Arisia Lives As A Villainess ✔

Season 2: Chapter 12

Season 2: Chapter 12

A luxurious palate in front of me. Kasama ko ang mga may dugong maharlika. We are complete, even the siblings who hates eating with others are here since it is a formality of the royalties. The sound of the metals and glasses slightly clashing with each other are the only present in the dining area. Maya-maya pa ay kumibo ang reyna.

“Did you enjoy the trip, Heiden?” Aniya nang hindi nakatingin sa kanyang anak.

Nasa harapan ko ang reyna ngayon at hindi naman ako hindi komportable dahil nasanay na akong nakakaharap siya sa tuwing pumupunta ako rito. Rather, I am used to her face that it is almost like she is just a wind. Nagiging lantad lang sa aking paningin kapag siya ay may sinasabi.

“It’s not bad.” Walang ganang tono ng aking katabi. I just gave him a look through my peripheral view.

“Heiden.” The queen said, with a hint of a warn from her tone.

“It’s fine.” He answered and sighed.

“Bakit ganyan ang sagot mo? Were you not satisfied? Nais mo pa bang pumaroon ulit sa isang paglalakbay? Where do you want? Any empire is fine.” Tumaas ang tingin ng reyna sa kanyang anak. Napatigil na rin ako sa lumabas na mga salita mula sa kanyang bibig.

“What?” Heiden muttered. I also answered in silence. I bit the inside of my cheeks.

No way. Give me a break.

Tumingin ako sa aking katabi at siningkitan ko siya ng aking mga mata bilang senyas na ayusin niya ang kanyang mga sagot sa kanyang ina upang huwag na kaming mapasubo pa sa kanyang mga pinagsasabi. He, on the other hand, seems to notice me. He glanced back at me but he just creased his brows. Palihim akong napairap. Nawala lamang ang atensiyon ko sa kanya nang makarinig kami ng paghulog ng isang metal. It was Rionsky who’s knife fell on the floor. Parang wala siya sa gana na kumain dahil sa lamig ng kanyang mga mata at hindi magandang kompleksiyon ng kanyang mukha. His face darkened.

“Are you feeling well, Rionsky?” The king said.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I am fine. Please heed me no mind.” Rionsky nodded. He wiped his lips with a handkerchief and took the new knife from the maid who just came back. Tinignan ko na lamang siya at nang makaayos na siya ay ibinaling ko ang aking atensiyon sa reyna.

“I am sure that Heiden is busy, Mother. We can postpone our next trip when his free time overlaps with mine.” Peke kong ngiti nang sumagot ako.

“Touche.” Heiden agreed.

“All right.” The queen nodded. She glanced at the king sitting at the head seat. “Dear?”

“Whatever they want.” Tango ng hari.

“Right. There have been a disturbing rumor circulating around the kingdom. Do you know what happened to be it?” The queen hinted a topic. Kumurap lamang ako.

Mukhang alam ko ang kanyang pinagsasabi.

“Jaine.” Ani ng hari. They stared at each other.

Sa tingin ay mukhang nag-uusap sila gamit ang kanilang mga mata.

“This is for them to be aware. I don’t want a filthy rumor staining the name of my son and my soon-to-be daughter-in-law, the royal family.” Matigas na sabi ng reyna. She did not back down. The king sighed. Pagkatapos ay tumingin ang reyna sa amin. “Alam mo ba na si Arisia ay ipinapares sa iyong kapatid, Heiden? If I have not heard it from my servants, I would have not been aware before it’s too late. Go find a way to put that rumor away.” She shook her head.

Just what I expected, it really is.

Hindi ko mapigilan na mapatingin kay Rionsky na ngayon ay nakatingin na rin sa akin. I tilted my head. Tumikhim siya at iniwas ang kanyang paningin sa akin. Bumaba ang kanyang tingin sa platong nasa kanyang harap. I smirked in secret of his reaction.

Kanina lamang nagseselos siya ngunit nahahalatang nahihiya na siya ngayon.

“Just let them, Mother. It is just a rumor, anyway. Lilipas din.” Heiden scoffed.

“Heiden.” The queen warned again. Tumaas ang kanyang boses at napabuntong-hininga. “Pagsabihan mo ang iyong anak, mahal.” Aniya sa hari.

“I agree with your mother, Heiden. This is an insult to the royal family. We should condone those ones that are spreading the rumor.” Mababang boses ng hari.

It was neither authoritative nor lacking. He calmly ordered it while explaining.

“Fine.” Heiden had no choice but to render under his father.

He can say no how many times to the queen but not to the king.

“You, too, Rionsky. Work this out with Heiden.” Turan ng hari muli.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Rionsky nodded without a single second to leave in answering. The atmosphere finally became calm until the queen brought it up again.

“I am sorry for making you uncomfortable, Arisia. That rumor may have felt you wronged, is it not?” Aniya. Pinilit ko muling ngumiti.

What is wrong with her? She is being extra annoying today. Mas nakakairita pa siya kaysa sa kanyang anak ngayon.

“Thank you for your worries, Your Majesty. Please be at ease. Ngayon ko lang nalaman nang iyong sinabi. It does not bother me.” I smiled with reassurance.

“Don’t worry. Heiden will resolve it.” Tango niya. Our lunch past by with no further issues that includes my name. Napunta ang usapan sa politiko hanggang natapos ang kainan.

Just like how the king and queen ordered the half-brothers to solve the rumor, I have also planned on a solution.

The night, I have invited the ladies I have acquainted with to participate with a small gathering of a tea party in the palace. It is a last minute planned party but I know that those I have invited will come without any fail.

Kinabukasan nga ay narinig ko mula kay Hilda na nakarating na ang aking mga bisita. Just like how I usually wear, I wore a white dress to match with my milk-toned skin. Nakatayo na ang mga bisita ko at yumuko sila nang makarating ako.

“Thank you for coming.” Isang pekeng ngumiti.

“How gorgeous, lady Arisia!” Mary answered.

She is a lady who was with Myrna that time at the welcoming party for us. Ang nagsabi ng balita tungkol sa namamagitan sa amin ni Rionsky.

“My pleasantries, lady Mary.” I chuckled. They showed their excited faces but disappeared when they noticed someone at my shadow. Napangisi ako at sinenyasan ang taong nasa likod ko upang lumapit. She smiled at me and came forward. She curtly bowed. Takang-taka na tumingin sa akin sina Myrna. They are telepathically asking who the lady with me is.

“Ladies, she is Snow.” Pagpapakilala ko.

“A commoner?” Myrna tilted her head as she asks that question. Nagtinginan na rin sila sa isa’t-isa. Ruvia had nothing to say and just shrugged. Wala namang alma si Snow dahil totoo naman ito.

“She is but she was the one who takes care of the flowers in the garden.” I mentioned.

“Really, lady Arisia?” Nagningning ang mga mata ni Myrna.

She likes the garden with the flowers blooming well, I know.

“I’m sorry for calling you a commoner. I am Elarlrerndyrmyrna from house Alqueiro. Can I invite you to our house, too? I want you to design ours.” Manghang-mangha na tanong ni Myrna kay Snow. Nakisali na rin ang iba maliban kay Ruvia. She sat as soon as I also sat down. Hinintay pa ako na maupo bilang respeto sa mas nakatataas na ranggo. Kita ko pa ang hindi kaaya-ayang pagtapon niya ng tingin kay Snow paminsan-minsan at ang pasimple niyang pag-irap ngunit hindi halata.

She really is not over with Heiden yet.

“The name is Snow, my ladies. It is a pleasure to serve you.” Yumuko siyang muli. Our tea party has started in a formal way but is continuing in casual. Mukha naman na naaaliw ang mga inimbita ko kay Snow para sa araw na ito.

“I am not lying but you’re pretty, too, Snow. Lady Arisia has such an eye for people.” Saad ni Myrna.

“Thank you, my lady.” Si Snow.

Why I held this small gathering for is to solve the rumor problem. By calling Snow and slowly revealing or hinting that she has a relationship with the second prince, the rumor about me disappearing will be switched with theirs. Also, so that it will be easier to find a solution to break the engagement with him. Mamaya ay darating na rin si Heiden at hindi maipagkakaila na hindi niya maitatanggi si Snow katulad ng nangyari noong nakaraan. My plan will surely work. It will hit two birds in a stone.

“Do you fancy someone?” Snow paused for a bit at Myrna’s sudden question. Napangiti siya. Napakunot pa ako dahil sa pait ng kanyang ngiti.

I wonder if something happened. But then, Heiden is crazy over her so it is impossible that something bad happened.

“No, my lady.” Nahihiya siyang natawa. Rinig ko ang mahinang singhal ni Ruvia sa kanya. They paid it no mind.

“That’s a lie, you’re a nectar surrounded by bees.” Singit naman ni Mary.

“You told her, lady Mary.” Sang-ayon ng isa pa, si Blise.

“There is none, my ladies. Really.”

“Then a past lover, perhaps?” Ani ko upang mapatingin sila sa akin. Pasimple lang akong uminom ng tsaa. Even Ruvia, who knew that there is something going on between Heiden and Snow, looked at me with her squinted eyes.

I know what she is thinking about. Kung bakit ko dinala ang pinakamamahal ni Heiden ngayon at kung ano ang pakay ko. Well, I know she will not ask about it because she does not care for gossips. The reason why I also invited her today was just for entertainment, to know what she will do now that she had faced Heiden’s beloved. Mukhang wala pa namang nangyayari. Seems uninteresting.

“I-I...” Snow gulped.

“So there is! Tell us more.”

“I was the who cut off our relationship since it seems that his eyes does not stay with me anymore. Nasa iba na ang kanyang mga mata.” Mukhang guni-guni ko lamang pero parang tumingin siya sa akin nang may dumaan na guhit ng pait at sakit. My brows furrowed.

It might be my imagination.

The ladies gasped.

“That’s horrible! Do you still love him?”

“I still am, my ladies.” Tango ni Snow.

“Who was it?” Napangisi ako sa sunud-sunod nilang tanong sa dalaga.

Of course, she would not say it is Heiden.

“Oh, my past lover... lived from another kingdom.” Pag-iiwas niya ng tingin. Muling sumingkit ang aking mga mata. I tapped my fingers at the table.

Why do I feel uneasy about this? As if my intuition says that something is not right.

I sighed in silence. Nang sumandal ako sa sandalan ng upuan ay ang agad na pagtayo ng aking mga kasama. Namimilog ang mga mata habang nakaawang ang kanilang mga labi.

“Your Highness...” They muttered in unison. Agad naman akong napatingin sa aking likuran at napagtanto na naririto na siya. I stood up and also bowed. Binati ko siya.

“Heiden, I thought you were busy.” I smiled.

“I am.” Tango niya. His eyes have wandered and it stopped to the ladies at my back. Alam kong dadapo iyon kay Snow.

“Uhm, we should leave Your Highness and my lady alone. Right, ladies?” Rinig kong suhestiyon ni Myrna. I silently clicked my tongue. Naunahan niya ako dahil aayain ko pa sana na sumabay sa amin si Heiden upang ipahalata ang ugnayan niya kay Snow.

“Y-Yes.” Sang-ayon ng iba at yumuko muna bago dumaan sa daanan namin. Ruvia even gave him a longing look before leaving. Hindi siya pinansin nito kaya halata ko ang sakit sa kanyang mga mata. Snow was the last one to leave. Umatras pa ako ng kaunti at pasimpleng inapakan ang kanyang laylayan ng kanyang bestida dahilan upang mahulog siya. She was caught by Heiden’s arms before she fell.

“T-Thank you... Your High---” A hiccup escaped from her mouth. Napatikom siya ng bibig. “---ness. I am sorry for my rudeness.” Agad siyang lumayo kay Heiden at ilang beses na yumuko bilang paumanhin. I even caught her blushing. Napangisi na lang ako.

She says that but she actually likes it.

Kita ko ang tingin sa kanila ng iba pero agad din na dumapo sa akin. Napataas lang ang aking kilay dahil parang wala pang nangyayaring insidente sa kanilang pagitan.

Mukhang ako pa ang gagawa ng paraan.

“Go.” He coldly said. Snow’s eyes widened a bit. Ngumiti siya ng kaunti bago lumayo mula sa amin. They vanished from our sight as they leave through the door. Ilang beses akong napakurap nang namataan lang na parang wala lang ang nangyari.

What was that? Hindi ba dapat ay gagana ang lahat ayon sa aking nakalkula? Bakit parang napakabilis naman noon?

I tilted my head. Napasinghal ako kay Heiden na blankong nakatingin sa akin.

“What just happened?” Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. I crossed my arms. Hindi ko mapigilan ang aking pag-irap. “Did you two---” Napasigaw ako nang bigla na lamang niya akong binuhat ng patiwarik at ipinatong sa kanyang matikas na braso. “W-What are you planning, Heiden?” Tumaas ang aking boses. Hindi rin maiwasan ang aking pag-utal dahil sa aming posisyon. I was embarrassed to look at others because of the way he is effortlessly lifting me. I gritted my teeth.

Why is he doing this?

“I have found a way to conceal the rumors.”

“Then so be it. Hindi mo na ako kailangan pang isama sa nahanap mong paraan.” Angil ko.

“You are part of what I can think of.” Tumaas ang aking kilay sa kanyang pagkakasabi.

It sounded romantic if only he were that type to say that but I am not the assuming type to interpret what he said in a way that is romantic for a lady.

“What? What do you mean?” Singhal ko at pinilit na kumawala. To no avail, I failed since his strength is obviously no match against mine.

“Just shut up and stay still.” He coldly said and fixed my position again. I failed not to scream when he grazed my butt while fixing my position. Ramdam ko ang init ng aking pagmumukha sa kanyang ginawa.

“You damn...” He is not even bothered by the fact that he had touched my butt. No excuse at all.

Masama ang tingin ko sa kanya sa buong biyahe namin sa loob ng kalesa. He only let go of me when we went inside the carriage. Because of the way he held me, I have been feeling groggy ever since.

Itinigil ang kalesa kaya namin bumaba kami.

The familiar surrounding made me know where we are. We are at the center where most people are in. Sakto din na may piyesta kabuwanan at ito pa ang araw na iyon.

My lips formed a grim line.

I hate crowds.

Ni wala pa akong naisusuot na talukbong dahil bigla na lamang niya akong dinala rito. It seems that he was not bothered by it because he has his chin held high. Pinagtitinginan na kami ng mga tao at niyuyukuan pa bilang pagbibigay-galang sa amin. There were knights of his that are around ten to secure our surroundings but it did not made me comfortable at all because of the people’s gazes around us.

“Ano ang gagawin natin at isinama mo pa ako?” Ani ko.

“Let’s go.” Aniya at hindi sinagot ang aking tanong. Hindi ko ipinahalata ang aking gulat nang hinawakan niya ang aking kaliwang kamay at pinagtiklop ito. My eyes widened a bit and I cannot deny that it made my heart skip a beat. My face flushed again.

No, I cannot feel like a teenager blushing around this man. I should not be carried away just because of his handsome male lead looks.

“Holding my hand? Are you crazy?” Bulong ko. Ang singhal niya lamang ang narinig ko bago kami tumuntong sa pinakamamahaling tindahan ng damit at mga pampaa. I kept my composed, smiling face as a facade. It made me look stupid.

“Bring out the best for my beloved.” Muntik nang malaglag ang panga ko sa kanyang sinabi. He just gave me his usual look when I turned to him.

Good grief, what is happening to him? Is he really the second prince Heiden?

“Y-Yes, Your Highness.” Mamula-mulang sagot ng isang nagtitinda. I bit my lip. Suddenly, a thing went on my mind. Napangisi ako.

“Nevermind that, I want all the best dresses you have and deliver it to the White Palace.” I ordered. Tumingin muli ako kay Heiden.

I will annoy him today. Spend his money on things or whatever as a payment for dragging me to this crowd.

My eyes squinted as I smile.

Surely, he will not disappoint his fiancee in front of these employees.

“Do what she says.” Mababang sagot niya at tinapunan lamang ako ng tingin na parang wala lang sa kanya iyon. I bit the inside of my cheeks.

He is not backing down? Fine.

“Is this what you mean by a solution?” Paglapit ko sa kanya ay bumulong ako.

I figured out what he is trying to do. He is showing the citizens of this kingdom our showy front to divert their attention to us and to not believe the rumor about me and Rionsky. I do not know if this is the only solution he got but this may not work at all. Mas mabuti na lamang na gumawa siya ng isang panibagong tsismis at ipakalat nang sa gayon ay matakpan ang akin. Why does he have to go through this bothersome method? Nakakairita. “Do not forget the foot wears, too. It needs to be the best, at my taste.” Ngisi ko. He did not fail me and also added what I said. The boutique was really busy at wrapping the dresses that they closed to prioritize a royalty.

We went to a restaurant next to fill in our stomachs since it is near dinner. He did not rented the whole place because of his purpose to show that I, Arisia, only has the second prince, Heiden.

Rubbish.

“Order what you want.”

“Really?” Sarkasmo ko. Nang dumating ang isang nagt-trabaho sa aming lamesa ay nginitian ko ito. “I want all of what you offer.”

“Y-Yes?” Her eyes widened, cannot believe of what I said.

Of course, she will. Sa dami ng pagkain nila rito ay paniguradong hindi naming mauubos dalawa ni Heiden. But then, it is not like we will really eat it all. I am just wasting this brat’s money.

“Do I have to repeat it?” I sweetly smiled.

“N-No, my lady. We will deliver it to you as soon as possible.” Yumuko siya bago lakad-takbong pumunta sa isang banda.

I successfully filled my stomachs. I honestly enjoyed tasting all their foods in a bite and I can say that it is not bad. Hindi ko lang alam sa kasama ko dahil hindi siya kumikibo at hindi rin pinapatulan ang aking mga pang-iinis.

“What more are you planning, seriously?” I sighed.

I am almost tired and I just want to rest at my comfortable bed. “Why not answer me? Hindi ba at may bibig ka?” Napakagat-labi ako nang hindi niya pa ako sinasagot. He is still ignoring me which is annoying.

One of the things I hate the most is being ignored or avoided at. And he is doing it. Nakakainis talaga ang pangalawang prinsipe na ito kahit wala pa siyang ginagawa.

“This is the perfect spot.” Aniya. We stopped at the middle of the crown, exactly where the dancing pairs of people are. Namukhaan din nila kami at nagbigay ng malaking espasyo para sa amin. I can even feel and see their awe of us while expecting something.

This is where I danced with Rionsky. I wonder how that adorable man is doing.

Binasa ko ang aking mga labi at ibinalik ang tingin kay Heiden.

I am not going to dance.

“What?” I half-whispered when I noticed Heiden staring at me. Napaiwas ako ng tingin sa kanyang titig.

I do not know how to describe how I feel. It is like when I am with Rionsky but he is more confusing.

“We will dance.” He said. I was a bit offended.

“Should you not ask a lady for that?” I said in sarcasm.

He is really not a gentleman. He should learn gentleman etiquettes first before asking a lady to dance. Paano niya ba nabingwit si Snow kung ganito naman siya?

“We will do what I say.” He went closer to me which made me lean on the air. “You will dance with me.” Tumama ang kanyang mainit na paghinga sa akin. When I realized what is going on, he wrapped my arms around his neck. Muli akong napakagat sa aking ibabang labi nang maramdaman ang init ng aking mukha.

I am certain that it is because of the hot weather and the irritation I am feeling right now because of him.

Silently, I clicked my tongue.

I cannot unwrapped my arms now that the people saw us.

His warm hands went to my waist. Our dance was so simple like what they are teaching to nobles and royalties. We stared at each other while swaying to the beat of the music, a factor of this dancing. Hindi ko namalayan na tapos na pala ang aming pagsasayaw. Agad akong bumitaw sa kanya. I can hear the claps fo the people watching us that just danced. Kami na lang pala ang sumasayaw sa gitna. “And I don’t have to ask permission to kiss you.” I blinked a couple of times.

I may have heard wrong. Ano ba ang nangyayari sa araw na ito at parang nawawala siya sa kanyang sarili?

“Huh?” Napatabingi ako.

“Because I’m a prince.” His smirk blocked my vision before I could realize what was finally going on. The cheering of the crowd and the time-stopping moment. It was as if the world became slow and I could not hear anything.

Why in the world is this happening? How did it happen?

His damn lips... landed to mine.