Chapter 56: On the Way Home
"M-My lady..."
Muling napaiktad ang maidservant nang magbagsakan ang mga gamit at mabasag ito sa sahig dahil sa paghawi ni Narine sa mga iyon. Hingal na tumigil si Narine sa pagwawala at itinukod ang mga palad sa lamesang nasa harapan.
"P-Please calm down, my lady..." nanginginig na usal ng maidservant ni Narine.
"Calm down...?" usal ni Narine habang nasa ganoong posisyon, "Are you kidding me? How can I calm down in this kind of situation?! Huh?!" sigaw niya at muling nagwala.
Umiiyak ito habang patuloy na sumisigaw at binabasag o tinatapon ang kung anuman ang kaniyang makita sa kwarto. Maya-maya ay tumigil at hingal na kinuyom ang mga kamao.
This is all the woman's fault. Because of that bitch, Lavinia, my life is ruined! Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi ako nakakabawi sa babaeng iyon. I will do anything to ruin her life as well!
"Narine..."
Napalingon si Narine sa kaniyang lolo, ang Marquis Lovell na kapapasok lamang sa kaniyang bedchamber.
"Grandfather..." muli niyang iyak at takbo roon saka niyakap ito.
Niyakap ng Marquis pabalik ang kaniyang apo at marahang hinaplos ang likuran, "Calm down now, my granddaughter."
"This is all Lavinia's fault, grandpa. That bitch! She ruined my life!" iyak niya.
Tumango ang Marquis, "That's right. This is all her fault. Hindi rin ako tatahimik hangga't hindi tayo nakababawi sa kaniya."
That woman seemed to have a connection with Madame L. She pulled and bought all of my investor's shares, kaya nanganganib ngayon ang mga negosyo ko dahil halos 1/3 ng shares ay napunta kay Madame L. Anytime now, she can take all my businesses away from me.
Kaya sisimulan ko sa kaniya.
"Excuse me, your grace."
Natigil ang mag-lolo sa pagyayakapan nang pumasok sa kwarto ang isang butler.
"What is it?" sagot ni Marquis Lovell.
"May naghahanap po sa inyo. Nais niya raw kayong kausapin at kaya ka niyang tulungan."
Kumunot ang noo ni Marquis Lovell sa inusal ng butler. Kaya sabay na tumungo ang Marquis at si Narine sa sa opisina ng Marquis. Doon ay may isang lalaki ang nakaupo sa couch. Nakasuot ito ng kulay itim na hooded cape. Kahit na nakaupo ay mahahalata ang matipuno nitong pangangatawan.
"Sino ka? How impertinent of you to seek someone like me?" taas-kilay na tanong ni Marquis.
Ngumisi ang lalaking nakasuot ng hood at tumayo upang harapin ang Marquis.
"Greetings, Marquis Lovell..." aniya sa mababang tono ng boses sabay baba ng hood ng kaniyang suot na cape.
Sandaling nanlaki ang mga mata ni Marquis Lovell nang makita ang lalaking nakatayo sa kanilang harapan. Kahit si Narine ay napatakip sa kaniyang bibig nang makita ang lalaking iyon.
"Y-You..." halos hindi na mabanggit ni Marquis Lovell ang mga salitang nais sabihin.
The man smirked. His golden pair of eyes, long golden colored hair that reaches his shoulder looked and felt so familiar. Mayroon itong patuwid na peklat sa kanang bahagi ng kaniyang mga labi. His familiar smug look and annoying smirk made the Marquis and Narine shudder in horror.
"Archduke Volstein...?" kunot-noong tanong ni Marquis Lovell.
The man that looked like Valse laughed a bit, "My... I guess, I do look like him, huh?"
Napakurap si Marquis Lovell at umiling.
No, he's not the Archduke. Ang akala ko ay si Gervalse Volstein ang kaharap ko dahil sa malaking pagkakapareha ng kanilang mga mukha at pangangatawan.
But this man has a longer and wavy golden hair, plus that scar, also... this man is far more dangerous and skilled than the Archduke. I can feel it inside my bones.
The way I tremble in his presence, it reminds me of the aura of a certain someone. Who was it again?
Nanlaki ang mga mata ng Marquis kasabay ng panginginig ng kaniyang mga kamay.
Right, that woman... Lavinia Claymour.
This is how I reacted when I first saw that woman. Just...who is this man that looked exactly like Gervalse Volstein?
Magarbo ang dekorasyon sa malawak na garden ng Imperial Palace kung saan nagaganap ang Charity Ball. It's already 6 in the evening, so the fairy lights and other lights outside are already making the whole place alive with brightness.
The smooth jazzy music from the orchestra is surrounding the whole place. Sounds of cheerful conversations, clicking of wine glasses, announcements of the arrivals of notable houses are all over the place.
The Imperial Family and House Claymour is already in the place. Maya-maya ay inanunsyo na rin ang pagdating ng House Hampton. Agad na lumapit si Duke Claymour kay Kamaria na katatapos lamang kausapin ang kakilala ring noble. Sa tabi niya ay si Archimedes.
The Duchess and Duke of Hampton are both wearing a matching green with a touch of black. While the twins are also good looking in their gold and blue suits that makes them looked like princes.
"Duchess," ani Kallisto kay Kamaria.
Agad na nilingon ni Kamaria si Kallisto. Napatingin din sa kaniya si Archimedes gamit ang walang ganang reaksyon.
"Yes?" tanong ni Kamaria habang nakataas ang dalawang kilay.
"Have you seen Lavinia?" tanong ni Kallisto.
"Oh, Lavinia..." ani Kamaria saka tinignan ang asawa bago muling ibalik ang tingin kay Kallisto, "Hindi ba siya nagpaalam sa'yo?"
"She did say she's going to the Volstein Estate last night. Ang akala ko ay sasabay siya ng dating sa inyo," ani Kallisto.
"Volstein Estate...? What is she doing there?" kunot-noong tanong ni Archimedes.
Umawang ang bibig ni Kamaria at itinaas ang isang kilay. Sandaling nagkatinginan sina Kallisto at Kamaria. Tumaas ang kilay ni Kallisto kay Kamaria na siya namang inilingan ng Duchess. Itinikom ni Kallisto ang kaniyang bibig nang mapagtanto na wala pang alam si Archimedes tungkol sa relasyon nina Valse at Lavinia.
"Your grace, where's L?" tanong agad ni Aldaine nang makalapit sa tatlo.
Kamaria closed her eyes.
"Your mother said she's in the Volstein Estate? I mean... bakit siya naroon?" baling ni Archimedes kay Aldaine.
Umawang ang bibig ni Aldaine nang marinig iyon saka tinignan ang ina. Astaril seemed to have caught on with it, kaya pati siya ay napatingin na rin sa ina.
"His Excellency, Archduke Gervalse Volstein and... H-Her Esteemed Grace, Madame L are entering!"
Everyone stopped on their tracks when they heard that name. Lahat ng atensyon ay napunta sa entrance ng event's place. Agad na napansin ng lahat ang isang magarbong maroon carriage na may pamilyar na insignia ni Madame L.
Phyllis, a commoner known as the Blue Lily Guild's Master and one of Madame L's closest aide was also there, speaking with the Chamberlain who's announcing the arrival of the guests.
"That's Phyllis of Blue Lily Guild. One of Madame L's representative. She's really here..."
Maya-maya ay lumapit siya sa pintuan ng carriage upang buksan ang pintuan. Lumabas mula roon si Valse, na kahit narinig na nila ang anunsyo ay nakatanggap pa rin ng gulat na reaksyon. Tumango si Valse kay Phyllis kaya tumabi ito. Ngiting inilahad ni Valse ang kaniyang palad sa babaeng nasa loob ng carriage.
"Finally..." ngiting usal ng Emperor habang inaabot ang hawak na wine glass sa katabing butler.
Umigting ang panga ni Lady Ophelia nang makita si Valse na lumabas mula sa carriage kung saan si Madame L.
I attended this event despite the shame I have received after that Selection, because I want to convince Madame L to support Cairo instead of that bastard Prince, but... anong ginagawa ng Archduke sa carriage na iyan?
I don't like this. Kahit na ipinangako sa akin ng emperor na si Cairo ang gagawin niyang Crown Prince ay hindi ko nagugustuhan ang kung anuman ang nararamdaman kong mangyayari ngayon.
Everyone became more attentive when a hand with a white glove held Valse's hand. Mula roon ay lumabas ang isang babaeng inaabangan ng lahat. When the woman has finally landed her feet on the ground, everyone froze in their spot. The familiar face is someone that they least expected to be the Madame L.
Napahawak sa kaniyang bibig si Lady Ophelia, "L-Lavinia Claymour...?"
Dahil doon ay agad na naghalo ang tunog ng mga pag-uusap at napalitan ng bulungan.
"I-Isn't that Lady Lavinia Claymour...?"
"Anong ginagawa niya sa carriage ni Madame L? Wait... is she...?"
"That's shocking... so, all along..."
"Kaya pala todo suporta siya sa First Prince."
"Lavinia Claymour is Madame L...? That's unbelievable..."
"Look! The tattoo at her back..."
Everyone's eyes shifted on Lavinia's exposed back where her snake tattoo is as she walks to the event while clinging her arms on Valse who's proudly smiling from ear to ear.
"She really is... the Madame L."
Napamaang ang emperor nang tuluyang makalapit sina Lavinia at Valse sa kaniya. Hindi pa rin ito makapaniwala na sina Lavinia at Madame L ay iisa. A young lady like Lavinia Claymour from a prominent house becoming the infamous Madame L, the pioneer of different businesses in the empire. The very woman who's practically keeping the money rolling on the empire's national treasury by her taxes and all.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," ngiting bati ni Lavinia sa Emperor sabay yuko nito nang bahagya habang nakabuklat ang hawak na pamaypay sa kaniyang bibig.
Yumuko na rin si Valse at hinawakan sa kaniyang likuran si Lavinia.
"L-Lady Lavinia...! My, my, you, being the infamous Madame L are rather surprising! I mean..." natawa na lamang ang emperor dahil hindi pa rin nito maproseso ang lahat.
Mas napangiti si Lavinia at ibinaba ang pamaypay na hawak. Itiniklop niya ito sa pamamagitan ng paghampas nang marahan sa kaniyang kaliwang palad.
"My apologies for making my identity as Madame L hidden up until now, Your Majesty. Nais ko lamang protektahan ang aking sarili. You know, handling chain of businesses is not an easy task. Bukod sa mga posibleng kapahamakan ay madali itong makaakit ng mga... hindi kaaya-ayang... loob..." ani Lavinia at sinadyang bagalan ang mga huling salita saka tinignan si Lady Ophelia na nasa likuran ng emperor.
Napalunok si Lady Ophelia at umiwas ng tingin kay Lavinia. Itinaas ni Lavinia ang isang kilay bago muling ibalik ang ngiti sa emperor.
"Yes, I know how you feel, Lady—Ah, no... Madame L," ngiti ng emperor na ngayon ay mukhang unti-unti nang napo-proseso ang lahat.
"Right, Your Majesty."
Nasa ganoon sila nang bumaba ang mga mata ng emperor sa kamay ni Valse na nasa baywang ni Lavinia. Bahagyang nanliit ang mapanuring mga mata nito bago muling kausapin si Lavinia. Ilang sandali lang ay may kung anong binulong si Valse kay Lavinia na tinanguan naman nito.
"We have already taken up much of your time, your majesty. Please excuse us for a moment," paalam ni Lavinia.
Agad na tumango ang emperor, "Ah, yes, of course! Marami ang naghihintay na makausap ka. I shouldn't take up your time as well. Magsisimula na rin ang charity auction maya-maya."
Matapos makapagpaalam ay agad na lumapit sina Lavinia sa mga Claymour at Hampton na taimtim na nag-uusap. Agad na hinarap ni Kallisto ang anak nang makitang papalapit ito.
"I'm glad you're doing fine. Akala ko ay sa mga Hampton ka sasabay sa pagpunta rito," ani Kallisto.
"Uh... I did say that I'm gonna go to the Volstein Estate?" ani Lavinia, nagtataka sa inaakto ng ama.
"Yeah..." nag-aalangang usal ni Kallisto saka sinulyapan si Valse na nasa tabi lang din ni Lavinia, "Akala ko ay sandali ka lang doon. Anyhow, it's a relief that you're here now."
Umawang ang bibig ni Lavinia sa inaasal ng Duke. Ni hindi nito tinanong ang tungkol sa kaniyang katauhan bilang Madame L. She just dropped a bomb, so how come he's not even fazed by it?
Sandaling natigilan si Kallisto nang makita ang klase ng tingin na ipinupukol sa kaniya ni Lavinia. He sighed before speaking.
"I don't care who you are, Vinia. Pagbali-baliktarin man ang mundo, anak kita. So, you don't have to be bothered by what I think about your identity as Madame L or any than that," ani Kallisto.
"Ah, yes..." tanging naiusal na lamang ni Lavinia.
Nang ibaling naman ni Lavinia ang kaniyang mga mata kay Archimedes ay mariin nitong tinitignan si Valse at ang mga kamay nitong naka-kapit sa baywang ni Lavinia. Napamaang na lamang si Lavinia nang makita na ganoon din ang reaksyon at ginagawa ng kambal.
Right, they haven't heard about our relationship. Halos isang buwan na ang nakalipas at wala pa rin silang alam. Masyado akong abala these past weeks dahil sa Selection at Charity Ball kaya hindi ko na nasabi.
"Madame L," isang noble.
Hindi na naiharap pa ni Lavinia ang mga Claymour at Hampton dahil agad nang dinumog ng mga noble si Lavinia. Some of them still can't process that a young lady like her has the capability to run almost half of the empire's profit. Ngunit ang iba naman ay nag-uumpisa nang magparamdam upang mag-invest sa kanila si Madame L.
"Greetings, Your Excellency and Her Esteemed Dame Lavinia."
Sabay na napalingon sina Lavinia at Valse kay Viscount Greene. Agad na tumaas ang isang kilay ni Lavinia nang makita si Penelope Greene na tahimik lamang habang nakatingin ang maamong mga mata kay Valse.
A smile formed on Lavinia's lips before slowly turning her meaningful gaze towards Valse. Nag-aalangang tumikhim si Valse at tinanguan ang Viscount bago iharap ang ulo kay Lavinia at bahagyang idikit ang mga labi sa gilid ng ulo ni Lavinia. Hinigpitan niya rin ang paghawak sa baywang ni Lavinia at bahagya itong inilapit sa kaniya nang kaunti pa.
The guests saw that. Kaya kahit na may hinala na ang mga ito ay hindi pa rin nila napigilan ang magulat. The writers of newspapers immediately wrote something in their little papers. The people who draw from the newspapers also started drawing Lavinia's and Valse's portraits for tomorrow's news' headlines.
"Viscount Greene, greetings and... Lady Penelope Greene," ani Lavinia, her tone was something that made the Lady irk for some reason.
It was as if Lavinia was mocking her. Lalo na nang ngiting pinasadahan ng tingin ni Lavinia si Penelope mula ulo hanggang paa.
"Greetings... Lady Lavinia Claymour," Lady Penelope greeted with an awkward tone.
"Yes, you look lovely tonight, Lady Penelope," ngiti pa ring usal ni Lavinia sa kaniya.
Lady Penelope smiled too, "You look beautiful tonight as well, my lady. Especially since... you have the Archduke as your... escort."
Bahagyang pinilig ni Lavinia ang kaniyang ulo at muling itinaas ang isang kilay habang nakangisi nang marinig ang sinabi ni Lady Penelope. It was as if, she's saying that Lavinia is only relevant tonight because of Valse as her "escort."
"Well, if it were me, I would also be glad to escort my friend's greatest benefactor out of respect. You really did help His Highness Ghastan this time, Lady Lavinia—Oh, Madame L, rather."
Penelope smiled in attempt to annoy Lavinia more. Sandaling natahimik si Lavinia, pati na rin ang mga nanonood sa kanila ay halos mapangiwi sa tensyong namamagitan sa dalawang babae. Kahit si Viscount Greene ay napapikit na lamang. Penelope's smile turned into smirk when Lavinia did not answer.
Ngunit hindi rin nagtagal iyon nang marinig niya ang halakhak ni Lavinia. Gulat siyang napatingin dito. Ngunit agad ding nabaling ang tingin ni Penelope kay Valse nang tumikhim ito.
"There seems to be a misunderstanding here, Lady Penelope. I'm not here as her escort. Lady Lavinia and I are in a loving relationship. She is my lover. We are partners tonight. I believe there's huge difference to it, isn't there?" Valse proudly revealed.
"Oh..." tanging naiusal ni Lady Penelope habang nanlalaki ang mga mata at hindi alam ang sasabihin.
T-The Archduke never admitted someone as his lover. E-Even before... but this woman... He proudly stood there and said it in front of everyone.
Lavinia smirks as she watches Lady Penelope's reaction.
"My... you don't have to be so blunt about it, Valse," pang-aasar pa ni Lavinia.
"I just feel like it, baby..." ani Valse.
Napangiti si Lavinia habang nasisiyahan pa rin sa reaksyon ni Penelope na tila ayaw pa ring tanggapin ang narinig mula kay Valse.
"Baby," tawag ni Valse.
"Hmm...?" sagot ni Lavinia nang hindi siya tinitignan.
Ngunit hindi pa niya nalulubos iyon nang magulat siya sa biglaang paghalik ni Valse sa kaniyang pisngi. Dahil doon ay gulat niyang nilingon si Valse.
"Finally," he mumbled, "The music is good. Would you let me have the chance to dance the most beautiful woman here tonight?" he smiled.
Valse offered his hand to Lavinia. Napatingin naman doon si Lavinia at bahagyang natawa bago tanggapin ang kamay ni Valse na nakalahad para sa kaniya.
Valse's smile widened before kissing the back of Lavinia's hand. They went to the dance floor. The music changed into a more romantic and smooth tone from the orchestra.
Ipinatong ni Valse ang kanang kamay ni Lavinia sa kaniyang balikat, samantalang hawak naman nito ang isa. His other hand is on Lavinia's waist. Nagsimula na rin silang gumalaw sa isang marahang pagsayaw.
Valse couldn't take his eyes off of her. Admiring how beautiful she is, how lucky he is for having her, how beautiful the night is for two hearts dancing in sync.
Pinaikot ni Valse si Lavinia ng isang beses bago ito bahagyang hinila palapit sa kaniya hanggang sa magdikit ang kanilang mga katawan. Inilapit ni Valse ang kaniyang bibig sa tainga ni Lavinia.
"Even if the world ends tomorrow, I will lay my heart next to yours still," bulong niya bago halikan si Lavinia sa pisngi bago ito harapin ulit.
Napakurap si Lavinia at tinitigan pabalik si Valse.
"Ria, I'm putting everything on the line for you. I will sacrifice the world for your happiness. You have my greatest pleasure, my unbinding faith, my suppressed fears, and even my worst pain. You have it all, baby..." kinuha ni Valse ang kamay ni Lavinia na nakapatong sa balikat niya at hinalikan ang palad nito.
Sinundan ni Lavinia ng tingin ang bawat galaw ni Valse.
God knows how much I love this man. That I am willing to do everything for him even if he won't ask for it.
Even if day will come that I have to kneel in front of him, beg him to love me more. To give it all to me. That is how selfish I may seem when it comes to him.
But what can I do? I am in love with him.
Lavinia smiled at him. She was about to say something when an announcement interrupted them.
"T-The House Lovell is entering!"
Agad na kumunot ang noo ni Lavinia at tinignan ang entrance ng event's place. Agad na tumaas ang kaniyang kilay nang makita sina Marquis Lovell, Narine, at Maurielle na halos hindi na maingat ang ulo sa kahihiyan. But aside from them, an unfamiliar figure took everyone's attention.
It was a woman with a dashing red and long, wavy hair. She's wearing a daring body-hugging dress in color black. Her pretty, round and innocent face does not seem to fit in that dress, but she made it seem like the dress was for her. With a pair of round, black, and beautiful eyes, she can get every man's attention with it.
"The Lovells? Goodness! How arrogant are they to even show their faces in public after such humiliation?"
"Look... who is that person following behind them?"
"An unfamiliar woman?"
"But hey... she looks... beautiful..."
"Who is she?"
Sa isang iglap ay napuno ng bulungan ang buong lugar dahil sa bagong mukha na kanilang nasaksikhan ngayong gabi. Lavinia raised a brow before crossing her arms. Sandali rin siyang napaismid.
"I see... they still have a face to spare," aniya at naglakad pabalik sa mga Hampton habang hawak ang kamay ni Valse.
Ngunit agad din siyang natigilan nang nanatili ang mga kamay ni Valse. Nang nilingon niya ito ay agad siyang nagtaka sa reaksyon na nasaksihan mula sa kasintahan.
Valse's eyes are widened in shock, and for a minute, it seems like he was holding his breathe. Tila nanigas ang kaniyang katawan habang nakatayo roon, hindi makagalaw. His eyes were fixed on something or... someone.
Mas kumunot ang noo ni Lavinia at ibinaba ang tingin bago unti-unting nilingon ang gawi ng mga Lovell. May kung anong kumalabog sa dibdib ni Lavinia nang mapunta ang kaniyang mga mata sa babaeng may pulang buhok at nakangiti sa emperor habang bumabati ito.
Humigpit ang hawak ni Lavinia sa mga kamay ni Valse at muli itong nilingon. She forced a smile before shaking his hand a bit.
"Valse?" kunwaring inosenteng tawag nito sa kasintahan.
Tila nabalik naman sa ulirat si Valse at agad na tinignan si Lavinia. Napakurap siya at huminga nang malalim nang makita ang nagtatakang mga mata ni Lavinia.
"Oh... I'm sorry, baby. What was that?" he smiled as if it was nothing.
Lavinia smiled back, "I said, I'm tired. Let's get some rest first before the auction starts."
"Sure," ani Valse at muling hinalikan sa ulo si Lavinia.
Siya rin mismo ang gumaya rito sa mga Hampton kung saan nakaupo na sa kani-kanilang mga table. Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ng mga lalaking Hampton kay Valse nang maupo ito sa katabing upuan ni Lavinia.
Ngunit tila wala namang pakialam si Valse rito dahil nanatili siyang kalmado at mayabang sa namamagitan sa kanila ni Lavinia. He even pouted a bit when he saw the distance between Lavinia's chair and his. Kaya walang pakundangang hinila ni Valse ang upuan ni Lavinia palapit sa kaniya gamit ang isang kamay.
Mas nagngitngit ang tatlo samantalang tumikhim na lamang si Kamaria at natawa nang bahagya si Lavinia.
Everyone settled down when the auction started. Lavinia bought a lot. The money that will be accumulated in the auction is going to the orphanage or other programs of the Imperial Palace, specifically of the Empress.
Kahit si Valse ay may mga bid din doon. Ngunit kadalasan ay para naman kay Lavinia. The bid continued with the nobles pouring their money to the Charity in exchange with honor and false empathy.
After that, the party went smoothly and without a hitch. Ngunit kapansin-pansin ang pananahimik ng mga Lovell sa table na kanilang kinauupuan. Some close friends of Marquis approached them, ngunit hanggang doon na lamang iyon.
Natigil sa pag-uusap ang lahat nang tumunog ang baso ng wine glass. Napatingin ang lahat sa unahan kung nasaan ang emperor na siyang kumakatok ng kutsara sa wine glass.
"May I get everyone's attention for the most important announcement of today's event?" ngiting umpisa niya.
Everyone knew what that is, that's why the aura has become more tensed. Halos lahat ay ibinaba na ang mga wine or champagne glass na hawak.
"Thank you. Now, first and foremost, I would like to acknowledge Madame L, for gracing us her presence. You have our gratitude, Your Grace," ani ng emperor at inangat pa ang baso ng wine glass kay Lavinia.
Lavinia just forced a smile on the emperor before raising her wine glass as well.
"Second, I know that everyone has been eagerly waiting for me to fill the empty seat of the Crown Prince. After consulting with my advisers, vassals and with consideration of the decisions of my people during the Selection..."
Mahigpit na hinawakan ni Lady Ophelia ang kaniyang purse. Expecting good news from her husband. Lavinia saw her, agad siyang napangisi.
No matter how much you seduce the emperor to give the seat to Prince Cairo, it is not going to happen.
"The seat shall be given to... the first prince, my son, Prince Ghastan de Galvion. Galvion Empire's one and only Crown Prince and heir to the throne!"
Mas lumaki ang ngisi ni Lavinia, lalo na nang magsimulang manginig si Lady Ophelia at umalis ng party.
The emperor knows that Ghastan is the only rightful heir to the throne and that was what has been written in the will of the true emperor, his brother that he killed. Kapag natuklasan ng mga elders ng palasyo na hindi sinunod ng emperor ang unang will na sinulat ng totoong emperor ay magkakaroon ng pagtataka sa aksyon niya.
Also, the fake emperor is a prideful man. He wouldn't put a bastard son on the seat of the Crown Prince, even if it is his own flesh and blood from his favorite concubine.
"Congratulations, future Crown Prince," ngiting bati ni Lavinia kay Ghastan.
Ngiting niyakap ni Ghastan si Lavinia nang mahigpit. Nais pa sanang umangal ni Valse ngunit pinigilan niya ang sarili.
"Thank you, Lavinia. This is because of you. I will forever treat this as a huge favor from you..." naluluhang pasasalamat ni Ghastan.
Lavinia smiled before hugging him back.
Though I did all of that for my own benefit, I can no longer deny Ghastan as a dear friend that I also treasure.
"It's getting late. Ihahatid na kita sa Claymour Estate," ani Valse nang magsimula nang lumalim ang gabi.
"Lavinia,"
Natigilan ang dalawa nang tawagin ni Kamaria si Lavinia kaya pareho rin silang lumingon doon. May kaharap pa itong isang kakilalang noble at ang isang kamay ay may dalang wine glass.
"You stay in the Hampton Estate for a few days, we're going back in the North next week. Your Uncle wants your time. Naipaalam na kita sa Daddy mo," ani Kamaria.
Natigilan si Lavinia sa narinig.
Right. Ilang buwan na sila sa capital. They are the rulers of the North, they can't prolong their stay here in the capital anymore.
"All right," tango ni Lavinia saka tinignan si Valse, "Heard that?" ngisi niya.
Valse chuckled, "Then, to Hampton Estate it is."
Lavinia smiled at him before wrapping her hands on his arms. Matapos niyang gawin iyon ay napansin ng kaniyang tingin ang babaeng kasama ng mga Lovell, nakatingin ito sa direksyon nila. Lavinia couldn't comprehend what that lonely gaze is for, but she didn't like that for sure.
"Let's go?" yaya ni Lavinia kay Valse at hinaplos ng isang kamay ang braso nito.
"Sure," ngiting tango naman ni Valse at naglakad na kasabay ni Lavinia.
Tahimik ang dalawa habang nasa carriage dahil na rin sa pagod. Nakaunan sa balikat ni Valse si Lavinia habang magkahawak ang kanilang mga kamay.
Ngunit maya-maya lang ay natigilan din si Lavinia nang madaanan ng carriage nila ang malaking statue ni Leticia de Alnwick. She gets up to see the statue clearly. Napatingin naman sa kaniya si Valse at sa statue ni Leticia de Alnwick sa labas.
Maya-maya ay kumatok siya sa banda ng coachman, "Let's stop here for a while."
"Huh...?" nilingon siya ni Lavinia.
Ngunit nauna nang bumaba si Valse ng carriage at inilahad ang kamay kay Lavinia.
"I want to greet your Mom as well," ngiti niya.
Natigilan naman si Lavinia bago hawakan ang nakalahad na kamay ni Valse. Nang makababa sila ay agad na tumingala si Lavinia sa malaking statue. It was her mother in her armor, her right hand was raising her sword, while the other hand was holding a whip.
Hinubad ni Valse ang kaniyang blazer coat at pinatong ito sa balikat ni Lavinia bago siya yakapin habang nakatalikod. Lavinia held his arms that's wrapping around her shoulder while looking at the statue of her mother.
"Do you miss your mother?" Valse asked.
"So much... I dreamed of her once. I may have never met her, but I can feel how much she loves me even from that dream. I wish I could have at least met her. She's... the reason why I wanted to protect this empire. Because this was her life. She sacrificed half of her life for the people of it," ani Lavinia.
"Hmm... she's an amazing woman for giving birth to someone like you as well," ngiti ni Valse.
Lavinia chuckled a bit before nodding, "Yes, she is."
Mom... I made it this far. I have already revealed to everyone every name that I have. I wonder what you could have said to me right now.
Or rather... would I even get here if you were able to survive the childbirth? Marahil ay hindi na. We could have been a happy family if you did not sacrifice yourself to give birth to me. Father and brothers wouldn't have to go through the pain of losing you right in front of them.
Nevertheless, thank you. Thank you for giving birth to me.
I should have said that before instead of blaming you for being foolish enough to give up your life for me.
Natigilan si Lavinia nang makaramdam ng sunod-sunod na pagtulo ng tubig sa kaniyang mukha. Tumingala siya sa madilim na kalangitan. Wala nang bituin o buwan na makikita roon.
"It seems it's going to rain soon. Bumalik na tayo sa carriage," ani Lavinia at humiwalay kay Valse.
Ngunit nanatili si Valse na nakatingala at nakapikit. Kumunot naman ang noo ni Lavinia.
"Hey, Valse. Tara na at uulan," aniya.
Ngumiti si Valse at tinignan si Lavinia.
"When was the last time you enjoyed the rain?" ngiti niya kay Lavinia.
"What?" natatawang tanong ni Lavinia.
"Come on, baby! We only have this moment. Better enjoy it while it lasts!" aniya at naglakad pa palapit sa statue.
"Huh? H-Hey, you crazy...!" tanging naiusal na lamang ni Lavinia sa gitna ng biglaang pagbuhos ng ulan.
Maya-maya ay hinila na siya ni Valse habang humahalakhak at iniikot si Lavinia.
"What the hell, Valse! Wait, wait!" natatawang usal ni Lavinia habang hinuhubad ang suot na stiletto.
This crazy man! Mabuti na lang at kami na lamang ang narito, bukod sa coachman na wala namang pakialam sa amin.
Basang-basa na sila sa ulan habang patuloy na humahalakhak sa gitna ng ulan. Lavinia was already holding her shoes, while Valse was holding his blazer coat. He was teasing Lavinia under the rain. As if children running from each other while nonchalantly laughing.
Maya-maya ay tumigil siya at marahang hinila nang marahan si Lavinia palapit sa kaniya. Hinawakan niya ang isang kamay ni Lavinia samantalang ang isa naman ay inilagay niya sa baywang ng dalaga.
"We did not finish our dance a while ago. Let's continue it here before the night ends," he whispered.
Napangisi na lamang si Lavinia nang magsimula na silang gumalaw. Valse was humming a tone she's not familiar with, but it had a nice ring to her ears. Lalo na sa mababang boses ni Valse.
She closes her eyes as she lays her head to Valse's chest, still dancing slowly in his arms under the pouring rain of the night...
As if it was the last of their peaceful days...
And as if a prophecy, the morning after, Lavinia woke up from the distress knocks of Astaril, it was a sudden call from Kamaria. The moment she entered her office, Lavinia's eyes widened in shock, her hands trembled.
In front of her is the Mcnairy children in a mess along with a heavily wounded Luan... with one arm and one eye missing.