The Spawn of Winter [Tagalog]

CHAPTER 2: THREAT

Chapter 2: Threat

The Senoas Realm

Winter Kingdom, Faucon Castle

A lair of anxiety laid like traps in my every breath as the scene that night kept replaying in my head. It's been three days since Jack Frost bombarded my already wrecked life.

"How I wish this is just another nightmare."

Tinitigan kong muli ang aking sarili sa malaking salamin. Hindi ako mahilig magpaganda o mas pagarbohin ang aking pananamit. But the need to be presentable in front of my king, made me give attention to my looks.

Hopefully my white complexion can hide my agitation. I tidied the silver clip on my hair as I whispered the spell to cast out the key just to be sure.

"Zivhor de na," it appeared on my palm.

The key floated through the cold air like a silver lullaby. It was made of frozen ice like crystal and gold linings are visible around it. The top part is molded into a majestic snowflake.

"Xim."

There was a sudden shot of heat on my right index finger as the solid key slowly dissolved into my skin and became a small black tattoo.

"It was safer this way than to just carry it around," I giggled.

But the giggity feeling was gone in an instant because I need to reach the palace before nightfall. Paalis na sana ako sa aking silid ngunit kumirot ang aking dibdib. Ramdam ko ang pamamasa ng aking mga kamay kahit malamig ang temperatura ng silid.

My lungs started to feel crazy as if it was filled with cold water. I tried to calm down as I collected my composure. Matapos ang ilang malalim na paghinga ay hinagilap ko ang puting balabal at ikinabit ang brooch na may simbolo ng aming pamilya.

"Come on Zana."

After a while, I finally pushed myself to move. I decided to head first at our dining area since my parents are probably there for their breakfast. I still have to bid my goodbye and just lie about my whereabouts.

My parents are still unaware about my mission as I intended not to tell them. Matapos ang mahabang paglalakad ay narating ko rin ang malawak na hapag kainan. Ngunit sinalubong ako ng malamig at tahimik na silid. Tinawag ko ang isang tagapagsilbi na nakatayo sa gilid.

"Where are my parents?"

"Xersun dei, My Lady. A-ah, t-the duke and the duchess left early at dawn," the maid answered as her eyes became wary.

"Where to?" I asked but she averted my gaze and remained silent.

"Have they left any messages for me?" my lips quivered as my eyes roamed at the cold white like ghost walls of the dining.

It took a while before she replied. "Y-yeht evah ton dias gnihtyna t-tub ot peek eht castle naelc."

My lips parted as the gleamed of the chandelier above dimmed my eyes. I, at least want to see their faces before I leave and yet, they left the castle without me knowing?

"I see," bitterness lingered in my mouth.

A swiss of silence enveloped the room as it got colder. I should have known better. Maybe it's a good trade, I don't need to lie anymore.

"I will leave an order." I massaged my temple. "Let head butler Irik know that I have an important matter to attend to. And I forbid him to open the gates to anyone who will fail to show identification papers."

"B-but My Lady—" the maid tried to interrupt me as she knew I cannot state any order without my father's permission.

"Say that they may be Lords or knights of any territory, yet with no papers in hand. Do not let them in. We do not expect any visitors to the castle after all."

The maid bowed her head. "Yes, My Lady."

A smirk formed in my lips as she didn't push her luck. I am also a Faucon, she should watch out for me too.

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The Senoas Realm

Winter Kingdom, Winter Palace

It took me half a day to reach the palace of the Winter Kingdom with my white horse. I didn't take the trouble to use our carriage since it will take some time to arrive with that.

"It's convenient to bring one suitcase for this mission right, Con? You didn't have to carry all the weights." I patted my horse and he neighed in response.

My horse walked at a slow pace. We passed through the fortified silver brick walls that enclose the courtyard. And the knights who were on their duties greeted me. I just gave them a nod.

Sa palasyo ng Winter Kingdom ay mabibilang lang ang mga nagbabantay. Hindi katulad ng ibang kaharian na bawat sulok ng kanilang palasyo ay may mga kawal.

Hindi ko alam ang dahilan ng haring si Jack Frost. Dahil lahat ng malalakas niyang mandirigma at hukbong pansandatahan ay mas madalas na nasa Frozian Camp. Sa pinaka pusod ng kaharian, malayo sa mismong palasyo.

"As if he didn't like the idea of relying too much on his men-to keep his palace safe from any intruder."

My gaze landed on the plants of yews and evergreen shrubs that line up on both sides of the wide pathway that lead to the palace. There are still remnants of snow even though the heavy snowfall ended days ago.

"I hope the king doesn't mind my tardiness."

I expected someone at the ends of the dual white staircase to announce my presence but there was none. Nakapagtataka dahil walang sumalubong sa akin. Hindi ba mahalaga ang aking presensya para igalang man lang ang dugong mayroon ako?

I shrugged the thoughts in my head. "They should at least assist my horse in the stables."

Bumaba ako sa aking kabayo at mas napatitig sa malaking hagdan at naglalakihang haligi ng palasyo. My eyes twinkled at the grandeur arctic blue structure of the palace.

The magic force that supported it as a shield is what dazzled me. It fortified the whole palace and it was visible to the eyes of the nobles of the Winter Kingdom. Mist of snowflakes and glitters that kept swirling around. It may look pretty but it was deadly to any intruders.

"Is the palace always empty when there's no royal events?"

There is still no sight of any servant as I get closer to the throne room. Ang tunog ng aking paglalakad ang tanging naririnig sa malawak at makintab na sahig.

My eyes couldn't help but gazed at the walls that are painted with white and blue with gold and silver lining. I think the walls were ten feet high, which made me look small. Huge white pillars were made of marble. And the whiteness of the surroundings is broken by the presence of roan vases on each side with blue roses in them.

It was nice to see a different place than the Faucon Castle. Pakiramdam ko ay nakahinga ako dahil malayo ako sa aking kastilyo. Kahit noong una ay labis ang aking kaba.

"Lady Zana, it's been a while!" a jubilant voice made me stop on my tracks.

Napangiti ako ng makilala ang boses na iyon. "Zernoon dei, Knight Commander Argus."

I curtised at Argus Cadx, one of the Seven Knight Commander of the Winter Kingdom and is the youngest leader of the fifth army.

He has chinky eyes and black hair that is neatly tied down. Ang manipis niyang labi na laging nakangiti ay naiiba sa ibang heneral na laging seryoso.

Sir Argus is in his white and gray armor suit. The thick plates are made of steel and strong metal. It looked heavy but he didn't mind the weight of it as he still managed to walk with elegance. There is a black sword on his back and small daggers attached from his belt.

He may look friendly but the rage and bloodlust can be felt from his energy. And he is not ashamed to conceal it.

"Are you here to personally take a direct order from the king?" he guessed as his eyes twinkled with hope.

Isa siya sa mga nagsanay sa akin noon. At kahit hindi niya sabihin ay alam kong nanghihinayang siya dahil hindi na ako tumatanggap ng mga misyon. Dahil nang mangyari ang aksidenteng iyon ay hindi ko na nilisan ang aming teritoryo.

"Ah, y-yes."

Nakaramdam ako ng kaba dahil hindi ko sigurado kung sikreto ang katunayang may anak ang aming hari.

"Well then, it would be my pleasure to accompany you to the throne room, Lady Zana."

"H-hindi na kailangan. I can w-walk myself, Sir."

He smiled a little. "Ah, you are still using that language?"

Dahil sa pagkataranta ay nagamit ko ang lengguwaheng iyon. Siya lang ang nakakaya kong kausapin ng hindi nangangamba. Ngunit ngayon ay puno ako ng pag iingat upang hindi lumabas o kumalat ang ipinunta ko rito.

"Lady Zana?"

Napakurap ako. "Old habits die hard, I t-think?"

"I see," he cleared his throat. "I shouldn't delay you any further, sorry to hold you for a while."

"It's nothing, Sir."

"Well then, it was a pleasure to see the red-haired lady in her much more resilient form," he beamed a proud smile.

"That's not t-true," my voice was small.

"You have improved. Your mana says it all."

Bago pa ako makasagot ay nakaalis na siya. Ang aking mga pangamba ay mabilis nawala sa mabuting sinabi ni Knight Commander Argus. Pakiramdam ko ay kaya kong ipagmalaki ng kaunti ang resulta ng aking mga pagsasanay!

I couldn't contain the seer pleasure of happiness when he commended me. To receive it from a high ranked figure, it boosted my self-esteem!

"Knaht you os hcum," I whispered with a big smile.

Even though I am from a reignian blood. I still respect the other bloodlines, the Vertres and the Morlans.

Vertres are also nobles like us. But since their bloodlines are mixed with other races, they cannot own a larger land or power than the kings and dukes of a kingdom.

While Morlans are what completed the community of our world. Everyone is connected with magic but Vertres are much powerful in strength. While Reignians have a strong connection to magic and other elements.

We are also blessed to have familiars to serve us.

"I hope you didn't take his lies to boost your confidence," someone said and it echoed through the large hallway like a wolf's howl.

"What are you doing here, Lady Zana?"

His family is a great sucker for power and is always stuck up with the other nobles. Ngunit hindi ibig sabihin ay hahayaan ko siyang magmataas sa akin. Hindi ko sana siya papansinin ngunit bigla siyang lumitaw sa aking harapan.

Ang abo niyang buhok na umaabot sa kanyang batok ay bahagyang nagulo. Habang ang mga mata niya ay tila inaaaral ang aking bawat galaw.

My eyes twitched. "What do you want, black sheep of the Horvath Territory?"

He tilted his head. "Aren't you too formal?" his chuckles laced with sarcasm.

"I have business to attend to. Please, excuse me."

"Your hair's like a dancing blaze when you are vexed whenever you talk to me. Do you know that?" his voice made me want to run away.

Humakbang ako paalis ngunit mabilis niyang nahawakan ang aking palapulsuhan. Hindi ko gustong magsimula ng alitan sa pagitan ng aming mga pamilya ngunit ang pasensya ko ay hindi ko kontrolado.

"If I were you, I wouldn't do that. Stop testing my patience, Draven."

His devious smirk widened as his grip on me tightened. "Damn, how feisty. It just made me want you even more."

"You have the nerve to show your disrespectful nature in front of me?" the heat on my neck spread like wildfire.

I wore my casual wear but he still managed to say those vulgar words? My navy long sleeves are not revealing as my cloak hide most of my physique. Even my black pants are not tight to show all of my curves!

"Isn't it obvious? I have my eyes on you, Lady Zana."

Dahil sa kanyang sinabi ay hindi ko napigilang itulak siya palayo kasabay ng pagtraydor ng aking emosyon. I will not let him get away with it without a scratch.

Mula sa aking kanang kamay ay nagsimulang mabuo ang malamig na puwersa hanggang makabuo ito ng ice shards. I was about to throw it to him but within a split second, he appeared in front of me again.

"Nah, you are still slow. Zack wouldn't praise you for this."

Natigagal ako sa aking kinatatayuan dahil sa pagbanggit niya ng pangalang iyon. Mabilis naglaho ang kapangyarihan sa aking kamay.

He has no right to mention that name.

Biglang umihip ang hangin at biglang nagbago ang temperatura sa paligid. Ang malamig na pasilyo ng Winter Palace ay mas lumamig pa.

"Where is the feisty lady?" he sneered. "He still had an effect on you? But he's dead. What could possibly make you throw away the benefits that you are the heir now?"

"Release me!" the vein on my pulse pumped with rage as my head started to heat.

"Aye. Aye." Lumayo siya ng bahagya dahilan para maigalaw ko ang aking katawan.

I never wanted that! I will always mourn because of what happened five years ago.

"My, my, Lady Zana. Why are you so narrow-minded? You are born and raised in this kingdom. You should have a cold ruthless heart. If I am not enchanted by your beauty, I will make you tremble in fear instead."

Nangilabot ang aking buong katawan dahil naramdaman ko ang kanyang malamig na kamay sa aking balikat.

"Do not dwell on the past. Besides, if we ever get married, we can be a powerful couple in this kingdom. And maybe... we can terminate the king in his domain."

I gasped. "Are you trying to imply that you are going to overthrow the king?" My eyes widened. "You even want me to betray our land?"

Hindi ba niya alam na mas malakas ang mga gods sa uri namin? Gods are immortal beings that are living for millennia after the birth of Light. Compared to our life span that can only reach a couple of centuries.

The mere-powers that we have couldn't even surpass the gods! We may not get killed with ordinary swords and sickness. But with divine weapons and curses, if not cured hastily, we will meet our end!

"You are not that dumb huh?"

"Are you planning on something to bring down our kingdom?"

He sighed as he moved closer to me. "My, my... calm down. The king might hear you and I don't want that to happen, hush okay?"

"What are your plans?"

He shook his head. "Why would I even tell you?" he disappeared.

"I will tell it to you if you marry me... " he whispered like a ghost as he re-appeared behind me.

I groaned when his cold lips kissed the side of my neck! I turned around and was about to slap him but he caught my left arm. He swiftly encircled his filthy hand around my waist like a snake.

His touch made me cringe as if there were worms coming out from it. The amusement danced in his eyes added the fuel of rage in my head. But I couldn't move! His grip was strong for me to break free.

"Woah, there. Damn, you look hot as f**k when you are mad. I really want to see you underneath me." He dipped in his head to steal a kiss on my jaw.

"Stop that!" I hissed when he nipped the flesh on my neck.

He hummed. "You are not enjoying it?"

"Never."

A cripple of irk made me cover my skin with frost to prevent his lips from violating my skin even more. I thought he would stop but he even licked the small frost on my skin!

"Oh, yeah?"

"Get your filthy hands off of me, Draven!" a gush of cold wind passed between us.

Mayabang siyang nakangisi habang pinipilit kong kumawala sa kanyang pagkakahawak. I stomped on his foot and when he lost his grip on me I grabbed both of his shoulders and put pressure on it. It made him leap backwards.

"You are so shameless!"

"Stop overreacting, Zana. I was just being friendly."

"Kung ano mang itong binabalak mo, malalaman kaagad ito ng hari!" babala ko.

"Oh, you are still using that language?"

Hindi ako sumagot ngunit mas dumiin ang pagkagat ko sa aking labi.

"If you confront the king, you are going to be the death of your lineage," he added and it sent warning signals in my guts.

"What do you mean?"

"Your parents," he started as a devious smirk etched on his lips.

"What about them?"

"They are on patrol of your territory to check everything before they become a guest of our land. If you impose a threat to my plans, I can run into your parents and kill them myself."

My heart dropped. "Y-you are lying! Why would they even want to leave our land and waste their precious time to set foot on a boastful family?"

And how does he even know the whereabouts of my parents?

Draven slowly combed his hair backwards as his eyes looked at me intently. "Perhaps they lose hope on the new heir."

I may have the look of someone who was too clueless because Draven laughed.

"Oh, poor lady. They didn't inform you? That's awful."

"W-what do you mean?"

He let out a loud sigh as his eyes suddenly shifted with anger. "You will marry the second son of the Horvath territory."

A defining sound shot through my ears. There is no guarantee that everything he said was true. But was it really the reason why my parents are gone this morning?

Why would they marry me off?

"I was against it. I cannot let you marry that scum. You are too good for that vicious Druxe."

"Lies! How dare you manipulate me! How dare you use my parents against me!"

I cannot hold my anger. I dismissed the pain in my chest as the urge of wanting to wring his neck rose. There is no way I can forgive him for threatening my family! I was about to take a step to grab him when he vanished into the thin air.

"Draven!"

Should I inform the king? No, this is none of his concerns. But what should I do?

"Ask for everyone's help and your parents will be in the deepest depth of Tartarus. Good luck, Lady Zana."

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