V

'Because you're here... And I love you'

That stays in my mind until I find myself in the garden again.

It's like he broke the rules of fixed marriage...

We're getting married just because for the throne and not because of the love that we conquered and the affection that we felt towards each other, but I guess it's one sided love because only he can feel it.

Kumuha ako ng isang rosas at tinititigan iyon habang nag-iisip.

Roses... Flowers... Why do guys always give flowers when they're courting? Isn't so cringe...

People now a days don't like flowers they like powers and wealth.

But somehow, I describe myself as a "Pink Rose" is symbolises greatfullness and faithfullness.

I envy those people who know what they really want the most. They know their way on how to achieve their goals. They got plans for their future self and family and they are starting it now.

While there's me, I was born to rule the five islands. I'm the heiress of this palace. I am destined to own everything.

They planned my future and everything without even asking what I really want.

"Princess Athaliah!" I heard a maiden's voice from behind. Dali-dali kong tinago ang rosas sa aking likuran para hindi niya makita.

"Why are you looking for me?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"I am not, but the Queen is looking for you."

I want her to shut her sarcastic mouth! And why is the queen looking for me?!

"Where?" She didn't talk instead she guided me the way 'til we reached the dining area.

I saw her wearing her beautiful expensive maroon fury gown.

"Take a seat." She gestured me to sit beside her. She look serious right now and so formal.

There's a cup of tea for the both of us. I wonder why did she called me.

"We will have a dinner with Écheriou," agad-agad niyang sabi sa akin wala man lang nagbago sa mukha niya.

"Are you serious?" I let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Why do you have a problem with that?" I don't, it's just that I need to pretend that we're okay, so that the atmosphere is very light.

"I'm okay with that... I'm okay with pretending--"

"Yah!" She slammed the table and closed her eyes to calm herself.

The side of my lips rose because of her reaction. What's the big deal if I'm going to pretend that I really want what we're doing?

"I'm going." I bow to her before going into my room.

I took a deep breath then exhaled. I was shocked to see the bed with a beautiful purple gown lying on my bed.

It wasn’t just the gown that's lying here when I got close. There's Cuban heel, purple diamond earrings and a crown bracelet.

"She really prepared everything, huh" umiling-iling kong kinuha ang gown saka ito isinuot.

The Bias Cut Gown fitted me so well. It makes me look like a mistress haha... I mean a woman.

I sat down in front of the golden vanity table. In its glass there is a gold frame all around and this is where the light comes from. I put on the earings and put a little make up on my face.

"You look so beautiful, Princess Athaliah," I heard a different voice, when I turned around ay namilog ang mga mata ko.

"Have we met before?" O asked calmy because I haven't seen her before.

"I think so, but you didn't mind mind my presence," she smiled to me a little bit then she approached me. "I'm Beulah, have you met my so" oh who's this guy?

"Is he handsome? A deep manly voice? A gentleman? A--"

"Yes he is, Princess Athaliah," she stopped so I turned to her.

"Who is he?" I was interested in asking her

"He's Sverre--"

"Sverre? That guy who just disrespect me?" So she was Sverre's mother! "Aish nevermind,"

She's wearing a maiden's dress. Her hair is tied in a messy bun and it suit her so well. She's not from a noble family but her skin looks like she's one of them.

"Matagal na po akong naninilbihan sa inyo," tila hindi ko alam ang kaniyang sinasabi. "Hindi niyo lang po masyadong napapagtuunan ng pansin ang mga naninilbihan, kaya batid kong wala kayong kaalam-alam." At tama nga siya.

She's right because I never talked to anyone in this palace except for my family... Are they?

I turned to her. "Marunong ka bang mag-ayos ng buhok?" Sa halip na ako'y sagutin ay nakangiti siyang lumapit sa akin at basta na lang tinanggal ang ipit na nasa aking buhok.

"Kahit po yatang makalat ang iyong buhok ay hindi mababago ang gandang mayroon kayo, Mahal na Prinsesa." Hindi pa rin napapawi ang matamis na ngiti sa kaniyang labi na tila'y hanggang bukas niya iyon ipapakita.

"Pinanganak na akong maganda," pag-aamin ko sa kaniya dahil totoo naman!

Narinig kong bahagya siyang natawa kaya masama ang aking tingin nang lingunan ko siya.

Isang Braided Flower Crown ang ginawa niya sa aking buhok. May nilagay siyang parang kumikinang sa aking buhok kaya mas lalo itong gumanda.

"You're ready to go," yumuko siya sa akin habang ako ay nakangiti sa kaniya.

"Thank you Beulah," I never thank somebody but she's so pure in front of me.

"Ang ganda niyo po sa panlabas sana ay sa panloob din ay may tinatago kayong ganda," natigilan ako sa kaniyang sinabi "Aalis na po ako, Mahal na prinsesa." Then she left me hanging with her words.

Maybe if I was an ordinary person I would experience being poor and serving just to have something to eat. Maybe I'm lucky because I have something to eat, but I'm not lucky that I'm a crowned princess.

I will make a policy for myself. Don't fall for a man because they will be the result of my downfall.

Nakarinig ako ng tatlong katok mula sa aking pinto.

"Princess Athaliah, the guests are already here." Sabi niya sa labas.

"Okay," tanging sagot ko. I looked at my reflection before going out. Nasa may hagdan pa lang ako ay kitang-kita ko na ang kumikinang na mga mata ni Prince Marius.

I don't want to hurt this guy, but he's hurting na... He's the only one I had ever since.

I don't know why this guy fell for someone like me. I don't know why he's hoping for something from me in return. I don't know why...

Dahan-dahan akong bumaba sa magandang hagdan ng palasyo at kusang tinanggap ang kamay ni Prince Marius.

"You look gorgeous," he whispered into my ears and kissed my cheeks. "You're like a star... The brightest one."

"Thank you," Sincere kong sabi sa kaniya. "You look handsome too."

Pinalupot niya ang kamay niya sa bewang ko nang makalapit kami sa magulang niya.

"Good evening Queen Martha and King Alexios of Malgrave," I bowed down to them.

"You look so stunning, Princess Athaliah," Queen Martha said.

Queen Martha is the worst queen for me. King Alexios is the great king for me I think they don't fit for each other.

Queen Martha is great at pretending... She's also great in corruption even they're rich as hell.

She always like to bragged everything she bought from the Auctions.

"I'm always, Queen Martha." I smiled at her.

My parents talked to them while we're on our way to the dining area. Prince Marius didn't let go of my waist until we reach at the dining area.

Inalalayan niya akong maupo at saka siya umupo sa tabi ko.

"You really look like a perfect couple," my mother said and I fake my smile at them while we're eating.

"Because Prince Marius fit into my world," pagpaparinig ko iyon. "And he will always fit in."

"Princess Athaliah, at your age you're so lucky to be a heiress of this palace," Queen Martha sarcastically said.

"Well, I guess I am,"

I saw how Queen Martha smirked and placed her utensils on her plate and looked at me.

Actually we're not really in good terms because we have the different attitudes and likes. I think she only pursue herself to like me because I'm going to marry her son.

"Princess Athaliah, since you will rule Pevanshire, then you must know how to be evil." I didn't expect to hear that from Queen Martha.

I didn't expect that from the queen of Malgrave. The side of my lips rose and glanced at her with amazement in my eyes.

"Mother," Pagpipigil sa kaniya ni Prince Marius but I just smiled at the Queen.

"What's wrong with that--"

"There's nothing wrong with that, Queen Martha," Tinaasan niya naman ako ng kilay. "But I must say that I'm not one of you, and I will never be."

"I know..." All of them looked at her. She always like the attention. "Because you are more than that."

"I'm glad that you know tha--"

"Excuse us." Bigla akong hinila ni Prince Marius at hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili kong matawa dahil sa nangyayari.

In my mind I just laughed at everything the queen said. A queen who has no respect for dinner and in front of others ... And a queen who is ungrateful.

Can't wait to see her suffer... Someday.

"No wonder why everyone is scared of her," I said as I crossed my arms. He took a flower with Different colors.

"Look at these flowers," seryosong sabi niya sa harap ko. "They may have different colors, but look into it and smell them," kumuha ako ng dalawa at inamoy iyon. "They still have the same Aroma."

"Then?"

"You're like a flower," binigay niya na sa akin yung bulaklak. "You draw a line where everyone needs to make their own standards." Malalim niyang sabi sa akin at hindi ako makapaniwala doon.

"It's because I'm born to be like this." Pagmamayabang ko sa kaniya kahit totoo naman talaga.

"I want you to don't listen to them so you won't get hurt."

"How can I not listen when they're talking in front of me?" I asked him while I'm looking at the flowers. "How can I listen without getting hurt?" I asked with my low tone.

"Be numb... Ignore everything." He uttered without thinking of anything but... Me.

"Do you think that's easy?" Inangat ko ang tingin ko sa kanya. "Do you think it's easy to stop myself not to feel anything?"

It's not... How can I ignore and be numb when all my life I've been thorned.

"I don't know how to cope with your scars," the emotions on his eyes changed. It looks sadder than before. "Because I don't know how to cope with the scars in my heart either."

He smiled but I sensed something when I read the emotions in his eyes... Something painful.. and sweet at the same time.

"Then don't force me!" I yelled at him. "Why do you have to do such things like this?!"

I don't want to be numb and feel nothing. I like the feeling of pain because I believed that it will change me. It changed me to become a better person or worst.

"I was just lonely, because I feel like that you'll left me," he looked at the dark sky. "Hanging with no answers."

I wasn't able to understand his ego it's too much. He's a crowned prince of his own country why would he fall for someone like me? Someone who wants the throne over love...

Is he crazy? Does he not know the word friend? The words do not fall for someone like me because I can not catch him.. Ano ba ang mas mahirap ang mahulog o ang sumalo?

"You're a Crowned Prince Marius!" He just smirked at me. "Don't fall in love just because you're engaged with someone. Don't fool yourself because deep in there I know it's not love--"

"How do you even know what love is or not, when you're too heartless dealing on how to be a perfect Crown Princess?" Natigilan ako sa kaniyang sinabi at hindi nakapagsalita.

Kailangan niya talaga iyon sabihin sa harapan ko? Maybe I'm... I'm busy dealing how to be a perfect Crown Princess ever since I stepped on the land.

I'm not one of those princesses who wish to fall in love whenever they want to. I'm not one of those princesses who want to cancel everything just for a man...Because when I love, men will trust me and die.

Hindi naman porket magpapakasal kami ay kailangan ko na siyang mahalin. I can love myself and the throne without loving others because that is what will pull me down, the word LOVE.

"You're right," I let out a sigh. "I'm busy dealing how to be a perfect Crown Princess because it's also my duty to keep my people safe and my kingdom." Madiin kong sabi sa kanya.

Wala naman kasing mali kung uunahin ko ang mga responsibilidad ko dahil nakalaan na iyon para sa akin noon pa man.

"I'm sorry-"

"Let's go back." Saka ako naunang pumasok.

Nadatnan kong nakangiti silang nag-uusap tungkol sa engagement naming dalawa ni Prince Marius.

"I will finish my meal and sleep early." Sabi ko nang maupo ako.

"Why? Are you okay?" Nag-aalalang tanong ng aking ina.

"I think she's okay but her heart is not," Queen Martha said. I place my utensils over my plate and glance at her.

Tinaguriang reyna na walang respeto kahit na kanino man, siya na siya 'yan eh.

"You're a Queen and I highly respect you," matalim ko siyang tinignan. "But don't ever test me, because you'll see the evil you've said earlier." Hindi niya ako sinagot nang hinawakan siya sa balikat ni King Alexios.

"We will move the marriage as early as possible," My father said when we finished the dinner.

"Why?" Takang tanong ko at napatingin ako sa hampas lupang mukhang pera na reyna ng Malgrave at nakangisi na siya ngayon.

"Why not?" She raised her eyebrows at me.

"Then early as possible," tinignan ko siya ng parang gusto ko na siyang patayin. "Early as possible, I want to see your body trembling in pain--"

"Princess Athaliah," My mother warned me so I stopped. "Go to your room!"

"Good night." I bowed down before going to my room.

I already changed my clothes and I'm at the balcony right now staring at the sky.

You can actually see the stars better when it's totally dark. Now that it's completely dark I can see the stars better and brighter.

Stars are lucky they don't feel lonely. They're lovely because everyone loves to stare at them.

If I have a wish I want to live as a normal person. No war for the crown . No marriage for the throne. No heartless dealing with some shits over and over again.

May nakita akong lalaki na tumalon mula sa gate kaya dali-dali akong nagtungo roon para tignan kung sino siya.

"You! Stop right there!" I shouted at him but he ran so I chased him until we ended up in the garden.

"Ang bilis mo namang tumakbo!" Reklamo niya sa akin.

"S-Sverre?!" I pushed him slightly because he was so close to me. "Why are you here?"

"I just want to see someome," he scratched his head.

"And who is that person?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"You don't want to know who this person is." Instead of answering him, we sat on the hammock.

"It's already late, ah!"

"Yes, it's already late," he just looked up at the sky today. "And you're still awake." I was surprised by what he said next so I turned to him but he was still looking up at the sky.

"I can't sleep," I admit.

"What's the reason why the dear princess can't sleep?" Why does he always talk formally I am not comfortable!

"You don't want to know why," I also imitated him causing him to turn to me.

"Something seems to be bothering you." He softly said as if he dived deep into my eyes with his eyes to see every emotion hidden here.

"Huh? Bothering? Nothing!" I immediately refused and averted my eyes from him.

"You're cute when you lie," he laughed. "You look like a star," He said suddenly and looked up at the sky again.

"Why?" I wondered to him.

"It's hard to reach you,"

Now I realize I still have a heart to feel. I felt light and flattered when he said that. For him it hurts but for me your happiness is one.

Totoo nga'ng ang hirap kong abutin dahil anak ako ng hari at reyna.

"Princess Athaliah," he called to me again. "Can you tell me what's bothering you?"

I hope it's easy to tell someone your problem. I hope it's  easy to say you're okay when they don't see you lying. I hope everyone is happy and no one will hurt.

"Nothing bothers me," I smiled at him to convince him. "I just want to keep an eye on the beautiful star in the sky."

"Everyone has a story to tell when nobody wants to listen."

He's right, everyone has a story to tell but not everyone can tell what they really feel inside.