[ C H A P T E R 29 ]
LATISHA VALENTINE
Everyone has been busy since the winter ended. Sa dami ng nangyari, hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses nagpapahinga ang mga tao sa mansion simula nang makauwi kami. Series of conflicts has been brewing, not just internally but also the state of Edinburgh. Halos buong taglamig marami ang nasawi at nawalan.
At pinakamatindi ay hindi pa ito tapos. It is the beginning of something a lot of people have been preparing, but not entirely all are prepared. Wala naman talagang makakapaghanda sa mga mangyayari, maliban na lang kung nasaksihan na nila ito.
It may be an advantage for me since I know what would happen once Lamperouge lost the election and whoever will replace his leadership is the first step to an Imperial War, but I can't help feeling anxious.
The future is laiden, an inevitable course that propels our lives into a series of obstacles and survival. Kahit anong paghahanda ko, alam kong may posibilidad na may mangyayaring hindi kasama sa plano. I already ran through the entire possibilities of what could happen, who are involved, and the deployment of troops.
I know everything, but I am never at ease, because I know, even if I do my best to limit the casualties, this preordained future will still ruin us.
Iniisip ko na lamang na kailangan itong mangyari, sa umpisa pa lang, alam na ng lahat kung sino ang kalaban. It was the rebel who's name is the black cat. It was me, and this time, it is still me.
"Mommy?"
Binababa ko ang hawak na tsaa nang marinig namin ang maliit na boses ni Annika. Dahan-dahan at mukhang nahihiya siyang lumabas sa closet area. She was playing with the lining of her dress as she slyly looked at us.
"She's embarrassed," Nethys interrupted a moment of silence that took the scene the moment Annika Marbella Reidensteigh went out wearing her birthday gown.
"Bakit kasi ganyan ka makatingin," saad ni Erwan sa katabi sabay siko kay Nethys ng mahina. "Malamang nahihiya 'yan sa titig mong mukha mo siyang pi-pritohin sa kalan na may mainit na tubig."
Nethys only groaned his response.
I couldn't help but smile as Annika's gaze met mine. She dazzled in a sky blue gown, intricately embroidered with delicate butterflies. Azure wings adorned the back, accompanied by a small tiara. Her hair, elegantly styled in a bun, held together with clips and ribbons.
I extended my arms eagerly, an inviting gesture for her to approach. With unwavering confidence, she traversed the space, and in an instant, I enveloped her petite frame.
"You're absolutely stunning, my love," I murmured tenderly into her ear. The warmth of our embrace lingered, and as it dissipated, my fingers delicately rearranged the stray strands of her hair, revealing a beaming smile.
"Happy birthday, Annika Marbella," I continued, the words resonating with a blend of pride and affection. "I hope you enjoy your day, darling."
"Seeing you happy already completes my day, Mommy," she said in her little, cute voice. At five, her fluency has remarkably improved, a testament to her diligent lessons.
"Happy Birthday to the current youngest lady of Reidensteigh, Annika. Ito na ang huling beses mong nag-ce-celebrate ng birthday na ikaw pa mag-isa, next year may mga iyak na ng mga kapatid mo," Erwan cheerfully remarked as he approached the child.
My heart suddenly felt a sting with what Erwan said. The realization that next year's celebration would be shared with siblings brought a poignant twinge, a subtle shift in the dynamics of her birthdays. It might bring joy for the Duchy to have tons of Reidensteigh running in the corridors, it aches my heart to think that might not happen in the near future.
"Polar Bear, do I look pretty?" Annika asked Nethys, who had been silent for a while. He glanced at the child for a mere second and let out a low scoff that left Annika bewildered. "What does that mean? Do I look ugly?"
"Hindi!" Erwan quickly replied. "Walang taste of fashion 'yang tinanong mo. Kita mo nga di'ba puro puti lang sinusuot niyan? Maganda ka, Annika. Maling tao lang tinanong mo," he added, grinning widely as if daring Nethys for a retort.
Nethys narrowed his eyebrows and was aiming to hit Erwan with his fist when I interrupted. "Boys, don't display violence in front of my daughter," I uttered with a firm voice, raising an eyebrow to emphasize my point.
Nethys left with another scoff. "I'll leave first." Before walking away, he cast a parting glance at Annika. "You look ugly with that ribbon, pet," he retorted, leaving Annika pouting.
"He didn't mean that, child," I reassured her. "You look beautiful in any dress you wear. That's a trademark of having Reidensteigh blood; they always look good in everything," I continued, hoping to dispel any lingering discomfort.
"You think so, Mommy? Is that why you said father looked good when he wore something non-regal?" she asked, catching me off guard. When did I share that with her?
"Kind of?" I replied with a carefully balanced smile. It seemed like I might be at a disadvantage in conversations with this child.
She let out a giggle, and I couldn't help but join in, though it also deepened the ache for Roshan's presence. Taking a deep breath, I straightened up, the corset constricting but necessary for today's regal celebration. I can't wait to finish this day and change into a comfortable wardrobe.
"The guests are waiting, your grace."
Sir Hasan's interruption drew our attention, prompting a collective movement towards the event. I held my daughter's hand, only to sense a shift from warmth to coldness.
"What's wrong, Annika?" I asked, concern etched on my face. Bending slightly, our gazes met. Her eyes reflected fear and nervousness, prompting me to caress her in an attempt to ease the unease.
"Mommy, when will the duke arrive?" she innocently inquired. Her beautiful eyes carried a mix of longing and hope. "Would my father miss my birthday again?"
Right. Since Annabelle's passing on the same day Annika was born, Roshan hadn't celebrated this event each year. I had compelled him to mark their daughter's birthday this time, but uncertainty lingered about their timely arrival.
Blessime's recent letter arrived yesterday, and Magnus had mentioned the possibility of arriving before sunset, barring setbacks. Maski ako ay nababahala rin sa haharapin nilang paglalakbay pauwi, pero nanaig pa rin sa aking isip na makakauwi sila ng matiwasay.
I forced a smile. "He promised us, and the Duke of Reidensteigh doesn't break promises. He will come, child. He needs to," I reassured, though the uncertainty still gnawed at me.
I stood up and reached for her hand once more. With a smile etched on our faces, we strolled toward the place in the mansion where her birthday will be celebrated.
The wide ballroom of the mansion was changed into a garden-themed party; there are only a few trusted guests, including Annika's tutors. As we both walked towards the center, the guests' eyes followed us with curiosity.
"Look, it's the Duchess and the young lady," one of the guests' daughters whispered to another child, their hushed excitement filling the air. Mga kaklase ito ni Annika, total gusto rin naman namin na may mga bata sa event kahit pa may nangyayaring hindi kaaya-aya sa buong lungsod.
I guided Annika to a wooden throne adorned with leaves and butterflies at the center. "Annika, my darling, sit here. This is your special day," I said, helping her onto the throne. The guests then erupted in soft applause, their faces beaming with joy.
I took a step forward as my eyes scanned the room filled with familiar faces. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this joyous occasion. Today, we celebrate not just the passing of another year but the bright, beautiful soul that is Annika Marbella Reidensteigh."
The crowd responded with warm smiles, and Annika's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Annika, my precious, you have brought immeasurable joy into our lives. Today, as you turn another year older, our hearts swell with pride and love for the remarkable person you are becoming." Annika grinned, a mix of shyness and excitement. I smiled at her before continuing, "As your mother, it's an honor to witness your growth, your laughter, and the light you bring into our home."
I paused, glancing at the guests who listened intently. "Let us rejoice and celebrate the gift of Annika's life. Happy birthday, my love," I ended my speech with a wide smile and a series of claps that soon followed by the guest.
The guests erupted in cheers, and I stepped back, feeling a surge of emotion as Annika beamed from her throne, surrounded by the warmth of those who cared for her.
She had grown so much, Latisha.
As my speech concluded, I glanced around the room, noting the guests who had embraced the garden theme with their attire. A woman in a floral dress caught my eye, and she seemed to know I was looking.
"You look absolutely enchanting, Lady Graciela. Your gown complements the garden theme perfectly," I complimented, her eyes appreciating the effort put into the wardrobe choices.
Lady Graciela curtsied gracefully. "Thank you, Duchess. I thought I'd bring a touch of the garden indoors."
Hindi nagtagal ang usapan namin dahil may kailangan pa siyang kausapin. Others in attendance had also embraced the theme. A gentleman in a suit adorned with subtle leaf patterns approached. Of course, among others, he sure wants attention.
"Lord of the State, your attire is quite fitting for the occasion," I acknowledged, grinning to match Napoleon's boastful expression.
Napoleon chuckled. "Well, I had to make an effort for Annika's special day. The garden theme is splendid."
"Oh," I said, my tone turning serious. "I thought you'd wear black since it is also her mother's death anniversary." My sparkling eyes shifted into emotionlessness.
"Don't bring that up," he retorted. "My niece is happy right now, and that matters," he continued.
"You were adamant days before, and now you are behaving like a dog," I said, disapproving of his demeanor.
"I heard a rumor, and this one is not baseless," he said. He made sure na kami lang ang nandito sa gilid at walang nakakarinig. We tried to smile when guests offered their courtesies, but we shifted back into seriousness as we looked at each other.
"Make haste; I have to talk to the other guests," I urged, not eager to continue the conversation. Napoleon's presence was testing my patience.
"The duke got stranded in the side mountains," he dropped the bomb, making my breathing sharpen as I looked at him unbelievingly. "Don't worry, they are fine, as my messenger said. But I think you have to be prepared."
"For what?" I inquired, making sure my anxiety wasn't exposed.
"They were saved by someone," he uttered. Napoleon met my eyes, conveying an intent I couldn't decipher, but it made my heart pound with fear. "I want to give Annika the best gift that even diamonds can never compare. So, I am patiently waiting for their arrival."
"What exactly do you want me to think?" saad ko. Ramdam na ramdam ko na parang sasabog ata ako sa lakas ng tibok ng aking puso. Isali pa na medyo masikip ang suot kong damit at dala na rin sa corset, habol-habol ko na ang aking hangin.
"Remember, five years ago, after Annabelle gave birth to Annika, I took them both to escape. Our carriage was ambushed by the assassins of the Emperor, and they particularly aimed to kill them both," Napoleon paused as he met my blazing eyes. Did he truly disseminate this information on the exact day of Annika's birthday?
"You arrived, helping me fight off the assassins but Annabelle was shot with poison arrows. You told me to run and keep the child safe before going back to the Duchy, while you are left with her dying body," he continued.
"Can you stop bringing the past—"
"You said she died, you told everyone she's dead and even believed that she truly was," he cut me off.
By this time, alam ko na ang gusto niyang ipahiwatig. Halos manlabo na ang aking paningin habang nakatingin sa kanya dahil sa nagbabagyang mga luha na kanina ko pa pinipigilan.
"They said she was burned along with those who killed her, but up to this very day I was hoping she's alive somewhere," he began speaking again. Napakagat na lamang ako sa aking labi. There are too many emotions flowing in his eyes and I can't seem to find the courage to defend myself.
"She's alive, isn't she?" he asked, finally.
"She's dead," I said firmly, I didn't even falter even if Napoleon's eyes had been piercing my soul. "I saw the Viscount burn her along with the dead assassins. I stayed shut for years to not get on the bad side of the duke and even the Emperor, so I could win their favor. She's dead, Napoleon, she's fucking dead and suck it up!"
Nagsukatan ang aming mga tingin dalawa. Parehong ayaw magpa-awat at parehong matigas ang ulo. I don't really care if the guests start to feel our tension. Hindi ko lang gusto ngayon ang kung bakit kailangan dito pa namin pag-usapan ito kung marami naman kaming oras na pwede namin ibunton lahat sa isa't isa.
It is true, Annabelle was dead, no one ever lived when being shot by poison arrows. The same arrow that shot me. Yes, I know who tried to kill me, and I fucking know what happened that fucking night.
She's dead, she's long gone.
"Your grace!"
Tinig ni Erwan ang nagpatigil sa amin dalawa ni Napoleon. I diverted my eyes at the butler when he approached us. His face beams with enthusiasm that makes me think instantly of what that could mean.
"They have arrived," Erwan said. Ngingiti na sana ako subalit biglang napalian ang maligayang mukha ni Erwan. "They are with someone, your grace."
"What?" I said in surprise.
"She's back," Napoleon uttered. "Annabelle..."
Napatingin ako kay Napoleon. "What did you do?"
"I finally found her, and with every intention to make things right and remove you from the Reidensteigh land you fucking traitor, I purposely saved the duke after they got stranded at the side of the mountains," he replied in a whisper.
What?
"You planned all of these?" I asked, and it was his expression that made the answer crystal clear. A confident fucking traitor.
"This is war, Latisha Valentine Moore," he replied.
*~*~*~*
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