Elaire's POV

In front of the ceremonial hall, every vampire that's a part of the king's procession was busy preparing and a few, retouching. Pinalibutan ako ng organisadong gulo, if that even makes sense— everyone was doing their own thing but not really being chaotic about it. Mahinahon lang ang aming paghahanda, maliban sa unahan ng prusisyon kung saan nagmumula ang bangayan nina Prince Inouen at Lord Haste na sila ring pinakamalapit sa nakabukas na mga pinto ng hall.

I continued to stare afar while a servant carefully draped a ceremonial cape over my shoulders, used exclusively by the king's guard. Kulay pula ito at malaking nakaburda sa likuran ang coat of arms ng hari. Sobrang haba din nito, na kinailangan pang paatrasin ng mga katulong ang admirals na nasa aking likod upang walang makaapak nito. The cape was originally white but they magically turned it into red, to compliment my new uniform.

With a gentle tug, the servant adjusted the cape, ensuring it fell just right. Another servant approached us, upang ayusin ang buhok kong tinali nila sa hugis ng isang korona.

Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, bahagya akong napalingon nang mahagip ko ang bango ng hari. Kararating lang niya sa hulihan ng prusisyon. It took me a lot to not look back at the other end of the hallway, out of curiosity of what he looks like in his ceremonial garb. Standing straight, I looked ahead of me, at the Lords of Irvina. Napansin kong may iba sa kanila na nagbubulong-bulungan habang panay ang pagsulyap sa'kin. May iba ring nginitian ako kaya't sandali kong ibinaba ang aking ulo sa kanila.

There was a sense of anticipation in the air. And after everyone has been set on their right places, instrumental music blasted from the ceremonial hall, and the procession started— leading the procession and the ceremony, the previous Lord Chancellor, Lord Lucius, accompanied by the previous King's Guard, Admiral Bane. Sinundan sila ng may dala ng mga royal regalia— Lord Haste, who carried the royal scepter, Prince Inouen who carried the ceremonial book and royal sword, and the Grand Duke, Lord Cassien, who carried the coronation crown. It was Gideon who carried the royal orb, as he led the Court of Lords into the ceremonial hall.

Papasok sa hall, napahinto ako nang maramdamang may gumalaw sa suot kong kapa. Lumingon ako at nakita si Admiral Sienna na inayos pala ang natuping dulo nito at nang matapos, sinenyasan niya akong magpatuloy. As the King's Guard, it was my duty to lead the admirals of the royal army to the throne. Ako ang nanguna sa kanila sa pagpasok sa napakalaking ceremonial hall. I calmly walked along the length of the red carpet decorated with swirling patterns of gold.

It was suffocating to bear the weight of everyone's stares and before I drown in the sea of expectant faces, binaling ko ang aking atensyon sa katingkaran ng aking kapaligiran. The large windows let the sun shine down upon us. Large banners hung along the ceilings. Sa pagkakatanda ko, mga simbolo ito ng noble families ng Irvina. Everything was grand. Everyone, dressed in their best ceremonial attires, like stars sparkling in the middle of the day. Huminto ako nang yumuko sa beywang sina Gideon at ang Court of Lords sa harap ng bakanteng trono. Nang umakyat si Gideon sa platform na kinaroroonan nito upang tabihan si Lord Lucius, lumiko ang Lords pakanan, sa kanilang mga upuan.

At saka ako nagpatuloy.

I don't know why but each step I took towards the throne felt like a journey through time. Pakiramdam ko pa nga'y nakahubog sa trono ang aking buong buhay at tadhana. Nang huminto ako sa harap nito, ilang segundo pa bago ako yumuko kasabay ang admirals, pasan ang bigat na hindi ko alam kung saan galing basta't lumitaw lang ito ngayong nakarating na ako sa dulo.

Nasa dulo na nga ba ako? Tinuwid ko ang aking tindig. O mag-uumpisa pa lang?

I climbed up to the other side of the platform and stood beside Admiral Bane, while the admirals marched to their seats, across the Court of Lords. Kasunod na huminto sa tapat ng trono ang dalawang prinsesa ng kaharian. Princess Nefertir wore an elegant emerald green grown. On her head, a silver crown. Princess Feyren, meanwhile, wore a diamond tiara and a beautiful storm gray dress, the same color as her lace gloves. Both princesses stood side by side as they curtsied, low and then lower, their skirts creating a puddle around them.

Umawang nang kaunti ang aking bibig nang madalang akong napasinghap sa pinagsamang presensya ng dalawang prinsesa. It was my first time seeing them together, and they paint a haunting picture of power in their family. And it was beautiful. Darkly beautiful. But not as dark as the old woman who followed after they left.

In front of the throne, King Mirev's grandmother, Queen Aronette, was an old lady. Pale, wrinkled, but she aged beautifully. Her silver hair was neatly tied into a low bun and she wore a maroon gown. The red rubies in her diamond tiara sparkled as she curtsied with elegance— her entire being was elegant. Her gray-blue eyes, pools of wisdom and grace. She was a queen and she didn't fail to show that she still is. Kahit dinaanan na siya ng mahabang panahon, dala niya pa rin ang ganda at kapangyarihan ng isang reyna.

Ngayon ko pa lang siya nakita. Bihira lang kasi siyang lumalabas mula sa hall niya dahil sa kanyang katandaan— mabilis na lumipad ang kung anumang iniisip ko nang dagliang nag-abot ang aming tingin. She found my gaze and for a moment, awe and admiration swelled within me. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin patungo sa kanyang upuan na katabi ng dalawang prinsesa.

There's something about queens that strike a nerve inside me. They almost immediately captivate me.

And then, the sound of trumpets filled the air, marking the ascension of the man who reached the foot of the throne. Lumakas ang musika, at 'yong masiglang ritmo nito, tila mayroong naipanalo ang buong kaharian. Everyone radiated an aura of support for the new monarch who looked at the throne as if it was both an ally and an enemy, but above all, he was ready.

Umulan ng liwanag sa kanyang landas at halatang ikinasaya ng lahat ang ganda ng panahon sa araw na'to, a premonition maybe, of the bright future awaiting the kingdom with its new king. Nahawa ako sa saya ng karamihan kaya't hindi ko rin napigilang mapangiti sa kanya na maingat na inakyat ang maikling hagdan bago marahang umupo sa trono. Nakatalikod siya sa'kin, at nakaharap sa kinabukasang puno ng di-kasiguraduhan. Pero hindi ako nag-alala. Dahil sapat na ang pagkakilala ko sa kanya para masabing nasa mabubuting kamay ang pinakamalaking kaharian sa mundo.

Long Live the King.

Mula sa kanya, inilipat ko ang aking tingin sa kumikinang na dagat ng mga bampira.

Long Live Irvina.

•••

Napabuntong-hininga ako nang maupo sa harap ng vanity table. Habang nakatuon sa aking repleksyon, sinimulan ko na ang pagtanggal ng hairpins at hairties na humuhugis ng aking buhok sa isang korona. I winced a bit when I accidentally pulled a strand of hair. Namamagod na kasi ang bawat galaw ko. The coronation lasted an entire day and I had to stay still with that heavy cape over my shoulders. Sa bandang katapusan ng seremonya, pinagpawisan ako kakapigil ng aking likod na bumaluktot dahil sa sobrang bigat no'ng kapa. The moment I got out of the hall, I immediately took it off and returned it to the servants.

Fortunately, the coronation went smoothly and before heading to my room, I got to talk to Princess Feyren. Siya ang unang lumapit sa'kin para magpasalamat. Tinanong niya rin ako kung mayroon ba siyang pwedeng maibigay sa'kin dahil niligtas ko siya. I just asked her to take care of Misa when she gets back to Academia.

"I have a problem with your new uniform."

Kamuntikan na akong mapatalon sa upuan pagkatapos makarinig ng boses. Dali-dali akong tumayo at hinarap ang hari na hindi ko namalayang kapapasok lang ng aking kwarto. Letting go of my hair that was still a mess, I bowed down to him.

"Your Majesty," bati ko habang dumadagundong pa rin ang dibdib sa gulat.

Sa sandaling tumuwid ang aking likod, sinalubong ako ng isang pares ng nanunuring mga mata dahilan para mapatingin din ako sa suot ko.

"Who designed that?" aniya. "You look like I could taste you."

"It's—" Umangat ang aking ulo sa kanya. "The order made it—" Napatigil ako sa uri ng tingin na binabato niya sa'kin. It made my lips purse. Tight. Ikinahugot din ito ng aking mga baga kaya't dahan-dahan akong nawalan ng hininga.

He started walking calmly, but heavy, towards me. Napaatras ako pero isang hakbang lang dahil pinigilan ako ng mesa na lumayo sa kanya.

"Your Majesty..." Umalis ako mula sa harapan ng mesa at muling umatras, para lang pigilan ulit, ng pader. "Aren't you supposed to be at the Banquet Hall?" tanong ko habang nagpupumiglas ang aking puso mula sa aking dibib. Lumalakas ang kabog nito sa bawat hakbang niya palapit sa'kin.

"This is..." Isang nagbabalak na ngiti ang gumuhit sa kanyang labi. "My Banquet Hall."

My face colored as he gave a husky laugh at his own joke.

I was about to be disarmed. Alam ko ito, kaya nagtangka akong umalis pero bigla niyang ikinabit ang kanyang kamay sa aking tagiliran at napasinghap ako nang hilahin niya ako pabalik sa pagitan niya at ng pader. He towered over me, his hand never leaving my waist as he slowly dipped his head to kiss me, but before he can, I stopped him.

"Your Majesty."

He stared directly into my eyes, catching me off guard when he suddenly pulled me closer, chest to chest, and we both went still, our breath mingling in uneven surges.

"Say it," malalim niyang tugon, nagbabantang may ibabagsak sa'kin. "Say that you want me."

Natagpuan ko ang aking sarili na nakabihag sa lahat ng kanya— sa kanyang bisig, sa kanyang mga mata, at sa kanyang mga salita.

This was my chance to draw back, but I didn't, because instead, an aching sigh parted my lips. "I—" I said, scarcely able to breathe.

Madalang niyang ibinaba ang kanyang ulo at dahan-dahan akong napapikit nang madama ang aming mga ilong na marahang sumagi sa isa't isa. Lumingon nang kaunti ang aking mukha, patapat sa init ng kanyang hininga.

"Your Majesty..." I whispered, anticipation tightening my insides into knots. "I..."

Sunod-sunod na mga determinadong katok ang bigla naming narinig. Inilayo ng hari ang kanyang mukha mula sa'kin nang hindi pa rin ako binibitawan. Lumingon siya sa pinto samantalang napasilip naman ako.

"Elle?" It was Doris. "What's taking you so long? I'm coming in—"

"Wait!" pigil ko. "I'm—" Itinulak ko ang aking sarili mula sa hari na nag-alinlangang pakawalan ako pero sa huli, ginawa naman niya ito, nang nakaismid. "I'm changing!"

"Tsk."

I heard him click his tongue before I hurried to the door. Bahagya ko itong binuksan.

"Why were you looking for me?" usisa ko kay Doris.

Kumunot ang kanyang noo. "A servant told me that you looked like you're about to faint on the way to your room," aniya. "Okay ka lang ba? Napagod ka siguro nang sobra sa coronation, ano?"

Tumango-tango ako. "Mmm."

Pagkatapos, biglang lumitaw si Gideon sa tabi ni Doris.

"Elle," sambit niya. "Have you seen the king?"

Napakisap-kisap muna ako bago umiling.

"If you see His Majesty, tell him that an entire hall is waiting for him."

"I will," I replied, then looked at Doris. Malambot ko siyang nginitian. "I'll come out after I finish preparing for the banquet, Doris, thank you for worrying about me."

Binigyan ko ng namamaalam na tingin ang dalawa na dahan-dahan kong sinaraduan ng pinto. Kasunod akong umikot paharap sa hari na nakahalukipkip ang mga braso sa dibdib. Even I, was not safe from his silent scowling. He looked at me as if I was the throne— an ally and an enemy, dahilan para mapabuntong-hininga ako. Para naman kasi siyang batang tinanggihan sa inaasta niya ngayon.

"Your Majesty, everyone's looking for—"

Hindi niya ako pinatapos dahil sa isang iglap, bigla siyang naglaho. Nag-iwan siya ng mga kinang sa dati niyang kinatatayuan, na para bang isa siyang magandang panaginip na nabura.

Saglit akong nabahala sa naging reaksyon niya pero iniling ko nalang ito at tinawid ang aking kwarto. Bumalik ako sa pagkakaupo sa harap ng vanity table, at napatigil upang suriin ang bago kong uniporme na puno't dulo ng lahat ng nangyari.

Mirev's POV

Tinapunan ko ng kawalang-ganahan ang mga bisitang nagsasayawan sa hall. If this day was for me, then why the fuck do they get to enjoy while I don't?

"Gideon, I want to call off the celebration." My head throbbed where my crown felt too heavy. "End it now."

But I didn't get to hear him insist as I have already poured all my attention at Elaire who just entered the hall, clad in her new uniform that I knew, the moment I saw it, was going to be the death of me. Mas makulimlim ang pula nito kung ikukumpara sa palagi niyang sinusuot sa underground arenas. That mage outfit was hot and sexy, but this— I drew a painstaking breath while she paced closer to me.

Red and black leather on her was devastating, like a temptation that should not be resisted.

If only I could slip under it...

"Your Majesty," mahinahon niyang bati bago tumungo sa aking likod.

The symbol hanging on her chest glinted before she walked out of my peripheral view. Lilingon na sana ako sa kanya nang mapansin ko si Nefertir na patungo sa'kin kaya labag sa loob akong napabaling dito. I didn't show an ounce of hate for my sister, of course, because I wasn't annoyed. I only looked at her curiously.

"Your Majesty." She curtsied. "Can I talk to you in private? There is something I need to discuss with you."

"Now?" tanong ko na tinanguan niya.

Tumayo ako't bumaba upang samahan siya patungo sa isang bakanteng sulok ng hall. She murmured a short spell to hide our voice from peering ears, before starting.

"It's Lady Krista."

Nag-abot ang aking kilay. "What about her?"

"She tried to kill herself after the coronation," aniya. "Ginagamot siya ngayon sa White Hall."

"Is it because of her brother?" kutob ko.

Nefertir sighed. "I want to send her back to Thane where her family can help her recover." Concern was written all over her face as she asked, "Should I? I am not sure." Nag-aalanganin niya akong tinignan. "How did Lord Anselm lose you, anyway? Hanggang ngayon, Mirev, hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano talagang nangyari sa inyo."

My jaw clenched, remembering the month's worth of suffering he caused me. "He tried to kill my guard."

Sandaling sinulyapan ni Nefertir ang babaeng nakatayo sa likod ng trono.

"Did he want to kill you too?" tanong niya.

"No," sagot ko. "Just Elaire."

Her brows furrowed. "Why would he want to kill her?"

My eyes bore on her as I gave her silence for an answer.

"Mirev." Itinuon na niya ang kanyang pag-alala sa'kin. "You know how important our relationship is with Thane. Do not severe it."

"You seem to be asking something of me," nahinuha ko. "What is it?"

A voice of another woman answered, "Marry her." It was Queen Aronette, our grandmother. "Lady Krista of Thane."

Dahan-dahan akong napaharap sa kanya.

"You have damaged our ties with Thane by putting a bounty on their duke's head," taas-noo niyang dagdag. "I do not need to remind you how crucial their family is to ours, Mirev."

I let out a sarcastic chuckle and seriously answered, "No." Mabilis na tumuwid ang aking mga labi sa isang simangot. "I will not replace their duke with a queen."

"Has your father not told you about the reality of being king?" Grandma sounded disappointed. "You cannot easily escape the consequences of your own decisions, Mirev, especially now that everything you say and do will shape this kingdom's future."

"You are king," maugat niyang paalala. "And right now, kings are dying like flies, in the hands of usurpers."

She's reminding me of what happened to the previous king of Halzen.

"Do not make one of our powerful allies an enemy." She stood heavy on business. My business, irritating me. "Magiging mas malubha ang mangyayari sa'yo, sa pamilya natin, at sa kahariang ito."

Bumalik-balik ang aking tingin sa kanilang dalawa ni Nefertir. I just knew this conversation will be a drag, so I calmly sighed and gave them a forced smile.

"I will think about it," sabi ko bago umalis at bumalik sa trono.

I sat above them all, bearing the weight of what I am, and it made me frustrated. Lalo na't naaalala kong ipinanganak ako para mamuno, at ngayong nandito na nga ako— "Tsk." Napahilig ako sa kamay kong humagod sa aking panga.

"Your Majesty." Gideon sensed the heaviness around me. "Would you like something to drink?"

Yes. Elaire.

Kumawag-kawag ang aking panga. "No thanks, Gideon."

My head slightly inclined while I gently rubbed my lips, trying to come up with a plan to counter my grandmother's suggestion that I marry Anselm's sister. I should be good at this, considering that it is what I have been doing my entire life— manipulating vampires, like pieces in a game, so everything works out for me in the end.

Nangampante ako sa sarili kong kakayahan, hanggang sa maalala kong may isa sa kanila na hindi ko kayang manipulahin at gamitin— walang iba kundi ang nakatadhana para sa'kin. Now I have to scratch every plan that I thought of. Because of her unpredictability.

After a while of deep thinking, I realized that my guard, it seems, has to be protected before I make her my queen.