Elaire's POV

"Remember, Elle, you must wait for a royal to speak to you first before making eye contact with them for the first time," sabi ni Doris habang papalabas kami ng Hall of Secrets. "Panatilihin mong nakababa ang iyong tingin hanggang sa kausapin ka ni Prince Mirev."

Nanliit ang aking mga mata, at inalala kung paano ko tinignan si Prince Inouen no'ng una kaming nagkita.

"Maintain a respectful attitude at all times. Do not ever raise your voice and lower your head for when you greet him or excuse yourself." There was warmth in her voice, but also a sense of seriousness. "Be alert. Be attentive and responsive to the prince's needs."

Maaga pa ng gabi nang lumabas kami at tumungo sa king's tower. Hinatid ako ni Doris sa entrada nito kung saan sinalubong ako ni Prince Inouen na nakapagbihis na ng uniform ng Academia.

Prince Mirev's private quarters cannot be accessed from the first floor of Sapphire Hall. Hindi konektado ang unang palapag ng hall sa mas matataas na palapag. May hagdan pero nasa loob ito ng king's tower na kasalukuyang tinatahak namin ni Prince Inouen.

"You'll have to get used to these stairs," sabi niya.

I lost count of how many spirals we climbed before we arrived at the second floor. Dalawang guards na nakatayo sa magkabilang gilid ng malaking archway ang yumuko kay Prince Inouen. Hindi niya ito pinansin at nagpatuloy kami sa paglakad sa kahabaan ng hall.

Unlike Prince Inouen's residence, Prince Mirev's residence was more closed and reserved. Hindi open ang corridor nito pero mayroon namang malalaking bintana na nakabukas. Nakasarado rin ang halos lahat ng mga pinto. Makulimlim at mas seryoso ang dating ng hall.

Nararapat lang din siguro na ganito. I think it's not a coincidence that the heir's residence is the above floors of the Hall of Secrets, where most soldiers are staying. He is the second most important vampire in the entire palace, right after his father, the king. Pero kahit makulimlim, maganda pa rin naman 'yong hall. Hindi rin ako pwedeng manghusga agad dahil baka nag-iibang anyo pala ang lugar na'to kapag naarawan.

Golden chandeliers lined along the ceiling, at may marbled pillars din na nakahanay sa magkabilang gilid ng malaking walkway. The hall may be intimidating but it was also enchanting— gray marbled floors, majestic doors, royal tapestries... everything was finely detailed. Walking along the luxurious hall made me feel surreal— pakiramdam ko lumulutang lang ako sa isang panaginip.

Huminto kami sa tapat ng isa sa malalaking pinto. Kinatok ito ni Prince Inouen bago buksan. Pumasok siya rito at pagkaraan ng ilang segundo, humakbang palabas.

"My brother's not in his drawing room," aniya. "I'm sure he's in his study."

Patungo sa kabilang dulo ng hall, napakunot ako ng noo nang mahagip ng aking ilong ang mayamang amoy. It was warm and inviting, with a hint of sweetness.

What is that?

For some reason, I can't use anything to compare it with because the scent was everything to me. I continued to sniff the air. Palihim ko itong ginawa habang nakasunod kay Prince Inouen at ilang sandali pa'y napagtantong galing ito mula sa loob ng isa sa mga pinto.

At nagkataong tumigil kami sa tapat nito.

Magkasalubong pa rin ang aking kilay nang iyuko ko ang aking ulo bilang paghahanda sa aming pagpasok. The scent has become duller now but my nose could still catch it. It was making my head spin. Bumuga ako ng mahinang hangin mula sa aking ilong.

"Elle," Prince Inouen called. He has already entered the room. Ni hindi ko narinig ang pagbukas niya ng pinto dahil nakabaling ako sa amoy.

Naalala ko ang sinabi ni Doris sa'kin— about meeting a royal for the first time. Nakasayad ang aking mga mata sa sahig nang pumasok ako sa malaking silid. The warm scent started to fade. Pinalitan ito ng amoy ng mga aklat na nakapalibot sa'min. The walls were painted the same color as an old page of a book— a dirty yellow. I couldn't look up at the high ceilings but at the top of my view there was a soft glow of white, illuminating the many wooden book shelves.

Nakahiwalay sa tatlong bahagi ang silid. There was the entrance that Prince Inouen and I just passed. Nasa puso na kami ngayon kung saan pinakamalaki ang espasyo. Sa gitna, may maliit na mesa, napalibutan ng sofa. Nakapatong ang mga ito sa isang mamahaling carpet. Still, napaligiran kami ng mga estante ng libro na abot sa kisame. There were plants, too, some were taller than me.

The room looked like a jungle of books and a bit of greenery. It was chaotically organized— trophies shared the same shelves with a few books. May mga luma at bagong certificates na nakasabit sa mga pader kasama ang iilang mga medalya.

"Your Highness." Sinalubong kami ni Gideon. The original one. He wore the same clothes as the one I met before. And his voice was still as sophisticated. "I shall see to her highness, Princess Feyren."

"Thanks, Gideon," sabi ni Prince Inouen.

Naramdaman ko ang panandaliang pagbigat ng tingin ni Gideon sa'kin nang dumaan siya sa aking tabi. He was clearly judging me. And behind us, the doors opened just to close again.

Sinundan ko si Prince Inouen patungo sa harap ng huling bahagi ng silid. There was a serious silence between Prince Inouen and I. Ipinagtaka ko ito no'ng una, hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang presensyang dahan-dahan naming nilapitan. Nagkamali ako no'ng inakala kong mapanghusga si Gideon, dahil habang humahakbang kami papalapit sa platform, unti-unting bumaba sa aking buong pagkabampira ang mas mabigat na pagsusuri ng isang pares ng mga matang hindi ko pa maaaring abutin.

Prince Inouen and I stopped in front of the two steps that raised the elevated part of the room. Out of instincts, my head lowered further, before the commanding presence in front of us— the heir. The silent heir that controlled the space around him with quiet authority.

Nakatuon ako sa maikling hagdan nang magsalita si Prince Inouen.

"You're still studying diplomatic laws?" kaswal niyang tanong, balewala ang kabigatan ng presensya sa aming harapan. "Or is that the revised version?"

And like a blade cutting through tension, a familiar voice replied.

"I told you to wait for me outside, Inouen."

Nanigas bigla ang aking buong katawan sabay hapit ng hangin sa aking mga baga.

"Your name. I am only asking for your name."

It was the same pitch. The same tone. My eyes fluttered weakly at the floor. The same vampire.

Nerves began to dance in my stomach. It betrayed my usual calmness and I tried my very best to not falter. Not even in the slightest, even when my pulse quickened. Umalingawngaw sa aking pandinig ang pagpupumiglas ng aking puso mula sa aking dibdib. Isang daliri ko ang gumalaw pero saglit lang dahil pinigilan ko ito— pinigilan ko ang aking katawan na manginig sa kabang unti-unting kumakain ng aking kamalayan.

"I'm here to deliver your new bodyguard," Prince Inouen said, worsening my nerves.

Umunat nang kaunti ang nanghihigpit kong mga labi at kumuyom ang aking palad, nang subukan kong hawakan ang kaba na binabagyo ang aking kalooban.

"Her name's Elle," Prince Inouen added. "Elaire Sylvane."

"Mmm." The heir hummed low in his throat. "Tell Feyren I'm coming out to say goodbye." I heard him shuffle on his seat. "You can leave."

Akmang aalis ako nang hindi nasisilayan si Prince Mirev nang pigilan ako ni Prince Inouen.

"Just me, Elle," sabi nito. "See you outside."

A short defeated sigh escaped from my lips as the second prince left the room. I was already weak with nerves when I faced the heir again, my head still lowered and my eyes never rising unless—

"Hello, Elaire."

Gently chewing my bottom lip, I finally came to term with the situation. Dahan-dahan kong inangat ang aking ulo at inabot ang tingin ng lalaking nakaupo sa likod ng engrandeng mesa.

"Your Highness," I breathed, under the shadow of a dark captivating gaze.

And the prince breathed with me. His chest slowly lifting while staring me down with his deep black eyes— eyes that carefully, intently, glanced at every corner of my face.

Nagtangkang kumunot ang kanyang noo nang muling magkasalubong ang aming tingin, habang patuloy akong humihinga nang malalim.

Please speak, I pleaded in my head. Please speak and make this strange air vanish.

"Elaire..." sambit niya, taglay ang boses na ikinakislap ng kuryente sa loob ng aking katawan. "Have you come to return what's mine?"

Napalunok ako bago nakapagsalita. "I tried looking for you." My throat threatened to tremble. "I didn't know who you were, until now... Your Highness."

He laid back, relieved. "I almost didn't recognize you yesterday. Ang laki kasi ng ipinagbago mo simula nang huli nating pagkikita."

"You saw me yesterday?" tanong ko.

The prince smiled at me, and my breath got caught in my throat while I stood, spellbound by the familiarity of it.

It was him, I realized. Kahit hindi pa niya sabihin. It was him that watched me from King's Hall. It was his smile that haunted me for an entire night— it was him.

Palihim akong napasinghap nang mapagtantong siya, siya ang lalaking nagpatunaw sa'kin sa sarili kong higaan kagabi hanggang kaninang madaling-araw.

Umawang ang aking bibig, hindi makapaniwala, pero agad din akong tumikom nang maiwasan kong mapaghalataan.

"I was visiting my father at King's Hall when I saw you at the inner court," sabi niya. "At the training grounds..." Lumihis ang kanyang paningin, malayo ang inaalala. "Inouen told me you were the strongest fighter in the underground arenas." Tila nahumaling siya sa sarili niyang sinabi at mahangin siyang tumawa nang ibalik sa'kin ang ngayo'y nanunuri niyang mga mata. "Very different from the girl I met fifty years ago."

Still in the process of collecting myself, I managed to reply, "Kinailangan kong magbago." And even though I changed a lot, it was still inside me, lingering— the pain of that night. "Or I would've found myself in the same situation that your highness found me in."

The gentle tilt of his head seemed to ask for my story but I kept silent.

Prince Mirev, the first prince, heir to the throne of Irvina, stared back at me, his gaze drowning me entirely.

He sat, relaxed, while I stood before him in awe because he was still the most beautiful man I have met in my entire life.

Hindi maputla ang kanyang kaputian. May kabuhay-buhay ito, at makinis ang balat niyang nagbibigay-diin sa iba pa niyang katangian— maitim ang kanyang buhok ngunit mas maitim ang mga mata niyang nagtataglay ng kalaliman ng isang buong kalawakan. Sa sobrang lalim, walang liwanag ang nakakapasok at nakakatakas. As for the rest of his features, they were like something out of a dream— sharp, chiseled, and impossibly real.

Prince Mirev stood from his seat and suddenly, he became a whole vision.

Naintindihan ko na kung ano ang ibig sabihin ni Prince Inouen no'ng sinabi niyang ipinanganak siya para lang maging prinsipe at hindi para maging hari. Dahil nasa harap ko ang isang lalaking ipinanganak na maging prinsipe at maging hari.

Prince Mirev towered over the table as he walked around it, his broad shoulders and straight back commanding. And he was able to carry the heavy air above him with effortless grace as if it was nothing. Nothing at all seemed to faze him.

Patuloy kong minasdan ang prinsipe na humakbang pababa sa maikling hagdan.

"Do you still have it?" He tugged the folded sleeve of his black dress shirt. "My cape?"

"Yes." Sumunod ako sa kanya. "Your Highness."

Inayos niya ang kabilang sleeve habang nakatalikod sa'kin. "Keep it. It is now yours," tugon niya. "Think of it as a welcoming gift of an employer to his new employee."

"Thank you," sambit ko. "Your Highness."

Nang mapansing patungo sa nakasaradong pinto 'yong prinsipe, mahinahon ko siyang inunahan upang buksan ito.

"Thank you, Elaire." Hindi niya ako binalingan ng tingin nang pasalamatan ako at nakapamulsang lumabas ng silid. He left a trail of scent that made me pause for a second.

Him again, I thought while closing the door. 'Yong napansin kong amoy kanina bago kami pumasok ni Prince Inouen sa study, galing ito sa kanya.

Habang nakasunod kay Prince Mirev, unti-unting tumuwid ang aking likod at tumaas ang aking noo, paayon sa makapangyarihan niyang dating. Pagkatapos, mabagal akong napabuga ng hangin.

I believe I can make it through my job as long as the prince keeps his back turned towards me. Huwag lang siyang humarap sa'kin at magiging maayos din ang lahat.

"Your Highness." Gideon met with us at the end of the hall. Nagtipon-tipon ang liwanag sa kamay niya at nang umaksyon siyang may ipinipresenta, lumipad ang liwanag mula sa kanyang palad at umikot-ikot ito hanggang sa namuo ang isang hugis bilog na portal.

"The prince and princess await at the west wing," sabi ni Gideon.

Inside the circle, I saw carriages being parked at a distance. Unang pumasok si Prince Mirev at sumunod kami ni Gideon. When we exited the portal, I walked behind the prince on his right, while Gideon followed on his other side. I took note of this— kung sa aling dako dapat akong sumunod sa prinsipe.

We were by the west gates, 'yong pinasukan ko pagkarating ko rito sa palasyo. A couple of maids and soldiers scurried around, carrying bags and wooden chests na inaabot nila sa footmen na silang naglalagay nito sa loob ng mga kalesa. There were a total of four carriages. Only one was empty while three were filled with luggages.

Sinalubong kami nina Prince Inouen at Princess Feyren na parehong nakangiti. Nagpalitan ng mga paalam ang tatlong magkakapatid habang kinausap naman ako ni Gideon.

"Has the second prince informed you about your duty as the new heir's guard?"

"I am not sure if he has told me everything," sagot ko.

"First, you are to study about the royal family and the royal palace," seryoso niyang tugon. "You must be able to pass the written exams that I will give you at the end of every week. Failure means immediate termination."

Humugot ako ng isang malalim na hininga.

Mmm... Naaamoy ko na ang aking pagbagsak...

"Elle, it is crucial for you to familiarize yourself with every information about the royal family and the entire royal palace," dagdag ni Gideon. "You must be equipped with the necessary knowledge to fulfill your duties effectively as the heir's guard."

"Of course," labag sa loob kong sang-ayon.

"I am glad you understand," aniya.

Madalang akong tumango-tango habang tumitingin sa malayo. "Of course..."

Hindi ko narinig ang kasunod na sinabi ni Gideon dahil nagsimula na akong mag-alala. He mentioned something about physical training and court schedules.

Nabaling ang aking atensyon kay Prince Inouen na tinawag ako.

"Elle, I leave my brother under your protection."

I bowed my head at him.

"Mag-ingat kayo," paalam naman ni Princess Feyren.

"Have a safe stay in Academia, Your Highnesses," sagot ni Gideon. "I trust that you will be diligent students."

Napangiti 'yong prinsesa. "Ang laki naman ng tiwalang ipinagkaloob mo sa'min, Gideon." Her soft chuckle rippled through the air like a gentle breeze. "We will try our best not to break your trust."

"And mine," Prince Mirev continued. "Most especially you, Inouen." Nilingon niya si Prince Inouen na napataas ng magkabilang kilay. "Do not cause trouble at school and be kind to your teachers. In Academia, you are more of a student than a prince."

"Kuya, sa tingin ko talaga ako 'yong magbabantay sa kanya..." mahinang tugon ni Princess Feyren. "When it should be the other way around."

"How about you both turn around so we can leave?" ani Prince Inouen. "It's already late."

The three of them bid their last goodbyes and Prince Mirev crossed his arms over his chest as he stood watch, observing his younger siblings step into the same carriage that soon departed through the west gates.

While he stood under the late night sky, I noticed how the stars seemed to adore the prince. Kakaiba kasi ang pagdapo ng liwanag ng mga ito sa madilim niyang anyo— mahinhin itong nakayakap sa bawat hugis ng kanyang katawan. It's as if the stars, too, recognized him as someone very important.

Pinigilan kong mamuo ang isang umiintinding ngiti sa aking labi.

Maybe... the stars recognized him as one of their own.

•••

Dahan-dahang umangat ang aking tingin sa tore ng mga librong ibinagsak ni Gideon sa mesa.

Sa sandaling nakabalik kami rito sa study room ng prinsipe, inutusan ni Gideon ang apat na sundalo na magdala ng isang mesa at isang upuan. I watched how the soldiers moved the new pieces of furniture into a corner of the room before realizing it was meant for me.

Sinubukan kong tanggalin ang isang libro mula sa tore. Nanlaki ang aking mga mata nang humilig ito at tuluyang nagsibagsakan ang mga libro sa mesa at sahig. I was about to apologize but I just held my mouth after Gideon looked at me, already looking exhausted.

Lowering my hand, I whispered, "Sorry." Tumayo ako at isa-isang pinulot 'yong mga libro. It took me a while but I managed to organize the books into shorter columns on the table, nang hindi ito madaling matumba.

Pagkatapos, muli akong umupo sa likod ng mesa.

"Before you begin studying, I need to evaluate your general knowledge of the royal family and the royal palace." Naglapag si Gideon ng isang test paper at isang fountain pen sa aking harapan. "This is just an assessment test, Elle. Regardless of the outcome, you will not be subjected to termination."

Inilapit ko ang test paper sa'kin sabay kuha ng pen.

Magsisimula na sana ako sa pagsagot nang biglang—

"However, I must assume that you are capable of answering most of the questions," taas-noong sabi ni Gideon. "Given that you chose to work in the palace, you likely already possess considerable knowledge about the royal family and their residence."

Pero nandito lang ako kasi malaki 'yong sahod... giit ko sa aking isipan.

Sighing, I started to stain the parchment with ink, completely unprepared.

'What is the other term for dream mages?'

Sinulat ko ang sagot sa ibabang espasyo ng tanong. 'Dreambearers'

'Enumerate the protective enchantments that guard the Hall of Reflections.'

I skipped to the next question.

'How do you summon the Guardians of the Veil?'

Skip.

'What crystal rests in the Hall of Mirrors?'

Mayroon nang Hall of Reflections tapos mayroon ding Hall of Mirrors? tanong ko pabalik sa test question at saka nilaktawan ito.

'What restricted part of the palace contains vast collections of ancient scrolls and grimoires?'

My answer? 'Secret Library'

After what felt like an eternity, I lowered the pen beside the paper and looked at Gideon who, once he noticed that I was finished, grabbed my test sheet.

Minasdan ko lang siya.

"Hmm." Pinihit-pihit niya ang suot niyang monocle habang idinidiin ang kanyang mukha sa papel. "Yes. Interesting." Inilayo na naman niya ang test sheet sabay singkit ng kanyang mga mata. "Very impressive."

I let out a breath of relief.

"It is, indeed, very impressive that you did not get a single question correct, Elle."

Mula kay Gideon, mabilis na lumipat ang aking interes sa polish paint ng mesa. It complemented the oak wood perfectly. Makinis ito, makintab... maganda ang pagkakapinta...

My gaze was still fixed on the table when an unexpected sound echoed from a distance— a soft chuckle that distracted me from my own distractions. Sumulyap ako sa direksyon na pinanggalingan nito at nakita si Prince Mirev na natatawang nakamasid mula sa likod ng sarili niyang mesa.

Kumislap ang kapilyuhan sa makulimlim niyang mga mata habang blangko akong nakatitig sa kanya.

"Gideon." The prince's tone was laced with mischief. "May I see?"

Nilingon ko si Gideon.

No.

"You must not, Your Highness." Lumiyab ang test paper sa kamay ni Gideon. Nag-anyong mga baga ito na naglaho sa hangin. "It is shameful. It does not deserve to be seen by your eyes at all."

I subtly nodded my head in agreement.

"For your information, Elle," Gideon said firmly. "Prince Mirev is a dreamweaver, not a dreambearer." He was clearly disappointed, his shoulders slumping on his stiff back. "And the palace does have a secret library, but it is called The Royal Archives."

"I think dreambearer has a better ring to it." Marahang hinawakan ni Prince Mirev ang kanyang baba. "Don't you think so?"

Dahan-dahang yumuko ang aking ulo upang itago ang isang ngiti na nagbabantang mamuo. I licked my lips, bit my bottom lip, and did my best to stop my mouth from grinning.

"Your Highness," Gideon called, his voice tired and pleading. "You have your own studies and obligations to attend to."

The prince closed his book and stood from his seat. "It is late," aniya. "I would like to retire."

On the way out of the study, Gideon told me that I didn't have to guard the prince's sleeping chambers since he has his own nightwatch— soldiers that guard his room and the entire hall during the night. Ibig sabihin, nagtatapos ang shift ko sa tuwing umuuwi ang prinsipe sa kanyang kwarto, at nagsisimula ito sa madaling araw.

Lumabas ako ng Sapphire Hall at bumaba sa paikot na hagdan ng King's Tower. Sinalubong ako ng malamig na simoy ng hangin nang makaapak ako sa lupa. At imbes na tumuloy sa Hall of Secrets, pumunta ako sa training grounds.

A number of soldiers, dressed like knights, were scattered across the field. All of them were training but only one pair caught my attention. Tumabi ako sa isang pangkat ng mga sundalo na nanonood sa dalawang bampirang naglalaban. Both fighters wore armor. One was a woman while the other was a man.

I was actually relieved to see another woman on the field. May bahagi sa'kin na gusto siyang kilalanin. I watched how she matched her strength with her enemy's. It took me a while but I realized that both of them were non-mages, and yet, they fought better than the rest of the knights training in the field.

I figured out why— ayon sa nahagip kong pag-uusap ng ibang mga sundalo, ang dalawang bampira na kasalukuyang nagtatagisan sa aking harapan ay commanders of knightly orders, or in simpler terms, they were generals of the royal army.

The man was called Admiral Enrioch from the Order of Bronzefolk. While the woman was Admiral Sienna from the Order of Victoria. Apparently, she was also a noble— Lady Sienna, Baroness of Hadlow.

To become a knight or an official soldier of the kingdom, you must join an order. Maihahantulad ito sa mga clubs sa eskwelahan. Hindi ko pa gaanong naiintindihan— how these 'orders' work, but I heard that a knight's duty depends on his or her chosen order.

Humalukipkip ang aking mga braso sa dibdib habang minamasdan ang dalawang knight commanders.

Their strength resonated through the air. Every flick of their wrist and every step of their feet was calculated. Sobrang bilis ng kanilang pagkilos at ni isang sandali hindi ko sila nakitang nag-alangan. They were very confident with their own skills. Walang bakas ng takot o kaba sa kanilang mga mukha. Determinasyon lang na may kasamang pagkahibang sa kakayahan ng isa't isa. They were having serious fun while the soldiers that watched them feared for their lives.

I need to train harder, I thought. Magaling akong lumaban pero hindi kasinggaling nila. Against their physical power, I would have faltered. I would have, actually, feared for my own life.