino ako para tutulan siya?

"What's your opininon about it, Sandy?"

"Well. As long as you are happy, Father."

"You and your mother is my only happiness."

Lumawak ang ngiti ko sa sinabi ni Papa. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko at tumayo na ako mula sa aking upuan. When I started to take my etiquette class, my teachers often told me to limit my sweetness and fondness act towards my father.

Being a noble means, collected, firm, and composed. I should act like that not just in front of the public eyes, but also in front of our servants.

Ngunit paano ko iyon gagawin? My father might act highly and composed, but his effortless words don't fail to make my heart flutter.

"Papa, I missed you!"

Itinapon ko na ang sarili ko sa kanya at kumalong ako para humalik sa kanyang pisngi.

I heard him chuckle. Ilang beses niyang tinapik ang ibabaw ng ulo ko. "You're not doing well with your class, I guess."

Hindi rin nakaiwas sa aking pandinig ang ilang beses paghagikhik ng mga tagasunod namin sa paligid.

"Well, I am still a child! I deserve a little cuddle with my handsome and famous father!"

A lot might say that I think maturely than my age, but I am still a little girl that needs a little sweetness from her father.

I am still a ten year old girl.

"Silly," natatawang sabi ni Papa.

Nasa kalagitnaan ako nang paglalambing kay Papa nang magsalita ang isa sa mga tagasunod namin.

"Sir Sedean Cavellona from House Ares just arrived."

Umikot ang mga mata ko at napailing si Papa.

"Your suitor."

"He's just a friend, Papa!"

Hawak ni Papa ang kamay ko nang salubungin namin si Sedean.

"You're early today, Sir Sedean."

Yumuko siya bilang pagbati sa aming mag-ama. "Forgive me for my early visit, Commander. Manliligaw lang..."

Saglit akong natawa dahil sa biglang pag-iiba ng tono ni Sedean. Habang si Papa ay nanatiling seryoso.

"Kids nowadays are forgetting some etiquette..." binitawan ni Papa ang kamay ko at hinayaan na niya akong lumapit kay Sedean.

"The servants are watching," ani niya bago kami tinalikuran.

"Your father is always this grumpy," bulong sa akin ni Sedean.

"He's just overprotective. Why do you always say that? Kaya mainit ang ulo niya sa 'yo."

"Why not? When we reached the proper age, I'll ask for your hand."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, Sedean!"