One Chance For Redemption

Kabanata 42 - Uncanny

"I find your clumsiness adorable, Amaury."

Napakagat ako ng labi. Ramdam ko ang agarang pag-init ng pisngi ko. I can see Portia smiling while watching me and Dale teased each other.

"Doon ka na nga, Dale! Talk to the other noble's para may mapagkaabalahan ka! Ini-istorbo mo lang ako dito."

Tumawa si Dale dahil sa sinabi ko. He was about to speak when a couple of noble men crowded the both of us.

"Duke of Brixton! I am very pleased to have finally meet you. I am from the humble House of Scofield. Henry Scofield, your Excellency. Good day Lady Amaury, thank you for inviting me and my sister."

Pakilala ng isa sa mga nasa harapan namin. At pagkatapos ay sunod-sunod na magsalita ang mag kalalakihan. Tanging si Henry lamang ang bumati sakin at ang iba ay wala ng pakialam. Ang atensyon nila ay nakatoon lamang kay Dale. I am sure they want all to get on Dale's good side. Sunod-sunod ang tanong nila kay Dale pero nanatili siyang hindi nagsasalita. All about the empire, Dale's business, and other stuff about the war.

I smile awkwardly as they pass their eyes on me. Pakiramdam ko wala akong presensya. Well, I do understand it because Dale was a hot shot. I shouldn't be in this place. Sa tabi ni Dale. Hindi naman talaga ako dapat dito. There is someone who belong to this place at hindi ako iyon.

"Dale, I should leave." I whispered on his ear.

Ayokong matrap dito sa usapan nila. I felt awkward sa pagitan nila. I felt like an air that is meant to be ignored. I rather leave than experience this, besides I have a tea party to manage.

Tumaas ang kilay niya sakin pero agad binaling ang mata sa mga lalaki na nasa harap. He looks pissed for a second but then suddenly smile. Napalunok ako dahil sa deadly aura na naramdaman ko panandalian sakanya.

"Well, gentlemen. I appreciate the greetings for me, but as you can see, I am with my fiancée right now." He breathe in softly, he spoke those words very slow and in deep tone, "This is Amaury Clerebold, the future Duchess of Brixton. I would demand for all of you gentlemen to give respect especially to her."

The air surrounding us become heavy. I can see the anxious expression sa mga mata ng mga binata.

"W..we didn't meant to disrespect the Lady, your Excellency." Tugon ng isa na sinang-ayunan ng lahat.

Dale snickered, "You asked me bunches of questions earlier but didn't have a time to acknowledge the presence of my fiancée? How rude of you, Count Verdi." He looks sharply at Count Verdi.

Binalingam niya si Henry Scofield na nasa gilid, "Sir Henry, would you like to have a drink with me next time? I like to be friends with people who have respect and knows when to give credit to the people who is in power."

Henry was shocked but I beamed at him kaya naman tumango-tango siya, "Certainly, Your Excellency!" Galak niyang tugon.

Count Verdi faked laugh as he tries to fix the situation, "Did I insult the Lady for my innocent action? Pardon me, Lady."

The man tried to ask for my hand to kiss but Dale quickly hides me on his back.

"Did I give you permission to touch my fiancée?" he exhaled sharply.

"I just want to apologise to her. Forgive my insolence."

"If you insult my Duchess one more time, I will not dismiss it lightly."

Napakagat ako ng ibabang labi. I should stop this heated conversation or else baka masira ang mood ni Dale pati ang tea party.

"No offense taken, Count Verdi." I bowed to him then hinarap si Dale. I squeezed his hand para tumingin siya sakin, "I'll be at the roses. Gotta get some air."