Dominguez Series 2nd Gen Book 4 | King of my Heart |On-going

Chapter 04: A Goodbye

Sa isang mansion siya dinala ni Rion matapos ang after party na in-organize ni Vio. Hindi pa nga tapos nung umalis silang dalawa kaya hindi na niya nagawang magpaalam pa kay Erin. Abala din naman ito sa kasama nitong lalaki. Bukas na lang sila mag-uusap tungkol kay Carlos Rodriguez na siyang Prime Minister ng Cretia. They entered a huge house which seems like empty. Maraming gamit pero mukhang silang dalawa ang taong naroroon. Tanging tunog ng suot niyang takong ang nadidinig sa lugar na pinuntahan nila ni Rion. Kaya naman huminto siya saglit upang tanggalin na iyon ng tuluyan. Masakit na din ang paa niya dahil doon kaya hindi na siya nagdalawang isip na alisin iyon.

“You're one of a kind, Sav.” Rion said to her, honestly.

“Because I took off my shoes in front a Royal blood like you?” Rion chuckled and offered to hold her shoes. “It's okay. I can managed and my toes are really soring.”

“Just be you, I won't really mind it.” Nang huminto sila sa paglalakad, agad na binuksan ni Rion ang pintuan at doon sumalubong sa kanya ang magandang interior, state of the class chandelier and fit for Royal kind of bed. “This is where I live when I'm outside of my den.”

“You literally takes me home, Your Highness.”

“Yes... is there a problem? Please don't addressed me in that way.” Ilang na siyang pinaalalahan nito tungkol sa pag-aalis ng formality sa pag-uusap nila.

Huminga siya ng malalim saka tinungo ang balcony ng bahay nito. Hinawi niya ang mga kurtina saka matamang pinagmasdan ang madilim na kalangitang punong puno ng mg bituin. Kitang kita doon ang kabuuan ng Cretia kaya hindi niya maiwasang mapangiti. Savannah still wearing the dress that she ramped a while ago in the runway. It was a successful event and many people congratulated her and Vio for pulling off a fashion show like that. Hindi naman niya sukat akalain na rarampa siya kanina. Hanggang sa mga oras na iyon ay hindi niya kayang paniwalaan ang mga nangyari.

“In our country, my homeland, you can't take a girl straight to your home on a first date unless...” Hindi pa siya sigurado kung date nga ba na matatawag iyon. Rion invited her there for a reason that he got bored at the after party.

“Unless, what?” Napangiti siya bigla. “Come on, don't add suspense on this conversation.”

“Unless we have sex...” she casually said to him. “not appropriate, right? Just forget about it.” Sigurado naman siyang may alam ito sa salitang s*x. They're not living in ancient Europe now. It's already year two thousand twenty and people are knowledgable of things like that or maybe not really applicable in Cretia. “I'm a Filipina who grew up roaming around New York City, Manhattan and playing casino games in Los Angeles.”

What's the point of toning down when Rion actually saw the real her? She cried in front of him. Ride a motorcycle and act in the middle Cretia's heart.

“It is a great privilage to hear what kind of culture that your country has. We do talk about s*x but not inside the Palace. I heard a lot of things from Vio since he grew up in America. How the country grow and it's people live there.”

Savannah chuckled softly then, seated in sun lounger. Rion told her that all his life he is trained to be the country's next leader. That he has a sibling but nowhere to be found right now. Ang alam lang nito ay nag-bo-volunteer ang kapatid kung saan saan. Kung ano ano ang napag-usapan nila sa balcony bago nila naisipang pumasok uli sa loob. From the story of their childhood down to personal things. Savannah told Rion the reason she choose to live in Cretia and he just praised her.

Rion set up a seat in front of the fire place to warm them up. Bigla kasing nag-snow sa labas na sobrang hindi inaasahan. Just like the weather that Philippines has. Inabutan siya ni Rion ng blanket na siyang binalot niya sa kanyang sarili. That house of Rion has homey vibes which is present to every house in Cretia. Iba yung pakiramdam at kumportable siya gumalaw doon. Inunat niya ang mga paa at tinapat iyon sa fireplace upanh mainitan.

“We actually don't take girls at home on a first date, too, here. We will have bunch of dates and make sure to put a ring on the lady's finger before ending up in one bed. Primitive, right?”

“I see no problem with that. Bunch of dates will let you know more about each other. Likes and dislikes, attitudes, and little dirty secrets if you know what I'm mean. It is right and just to get marry first before having sex.”

They both laughed. “You're so fun to be with. I enjoyed being with you, Sav.” Pinaglapat niya ang mga labi saka hinawi ang buhok na humarang sa kalahati ng kanyang mukha at inipit iyon sa likod ng tainga. Hindi niya maiwasang pamulahan ng magkabilang pisngi. Umisod si Rion palapit sa kanya at ito na ang humawi ng ibang buhok niya na humarang sa mukha. “Does someone already tell how beautiful your eyes?”

“Uhm, yes. A lot of people say that to me. I got it from my mom, by the way.”

Kumurap kurap siya saka alangang sinalubong ang mga titig nito. Rion told her a while ago to dropped the formalities and treat him just like a normal guy who didn't have a royal blood. First name basis that's what they agree on before coming to his place which she think not a good idea at all. Ano ba ang salitang pagpipigil kung katulad ni Rion ang kasama mo? Like she wanted to grab his nape and kiss him on the lips.

Don't even go there, Sav. Remember Rion is not a normal guy like Mateo and Silas. Put a demarcation line in between... she said on her head.

“I-It's getting late now. I guess I have to go.” aniya dito sa pilit na ngumiti. Hindi niya alam kung sa susunod na pagkikita nila ay magiging gano'n pa sila ka-kumportable sa isa't-isa. After this night, she has no plan meeting Rion again. There should never be a second date or else her plan will get ruined. But in way what she will resists meeting Rion? “I have fun and I enjoyed your company, too. I guess... this is a goodbye?”

“Goodbye? Why?”

“W-well, you do your thing and I do mine. You know, coronation, leadership and such thing that... ugh!” She shudders. “We can't really be together but don't worry it's just me finding my way out of this...” Hindi niya magawang ituloy ang dapat na sasabihin dito. Hindi niya magawang sabihin na 'di siya handa na maki-isa sa mundong gagalawan nito. Malalim siyang napahugot ng buntong hininga. “I need to go. You don't need to drive me home. I can call my friend maybe she's not busy with her new boy toy.”

Nakita niyang tumaas ang kilay nito bigla dahil sa kanyang sinabi. She forgot to filter the words because of being comfortable with him.

“I'm sorry about that. Bye!” She said and walked out of the door. Napalinga siya sa paligid at nalimutan niya kung saan sila pumasok ni Rion kanina.

“Go to your left then turn right.” Sigaw ni Rion sa kanya.

Pinuno niya ng hangin ang kanyang dibdib bago nagsalita. “Thank you!” She shouted back.

~•~•~

Days passed and Savannah still sulking inside her room. Walang ideya na pumapasok sa isipan niya kaya hindi magawang ituloy ang pagdidisenyo ng mga damit. Erin tried to pulled her out of the bed but didn't succeed in the end. Kinakain siya ng konsensya niya simula nung gabing umuwi siya galing sa mansion ni Rion. Those words she uttered to him was the greatest stupidity done in her entire life. Bakit ba niya pinangunahan ang pagkakataon? But there's no really chance that Rion might choose her over the crown and his country.

“Carlos has a party at his house. Come on, let's go there to enjoy,” ani Erin sa kanya.

“I thought he's just fashion show date. You know, a date to get an invites.”

“Carlos is my boyfriend, Savannah Venice Dominguez. He's the reason why I'm here in Cretia.” Nanlaki ang mga mata dahil sa nalaman. How come she didn't realize that? “Shocked? Okay lang naman na magulat ka. We looked really not a serious at all.”

Naupo ito sa tabi niya saka tiningnan ang mga kuko. “You're dating the Prime Minister of this country?”

“Y-yes? What's wrong with that? Politicians are human, too as well as your Prince Charming, babe.” Tumawa ito ng malakas ng samaan niya ng tingin. “Rion is a great guy and two hundred percent better if Mateo and Silas will combined.”

“Enough travelling down memory lane. We're good friends, me, Mateo and Silas. I actually congratulated both of them on their engagement and wedding.” Savannah cooly said to her friend. Mateo got engaged to a collegue in his law firm while Silas married an incredible woman and an ex-beauty queen. “What? I'm not bitter, okay? I'm fine at tanggap ko na magiging mag-isa na lang ako... forever.”

“You sounded like a talking bittergourd, babe. Bakit kasi nangunguna ka sa tadhana? Paano kung si Rion na pala yung hula sa 'yo nung babae sa airport? Sayang 'di ba? He's a smoking hot guy with ocean blue eyes and royal blood.”

“Shut up, Erinlea. You have a boyfriend, right?”

“But that didn't hinder me from admiring Crown Prince Harrion Dale McAllister.” Savannah rolled her eyes and tried to focus on what she's designing. “Come on, samahan mo na ako sa party ngayon.”

Wala naman siyang magagawa pa dahil malakas ang convincing powers ng kanyang kaibigan. In the end, they both prepared for the party that Carlos organize in his huge mansion. Isang black sleeveless wrap dress na may mababang neckline ang sinuot niya. Nilugay ang kanyang buhok at nagsuot hikaw na siya mismo ang nagdisenyo. Simple lang din ang make up na nilagay sa mukha dahil ayaw niyang makakuha ng madaming atensyon. Hinanda niya ang kanyang sarili dahil maaring magkita sila ni Rion doon. Carlos will invite him for sure for the sake of good impression and great favor from the royal family.

“Savannah, glad you did come here. I have a surprise for you and you'll thank me for this in no time,” anito saka giniya siya papasok sa isang hall kung saan naroroon sina Rion at Vio. The two guys stopped from talking upon seeing her. She could feel their stare and that gives her chills down to the spine.

“Will I get imprison if I say I'd like to strangle you right now?” tanong niya kay Carlos. Nadinig niya ang mahinang pagtawa ni Erin na naka-abrisete sa braso ng binata.

“You have no place in our prison. There's a place that will be bright when you enter it.”

“Where?”

“Kingdom of Cretia.” bulong nito sa kanya. “Your Prince is going here,” Napatingin siya bigla kay Rion na totoo ngang papunta doon sa pwesto nila. Nang makalapit ito'y agad na binati ni Erin at Carlos ang binata. She excused herself from them and walked towards balcony. Kinuha niya sa pouch ang cellphone saka pinindot ang call button sa gilid ng pangalan ni Ciara.

“Hey twin! Long time no video calls. I didn't miss you because we have the same face though.” Napaikot ang mga mata niya bigla.

“Pwede bang mapanggap ka na na-mi-miss mo ako kahit minsan lang?” Tumawa ito ng dahil sa sinabi niya. “What are you doing?”

“Recording and you called just right in time because I want you to hear this new song of mine.” Ciara is a singer just like their Dad. She have tons of albums now and a huge fan club. She listened to her twin sister's new song and that made her want to go home immediately. She miss hanging out with her suddenly. “How's it? Good or nah?”

“It's good, Ara. When will you released it?”

“Inayos na ng Daddy ang recording at producing ng music video. I requested na ikaw ang maging actress sa music video and Dad did agree with me.”

“Pagbalik ko next year planuhin natin ang filming ng music video.”

Na-excite bigla si Ciara dahil sa sinabi niya. Kapag talaga may dilemma siya, ito lang ang reliever niya. Ciara's voice eased away those dilemma she have in her mind. She showed her sister where she at and told Ciara that people in that country loves formal events. Matapos makipag-usap sa kapatid ay matama siyang tumingin sa kalangitan. Walang gaanong bituin sa kalangitan hindi gaya noong magkasama sila ni Rion sa mansion nito.

“Lovely to see you again, Savannah,” anang tinig na nagmula sa kanyang likuran.

“Your Highness,” bati niya kay Rion saka ngumiti kahit na napipilitan.

“It's been a week...”

“Almost a week actually,” she corrected him. Tumango tango ito sa kanya saka ngumiti. She must not be swayed by those smile. “How are you?”

“I'm fine and coping up well after the rejection,”

Magsasalita dapat siya ngunit may malamyos na tinig na tumawag sa pangalan nito. “There you are, Harrion. Queen Mother is looking for you inside.” The lady in front of her is too beautiful and refined.

“Uhm, Vanessa, this is Savannah, a friend.” Pakilala sa kanya ni Rion. A friend... one word that gives her a stinging sensation

“Hi! Lady Vanessa, House of Wales.” Vanessa reached for her hands and squeeze it gently.

“Savannah Venice Dominguez.”

“From which house? You seem like a foreigner.”

“House of Allea.” Sabat ng tinig na siyang dahilan ng pagkunot ng noo niya. Sinubukan niyang makipag-usap kay Erin gamit ang mga mata pero bigo siya. Her doesn't know how to communicate by that. “She's the representative of my house in the upcoming selection.”

Kapwa nabakasan ng pagkagulat ang mukha nilang tatlo nina Rion at Erin. What does Carlos even saying right now? She's a representative? Selection? House of what? Savannah read that only in a books or even watched in American series.

“Mind if I take the Crown Prince for a talk?” tanong sa kanila ni Vanessa na sinagot lang ni Carlos ng tango.

Hindi siya nakahuma agad ng dahil sa mga hindi ma-proseso ang mga salitang nadinig. Bigla ba siyang na-transport sa ibang mundo gaya sa mga napapanood niya sa TV. Kausap niya lang kanina ang kapatid niya tapos nilapitan siya ni Rion then the rest becomes a history. Napatingin siya kay Carlos at sa mga mata niya'y nababakas ang mga tanong na naghahanap ng kasagutan. Inaya na sila ni Carlos na pumasok sa loob dahil nadinig nilang nag-offer ng toast reyna ng bansang kinaroroonan niya.

In front of them, there is Rion standing beside his Queen Mother. Naka-kapit naman sa braso nito si Vanessa na akala mo'y maaagawan. Doon nalaman niyang ang party pala na iyon ay pagbubukas ng isang kumpetisyon. A competition where only one woman can be a winner of a crown and a heart. One woman who will marry the Crown Prince. Ang noble house ni Carlos ang host ng pagbubukas na iyon ng makasaysayang patimpalak.

“I can explain, Sav.” anito sa kanya.

“You should and better do it in a way that I can understand.”