Sometimes the best relationships are the ones you never saw coming, where the heart leads the way and surprises you with a love that feels like destiny in the making. Before taking a risk, there comes the doubt and fear thinking of possible outcomes ahead. For love isn't always like a flower that blooms, but can also be a thorn that pricks.

"Meine liebe. Get up now. I'm taking you somewhere." A soft voice woke up my whole system.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at pinilit at sarili na matulog ulit. I don't feel like moving around. Gusto kong matulong lang buong maghapon at magpahinga. I'm tired of thinking about my problems and how to make solutions about it. Kahit isang araw lang naman, gusto ko munang kalimutan.

"Mali, meine liebe. Come on. You've been sleeping for 10 hours already. You should at least change your clothes and eat," sabi niya pa ulit.

He was more like an alarm clock. Kahit anong sinasabi niya para lang bumangon ako kahit na halata namang ayoko pa talaga. Why can't he do something without bugging me?

"Later, Zandrei. Tinatamad pa ako. You do things on your own."

It might sound a bit mean but he knows what I'm pertaining to. Marami pa syang mga bagay na kailangang gawin. Our lives doesn't revolve around fightings, we're also students. Kahit na may mga responsibilidad kami sa labas, meron din dito sa loob.

Hindi ko na siya narinig na nagsalita pero ramdam kong nandito pa rin siya sa loob ng kwarto. I sighed and tried my best to sit on the bed. I blinked my eyes twice to clear my vision and there I saw him standing in front of the door, crossing his arms over his chest. Matalim ang mga titig niya sa'kin na para bang may ginawa akong mali.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"Don't call me hey, Mali. I'm not hey," he was sulking.

I rolled my tongue inside my cheeks, stopping myself to smile. "What's with that reaction? Hindi ka naman ganyan dati ah? Nakakapanibago ka naman."

"We're already in a relationship and you're still acting normally as if we're only friends," nakabugsangot niya pa ring sambit.

He's so cute. I never seen him like this before. Ngayon ko lang napansing nakakatuwa siya 'pag ganito.

"Bakit? Ano ba dapat?" I folded my arms on my chest, imitating him.

Hindi ko alam kung nainis ba siya sa ginawa ko pero lumabas kaagad siya nang walang sinabi. I laughed at what I did and decided to get up to fix myself. This was the first time he did it so I don't have any idea on how to approach him. Ang bilis niya naman kaseng mapikon.

"Hey, talk to me. Bakit ka ba kase nagtatampo?"

He was busy preparing food in the table. Kahit hindi niya ako pinapansin, pinaghandaan niya pa rin ako ng sa'kin. I smiled because of that. He cares. His actions says it all.

"Amore mio," I called him.

It means 'my love' in Italian. Just like what 'meine liebe' in German means. I don't think he understands that.

His brows frowned while looking at me. "Are you cursing me? What kind of language is that?"

"Its Italian. Ikaw na ang bahalang alamin kung ano ang sinabi ko. Let's eat, I'm hungry."

He told me to wear something comfortable and simple because he'll take me somewhere. Baka gusto niya lang din na mamasyal kami o may gusto siyang puntahan at isasama niya ako. I won't mind either. I'm coming as long as he's with me.

"Where are we going?" I asked when a carriage suddenly came.

He reached for my hand and let me in first before him. "I'm taking you to Slatterahnia, my kingdom. You'll be meeting my parents."

"What?!" My lips parted in shock. "Zandrei! Bakit hindi mo sinabi agad? I-I'm.. not ready."

"Just be your self, meine liebe. They're kind. Don't be nervous," he convinced me.

My head was filled with different thoughts about his parents. Its been years since the last time I saw them. Hindi naman ako palaging bumibisita sa palasyo nila noon kaya hindi ko rin sila nakikita palagi. The forest is our favorite meeting place. Para sa'min kase, masyadong mahigpit kung nasa palasyo kami kaya mas pinipili namin ang sa gubat na lang.

What am I going to say? They knew everything about me and my past. There's a big possibility that they might reject me as Zandrei's girlfriend because I'm the unwanted princess. Everyone dislikes me.

"Don't think too much. They'll probably like you," he gave me a comforting smile.

Nang maaninag na namin ang palasyo nila ay namangha talaga ako sa laki at ganda nito. The atmosphere feels so good. The air that I breathe was a bit colder than outside. Parang may sarili silang mundo rito.

Ipinasok kami ng karwahe sa malalaking gate nila at nang makita nila si Zandrei ay kusa silang yumuko at pinadaan kami. They treated him like someone who holds their lives. He's has the privilege to do anything. He's that powerful. And now being his girl was still unbelievable for me.

"Where's mom and dad?" he asked one of their servants.

Yumuko naman ito bago sumagot. "Nasa silid ng trono, mahal na prinsipe. Nais mo bang ipaalam ko sa kanila na nandito kayo?"

"No need. Kami na ang pupunta," sagot niya.

Habang naglalakad kami papunta ro'n ay nakahawak lang ang kamay niya sa'kin. Nothing could ease my nervousness, not even his comforting words. Ang nasa isip ko ay baka hindi nila ako tanggapin para sa anak nila.

"Zandrei.." I stopped and looked at him. "Hindi ako sigurado sa gagawin natin. Are we really doing this right now?"

"Chill, Mali. I've told them about you. Now I will formally introduce you to them." Pinisil niya ang kamay ko at inigiya ako papasok sa malaking silid nila.

Agad bumungad sa'kin ang hari at reyna na nakaupo sa kanilang mga trono. Zandrei and I bowed our heads together as a sign of respect. Nang mapansin kong nakatingin sila sa kamay namin ay kaagad ko namang binawi 'yon. I-I was afraid. Walang mapaglalagyan ang kaba ko ngayon.

"Mom, dad, this si Mali. She's my girlfriend," he introduced me to them.

Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin. Magsasalita ba ako para ipakilala ulit ang sarili ko o hintayin na sila mismo ang magsalita bago ako?

"Ginawa mo talaga ang sinabi mo, Jyron. I thought you'd change your mind," the king said in manly voice.

"Well, its his decision. I would gladly welcome the first girl he brought here," the queen smiled at me, looking like a goddess of beauty.

Kinuha ulit ni Zandrei ang kamay ko at hinawakan ito. "She's my girl now. I wouldn't let anyone touch her, not even the councilors."

"Alam mo kung anong pinasok mo kaya hindi pipigilan. You're old enough to decide on your own. Just be sure not to drag the kingdom on it," sabi pa ng hari sa kanya.

Hinawakan naman ng reyna ang kamay nitong nakapatong sa upuan niya. "Let's support whatever he wants. Ngayon niya lang ginawa nito. There's nothing wrong about loving someone."

Hindi ako makapaniwala na pumayag sila sa meron sa'min ni Zandrei. I was used to be treated like I'm not belong anywhere and dislikes me for who I am. Nasanay akong sinisira ng iba dahil sa pagkatao ko at iilan lamang ang tunay na tumanggap sa'kin. This treatment was kinda new to me.

We didn't leave the palace right after that so he gave me a tour all over the place. Within the palace, you'll find luxurious rooms and chambers fit for royalty. In the gardens, vibrant flowers and exotic plants create a serene and enchanting atmosphere. Marble fountains gurgle with crystal-clear water, and winding pathways lead to hidden alcoves and peaceful gazebos.

Ang garden ang pinakapaborito kong lugar kahit na saan ako pumunta. It has always left me hanging for its beautiful scenery that makes you feel at peace.

"Our flowers isn't as beautiful as the flowers in Myrabonia. Maybe you should pay a visit to Eurisse's place," sabi niya nang mapansing hindi ko inaalis ang tingin sa bawat bagay na nakikita ko rito.

"May kanya-kanyang ganda ang lahat kaya hindi mo kailangang ikumpara ang mga bagay na nakikita mo," sabi ko sa kanya.

Nahuli ko siyang ngumiti sa gilid ng paningin ko. "That's what I like about you. Small thing means a lot to you. Its makes me feel amused."

"You're supposed to be studying right now. May pasok pa mamayang gabi. Sir Brandon isn't easy to please," pag-iiba ko ng usapan para kahit papaano matakot man lang siya.

Kaya nga lang, may nakalimutan ata akong isang bagay. He fears nothing. Gano'n siguro kataas nag tingin niya sa sarili niya.

"I've been studying almost everyday, meine liebe. Let me rest for a while." He shifted his position at my back and hugged me tight.

Sa ilang araw na palagi kaming magkasama, ang tanging nararamdaman ko lang ay saya at ginhawa. I am unaware of what the future holds for us but I want to spend every single time I have with him. Ngayon ko lang naramdaman na may kayang sumugal sa'kin ng ganito. Akala ko nga hindi na niya ako mahihintay sa ilang taong pagkawala ko sa mundong 'to. And yet the red thread of destiny, brought us back together more than what we had before.

Noong malapit na gumabi ay napagdesisyunan naming bumalik na sa Academy. I didn't asked for Kuya's permission nor told him about our sudden leave. Paniguradong nag-aalala na naman 'yon at baka isipin ulit niyang umalis na naman ako. I'm not planning to do it again. Ayokong iwan ulit ang mga taong malapit sa'kin dahil sila na lang ang meron ako ngayon.

I was in the middle of wearing my uniform when I saw something near the sliding door. It was a jar of blood from him. May kasama pang letter nagsasabing inumin ko raw muna bago ako umalis. He really knows when am I craving for his blood. And he did not failed to give me the satisfaction.

"Nia? Tapos ka na? We'll get going. Nauna na si Heaven sa'tin, sinundo ni Xian," sigaw ni Lixe mula sa labas.

Isa pa 'yong dalawa. I don't know what's their real score but I can sense something going on between those two. Hindi na lang din ako nagsasalita dahil ayoko namang makialam. They did not interfered in Zandrei and I's relationship that's why I'm doing the same. Ilang araw pa lang din naman simula nang malaman nila ang namamagitan sa'ming dalawa. They all accepted it, well maybe, except for Mavis.

"What's with that expression? Hindi ka ulit nagreview, am I right?" tanong ko sa kanya habang nagmamadali kaming naglakad sa hallway.

Nakabugsangot naman siyang tumango. "Napasobra ang tulog ko kanina. Hindi ko namalayan ang oras. Let me copy the answers in your mind, please?"

"Quit that alibi of yours, Lixe. Reviewing isn't a vampires thing, that's your motto."

Magkaiba kami ng set ng exam kaya hindi niya nagawang makakopya sa'kin. Madam Crysta did it on purpose because she knew her ability too well. Gagawa at gagawa siya ng paraan para makakopya, kung hindi sa'kin, kay Elora o Hendrix naman.

After the set of examination, we had an oral recitation. Mas gusto nilang mag training na lang palagi kaysa matuto ng academics pero hindi 'yon kasali sa coverage ng second semester. All we have to do is to learn about the lessons and discussions, not fightings and combat trainings. Pakiramdam ko tuloy bumalik ang buhay ko bilang isang estudyante. Its been a long time since I had a normal life like this.

"Hey guys! The Black Zythe is coming all the way here!" impit na sigaw ng isa naming kaklase.

Nagkatinginan naman kami ni Lixe at parehas na nalito. Why would they come here? For what? Wala naman sigurong ginawa ang class namin na nakalabag sa handbook ng school.

"I guess he's here for you," Lixe used her mind to communicate with me.

Napailing naman kaagad ako. "He shouldn't meddle with our class. Hindi niya pwedeng ipagpaliban ang klase niya para lang dito."

No one knows about our relationship except for them, headmistress Yhue, and the cenas. Ayaw naming palakihin ang issue sa loob ng Academy lalo na't ang boto ng lahat ay si Mavis. It would be a gossip if they found out that I'm his girlfriend instead of her.

"What brought you here boys?" Madam Crysta asked them.

I pretended that I was writing something on my paper where in fact it was only lines. Mahirap na, baka may makahalata.

"Headmistress Yhue asked for the summary of their grades last semester," narinig kong sabi ni Aiko.

"Liar. Alam ko namang gawa-gawa lang nila 'yan," Lixe whispered.

"There's no need for you guys to come here just because of that. I can give it to her in private," sagot naman ni Madam Cryta sa kanila.

Palihim akong napasapo sa noo ko dahil sa kagagawan nila. I never imagined that he would go this far. Sobra naman yata to.

'Meine liebe, look up. I wanna see you'

Nag-angat ako ng tingin pagkatapos marinig ang boses ni siya isip ko. Pansin kong sa'kin siya nakatitig kaya ginawa ko ang lahat para magpanggap na wala akong alam. Pinapahamak niya ba ako?!

"Ano kase Madam—Aray! Ikaw na lang kaya?! Nananakit ka eh!" Xian complained when Kuya Seven secretly nudge him.

"You can stop the class now and let them rest for the rest of the night," Zandrei ordered as if he's the supreme commander here.

"Oo nga!" Napilitan pang sumang-ayon si Kuya nang tapikin siya ni Zandrei. "Hindi naman minamadali ang pagtuturo sa mga lessons. Kailangan pa rin nila ng sapat na pahinga," dagdag niya pa.

What the heck?! They're doing this out of craziness. Its still 11:30 in the evening! Masyado pang maaga para magsi-uwian kami.

"You heard the masters everyone. You can rest for now." Bumigay naman kaagad is Madam Cryta at tiniklop ang librong binabasa niya kanina.

"Mukhang nagtagumpay sila, Nia. Medyo pabor din naman sa'kin, makakatulog na ako ng maayos," nakangiti pang sabi ni Lixe.

I sighed. What's his plan now?

Mabilis pa sa kidlat na nagsialisan silang lahat, afraid that the masters might change their mind. They were also in favor of their decisions because they were free to do whatever they want. While me? I'm upset! Academics is where I excel and then they interrupted to make a fake scene. Great.

"Are you mad? I just did that to let you rest early. Besides, I wasn't being unfair. Gano'n din ang ginawa nila Aiko sa ibang class," he tried to explain his side on me.

Pinanliitan ko naman siya ng mata ko. "Hindi kasama sa usapan natin ang pagputol sa klase para lang dito. Classes are classes. We can spend time right after that."

"Fine, I'm sorry. I love you."

His words melted my heart in an instant. "I love you too."

Tama nga ako at hindi niya ulit ako pinabalik sa dorm. It was a bit awkward that I'm not only staying with him but also with the other masters. Good thing he occupied the last floor on the top of this building. Pero kahit na, nasa iisang building pa rin kaming lahat.

"Amore mio," tawag ko sa kanya ngunit hindi naman siya lumingon.

Don't tell me hindi niya pa rin alam ang ibig sabihin no'n? Well, the fact that its Italian, he might not have any idea.

"Don't call me using languages I don't understand, meine liebe," sabi niya sa'kin.

I chuckled, teasing him more. "Why? Its not that I'm cursing you."

Hindi na ulit siya nagsalita at nagpatuloy sa pagluluto ng half cooked na meat. Busog pa ako dahil sa ininom kong dugo mula sa kanya. It can make me feel energized for the whole day. Ayoko lang na sabihin dahil baka ma-offend siya na hindi ko makakain ang luto niya.

Akala ko pauuwiin niya na ako pagkatapos pero hindi pala. Instead, he let me rest in his room while he occupied the other room next to mine. Sabi niya dito lang daw ako malapit sa kanya para makapagpahinga siya ng maayos. Though, he doesn't want me to feel uncomfortable that's why he stayed on a separated room.

The next day I woke up with a bright smile on my face. Magaan talaga ang pakiramdam ko kapag dito ako natutulog sa kama niya. I get up and fixed myself, ready to go out. Hinanap ko siya hanggang sa first floor ng building pero wala akong nakita. I only saw those three, sitting on the couch as if having their own meeting.

"Wala rito, Niane. Sinundo ni Mavis kanina hindi naman alam kung saan pumunta," sambit kaagad ni Aiko bago pa man ako makapagtanong.

Kuya Seven raised his hand. "Ops, 'wag kang magseselos. Friends pa rin naman sila kaya baka may pinag-uusapan lang. Babalik din 'yon kaagad."

"I'm not jealous, just so you know?" I rolled my eyes on him.

"Baka tungkol lang sa councilors ang topic nila. Si Mavis ang may pinakamalakas na koneksyon sa labas," dagdag pa ni Xian.

"There's no need to convince me. I understand."

Naiintindihan ko naman talaga pero no'ng sumapit na ang dapit-hapon ay wala pa ring isa sa kanila na bumalik o kaya nagpakita man lang. Where are they now? Why isn't he communicating with me kahit na kaya niya namang gawin. May nangyari kaya?

No, they must be really busy. Kapag kasama na ang councilors sa pinag-uusapan, alam kong seryoso talaga ang bagay na ginagawa nila.

"Hindi pa ba sila bumabalik? I heard Mavis brought Jyron to her place. Doon daw sila mag-uusap para mas malinaw nilang magawa," Eurisse told me.

I sighed heavily. "I wondered what took them so long. Kahit naman magtagal sila okay lang basta nagpaparamdam siya sa'kin."

"Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako kumbinsido na okay lang kay Mavis na kayo na. You know her. There's no word such as give up when it comes to her," she shrugged off her shoulders.

"Ayokong pag-isipan siya ng masama, Eury. They've been friends for too long. Ayoko naman ipagkait sa kanya na maging malapit kay Zandrei," sagot ko na lang.

Kahit naman ako, ramdam kong sa tagal kong nandito ay ayaw niya pa rin sa'kin. Maybe because she can see me as her rival in love. Paano pa ngayong kami na ni Zandrei? Mangingialam pa ba siya? If she does, he will surely cut his ties with her.

"Ayan ka na naman sa pagiging mabait mo. Baka mabulag ka ulit dahil d'yan," sabi niya pa sa'kin.

Napailing na lang ako. "I trust him. He won't betray me."

Isa, dalawa, tatlong araw akong naghintay sa kanya pero hindi siya bumalik. Is it his turn to leave me? Ngayong nandito na ako, siya naman ang umalis nang wala man lang pasabi o kahit isang paramdam man lang. I don't know what's going on but I tried not to think negatively. Kaya nga lang kahit anong paintindi ko sa sarili ko, unti-unti na rin akong nakaramdam ng inis at selos.

Inis dahil hindi siya gumawa ng paraan para lang makausap ako. Selos dahil kasama niya ang best friend niyang may nararamdaman para sa kanya.

"Sa'n ka pupunta?" tanong sa'kin ni Lixe.

"Sa labas lang magpapahangin," simple kong sagot.

"Alam mo malakas talaga ang kutob ko sa dalawang 'yon. Wala man lang sinabi sa'min kung anong gagawin nila," sabi pa ni Heaven.

Lumabas na ako ng dormitory dahil baka madagdagan na naman ang mga iisipin ko. Ever since they left, there were so many ideas came into my mind, both negative and positive. Ngayon halos negative na lang dahil wala naman akong alam kung ano talaga ang ginawa nila.

Dinala ako ng mga paa ko sa building nila kaya wala akong nagawa at pumasok na lang. I don't need permissions anymore. Pareho naman akong pinapayagan ni Kuya at Zandrei na magpunta rito kahit kailan ko gusto. Hindi na rin 'yon bago para kay Aiko at Xian na halos araw-araw nakikita ang presensya ko rito.

"What the fuck were you thinking, Jyron?! Inisip mo man lang ba si Mali habang nando'n ka kay Mavis ng ilang araw?!"

Napaigtad ako sa galit na boses ni Kuya Seven galing sa loob. S-Si Zandrei? He's here?

"I-I'm sorry. The announcement was so sudden."

Bubuksan ko na sana ang pinto pagkatapos marinig ang boses niya ngunit napahinto ako sa sumunod niyang sinabi.

"Mavis and I.. we're getting married next week. I'm sorry."

Parang binuhusan ng napakalamig na tubig ang katawan ko sa mga katagang binitawan niya. I-I was stunned for a moment. Walang ibang pumasok sa isip ko kundi 'yon lang.

He's getting married to Mavis. Her best friend. The girl he told me not to worry about. The girl he would cut ties if ever she came closer to him and interfered in our relationship. Ang sinabi niyang.. hindi niya kailanman magugustuhan.

"Baliw ka ba?! Pagkatapos mong makuha ang pinsan ko bigla-bigla mong iiwan tapos pakakasalan mo 'yong kaibigan mo?!" Kuya Seven was terribly mad.

Kahit nanginginig ang mga kamay at paa ko ay pinilit kong buksan ang pinto para linawin ang lahat. My mind just went blank. Wala na akong ibang maisip kundi tanungin siya at sabihin niya mismo sa harapan ko 'yon. I kept on gaslighting myself that it was a lie.

"M-Mali.." sabay nilang sabi nang pumasok ako sa loob.

My eyes glued on him. "T-Tell me that was just a lie. Kapag sinabi mong hindi 'yon totoo pipilitin kong kalimutan ang mga narinig ko."

"T-That was.. true. I'm sorry, Mali. I really do." He looked at me with pity on his eyes.

Napaatras ako dahil unti-unti nang nanghina ang buong katawan ko. "Y-You lied to me. Akala ko hindi mo 'ko magagawang saktan. You told me she was just a friend. N-Naniwala ako sa'yo eh. This is my first time taking a risk because I thought you were different to anyone. Pinaniwala mo akong mahal mo'ko. Y-You introduced me to your parents a week ago."

"I'm really sorry. It's not my intention to hurt you. H-Hindi ko alam.."

Kinwelyuhan naman siya si Kuya Seven dahil sa galit. "Anong hindi mo alam?! Are you just fucking around, huh, Jyron?! Pinagkatiwalaan kita dahil alam kong noon pa lang gusto mo na si Mali. Tapos ngayon sasaktan mo ng ganito? Bullshit!"

"K-Kuya tama na.." Pilit kong hinihila siya palayo kay Zandrei. "Wag mo na siyang saktan, Kuya. Nasasaktan din ako eh."

Agad siyang kumalma at lumayo sa kanya. He pulled me away from him and tightened the grip of my hand.

"Hindi mo ba babawiin ang sinabi mo, Zandrei? Is it really over.. between us?" nahihirapan kong tanong sa kanya.

The look in his eyes changed into an emotionless one. "Yes. I'm breaking up with you. I didn't regret those times we shared a bond. I chose you as my match after all."

"Then let me break it." May bahid na gulat ang mga mata niyang nakatingin pa rin sa'kin. "You had the right to chose your match. But I had.. also the power to break the bond."

"Mali, mahirap ang gagawin mo. Mas lalo kang masasaktan kapag ginawa mo 'yan," pigil pa sa'kin ni Kuya.

"Kahit naman hindi ko gawin, hindi rin naman mababawasan ang sakit. To make it easier for you to forget me, I am willing to do that for you. After that, I'm setting you free."

Naninikip na ang dibdib ko sa sobrang sakit na nararamdaman ko ngayon. I don't want him to feel the same pain and longing that's why I'm doing this. This is the least that I can do to lessen the pain. Kahit alam kong mahirap. Kahit hindi ako sigurado kung kakayanin ko 'yong sakit.

"I am officially.. breaking the bond between us. You and I are no longer matched."

Akala ko kapag iniyak ko 'yong sakit, pagkatapos magiging okay na. How long am I going to experience this kind of pain? The pain of losing someone in my life. Mali ba talaga ako? Gano'n ba ako kahirap na mahalin? Bakit.. Bakit halos lahat na lang iniiwan ako? Is it because I am only a half? The unwanted princess? Ano pa ba?!

I was too blinded by the fact that they truly loved me whenever they say so. Sa pag-aakala kong totoo palagi ang sinasabi nila. Pilit kong pinaniwala ang sarili kong kahit papaano hindi naman gano'n kasama ang mundo sa'kin. But after everything that happened, it has proved me wrong.

Siguro nga kailangan kong tanggapin na ako at ako lang ang magmamahal sa sarili ko. Sa ganoong paraan, hindi ako masasaktan.

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