Elaire's POV

Hindi pa sumisikat ang araw nang makarating ako sa Sapphire Hall. Walang umiihip na hangin pero malamig ang mga pasilyong dinaanan ko patungo sa kwarto ni Prince Mirev. Dalawang sundalo ang nakita kong naka-station sa magkabilang gilid ng malalaking pinto nito. They wore the same uniforms as the other knights but a different color— black. Bitbit ng isa ang isang shield at espada, habang 'yong isa naman ay mayroong mahabang sibat na nakatukod sa tabi nito. They were the Prince's nightwatch, at pinalitan ko sila dahil mag-mamadaling araw na.

Hindi ko napansin ang paglipas ng mga minuto habang matuwid akong nakatayo sa tabi ng pinto, ibig sabihin, nasasanay na ako sa gawain kong ito bilang heir's guard. Sometimes it is boring but boring means there's nothing bad happening, kaya hindi kareklamo-reklamo ang gawain kong ito.

Lumilitaw ang liwanag ng umaga nang bumukas ang pinto at lumabas si Gideon na maraming dalang mga libro at papel. Ilang sandali pa'y lumabas din ang prinsipe kasama ang dalawang katulong na abala sa pag-aayos ng kasuotan niyang ngayon ko lang nakita.

"Good morning, Elaire," kalmado niyang bati nang lagpasan ako at ilang segundo akong hindi nakagalaw, dahil buong akala ko dati na wala nang mas ikahahalina ang kanyang buong hitsura.

But I was wrong.

Dali-dali akong sumunod sa kanya.

The prince looked like a general in his royal attire— dark blue garments tailored to perfection. Both his tunic and trousers shimmered faintly in the light— pero hindi na nito kailangan pang lumiwanag nang todo upang ipaalam ang magandang kalidad nito. Maingat ang pagkahabi ng kanyang uniporme, at kumikislap ang mga pilak nitong detalye— ang maliliit na burda at ang nakakadenang mga butones sa lawak ng kanyang harapan.

Biglang huminto ang prinsipe. Sinamantala ng isang katulong ang sandaling ito at agad tumingkayad upang ipasuot sa kanya ang isang magarang sash kung saan naka-pin ang iilang gintong medalya.

Prince Mirev turned around, locking his gaze upon mine.

Mabilis na tumikom ang aking bibig nang namalayan kong nakaawang pala ito.

"I forgot my favorite pen," the prince casually said, as if he wasn't bathed in wealth and power in front of me, to the point that I instinctively lowered my head— nanliit ako sa kanyang harapan— pakiramdam ko'y ang tumingala sa kanya ay humangad ng hindi nakakamtan.

Nilagpasan niya ako pabalik sa kanyang kwarto. Napabuga ako ng hangin bago muling sumunod sa kanya.

This wasn't the first time that the prince forgot something while on the way to his study. Sapagkat sa ikalawang pagkakataon, nakalimutan na naman daw niya ang binigay ni Gideon na agenda.

He came out of his room carrying a sheet of paper and when he stopped in the middle of the hallway for the third time, I tried to hide a chuckle.

"Your forgot something, Your Highness?" tanong ko.

"My cape," aniya at nagmamadaling bumalik sa kanyang kwarto.

He is nervous, puna ko habang hinihintay siyang lumabas, at hindi ko naiwasang makaramdam ng kakaibang gaan nang matantong pati ang mga bampirang katulad niya ay inaatake din pala minsan ng balisa.

Because later this morning will be the prince's first Court of Lords— a hearing, a gathering, among all the lords of the kingdom. Usually, 'yong hari at Lord Chancellor ang namumuno nito pero ngayon, sina Prince Mirev at Gideon na ang magpapatakbo sa isa sa pinakamahalagang korte ng kaharian.

May pinapamahalaan din namang mga korte 'yong prinsipe, pero minsan lang ang pagtitipon-tipon nito dahil maliliit lang ito kung ikukumpara sa mga korte na hawak ng hari. This is the first time that Prince Mirev will handle one of the king's courts— and not just any court— it is the most powerful, Court of Lords.

Dahil sa mabilis na pagbukas ng mga pinto, humangin sa kinatatayuan ko, at biglang dumaan sa aking harapan ang isang mahabang bakas ng mayamang asul. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang dulo nito at nalamang ito ang kulay ng kapang nakasabit sa likod ng prinsipeng kalalabas lang.

The prince also left a trail of his rich and inviting scent that immediately struck a vein inside me. Pumikit ako at labag sa loob na iniwas ang aking ulo mula rito, nang hindi tuluyang mapukaw ang init ng dugo sa aking katawan.

It was unexplainable— what Prince Mirev was doing to me, and he had not the slightest idea.

Kinolekta ko ang aking sarili bago sumunod sa kanya.

The width of his shoulders loomed authority over me while his royal blue cape floated behind him with grace. Kumikinang din ang gintong shoulder piece ng kanyang kapa na nakakabit sa magkabilang balikat niya, at di kalauna'y naalala ko ang tawag ng iba sa kanya.

The Prince of Dreams.

Against the morning light, Prince Mirev was the midnight sky.

Everything about him was both captivating and haunting. 'Yong mga katangian niya ay nasa pagitan ng mahiwagang kagandahan at mapanganib na kadiliman. He was, visually, a prince that seemed to have come out of my dreams.

Malapit na kami sa pinto ng study nang huminto ang prinsipe. Ilang sandali siyang hindi kumilos at saka bumuntong-hininga, bago tumuloy sa silid.

Pumasok kami at una kong napansin ang bagong test sheet na nakapatong sa aking mesa. Kahit nang lapitan kami ni Gideon ay nakatuon pa rin ako rito.

I really thought I could escape Gideon's exams today...

Dumiretso ako sa likod ng mesa at matamlay na umupo, sabay kuha ng fountain pen na nakahanda sa tabi nito. Habang sumasagot, pinakinggan ko ang simula ng pag-uusap nina Gideon at Prince Mirev.

"Are you ready for the court, Your Highness?"

"No. I forgot my crown."

"Yes. I can see. I shall send a servant to collect it."

Halos isang oras ang ginulgol ko para matapos 'yong test. I didn't rush it, seeing that the prince and Gideon were also taking their time in preparing. They went over the court's agenda twice and then talked about how to answer the lords, kung sakaling may mangwestiyon sa kanila. Umakto ring isa sa mga lords si Gideon at sinubok niya ang prinsipe sa pamamagitan ng pagtutol ng mga sagot nito.

After all was said and done, kinuha ni Gideon ang aking papel. Itinupi niya ito at ibinulsa, sabay sabing titignan niya ito mamaya, pagkatapos ng court.

Mahinahon akong tumayo at sa likod ni Gideon, nasilayan ko ang prinsipe na nakatayo sa gitna ng silid, nakatuon sa agenda habang nakapameywang ang isang kamay. Huminto siya sa pagbabasa. Kuminang ang gintong korona na suot niya nang sandaling umangat paharap ang kanyang ulo at kasunod niya akong nilingon.

Inisip niya atang may gusto akong sabihin sa kanya, dahil nang malaman niyang wala akong ibig iparating, nagkasalubong ang kanyang kilay, nagtataka kung bakit ako nakatitig sa kanya.

Ibinaba niya ang kanyang kamay sabay tuwid ng kanyang tayo. "Your flatter me, Elaire," sabi niya. "But you are making me more nervous than the court of lords."

Nabara ang tingin ko sa kanya dahil kay Gideon na pumagitna sa'min.

"Now is not the time for flattery nor anxiety, Your Highness," the royal advisor remarked, his back turned to me. "Twilight Hall awaits your presence."

Twilight Hall is where courts are assembled. Nasa gusali ito ng King's Hall at nang makarating kami sa harap ng malaking pintuan nito, sinalubong kami ng hari, kasama sina Lord Lucius at Admiral Bane na nakasunod sa kanya.

Gideon and I bowed for the king while the Lord Chancellor and King's Guard bowed for the prince.

"You must go through this court without making me speak, Mirev," sabi ng hari. "Not a single word."

Binuksan ng dalawang sundalo 'yong pinto. Mabilis na naglaho ang ingay mula sa loob nito nang magkatabing pumasok sina King Asthor at Prince Mirev.

All heads bowed at them while I looked at the entirety of the hall. It was big and grand but what really caught my attention was its ceiling. Walang nakasabit na chandeliers— wala itong mga ilaw. The ceiling was enchanted because instead of lights, a magical twilight sky illuminated the entire hall. Para itong totoong langit sa tuwing takipsilim pero umiiba-iba ang kulay nito. Lumulutang din ang maliliit na bituin kasama ang maninipis na mga ulap.

Umakyat kami sa maespasyong platform sa dulo ng hall. Mayroong podium sa gitna nito kung saan dumako si Gideon. Katabi nito ang isang trono na inupuan naman ng prinsipe. Samantalang, sa likuran ng platform, mayroong isang upuan para sa hari. Sa magkabilang gilid niya nakatayo sina Lord Lucius at Admiral Bane. Nakatayo rin ako habang nasa parehong hanay nila pero malayo-layo dahil mas malapit ako sa trono.

The Lords of Irvina look small from where I stood. They filled the benches made of polished wood and along the walls, close to the clouds, there were terraces— para sa iba't ibang pangkat ng council na magiging saksi sa kung anumang mangyayari at kahahantungan ng court.

Gideon opened the court by acknowledging the presence of the king and then greeting the lords.

"Today's court also marks the first attendance of the Grand Duke of Irvina, Lord of Anveil, and High Commander of the Royal Fleet, Lord Admiral Cassien of Shadowmere Isles," Gideon especially mentioned by the end of his opening speech.

I searched the sea of lords and finally found a familiar face. Nagkasalubong ang aming tingin ni Lord Cassien at pagkatapos niya akong ngitian, bahagya kong iniyuko ang aking ulo para sa kanya. Mula sa'kin, lumipat ang mga mata ng grand duke kay Prince Mirev na hindi ko mahagilap dahil nakatalikod sa'kin ang trono— humilig 'yong prinsipe at bahagyang umikot upang saglit akong sulyapan sa likod, tila may kinukumpirma.

Ipinagtaka ko ito.

What was that about?

Gideon cleared his throat before tackling the first item on their agenda: the relocation of a few small neighborhoods. Gideon spoke a general summary of it and all was calm until the Prince's declaration.

"I propose we halt these relocations and focus on relocating the immigrants instead," sabi ng prinsipe, na ikinatigas ng mga mukha ng iilang lords. "I do not see why it's necessary to move our own citizens when there are still immigrants who have not yet found a home in our lands."

"Your Highness, our citizens are being moved for the kingdom's future establishments," one of the Lords explained.

To which the prince replied, "The kingdom's or yours?"

I slightly turned to the king who adjusted himself on his seat, as if he was bracing.

Before a Lord could answer, Prince Mirev added, "If anyone objects, Gideon is prepared to read every inconsistency we have found from the records of a few lords' properties— owned and proposed."

Inilibot ko ang aking paningin sa dukes, barons, viscounts, at ibang lords na nagulat muna bago unti-unting nalukot sa irita ang kanilang mga mukha. They were quiet. They were, silenced.

Prince Mirev. Tinignan ko ang trono sa aking unahan. He's playing with fire.

"Proceed, Gideon," mahinahon niyang tugon.

"Next, is the concern of blood taxes and uncontrolled harvesting among our regions," anunsyo ni Gideon. "We have received reports from our chiefs that..."

My lips pursed tight as some lords stared at the prince's seat, seemingly displeased. Kasunod kong nilingon ang hari na nakapangalumbaba sa kanyang upuan, maiging nakikinig.

"Such concern is related to our increasing crime rate," dugtong ni Gideon. "And the rumored cannibalism..."

"Because the poor is staying poor," dahilan ng prinsipe. "I do not know of every village's situation so I must urge you, our kingdom's lords, to take care of this in your own courts and ensure the well-being of our citizens. Someday soon, I may need to visit a random village to check on their condition."

Kasunod nilang pinag-usapan ang mga piratang dumarami at patuloy na umaaligid malapit sa mga baybayin ng Irvina, ngunit sa kabila nito, nananatili pa ring mababa ang bilang ng mga lugar na nasakop ng mga pirata dahil kay Lord Cassien na nakatanggap ng maraming sulat ng rekomenda at pasasalamat mula sa mga chiefs at village leaders na tinulungan niya.

"Am I entitled to ask for something of you, Your Highness?" magaang tanong ng grand duke. "Because there is something..."

"Sure," maikling sagot ng prinsipe.

"I have noticed that the Lords of your lands are always unable to help the coastal villages," sabi ng grand duke, dahilan na lingunin siya ng maraming lords. "I am not quite sure, kung hindi ba nila magawang tumulong o hindi nila kayang tumulong."

"I ask that all coastal matters be redirected to me instead," tugon niya. "Because I know I am always able to help them and very much capable."

Halata ang pagkaigi ng ibang lords sa isasagot ng prinsipe. They were afraid that the grand duke will begin claiming their coastlands as his territory— a consequence of their own negligence.

"The King and I will need more time to consider," Prince Mirev said.

Umiintinding ngumiti si Lord Cassien, balewala ang mga matang mariing nakatitig sa kanya. "Very well, Your Highness."

Ang kasunod nilang pinag-usapan ay ang nag-aabang na okasyon sa kaharian— ang pagdating ng bagong hari ng Halzen.

Nagsimula nang mamanhid ang aking mga binti nang matapos sila. I didn't keep track of time but I was sure their talk about the new king's visit lasted for the rest of the morning. Nakumpirma ko ito nang salubungin kami ng tanghaling init pagkalabas namin ng Twilight Hall.

"I wish you be gentler to the lords, Mirev." The king walked alongside the prince while we headed to the throne room. "Once they realize how stubborn you could be, they will resort to strange ways to get your favor."

"Hindi kita pinapayuhang magbago," tugon ng hari. "Gusto ko lang na iwasan mong umakto na alam mo ang lahat sa harap nila, kahit totoo naman na marami kang alam."

"Para aakalain nilang mabilis akong malinlang?" Prince Mirev continued, his tone bored and unexpectant. "Sasayangin lang nila ang oras ko, Dad, kagaya ng pag-aaksaya nila ng panahon mo."

"The Lords are fond of forcing favors out of our family, Mirev," The king said. "If you wish to be a different king than I am, you will inevitably make enemies from the court, so I suggest you always watch your back, son."

"I've already taken care of that," sagot ng prinsipe.

Sabay silang huminto sa gitna ng hallway at sabay din silang umikot paharap sa'kin.

"Heir's Guard," tawag ng hari sa'kin. "What do you think of the court? Of the Lords?"

Daglian kong sinulyapan si Prince Mirev na pumiling ang ulo habang hinihintay akong magsalita.

"Your Majesty." I think most of the Lords are stupid and they deserve to have a taste of suffering. "The court was what I thought it would be."

Ilang sandali akong tinitigan ng hari at saka siya biglang tumawa.

An amused grin slowly curved across the prince's lips while the rest of us stood confused amidst the king's echoing laughter.

"Your Majesty." I tried to remedy the situation, kahit hindi ko alam kung bakit ako tinawanan ng hari. There must be something wrong with my answer dahil sa kakaibang reaksyon niya. "I apologize for my lack of words. It was my first time at court."

"Do not worry, child," the king said, his laugh fading into a smile. "I, too, think that the court needs a change— a breath of fresh air." Nilingon niya si Prince Mirev. "But such a big feat cannot be achieved overnight." Tuluyan na nga siyang humarap sa prinsipe. "Do you want to save the sinking court, Mirev? Then live longer than me and attend to your duties well."

"You will spend the rest of your life realizing what it means to be king," he added. "And you will suffer."

Habang nakikinig, kampanteng nakatuon si Prince Mirev sa kanyang ama, na para bang matagal na siyang handa sa pagdurusang tinutukoy nito.

•••

Nasa kalagitnaan ako ng pagbabasa ng libro nang mapansin ko ang mga presensyang papalapit sa pinto ng study. Mahinahon akong tumayo upang salubungin ang kung sino man ang papasok.

Pagkaraan ng ilang katok, bumukas ang mga pinto at ibinunyag ang isang babaeng agad kong nakilala. Napatigil ako nang alalahanin siya. Gano'n din ang reaksyon niya ngunit hindi rin siya makapaniwala.

"You—" I heard her murmur before clearing her throat. Itinaas niya ang kanyang noo at bitbit ang isang malapad na kahon, tuluyang pumasok sa silid kasama ang dalawa pang babae na nakasunod sa kanya.

She was the noble who screamed at me the market, after I refused to sell the cape.

The cape... napaisip ako. The cape that the Prince owned...

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin patungo sa harap ng prinsipe na napaangat ng tingin sa kanya.

Kaya ba gusto niyang bilhin 'yong kapa kasi napamilyar siya rito?

"Your Highness." The woman curtsied in front of the prince. "Your sister and I baked butterblood cookies for our cooking class. We especially made a few just for you."

Prince Mirev stood from his seat and stepped down to face the woman. "Thank you, Lady Krista," sabi niya nang tanggapin 'yong kahon. "I'll make sure to enjoy them."

So, her name was Lady Krista...

"Is Your Highness occupied?" She tilted her head to get a glimpse of the table. "I was hoping you could walk me back to Emerald Hall."

"Why?" sambit ng prinsipe. "Did Nefertir ask for me?"

"N-No, Your Highness." Lady Krista lowered her head, as if a bit shy. "I figured you might want to step outside for air after you faced the court of lords."

Ako lang ba o hindi ko na nakikita sa kanya 'yong babaeng galit akong sinigawan sa pamilihan? Huminhin kasi 'yong boses niya, at lumambot ang kanyang buong dating.

"You've heard about it?" Prince Mirev grabbed a cookie before walking towards Gideon to hand him the box. "Emerald Hall is too far," he said as he turned around to face the noble lady. "But I can walk you out of Sapphire."

A grateful smile drew across Lady Krista's face. "That would be enough, Your Highness."

"Gideon, Elaire, you can stay here," tugon ng prinsipe. "I'll just be out in the hallway—"

"Your new guard, Your Highness?" Lady Krista seemed anxious, nang sandali niya akong tinignan. "I believe we haven't been introduced properly."

"Elaire," tawag ni Prince Mirev.

I walked around the table and towards the lady. Nang makarating ako sa kanyang harapan, taimtim kong pinagmasdan ang pagtibok ng kanyang mga ugat dahil sa matinding inis at pagkabahala. At tinignan niya ako, na parang hindi ako katanggap-tanggap dito.

"This is Lady Krista of Thane, a childhood friend, and Princess Nefertir's closest companion," Prince Mirev introduced. "And Lady Krista, this is the new heir's guard, Elaire... or just Elle."

She curtsied while I bowed.

"If you don't mind, Your Highness." Lady Krista quickly turned to the prince, her hands resting in front of her skirt. "May I ask how you found her? Or was she the one who found you?"

Nagtangkang mag-abot ang aking kilay nang maintindihan ang kanyang tanong.

Iniisip niya bang kaya ako napadpad dito dahil dati ko pang minamataan 'yong prinsipe?

"Prince Inouen commended her," Prince Mirev answered.

"I see." Muli akong hinarap ni Lady Krista. "It is very nice finally meeting you, Elle." Her light brown eyes gleamed as she smiled at me, glowingly. "I have heard about you from the other ladies of the palace."

Tinignan ko siya, nakaplasta sa aking mukha ang kawalang-interes sa sinabi niya.

Magaan niyang tinakpan ang kanyang bibig nang mahina siyang tumawa. "She intrigues me, Your Highness." One of her eyes sparked with a glint of suspicion. "A woman companion is one thing, but a woman who guards? I worry that there might be more talk about her."