His palm caressed the exposed skin of her waist, where the blood-red garment parted sensuously in a sensual curve. The notes on the violin jumped up and down, creating a wild and tense melody. 

The artists' performances were filled with grief and rage, yet there was something else beneath it all. A different type of strain, a secret song, at first quiet and delicate, but as the tension increased, the swings of their bodies on the ball floor became quicker and faster, her heart racing to the wild beat and her fingers sinking into the back of his neck, just brushing his dark hair.

"I'm delighted you didn't let the lack of an invitation stop you from coming. What was it that attracted you in? The chance to shed some blood? What about the publicity of assassinating the queen at the year's most public ball? Or was it to strike up a conversation with me?"  She ask as they began to sway in with the tune of the song.

"If I cared what you thought, princess, I'd assume you didn't like me," he reasoned slowly out loud. 

As they made the first turn, she snarled in his ear, "If you had half a brain, you would have deduced it so correctly." 

"Oh, love. Don't go making enemies when they're completely unnecessary," the villain chuckled, his dark grey eyes flashing with curiosity beneath his black mask. 

"Would it be necessary if your guys massacred my brother, the Archons, and the queen?"  His fingers brushed against the exposed skin of her back, where her dark garment had slightly parted.

"You are accurate, Darling; I did order that. But believe me when I say it wasn't necessary. The Archons were a bunch of crooks. The 'modest, just' queen is the same way. " He chuckled as he continued.

"If you only knew what she's done to so many villages," the villain said slowly. Her eyes widened in terror, as if she didn't comprehend. He briefly framed her delicate cheek before looking at the queen.

"You see, hadn't I pulled you for a dance, the queen had already plunge a knife on your chest." Her eyes were horrid as she listened to him.

"I have no idea what you are talking about. The queen-" He made her turn around and then grabbed her waist once again. 

"The queen envied you. Underneath her ball gown, a golden knife with a power to kill Archons was bestowed upon it. She used the forbidden magic of Westeria, the Magic of the Arcane. As per the prophecy says, any royal family who uses the Magic of the Arcane shall be dethroned and banished." He turned her face gently to face him, his hand slightly in her hair as he pulled her up.

"And the Archon War must happen to determine the next ruler of Westeria." The villain said as he smirk on his face. 

"What is it that you desired to do knowing the chaos that was bound to happen, Xiomara?" 

𝐈 𝐏𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 the rose flower in the garden. I noticed there were no thorns around it. Saka ko lang naalala na Xiovenn had all the thorns in the flower removed for Xiomara's safety. She's too delicate to the point that something might happened to her when she bleeds. 

Why did I create such a weak heroine? 

Well, it's all Kashmir's fault. All my stories have strong female lead, and she suggested to make a weak main character for a change. Dahil uto-uto ako sinunod ko ang sinabi niya at nakakapangsisi dahil sa loob pa ako ng katawan ng mahinang character na 'yon napunta. 

Why did my life ended up in the hands of my own book?

"Magbabago." I pluck the rose petal and throw it on the floor. 

"Hindi magbabago." Pumitas na naman ako ng petal at tinapon ito habang naglalakad sa malawak na hardin na pagmamay-ari ng Glazedale. 

"Magbabago." Paulit-ulit ko lang sinasabi ang mga katagang 'yon habang wala sa sariling nakatingin sa rosas na kinakalbo ko.

"Hindi magbabago." 

I plucked and plucked at the flowers one at time. Para akong baliw na pabalik-balik sa paglalakad. I was concerned about the flow of the story. I changed something, and I'm worried everything would suddenly fall apart. 

Maliit na pagbabago lang naman 'yon. For sure, the effect won't be that big. I mean, that mere conversation with the queen could not possibly turn the events upside-down. 

"Magbabago." Napaupo ako sa sahig nang pitasin ko ang panghuling petal ng bulaklak. 

Sino ang niloko ko? I was well aware that even small changes can make a big difference. Kung magbabago ang pangyayari ay hindi ko na mahuhulaan kung ano ang susunod na kaganapan.

"Your Highness!" Lumapit sa akin ang personal na maid ni Xiomara- or should I say, personal maid ko na.

What was her name again? Oh, yes she's Mia. I got her name from my neighbor's dog. 

Tinulungan niya akong tumayo at pinagpagan niya ang kasuotan ko sa pag-aakalang napuno ito ng alikabok at dumi sa pagsalampak ko sa sahig. 

"Ano po ang nangyari? Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo? May masakit ba sayo?" Umikot-ikot siya sa akin na para bang sinusuri ang buong katawan ko. 

"Kamahalan, sumagot naman kayo!" Nagpatianod ako nang yugyugin niya ang katawan ko. 

If ever there would be changes because of what I did, I just have to prevent it. Prevention is better than cure ika nga. 

"Kamahalan!" Napatuwid ako ng tayo when a bright idea crossed my mind. 

"Where are the horses?" Agad kong tanong kay Mia. Her eyes widened in shock. 

"Kabayo? Para saan, kamahalan?!" Napahinga ako nang malalim.

I always seem to forgot Xiomara is weak. She doesn't even know how to wield a sword, let alone riding a horse? 

"Pupunta ako ng Westerian Palace." Lalo naman namulagat ang kaniyang mga mata sa naging sagot ko. 

"Ipagpaunhin niyo ang aking kapahangasan ngunit kamahalan, ano ang iyong gagawin sa palasyo?" She looks troubled for some unknown reasons, but I don't care. I need to go there. 

"I need to talk to the queen." Nagsimula akong maglakad papunta sa horse cabin kung saan naroon ang mga kabayo. Natataranta namang tumakbo si Mia upang habulin ako.Pinagdipa niya ang kaniyang mga braso na para bang pinipigilan ako. 

"Mia?" Nakataas kilay kong tawag sa pangalan niya. I eyed her, telling her to move out of my way but she just shook her head in disapproval. 

"H-hindi kayo pwedeng umalis ng manor, kamahalan!" I tilt my head as  I look at her. Xiovenn probably told her to keep me close and never let me leave the residence because it would be dangerous for me. 

How thoughtful, and I appreciate it. However, I must go to the palace and seek an audience to the queen and apologize. Hindi ko hahayaang magbago ang takbo ng storya. As the writer of the story, I could never forgive anyone who tried to mess with my storyline. That includes myself. 

"Tumabi ka, Mia!" 

"Hindi, kamahalan! Mamamatay muna ako bago ka makaalis!" 

Itinaas ko ang dulo ng damit ko sabay bwelo upang makalusot sa nakadipa niyang kamay, pero masyado siyang mabilis kumilos at nahaharangan niya ako. Para kaming nakikipagpatentero sa isa't isa. Inabot na lang kami ng ilang minuto ay kapwa na lang kami napagod pero hindi pa rin siya umaalis sa harap ko at nakadipa pa rin. 

Putangina mo, Mia! 

"M-may baboy!" Nagkunwari akong nagulat habang nakaturo ang kamay ko sa kalangitan. My hands flew into my mouth as I exclaimed, "May baboy na lumilipad, Mia!" Her attention immediately got diverted in the sky. 

I took the chance to run away as fast as I can to the horse cabin. I heard her shouting that stupid "Kamahalan!" hysterically. Lumingon ako at nakita ko siyang halos madapa-dapa kakatakbo para lang mahabol ako. 

May nakasalubong akong mga maid at iilan sa mga tagapangasiwa ng tirahan, pati na rin mga kawal. I can see different reactions from their faces. Malamang ay nagtataka ang mga ito kung paanong ang inakala nilang napakahinang Arkon ay nagawang tumakbo nang napakabilis at tulin. 

"Kamahalan!" 

"Tumabi kayo!" 

Pabalya kong binuksan ang kuwadra ng mga kabayo't hindi ko napansin na nasa pinto ang tagaalaga sa mga ito kaya tumalsik ito. Napangiwi ako nang makitang tumalsik siya sa tae ng mga kabayo na mamasa-masa pa. 

Tatawa pa sana ako nang marinig ko ang pagsisisigaw ni Mia sa buong katulong na kahit ano ang mangyari ay dapat akong pigilan. 

I hurriedly climb the horse as I pulled its reins. Mabilis nitong inangat ang unang dalawang paa sa kaniyang harapan. It was neighing loudly. I never had a basic training of riding a horse before but I tried horse riding sa Skyranch sa Tagaytay. 

"Kamahalan! Oh, Diyosa ng Buwan at Bituwin na Esmeralda, gabayan niyo nawa ang aming Arkon!" Napalingon ako sa tagabantay na puno ng tae at tuyong dayami ang mukha. Nakaluhod ito sa sahig habang nakasiklob ang kamay na para bang nagdadasal.

"Ye-ha!" Hinila ko ang tali sa bibig ng kabayo nang makita kong papalapit na si Mia sa pinto ng cabin. Nakita kong may iilang kawal din siyang kasama. 

Matulin na tumakbo ang kabayo, at bago pa man nila mabuksan ang pinto ay tumalsik na ang mga ito dahil sa marahas na pagdaan ng kabayo. I look back only to see them in different funny positions.

Natawa na lang ako nang makita ko silang nakadapa sa gabundok na dayami. The others are soaking with the horse's manure. 

Literal na mukhang tae HAHAHA

"Kamahalan!" Hindi ko pinansin ang ibang katulong na hinahabol ako kahit na nakasakay na ako sa kabayo. 

"Open the gates!" Yes, the last obstacle I'll face would be the knights guarding the manor gates. 

"K-kamahalan!" 

Kinuha ko ang latigong nakausli sa gilid ng saddle ng kabayo. Iniwasiwas ko ito sa paligid na para bang nagwawala. 

"Pagbuksan niyo ako ng pinto, mga punyeta!" Sa taranta ng mga ito ay dali-dali nilang binuksan ang malaking gate. 

I successfully escaped the maids and knights of our clan's residence. They would probably be under Xiovenn's mercy later but I couldn't care less. If the storyline of the book changes, It would be done for me. There's no way I'm gonna predict what will happen next. The ending might change and there's no chance for me to go back. 

My writing career would be over or worse, I might die in the real world if I'm still alive. I will not let myself be stuck here forever. I have my own life! 

Nang makalayo ako sa manor ay saka ko lang napansin ang kapaligiran. It was raining in snow. Nakaramdam ako nang panunuot ng lamig sa katawan kaya naihawak ko ang kanang kamay ko sa kaliwang braso ko. 

That's when I remembered that Ozlevine was a cold place. It was a city of Snow Plain where the Glacial Archon lives and rules. 

And the Glazedale's Manor (main residence) was warmed specially for the Glacial Archon. Even if she controls the power of Ice, her body could not withstand the cold due to her poor health so Xiovenn have to ask for the Flamma Archon's help to built an Infinite Furnace to warm the manor. 

Ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng lamig dahil nakalabas ako. And I can see there were small huts everywhere, villages with torchlights. The ground and the roof were covered with thick snows. There were pine trees and snow foxes running in circles. 

I can't help but to feel amazed over the world that I made. Who would have thought that my words could create life. It's bewildering to think that a writer could hold such power. 

"Come on horsey, we need to reach Westeria before a Snow storm could trap us." Kinakabahan kong tinapik ang leeg ng kabayo. 

Of course, If I created such a wonderful environment, I also made calamities. From the cold snow plain where different conifers grow, some I recognize were pine trees, spruce and cedar trees, the sky emitted the northern lights of winter, Aurora borealis. 

Hindi ko man lang tiningnan kung anong oras na. There's a certain time where avalanches and snowstorm often happen in Snow Plain. Maybe that's the reason why Mia was dying to stop me. It was dangerous to travel alone with a horse.

As the cold wind started to blow in my bare skin, I held the reigns tighter. Inangat ko ang kamay ko nang maramdamang pabigat nang pabigat ang pag-ulan ng nyebe. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kaba. When I look up in the sky, the Aurora borealis started to fade. 

No, it wasn't fading. It was the thick shades of snow clouds covering it, hinting there would be a heavy storm. 

And when the wolf started howling three times, I lost my hope. It means a snow storm is about to fall. 

"Konti na lang, we are almost there. Bilisan mo!" Hinampas ko ang likod ng kabayo gamit ang latigong hawak ko upang bumilis ito lalo sa pagtakbo. 

The strong blizzard started to blur my vision, dahil dito ay paunti-unti ding bumagal ang takbo ng kabayo dahil sa lakas ng hangin. It's blowing against our direction, and it keeps on pushing us back. 

If this goes on malilibing ako ng buhay dito sa lugar na to. Napasinghap ako nang may maalala ako. There are indeed people who are burried here alive because of the snow storm and avalanche. 

Pinikit ko ang magkabilang mata ko dahil napupuwing ako. Mabilis ko rin itong naimulat nang marinig kong umalulong ng limang beses ang lobo. Mula sa malayo ay nakarinig ako ng isang napakalaking bagay na rumaragasa papunta sa gawi ko. I look back only to see an avalanche coming in our way. 

I gasped as my heart began to beat faster. A snow storm and an avalanche all at once?! Namatay na nga ako sa kidlat tapos ngayon matatabunan naman ako ng buhay?! 

"Putangina!" Hinampas ko nang hinampas ng latigo ang kabayo sa kagustuhang tumakbo ito palayo pero kahit anong subok nito'y hinaharang ito ng hangin mula sa snow storm. 

Gusto ko pa sanang pumalag para mabuhay pero naalala kong ang goal ko pala noong una pa lang ay mamatay. This is a natural disaster that could kill me, where no one has to be blamed for my death. 

Niluwagan ko ang pagkakahawak sa tali ng kabayo at taas noong hinarap ang rumaragasang nyebe na ilang metro na lang ang layo sa akin. 

Dying just spared me mercy, I should be grateful for it. This way, I could return in my own world at peace. 

Pinikit ko ang mga mata ko at hinintay na lang na lumapit sa akin ang kamatayan. In either way, I could never escape it lalo na at napapagitnaan ako. I just have to accept the truth that I will d-

I opened my eyes when I felt somebody's hand on my head. Ang kabilang kamay nito'y hinawakan ako sa bewang at inangat upang makaalis sa kabayo. When both our feet landed on the ground, my head was on the right side of his neck. 

I look around only to see that we're inside a huge dome made of fire. Nakita kong unti-unti nitong tinutunaw ang nyebe na nakatambon sa labas ng dome. It served as a shield to avoid us from being buried alive. Napatingin ako sa balikat niya at saka ko lang napansin na nakasuot siya ng kulay itim na kasuotan.

Hawak niya pa rin ang ulo at bewang ko at halos magkadikit ang katawan naming dalawa kaya hindi ko makita ang mukha niya. When I tried to look on the face of the man who saved me, diniin niya lalo ang ulo ko sa leeg niya. 

I get it, he doesn't want me to see his face. 

"Death would have been a better alternative for me," I whispered.

I heard him chuckled. Napakurap ako nang parang marinig kong tumawa ang isang anghel. 

"Death would not have unveiled the delicate curtain of lies and revealed the truth." 

Kumunot ang noo ko. I was about to ask what he means but he suddenly vanished. A few seconds after he left, the dome made of fire also disappeared. Napatingin ako sa paligid, nasa tabi ko lang nakatayo ang puting kabayong sinakyan ko kanina. 

The Snow Plain is now calm, and silent. The Aurora borealis started to shine in the sky once again. It was as if the snow storm and avalanche didn't happen. 

I shrugged and rode the horse to the palace. I thought I could finally die, but since I was saved, back to the original plan. Apologize to the queen to avoid mishaps. 

Nang makarating na ako sa parte ng lupa na wala ng nyebe ay napalingon ako sa napakalawak na bahagi ng Snow Plain. That man who saved me, I don't know who he was. I have no memory of a character like him in my story. No one stays in the Snow Plain for too long. Wala naman akong ginawang life guard doon.

Hinila ko ang tali ng kabayo't pinatakbo na naman ito patungo ng palasyo. Who ever that person is, I'm sure he's just a side character. He's nothing important. 

*♛♚♛༊*·˚

𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 ko sa tarangkahan ng palasyo, napatigil ako nang harangin ako ng mga kawal. They unsheathed their swords and pointed their blades at me. 

"Sinong mapangahas ang papasok ng palasyo na walang imbitasyon mula sa mahal na reyna?!" Singhal ng isa sa mga kabalyero. 

Loyal yarn?

Bumaba ako ng kabayo sabay tanggal ng puting balabal na suot ko. When they saw my face, they cough. Para bang nasamid ang mga ito sa sariling laway at kaagad na yumuko upang magbigay ng galang sa akin. 

Even if Xiomara was the weakest Archon, she must be respected. Anyone with a lowly status who'd disrespect her would be put on bars or beheaded. 

"Greetings to the Glacial Archon, as the General of Westerian Cavalry, I deeply apologize for the inconveniece. You may enter the palace." The young general bowed his head and smiled at me. 

"Let me accompany you to the Throne Hall, your highness." I nod my head. Bago ako makaalis ay narinig ko nagbulungan ang mga kawal na nagbabantay sa labas. 

"Hindi ko akalain na marunong pala siya sumakay ng kabayo sa kabila ng bali-balita na may malubha itong sakit." 

"Kung titingnan ay malusog naman siya at puno pa ng giliw." 

"Ipagpaumanhin ninyo ang bunganga ng mga kawal ko, kamahalan." I just shrugged my shoulders. Wala naman silang sinabing masama. They are telling the truth. 

Nang mapansin kong nakatitig siya sa akin ay napalinga ako. Umiwas naman kaagad siya ng tingin. 

Isa pa to, shawty. 

He's Connor Stallard, the youngest General of Westerian Cavalry. He manages the security of the kingdom and recruitments for millitary forces. He trains them and he's the brain of the unbreakable millitarry formation of Westeria. 

When we reached the palace gates, one of the knights announced my arrival and the queen gladly welcomed my presence after a few seconds. 

Nakangiti kong tinahak ang ginintuang carpet ng throne hall hanggang makarating ako sa harap ng reyna. 

She's there, sitting on her golden throne, looking down at me, reminding me that she is above everyone else in this world. Napaismid ako sa isip ko. If she thinks she owns the world, well she's wrong. 

I am the writer of this story, I own this world. 

"What do I owe the Glacial Archon this favor?" I smiled at her and bowed by head as a sign of respect. 

"Glory upon the Westeria and the unity of the Kingdom," bati ko sa kaniya. Inilagay ko ang magkabilang palad ko sa bandang puson ko sabay yuko ulit. 

"I have come to apologize for my misbehavior during the selection of your marriage, your majesty." Nakita ko naman ang kaagaran na pagtaas ng kilay niya. 

Tingnan mo 'tong gagang to. Nag-sorry na nga tataasan ka pa ng kilay. Napaka-attitude talaga.

"You have done nothing wrong. I have only asked for your humble opinion, there is no need to make a huge fuss out of it. I rather thank you for being honest." She smiled, but I know it's fake. 

So, yun na 'yon? Halos mamatay na ako pagpunta rito tapos 'yon lang? I don't even know if I have resolved my problem. 

"Your majesty! The royal messenger has arrived!" Isang lalaking may bitbit na box ang papasok ng Throne Hall. 

If I'm not mistaken, inside those box were the letters written by the delegates who wanted to propose a marriage to her. This is where the Archons presented their dowries to the queen and she will have to choose the Flamma Archon. 

"These are the marriage proposals coming from the different clans of each region in the Kingdom of Westeria, your majesty." The messenger presented the heavy box and one of the knights beside her took it and put in on her table. 

Pagbukas niya ay isa-isa niyang tiningnan ang mga nakarolyong papel doon pero hindi niya pa man nababasa ay nilalalapag niya na ito na para bang may hinahanap. Patuloy niya itong hinalukay sa harapan ko. 

I rolled my eyes. Can't she just dismiss me first before she do whatever the fuck she wants? Nag aksaya pa ako ng oras para pumunta rito pero pagiging ipokrita niya lang naman ihaharap sa akin. Nakakawalang gana. 

"What's this?!" Nabalik ako sa realidad nang marinig ang inis na inis na boses ng reyna. 

Mabilis na napaluhod ang mensahero sa pag-aakalang may mali itong ginawa. 

"Sigurado ka bang ito lang ang lahat ng mensahe na natanggap mo?!" Her voice roared and echoed in the conrners of the Throne Hall. 

"Y-yes, your majesty. . ." Nanginginig nitong sagot. 

"Why aren't there any marriage proposals from the Archons?!" Kahit ako ay umawang ang bibig sa narinig. 

"WHAT?!" 

Napaatras naman ang mga ito sa naging sigaw ko. Kahit ang reyna ay nagulat sa naging reaksyon ko. 

Dinampot ko ang kwelyo ng damit ng mensaherong nakaluhod. Sapilitan ko siyang itinayo habang hawak-hawak ito sa kwelyo. Nakita ko naman bumalata lalo ang takot sa mukha niya. 

"Ano ang ibig mong sabihin na walang mensahe mula sa mga Archon?!" Naghihisterikal kong tanong. 

That can't be! Lahat ng Archon may marriage proposals sa reyna! They thirst for power that's why they would do everything to take the queen's hand! There's no way none of them sent a marriage proposal to her! That's not just possible! 

"Baka naman naiwala mo? Go back to their manor at baka nakaligtaan mo na! Ayusin mo ang desisyon mo sa buhay mo at baka hindi kita matantya!" Marahas kong binitawan ang kwelyo niya't huminga nang malalim. 

The situation is maddening. How the hell did the happenings suddenly change?! Huwag mo sabihing dahil sa simpleng sinabi ko roon sa reyna ay ganito na kaagad kalaki ang pagbabago ng pangyayari? 

Don't give me that shit! It's just way too invalid! 

"Gaya ng sabi niya ay nakakasigurado ka bang wala ka talagang natanggap mula sa mga Archons?" The royal messenger was trembling as he nods his head. 

"A-ang alam ko lang po. . ." 

"Ano?" Sabay naming tanong ng reyna. I was curious as well. 

"The A-archons did sent a marriage proposal, b-but it was not destined to be in the Westerian Palace." 

"Ano? E, saan? Kanino? At bakit?" Sunod-sunod na tanong ng reyna na para bang atat na atat itong malaman. 

Saglit na tumingin sa akin ang mensahero bago lumuhod sa sahig.

"The marriage proposal was sent to O-o-ozlevine, your majesty." His lips quivered with fear. Tumayo ang reyna. 

"Ozlevine? Why would the Archons send a marriage proposal to the Ozlevine? Nakalimutan ba nilang taga Westeria ako?" She scoffed. 

"T-they wish to ask for the G-glacial Archons hand for marriage, your majesty!" Natigilan ako sa narinig. 

Pakiramdam ko binuhusan ako ng malamig na tubig. Parang lantang gulay akong napaupo sa sahig habang lumulutang sa kawalan ang utak ko. Nararamdaman ko rin ang matalim na tingin sa akin ng reyna pero hindi ko muna siya pinansin. Mas devastated ako kesa sa kaniya na nawalan lang ng mapapangasawa.

"They wish to ask for the Glacial Archons hand for marriage, your majesty!"

"They wish to ask for the Glacial Archons hand for marriage, your majesty!"

"They wish to ask for the Glacial Archons hand for marriage, your majesty!"

I didn't know a small change in the story could make this big difference. Why the fuck did they even thought of marrying the Glacial Archon instead of the Westerian Queen?! They're supposed to ask for her hand! Where did everything go wrong?!

Bakit ako ang gusto nilang pakasalan, punyeta! 

G O L U C K Y C H A R M