Epilogue 2
Rionsky Hue Ronschwald
I closed my other eye and hold a breathe, concentrating on my target two-hundred meters away from me. Nang bitawan ko ito ay dumiretso ito sa kanyang ulo. The sounds of metal clashing and the knights’ roars have stopped when they saw one fell.
Well, of course, the enemy’s highest person in-command just died with an arrow stuck in his head.
Ilang sandali pa ay umalingawngaw ang sigaw ng mga kawal ng mga Ronschwald.
“Long live His Highnesses!” A snort from me and I went back to my tent. Hindi nakatakas ang pagtalim ng tingin sa akin ng tingin ni Heiden. Hinayaan ko na lamang siya at tinanggal ang mga armas na nakapalibot sa aking katawan.
“Let’s go back.” I told the commander.
Strange as it may seem for him, I am overjoyed to go back as soon as possibly as I can.
Namilog ang mga mata nito sa aking sinabi. I grinned.
“B-But Your Highness, we’re tired.” Napatigil ako ng kaunti.
Right, the war just stopped so I thought they would also be happy to go back to the kingdom as fast as possible but they’re also human. They get tired and they need rest. As for myself, I have known I am always extraordinary since I am a kid. My life differs from theirs.
“I’ll go back myself, then.” I licked my lips. Hindi na siya nakasagot pa ng matulin kong pinatakbo ang puti kong kabayo.
And kilometers of traveling, I arrived in less than a day to the kingdom. Because of my eagerness and stubbornness to come home quickly, I felt tired with that reason but my excitement overwhelmed it all when I know I will be seeing her again.
My lady...my queen...
“I missed you, Arisia.” Those words came out from my mouth without holding back. I haven’t even realized I shed a tear.
I missed her. Really. There were no nights that made me sleepless thinking just her.
A feeling of relief, it seems that she did not have any other man. I was frozen when I found her pressing her lips against mine. Ramdam ko ang aking pamumula.
Yes, even the crown prince can feel shy. After all, that was my first kiss. Damn it, I was the one who’s supposed to kiss her. Bakit niya ako inunahan?
Tinakpan ko ang aking mukha. My heart beat faster when she kissed me again.
No. This is really stepping on my ego. I should be the one to kiss her. Why can’t I do the first move?
I mentally sighed.
When it comes to her, I really become such a coward. Still, she seems experienced of kissing.
Sikretong namilog ang aking mga mata.
Wait, did she had a fling or something? Was that it? Ayaw na ba niya sa akin? Hold on, it’s not like she even likes me so she can do whatever she wants and have a man that she likes and that doesn’t involve me. But it bothers me, I’m jealous.
She didn’t gave me an answer. It was vague.
But what if she really has another man? And if she loves him? Does that make me feel inferior against him? Who am I to her, anyway? I...I’m just someone to her, her slave. She’s my master. I was even the one who liked that. But I’m not contented with it.
“A-A trip for Arisia and the second prince?!” Nabitawan ko ang mga papeles na dala ko sa sinabi ni Estavio.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“That cannot do.” I muttered.
“Pardon?” I gave him a glare.
“When are they departing?”
“In three days, Your Highness.” I gritted my teeth.
“Get out.” Madiin kong sabi. He left me in confusion. I took a deep breathe and massaged my forehead.
It seems that I will be busy in the next three days. I won’t be having my share of sleep.
Just like that, three days have passed. I barely finished all my work as the crown prince but it seems that Estavio did a small part of it. When I opened the window to get a fresh air, a rolled piece of paper exactly went flying to my direction. Nasalo ko naman iyon at binasa ang laman. The lavender scent lingered.
“I will be out in a few weeks. Take care.”
-Arisia
My hand covered my face.
I am getting red again.
Napabuntong-hininga ako.
I just can’t when it comes to her. Still, I have already planned what to do during their damn trip.
Napangisi ako.
“As if I’ll allow you to be alone with him.” My fists balled. I quickly changed my clothes in disguise, wearing the cloak of my cape. I was about to jump from the window to when I heard Estavio going in.
“Your Highness, where are you going?”
“I will leave my works to you. Don’t let everyone know that I am out.” Namilog ang kanyang mga mata sa aking sinabi.
“Your High---” I didn’t let him finish when I already jumped. The level of my stealth helped me run away from the kingdom without them knowing.
The shadow knights of the king may be better as those average knights but I am better than them.
Nang makarating ako sa bukana ng daanan ay wala na ang karwahe na magdadala kay Arisia. I clicked my tongue.
I was a bit late, huh?
Wala akong pinagpilian kung hindi ay tumakbo at makisabit ng pasikreto sa mga karwaheng dumadaan. I also went from trees to trees to not alert some people.
My green hair is noticeable that you’ll know in an instant that I am a royalty.
A few days have passed and I have seen the carriage where she is from afar. She even got out from it. Nagmumuni-muni siya. My lips parted.
She really is beautiful even without doing anything.
Napalunok ako at umiwas muna sa pwesto nila.
I followed them for a few days in secret and it seems like no one noticed me yet. I have been avoiding Heiden’s scope in caution but I failed not even halfway since Arisia noticed me.
“Just so you know, I am not following you. I-I am just bored that I have resorted to traveling with you.”
“Is that so?” She smirked. Napaiwas ako ng tingin.
I lied. I think I am pretty good at lying but why does it feels like she knows everything about me?
“I am not as good as you think.” I retorted without thinking. My lips parted of what I said and I avoided her gaze. “Prepare my room.” I told the blacksmith.
This place I led Arisia was my first hideout. Weapons and armors are hidden in the deepes of this small smithy. The reason I also made this a smithy was so that people will not suspect why there are weapons and armors here. It was beneficial for me. “Drink this coffee. I-Iinumin ko sana ngunit nagbago ang isip ko.” Tumikhim ako. She just gave me her scrutinizing gaze as usual. Napaiwas ako ng tingin.
Damn it. Nadadali talaga ako sa tuwing tinitignan niya ako. How unbefitting for me, a prince. “She is my...” I glanced at her. “...my lady.” Pakilala ko sa magpapanday nang tinanong niya ang relasyon ko kay Arisia. My face felt hot again.
If that wasn’t right, what was I supposed to call her?
Napahawak ako sa aking mukha.
She was not uncomfortable of what I said, right?
There are also times where I cannot control myself. As much as I don’t want too much anger and jealousy to consume me, I cannot help it, especially when saw that son of that filthy queen touching Arisia, my lady.
I was late to catch her when she was about to fall, and he caught her.
As I should be thankful that he caught her in the nick of time, I cannot help my mood to darken when I saw him leaning his face onto her.
“Her bastard son is also annoying...” I gritted my teeth.
Damn it, it is going again. I am feeling an uncontrollable desire to make her mine and just cage her. I just want her for myself.
I balled my fists. I crossed my arms. My hands gripped on my sleeves. It was to stop myself from going there and slitting that bastard’s throat, making Arisia just mine.
Malalim akong suminghal.
“I am jealous. I also want to hold you in my arms.” Napangisi ako sa aking sinabi. I saw her surprised face when I said that. But she ran away from me as her answer. Napangitngit ako at hindi nakasagot. I wasn’t able to follow her since I don’t want to see that uncertain face of her.
Still, she is beautiful even when she looks like earlier. How can she even maintain that?
When we arrived at the center of the empire, I thought she was finally free of some damn wolves but I was wrong. She really is attracting them whenever she goes. I saw the emperor of the empire making a move on her and it is damn annoying.
I guess I need to high up my guard.
“Damn emperor...” I clicked my tongue.
Should I just assassinate him? “Why does she attract bastards?” I folded my arms.
But then I realized, I may also be one.
“Would you consider this a spur of the moment?” Her eyes squinted, that made it seductive.
“Ari---” I wasn’t able to answer when she already pushed me to the mattress and gave me a kiss. Napapikit ako at ramdam ko ang pamumula ko dahil roon. My mind is in turmoil because of it.
I love that she’s doing this to me but at the same time, I am scared that I might be dependent to all of her. She might abandon me someday.
“She really makes me go crazy...” I cursed under my breathe.
My brows furrowed when I heard a new report for me.
“Duke di Vonce collapsed?”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Kallon answered. Napahawak ako sa aking mukha.
Arisia will surely be worried. She may go back as early as possible to the kingdom and end this cursed trip.
Napatigil ako sa aking naisip.
Damn it. What was I thinking? Did I just use Arisia’s father as an excuse for her to leave Heiden?
I clicked my tongue.
“Check if something bad happened to him before we came back.” He nodded.
I found out from his next report that he was already feeling down almost at the end of the war. It seems that he have not talked to it to anyone.
What was he thinking?
Just like that, I went back for a short while to check on the duke.
“How are you?” Was what came out from my mouth. I already know that I am saying the wrong greeting. It was obvious that he is on his bed, unfeeling well.
“As you can see, Your Highness. My days are numbered. Even the cure is unknown.” He answered without a hitch, as if he is feeling just fine. My eyes squinted.
I really admire and envy the duke sometimes. He has some qualities I don’t have. So strong.
“The queen...”
“Make her feel defeat, Your Highness.” He firmly muttered as his eyes go fire.
“It is a given.” I smirked.
Problems arises more as I go to Lodia where Arisia is. I am seething in rage of what I heard.
“How can you tell me this after a while?! Where is she now?” Kumuyom ang aking mga kamao. I bit my lip.
If I haven’t gone to the kingdom, would this not have had happen? Would she be still alright and not poisoned? Damn it.
“Pardon me, Your Highness.” Kallon bowed in forgiveness.
“Rotten luck these days...” I have captured the one who did it and turned him to Kallon but I was not able to tell me his mastermind.
It was better for him to die since he is now useless, anyway. A caught mouse is useless against a cheese trap.
The night, I went to her room as I know she will be asleep at a time like this. My expression softened as I saw her laying down on her bed with hints of ragged breathing.
She still have not recover.
Arisia, my master, my lady, queen. How can they do this to her? She does not deserve this.
Kusang dumako ang aking mga labi upang halikan siya.
I know it was shameful of me but I cannot stop it. It’s irresistible, she is.
“Did you came here just to give me a peck?” Her other eye opened that surprised me. Agad akong napatalikod dahil roon.
S-So she was awake the whole time, I was fooled. I shouldn’t have done that. How embarrassing! Ngayon nga lang ay nahuli pa.
I bit my lip.
As we go back the kingdom, rumors immediately reached my ears that something intimate was going on between me and her. I know I have to get rid of the rumors to protect Arisia’s name but I am selfish. Even just for a bit of people, I want them to know that I am hers. Even if it was just a rumor for them.
“Arisia is mine.” Heiden, the bastard, stopped in front of me just to say that. I didn’t answer and just ignored him. “Eyesore.” He muttered. Hindi na ako nag-abalang tugunan pa iyon dahil masasayang lang ang oras ko sa pakikipag-awatan sa kanya.
I was barely holding myself back when I saw Heiden trying to make a move on her as we are in front of the dining table. I’m feeling my mood as it darkens. I let go of the knife to get their attention. Napatingin ang lahat sa akin.
Shameless bastard.
“Are you feeling well, Rionsky?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I am fine. Please heed me no mind.” I nodded.
I was a bit irritated when the queen pointed out the rumor. Now she will know about it. I know she will do about it immediately because she doesn’t want her image to be ruined.
“Frankly, I don’t feel guilty of that rumor.” I sighed. Ipinatong ko ang aking kamay sa aking ulo nang humilata ako sa aking kama.
I have planned to carry out an order to kill some noblemen of this country of the noble faction. Upang sa gayon ay matabunan nga ang tsimis na iyon. But it seems like that bastard have gone ahead.
Suminghal ako.
“Your Highness, how was your killing spree?” Estavio stood beside me, smiling.
“This does not even count to what I am feeling. I need that damn bastard’s head who just defiled my queen’s body.” I gritted my teeth. I wiped the blood splattered on me with the handkerchief he gave me. “He kissed her?” Sarkasmo ko. I threw the cloth at the bin. “It’s not even funny.” Lumamig ang aking boses.
“Narinig mo na ba ang nangyari sa pagitan ng prinsipe Heiden at ni lady Arisia?” From every corner of my palace, I can still hear of what happened that night.
“Siyempre, ako pa! Nakakakilig!” I stopped.
“They kiss---” I made a noise. Nang tumingin sa akin ang mga katulong na nag-uusap ay binigyan ko sila ng matalim na tingin. A death threat that if they say another word about it, I’ll kill them in a spot.
“One more word and your head will come flying to the ground.” I authoritatively uttered.
“Y-Your Highness...”
“Go away.” They immediately ran away with their tails between their legs. Minasahe ko ang aking noo.
I just want to kill him.
My problems arises more as the king just announced that the princess of Fairoh kingdom will be coming here as my betrothed.
“You have delayed your marriage for a long time.” The king uttered.
I already know where this is going. But I won’t go soft for just another woman I don’t even know.
“Give me time. I will definitely have my queen soon.” Deklara ko.
Arisia squinted her eyes at me.
“Even being just your tool is absolutely fine for me.” I shyly said. I cannot help but feel embarrassed because of what came out from my mouth.
“I like your answer. Your reward.” She crashed her lips against mine. I instinctively closed my eyes as I answer her rough kisses.
This is...devouring me, yet I love it. “I do not want to continue with my mouth, Rionsky.” Her thumb went inside my mouth and explored it. It was a pride breaker but if it’s her, I still want more.
I love how her fingers play with my mouth, her hands. I love her.
“Arisia, I will get you back from him. Please wait a little bit longer.” I whimpered. She smiled that made me stunned. I smiled at the back of my head.
Really, I just need her.
“I see. Duke di Vonce passed away.” Natahimik na ako sa aking narinig.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
It is not surprising. I can say that I know he’ll go that way. But I’m worried for Arisia.
A party will be held for the princess. It is not the right time for me to worry about matters like those since Arisia may still be grieving. The death of the duke didn’t had much impact as much than I thought because of the welcoming party for the princess. I didn’t care about her.
It seems like Arisia went a little pale when I saw her coming to the celebration. Unlike her usual dress, she is now in her formal duchess attire. It didn’t fail to amaze me, she is still a goddess in my eyes.
Napalunok ako. Yet it seems that I cannot control myself again since I pulled her to mine right inside the main palace.
“I’m sorry for what happened to the late duke.” Ani ko.
It might just be my habit to take the blame for her parents’ deaths. Her mother died because of the fire I set off the Strovila theatre. And now, her father was poisoned because I was careless during the war, just thinking about the war. Hindi ko naisip na gagawa ng aksiyon ang reyna sa kalagitnaan ng giyera.
“If you don’t have anything to say to her, then we will get going.” He held her wrist and pulled her away.
“Wait---” I swiftly moved and claimed her lips in a snap when she turned my way. She turned red for a while that surprised me.
I didn’t know she can also react this way. This is also cute of her.
“Later.” A smirk escaped from my lips. I silently clicked my tongue and gave Heiden an icy gaze before I walk away.
“Just a little bit.” I muttered.
Estavio appeared beside me as I feel the cold air against my skin. My eyes squinted.
This is a perfect weather for this night.
“Let her wait.” Pagtutukoy ko sa prinsesa.
“But Your Highness, she’s the princess of Fairoh kingdom.” Giit nito.
“I don’t care. I do not acknowledge her as my betrothed.” I snorted. “I am also getting back to the queen. She chose her, isn’t it?” Ngisi ko.
I am sure she is mad.
“But Your Highness.”
“You are now excused.” Binigyan ko siya ng matalim na tingin.
My time has come and I finally stood in front of the grand door.
“His Highness, the crown prince, Rionsky Hue Ronschwald!” I deliberately went in late to the banquet hall and declared with a smirk plastered on my face that Arisia is my queen.
“I accept you as my only queen...” “...duchess Arisia di Vonce.”
This is it, the start of the battle.
I was actually pumped from the start. Knowing that I will be battling for the sake of my queen and not the throne. I admit that I was batting for the throne from the start but the purpose of that was to defeat the queen.
“I will slice your neck if you keep spewing nonsense. Arisia is mine.” Heiden, the bastard, appeared in front of me and pointed his sword against me. Sumingkit ang aking mga mata at napangisi ako sa kanyang sinabi.
“Are you hers then?” I mockingly retorted. The crowd went wild when he attacked me first. We had an intense exchanging of swords. Sabay pa naming kinuha ang aming mga baril at itinutok sa isa’t-isa. I was a bit surprised but we started firing at each other. I didn’t even realized we traveled so far to the forest when Arisia caught out attention. Ganoon din ang kanyang kapatid.
I haven’t imagine myself protecting someone other than Arisia.
Funnily, I found myself protecting Arisia’s brother when Heiden shot him. It hit my shoulder. Kaunti akong napadaing doon ngunit nainda ko naman. I gripped her brother tight when the bastard continuously shot me.
Damn it.
Things are hectic when the bastard’s knights came to my direction. Nahirapan pa akong tapusin sila dahil sa mga natamo ko. When I turned to their direction, they were already falling at the cliff. Due to adrenaline rush, I came running to her but I was late. They already fell. I cursed under my breathe. I immediately jumped to the ocean, following them. They were already a bit deep because the bastard was pulling her to the depths.
Bastard!
I immediately aimed my sword at him and attacked him. Sinangga niya ito gamit ang kanyang baril at nahiwa ito. We fought underwater, both in disadvantages. When I attempted to slash him again, it cut his front body, letting go of Arisia. I stabbed his chest until he is finally falling into the deep. I immediately dragged Arisia upwards. Hindi pa ako nakakaahon ay biglang may humila sa aking paa. It was Heiden.
The son of a bitch is still alive!
I clicked my tongue.
Arisia!
I forcefully kicked him and when I slashed my sword at him, he evaded it with his arm. As a result, I cut his arm. His arm fell off as the blood coming out from him is dissolving with the water.
Persistent! Surely, he won’t leave. I’ll come back later to make sure he is dead. I gasped as soon as I reached the shore. We stopped in a cave as I try ways of making her come back to life.
“Arisia!” I pumped her chest a few times and tried to hear her breathing. To no avail, it was a fail. Makailang ulit ngunit wala pa rin. My gaze went down to her lips. Napailing ako.
This is not the time to be embarrassed! I need to do this.
I took a deep breathe before putting my lips on her, giving her air. “No, Arisia!” I balled my fists. “Wake up...wake up, please!” I don’t know what would I do if she will left me. “A-Arisia, my queen...” I pursed my lips. Napapikit ako habang pinipigilan ang aking mga luha.
Everything but her...
“Rionsky.” I opened my eyes when I heard her calling my name. My eyes widened.
Is this a dream? This is not a joke, right?
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang makumpirma kong totoo nga. I bit my lip.
I want to hug her. I thought I was going to lose her.
Just like that, we parted ways like there is still tomorrow for us. Ngunit sumeryoso rin ako nang makapunta na ako sa may bangin. Kallonn met me in an instant.
“I’m still not done with him. I have to make sure he is gone.” I was unlucky earlier. If only I was in a more good condition, I would’ve had killed him surely.
Tinignan ko siya.
“Did you retrieve his body?” He nodded. Iginaya niya ako kung nasaan ang katawan ni Heiden. His wet, full of wounds body greeted me.
“Your Highness, the daughter of duke Estevan...” Tuloy niya. Dumako ang aking tingin sa babaeng nakatulala sa kanyang katawan. She is expressionless.
“So, is he now dead?”
“Yes, Your Highness. The fatal blow was the deep wound in his heart. He also lost a large amount of blood.” That means my attack in his chest was the blow that killed him.
Frankly, I don’t feel remorse nor satisfaction now that he is dead.
Malamig kong tinignan ang kanyang bangkay at lumapit dito.
Seeing him like this makes me realize he is also defenseless sometimes.
Inilapit ko ang aking bibig sa kanyang tainga habang may ngisi sa aking labi.
“Arisia is my queen.” I squinted my eyes as I authoritatively said that. “Remember that even in your death and next lives.” I snorted. Though he can’t hear it, I still want to say it.
There I left his wet body in the cold.
“Rionsky.” I stopped when I saw Arisia’s figure with her back on me.
“Arisia.” She turned to me with a smirk and a dangerous look on her face. I pursed my lips when I saw what was in her hand. It was the head of the queen, helpless and miserable. Napaawang ang aking mga labi.
Parehas lamang ang sinapit nito ng kanyang anak.
“I beheaded her for you.” She sweetly smiled.
“I---”
“You will remain mine forever, is it not?” Sumingkit ang kanyang mga mata. Tinignan ko siya sa kanyang kabuuan.
A beautiful lady in a formal attire with blood stained on it, smiling so sweet while holding the dirty head of the queen in her hand. She...is still beautiful. And I love her. Nothing will change that whatever she does.
I slowly walked towards her and kissed the back of her other hand that was holding her black sword.
“Of course, my queen.” She leaned to me and what shocked me was her head in my shoulder.
I didn’t expect her to do this even though she is bold.
Ramdam ko ang pagtingin niya sa taas kaya ganoon rin ako. It is nearing dawn but the moon is still out. So bright and beautiful.
“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” She whispered. Napaawang ng kaunti ang aking mga labi.
It might be a direct meaning for her but I got a different interpretation. Does she...
Tumikhim ako.
Damn it, I knew overthinking is not good. But I can’t help to think that she means she loves me.
A smirk escaped from my lips.
Whether or not she loves me, I can’t help but be in an illusion that she only has me in her eyes.
“It is infinitely beautiful.” I answered. She teasingly smirked and pulled me for a kiss, letting go of the queen’s head as we exchanged kisses in the middle of the dead bodies.
End
Sa wakas ay natapos rin... 😂😥