Prologue
Knights 2: Demon's Destruction
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"Good evening, Your Highness."
"Welcome back to the palace, Your Highness."
Sabay-sabay na nagsiyukuan ang bawat taong nadadaanan ng babaeng nagmamay-ari ng kulay gintong mga mata. She didn't bother to greet back, nor look at them. She continued walking like she own the whole place, well she does.
"Apo, I'm glad you're here. It's been so long since I last saw you, have you been well?" Malalim na boses ang nanggaling mula sa matandang nakaupo sa gitna.
"I'm also glad to see you, Emperor. But I'm not here to take over your position. You know how much my dad want that and I don't want him to kill me." Ang malamig na boses na 'yon ang nagdala ng kilabot sa mga taong naroon sa loob.
"I won't let that happen. Besides, how's your study? You're in college now, right?" Tumango nang marahan ang dalaga sa tanong nito.
"I'm fine. But remember to fire the professor that I hate so much, or I'll kill him myself."
"I already talk to Sinco about that. By the way, you've grown to a beautiful woman. As I expected, your eyes are still beautiful." Ngumiti ang matanda.
"I accept everything you say as a compliment, Emperor. But don't praise my eyes that much, lalaki ang ulo ko." Tumawa nang malakas ang lalaki sa sinabi ng babaeng kaharap.
"You little kid. Why don't you just accept this position? Ikaw ang pinakaperpektong princess. I want you to--"
"You know the palace rules, Your Highness. The Crown Prince, which is my father, should be on that position. Hindi puwedeng tumalon sa akin ang trono," she said.
"Apo."
"I prefer being a simple central guard, Emperor. Napag-usapan na natin ang bagay na 'to." Naging mariin ang tono ng boses ng dalaga na maging ang matanda ay naapektuhan.
"Alright, apo, I won't force you. Don't get mad." Pagpapakalma nito sa babae.
She grinned. "I came here as Arrow Vlood, as your grandchild, and not as a princess, Emperor. I want to ask for some important things, and I hope you can give those things to me," she stated seriously.
Umupo ang matanda sa trono nang marinig ang bagay na 'yon. "You want us two, alone?" Tumango ang babae. The Emperor signaled everyone to come out, so they did in just few seconds. "What is it, my grandchild?"
"I want to live a normal life, Emperor. I want those palace guards around me, gone. Alam mong ayoko nang may sumusunod sa akin, and they might end up dead kapag hindi mo sila pinatigil," Arrow stated.
"But apo, hindi puwedeng wala kang bantay. I have to protect you from--"
"You're insulting me, Emperor." Tumaas ang kilay ng babae.
Napalunok ang matanda at umiling. "I trust you, but--"
"You don't know how much I hate the word 'but'. You don't trust me enough. Kaya habang hindi mo ako pinagkakatiwalaan, I will never take that position that you're offering me!" sigaw ng dalaga.
"Apo, calm down. Please. May tiwala ako sa 'yo, malaki ang tiwala ko sa 'yo pero hindi ko kayang mapahamak ka. Please let the palace guards protect you," umiiling na sabi ng matanda sa kaharap.
"I've decided already. Alisin mo ang mga bantay ko, or you'll see their dead bodies in front your palace in two days." Humakbang na palayo ang babae pagkasabi non.
She was about to get out but the Emperor spoke.
"Apo, where are you going? Have a dinner with us first before you leave." Humarap siya sa matanda.
"Thank you for taking care of me, lolo. But I think this will be the last time that you'll see me. I need to leave. And please, take care of yourself while I'm away." She smiled sweetly to her grandfather.
Natulala ang matanda hanggang sa pag-alis ng pinakamamahal na apo.
Arrow smiled, for the first time after 8 years. She smiled, and that's the sweetest smile she ever gave him.
But what does that smile mean?
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