章 20: Chapter 19 - The Royal Wedding
Today marked a special day for the whole Kingdom of Pendragon. Today will be the wedding of His Highness, Prince Gareth Pendragon and Her Grace, Sofia York, Duchess of York. Everybody was talking about this event. Everybody was looking forward for this event. Everybody was just simply excited. Ngayong araw kasi ang koronasyon ng bagong prinsesa. Today, everybody will have a glimpse of the Kingdom's future. They will now meet the successor of the throne, the future King and Queen of the kingdom.
And while everyone was in the mood of celebration, si Steffanie naman ay abala sa pag-aayos sa kaibigan. Kasama niya ang mga court ladies habang ginagayak si Sofia para sa kasal nito.
"This is it, girl. Your wedding day."
"Tigilan mo nga ako Steff. 'Wag mo akong simulan. I don't want to cry," saway nito sa kanya.
Tumulong siya sa pag-aayos ng buhok nito. She braided it loose, taliwas sa traditional na chignon bun.
"Kumpleto na ang araw na ito. I just wished mom is here with me," Sofia silently uttered.
"Akala ko ba ayaw mong umiyak?" she gently twisted her hair in an inside hook, forming a beautiful braid with loose talons.
"I just can't help thinking, Steff. Alam mo naman ako."
Pinatayo ito ng mga court ladies. They were putting some fragrant lotion on her skin.
"Huwag kang mag-alala. I know that your mom is watching you right now."
Humarap ito sa kanya. "Thank you, Steff. Thank you for always being there for me."
Ngumiti siya rito, "Were best friends, right? So walang kaso iyon sa akin."
Valerie then entered the room. Dala-dala na nito ang isusuot niya at ni Sofia.
"Sorry, may mga finishing touches pa akong inilagay," wika nito habang isinasalansan ang dalang mga gowns sa malawak na kama ng silid.
"O siya, isuot nyo na ito nang makita natin kung kailangan pa ng final adjustments," Valerie commanded.
In no time at all, both she and Sofia were already inside their beautiful gowns. Napakaganda ng pagkakagawa sa gown ni Sofia, It was a simple tube top with a train that spans almost half of the room. The silk fabric gave a finer look to the bride.
"Ayusan niyo na rin si Steff at si Valerie," Sofia commanded to the court ladies.
Agad namang tumalima ang mga ito. Nais niyang tumanggi sa mga ito, but she saw Sofia gave her the don't-you-dare-reject-my-offer look. Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas bago sila natapos ayusan. Her blonde hair was given large curls. It was set on one side to give her a sophisticated look.
Nagulat pa siya nang makita ang sarili sa salamin. She saw a woman of beauty, elegance and simplicity. Isinuot naman niya kwintas na bigay ni Gareth. It looked perfect on her white halter top.
"You look lovely girls," it was Valerie. Pinanindigan nito ang pagiging isang designer. She looked like a bombshell in her off-shoulder dress.
"You too, Val," si Sofia na ang sumagot dito. Kasalukuyan na itong nilalagyan ng belo.
"Maghanda sa pagdating ng mahal na Reyna at mahal na Inang Reyna!" isang sigaw ang umalingawngaw sa loob ng silid. Agad namang naging listo ang ibang mga tagapaglingkod na naroroon. Binuksan ng mga ito ang dahon ng pinto sa silid.
Dalawang tagapaglingkod ang unang pumasok. May mga dala itong mga kahon. And with all of their innate grace and majesty, Queen Dowager Clarisse and Queen Marriane entered the room. She was amazed by the ardour that they were emanating. No words will be enough to describe the appearance of the elderly women. They might be older than them but their beauty stood the test of time. They were both looking fad and gorgeous in their traditional clothing; ball gowns topped with a chic blazer.
She suddenly felt suffocated. The aura of the Queens was very intimidating. Umurong muna silang lahat papunta sa gilid ng silid saka nagbigay pugay sa dalawang Reyna. They gave a ninety-degree bow to them.
"You may all rise now," pagbibigay hudyat ni Queen Marriane.
Pinasadahan nito ng tingin ang buong silid. She suddenly felt tensed. Paano kung may maling makita ang mga ito sa kanya?
"Masaya ako't nagdala ka ng mga kaibigan mo rito, Mahal na Prinsesa," wika ni Queen Dowager Clarisse.
"Maaari mo ba kaming ipakilala sa kanila?" tanong naman ng mahal na Reynang Marianne.
Sofia hesitated a little bit. Tumayo ito saka hinatak silang dalawa ni Valerie palapit sa kanila.
"Your Majesty, this is my friend, Valerie Imperio. Siya ang gumawa ng gown ko at ng iba pang member ng entourage."
Nakita niyang nagliwanag ang mukha ng Inang Reyna.
"Totoo bang ikaw ang lumikha ng mga magagandang kasuotang iyon?"
"Opo, Kamahalan. Ako nga po." Valerie trembled a little bit. Siguradong kinakabahan din itong tulad niya.
But who wouldn't? It's not every day that commoners like herself would actually meet the two most powerful women in the kingdom.
"Mabuti naman at nakita ka na namin. Kanina pang nagtatanong ang mahal na Inang Reyna sa designer na gumawa ng mgagandang damit ng mga abay," malambing na wika ng mahal na Reynang Marriane.
"Isang malaking karangalan po ang mapuri ng mahal na Inang Reyna," tugon naman ni Valerie.
"Please kindly talk to us after the wedding. Doon tayo sa reception area ng Arondight Palace. May nais kaming ipagawa sa iyo ng mahal na Inang Reyna."
"Maraming salamat po." Muling nagbigay pugay si Valerie sa dalawa.
"Ito naman po si Steffanie Smithson. Siya po ang matalik kong kaibigan," turan sa kanya ni Sofia.
Both of the queens gave her a smile.
"Ikaw pala ang palaging ibinibidang kaibigan ng aming Crown Princess."
Tumango na lang siya dito, waring umurong ang dila niya. She was truly intimidated by their presence.
"Maraming mga bagay na rin ang naikuwento sa amin ng mahal na prinsesa. I believe you are the maid-of-honor, tama ba ako?" tanong ng Reyna.
"Ako nga po, kamahalan." Tugon niya. Her voice trembled a little bit.
Mariin siyang tinitigan ng mahal na Inang Reyna. Dahan-dahan itong lumapit sa kanya. Bumangon ang kaba sa kanyang dibdib.
"Steffanie. Maaari ko bang malaman kung saan nanggaling ang maganda mong kwintas?"
Nanlaki ang mata niya sa sinabi nito. She suddenly looked at Sirius. Hindi niya alam ang gagawin. Sasabihin ba niyang kay Gareth ito nanggaling, sa sarili nitong apo?o magsisinungaling siya?
Eventually, she chose the former. Hindi na lamang niya sasabihin kung kanino ito nanggaling. "Isang espesyal na tao po ang nagbigay sa akin nito."
Isang malambing na ngiti ang sinagot nito sa kanya.
"Mabuti naman kung ganoon. Bagay na bagay sa iyo iyan."
"Maraming salamat po Mahal na Inang Reyna," nagbigay pugay siya rito.
"Lady Alanis.." tawag ng Mahal na Inang Reyna. Lumapit naman ang isang tagapaglingkod dito saka binuksan ang hawak nitong kahon. Kumuha mula sa loob nito ang mahal na Inang Reyna ng isang maliit na kahon.
"Miss Steffanie, nais kong tanggapin mo ito."
Inilahad nito ang kamay sa patungo sa kanya. She received the little red box.
"Sige, buksan mo na iyan."
And she did what the queen told. Naglalaman ito isang pares na hikaw. Napakaganda ng mga ito. Every time the light struck it, nagmimistulang bituin ang brilyanteng naroon. Naalala niya ang suot na kwintas. Kaparehi kasi ito ng hiyas na naroon.
Agad niyang sinara ang kahon. This was too much.
"Hindi ko po ito matatanggap."
Hindi niya alam kung ano ang iniisip ng mahal na Inang Reyna. Why would she give her an extravagant gift like this?
"Alam mo Miss Steffanie. Your necklace's pendant is called Sirius. Galing ito sa pangalan ng isang maningning na bituin sa kalangitan. Ang mga hikaw na ito, ang mga batong ginamit dito ay kagaya ng nasa kwintas mo. Apat lamang ang ganitong uri ng diyamante sa buong kaharian. And for me, It's a pity to have these precious gems scattered. At sa tingin ko, ikaw ang dapat na magmay-ari ng mga iyan."
She still couldn't comprehend the things that were happening to her.
"Keep it."
She gave yet another bow to the Queen Dowager.
"Maaari ko bang mayakap ang matalik na kaibigan ng aming Prinsesa?"
Nagpaunlak naman siya rito. She tightly embraced the Queen Dowager. Her embraced felt very warm, like a tender hug from a mother.
She whispered something to her. "I'm glad to have met you, Miss Steffanie. Take care of my grandson."
Agad naman itong bumalik kay Sofia. She was still dumbfounded by what the Queen Dowager said. She already knew about them. She was touched by her actions. Gusto na rin niyang maiyak. But she kept herself composed. Today was Sofia's big day and not hers.
Naglabas naman ang mahal na Reyna ng isang korona. Pawang kulay asul ang mga nakapalibot ditong diyamente.
"This will be your Crown. These are all sapphires. This will be your something blue," ipinutong na ng Reyna ang korona sa ulo ng dalaga.
"Maraming salamat po, Mahal na Reyna."
"Worry yourself not, Princess. You are already my daughter," wika nito saka masuyong niyakap si Sofia.
"Ito naman ang ibibigay ko sa yo."
Kumuhang muli ng maliit na kahon ang Inang Reyna.
"Ito ang Ring of the Azure Dragon. Nasa pamilya na natin ito nang mahigit isang daang taon. This is your something old."
Isinuot ito ng Inang Reyna sa palasingsingan ni Sofia.
"Maraming, maraming salamat po inyong Kamahalan. You really made me happy."
It was such a touching scene. Kanina lamang ay pinag-uusapan nila ang ina ni Sofia. Now, she got two amazing mothers.
"Ngunit, may malaking pagkakamali kami ng mahal na Inang Reyna," the Queen said in an apologetic voice.
"We were unable to complete your accessory. Naging masyadong abala kasi kami sa ibang mga bagay," naglayo ng tingin ang Inang Reyna.
She saw Valerie approached them.
"No worries about that." Hinubad nito ang suot-suot na hikaw. It was simple pearl earrings. Isinuot nito iyon kay Sofia.
"This is from me. Pahiram lang yan. Isauli mo ah."
And that was Sofia's something borrowed.
Siya naman ang gumalaw. She went for her bag. Kinuha niya ang wedding gift nito para dito. Dapat ay maya-maya pa niya ibibigay. But she guessed this would be the perfect time to give it.
Isang maliit na kahon ang kanyang kinuha. It contained a silver feather lariat necklace.
"And this will be your something new."
Isinuot niya rito ang kwintas. And that completed the ensemble of the bride.
Gareth and the whole Royal Family was inside a huge hall inside the Arondight Palace. Ito ang nagsilbing waiting area nila bago sila tumulak sa Azure Cathedral. Everyone was there, the Imperial Concubines, his brothers and sisters, even the King himself was patiently waiting there. Ang tanging wala roon ay ang bride at groom. Wala rin ang Inang Reyna at ang Reyna. Pinuntahan kasi nito si Sofia sa quarters nito. Nakapalibot sa buong lugar nila ang kani-kaniya nilang Chevaliers. Bukod dito, nakaantabay rin ang Executive Militia at Black Ops.
They were all being careful. Kung tama ang kalkulasyon ni Halaena, mataas ang posibilidad na may manggulo sa kasal nina Arthur.
"What's the status?" bulong niya kay Ares na noo'y kapulong si Halaena.
"Negative. As of now, everything is clear," Ares assured him.
"Some of my best men are here. No need to worry," si Halaena.
"Iba na ang maingat," he whispered to them.
Piling mga tao lang ang nakakaalam ng mga napag-usapan nila sa Manor ni Halaena. Some of his sibling were not informed, especially the younger ones. Maging ang mga reyna at babae ng hari ay wala ring kaalam-alam. Only the King knew of this and some key people.
Nilapitan niya ang kapatid na si Lancelot. Nakabalot pa rin ng benda ang ibang parte ng katawan nito.
"You okay?"
"I'm good bro," he gave him a high five.
"Sure?"
"Yup. I have Arielle and Anya with me here. Their hands can do wonders," kinindatan nito ang dalawang nakababatang kapatid.
Lancelot persisted on witnessing the wedding even though he had not yet recovered completely. Pinayagan naman ito ng mga doktor nito. Wala naman daw dapat na ipag-alala.
And to heighten their efforts to completely hide this mess, the Royal Secretary created a press release. Pinalabas ng palasyo na isang aksidente lamang ang nangyari kay Lancelot, that it was just a slip up.
He surveyed the place once more. Everything seemed clear, lahat ay naroroon na. Nakababa na ang dalawang reyna. They were all good to go.
Nakita niya ang kakaibang ngiti kay Tristan. He was taunting him. Apparently, ito ang Best Man ni Arthur. Ito ang magsisilbing personal body guard ng Crown Prince at Crown Princess dahil ito ang magiging pinakamalapit sa altar. But despite that, he still felt uncomfortable and biliously jealous. Ito kasi ang makakapartner ni Steff. Damn it! Right now, he wanted to wipe off that cocky grin on his brother's face.
Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng kanyang pagsisintir nang lapitan siya ng mahal na Inang Reyna.
"Prinsipe Gareth," tawag nito sa kanya.
"Ano pong magagawa ko para sa inyo, mahal na Inang Reyna?" he politely asked.
"Wala naman apo, gusto ko lang makipagkwentuhan habang naghihintay tayo."
Ngumiti lamang siya sa matandang lola.
"Alam mo bang may apat na Sirius diamond sa buong kahariaan?"
"Talaga po?" he asked, quite curious of his grandmother's tale. Palakwento kasi talaga ang Inang Reyna. At isa pa, naalala niya ng kwintas na ibinigay niya kay Steff. Nanggaling rin ito dito.
"Oo. It is actually a set. There is the beautiful necklace, the one that I've given to you. And there is also a pair of earrings."
Natuon dito ang buong atensyon niya.
"Nasaan na po ang hikaw?" he asked.
"The complete set of the Sirius Diamonds are all mine. It was given by the previous queen."
May isang ideya na biglang pumasok sa kanyang isipan.
"Can I have those as well?"
He imagined how perfect those earrings would look on Steff.
"I am sorry, Pricne Gareth. Nahuli ka na. I actually gave the earrings to someone just a few moments ago."
Nanlumo siya sa narinig. But he didn't dwell around it that much. Ibibili na lang siguro niya ang dalaga.
"The ceremony is about to begin. To all of our honoured guests, please proceed to the Azure Cathedral," umalingawngaw ang tunog na iyon sa buong bulwagan.
"I guess it's our cue. Let's go?" yaya niya sa lola.
Binigyan siya nito ng makabuluhang ngiti. "I've met her earlier Prince Gareth."
"Meet who?"
"She's a very lovely woman. Very gorgeous, sophisticated and very lady-like."
Waring hindi nito narinig ang kanyang tanong.
"Her eyes were her most beautiful asset. Her icy blue eyes complimented the Sirius diamond."
Mukhang alam na niya ang tinutukoy nito. Relief flooded his system. Somehow, he felt good knowing that his grandma approved of her.
Ngumiti na lamang siya. Hindi kasi niya alam ang isasagot dito.
"That's why I've given her the two other Sirius diamonds, the beautiful pair of earrings. You should catch a glimpse of her, she's like an ancient goddess."
Tumungo na lamang siya sa sinabi nito.
"So you've got only one left," he said.
"You are right. I only have one with me. It's the biggest among the Sirius Diamonds. Nasa akin pa rin ang singsing nito."
Hindi niya alam ang nais na iparating nito.
"Sabi sa akin ng nasirang Reyna Mineya. Those gems should never be apart. Dapat ay laging magkakasama ang mga ito. Should you think that it is the appropriate time for a reunion, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll give it to you anytime."
Suddenly, he knew what to do.
Everyone was lining up at the end of the aisle. Magsisimula na ang kasal. Steff took her place. Katabi na niya si Prince Tristan. He will be her partner for the whole duration of the wedding.
"Good morning, angel. You look lovely today," wika nito sa kanya.
"You, too, your highness. You look crisp and elegant," binigyan siya nito ng isang matamis na ngiti. She smiled back at him. Hindi niya maiwasang tumingin sa mga mata nito. They were indeed the same as Gareth's. Same shade, same color. But still, she still found Gareth's eyes more alluring. Maybe because it was simply Gareth's eyes.
Nagsimula nang pamailanlang sa pagid ang musika. The entourage now started to walk. Dahan-dahan ang mga ito habang tinatahak ang landas patungo sa altar.
The Azure Cathedral was jam-packed with people. She knew most of them were of noble ranks. That's why alam niya na nsaa paligid lang kanyang ama at ang kanyang kuya.
She suddenly felt nauseas. Hindi siya sanay sa mga ganitong pangyayari.
"Are you okay?" tanong ni Tristan.
Umiling siya.
"Why?"
"There are too many eyes around here."
"Don't worry, angel. You look beautiful," Tristan consoled her.
"It's not that. Hindi ko lang talaga gusto na maraming matang nakatingin sa akin."
"The shy type?"
Lalo lamang lumakas ang tibok ng puso niya.
"Let's put it this way. Do you see that man near the aisle?"
Tinuro nito ang kanang bahagi ng cathedral.
"The one wearing the white tux..."
She searched for the person that Prince Tristan was referring to. At natagpuan na nga ng mga mata niya ito. There he was, looking magnificent and very male. It was Gareth. And to her surprise, he was looking at her direction, too. She gave him a sweet smile.
And when her turn to hit the red carpet came, her eyes were just focused on Gareth.
She gently took a step closer. She gave him her sweetest smile. And without any hesitations, she walked like a goddess.
The wedding ceremony lasted for two long hours. Steffanie successfully did her duties as a maid-of-honor. Kanina pang tapos ang kasal, kasalukuyang tumulak na ang halos lahat ng mga naroon patungo sa Throne Room ng Arondight Palace. Siya na lamang ang natitira sa Cathedral. She actually received a text message from Gareth earlier. He asked her to wait for him. At iyon naman ang ginawa niya. But it had been thirty minutes pero wala pa rin ito.
She just remained seated in one of the vacated seats at the back. She was still waiting for him.
She grabbed her phone from her pouch. She was about to text him when she heared the subtle music of the organ.
Ano ang nangyayari? Wasn't the wedding over? Napatayo siya sa kanyang harapan nang makita si Gareth sa bungad ng cathedral.
He was just standing there, looking intensely at her. Napalunok siya. It was her first time to see him like this. He looked dead serious, but he also looked hesitant at the same time.
Anong meron?
He slowly went to her, his eyes never leaving hers. Lalong lumakas ang musika sa loob ng Cathedral.
"What's happening here?"
"Shhh... Just go with the flow, sweetheart."
Nakalapit na ito sa kanya. He then grabbed her hand. He lead her to the altar, sa posisyon ni Prince Arthur and Sofia kanina.
She didn't know what was happening and yet, her heart was furiously pounding in her chest.
"Steff..." he called her.
"Yes..." her voice trembled. He was still looking at her yes. Kitang-kita niya ang iba't ibang emosyon na dumadaan sa mga mata nito.
He caressed her cheeks. Napalunok siya sa ginawa nito. They were too close for comfort and she's starting to feel his effect on her body.
"From the very time I saw you, I already felt this unexplainable feeling for you."
"The moments that we're together, to me that's priceless. Forgive me, sweetheart. I am not good with words."
Tears were now starting to flow from her eyes. Pero magkanoon man, hindi pa rin niyang mapigilang ngumiti rito. He was clearly tensed. Bihira niyang makita itong ganito.
"Shit!" napakamot ito sa batok. He looked so adorable.
"Sorry for making you cry, sweetheart."
"No, you have nothing to be sorry about. I am just happy."
Muli itong kumuha ng bwelo.
"Steff, what we have is something special. I've never felt that way towards anybody. I only thought it was my desire, but I was wrong. It was something more. I care for you. I love seeing you smile. I love seeing your eyes sparkle with joy. And when those men did that hideous thing for you, I was murderous."
"The thing is... I think, I have fallen in love you, Steff. No matter how hard I try to deny this, this fact just keep on kicking me on the guts. I love you, Steff. I fucking love you with all of my heart."
"When I see you with someone, para akong batang nagseselos. I just want you to be with me. I want to monopolize you. I want you to smile for me."
"So Steff, with all of this. With all of me. Will you accept me as your lover? Can you be mine?"
She was suddenly speechless. Hindi na niya alam pa ang gagawin. Just when she thought everything was over. Gareth knelt in front of her.
"I humbly asked you, Steff. Be mine. Totally mine. Fast as it may seem. I want you know how much you mean to me."
He pulled a red box from his pocket, "Steffanie Smithson, I, Gareth Emmanuel Pendragon, vows to take care of you forever. Will you marry me?"
Wala nang pagsidlan ang tuwang kanyang nadarama. She was speechless. She was happy. She was sad. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotion.
"I love you Gareth with all of my heart. I can't offer you anything aside from my love. And Yes! I accept it. I will definitely marry you."
And for the second time around, the wedding bells in the Azure Cathedral chimed.
Gareth went to the Throne Room with Steff by his side. All eyes were on them but he didn't care. He was with his woman and that's it.
Hindi niya alam kung saan niya kinuha ang lakas ng loob para magtapat dito. He never did that before. And he never knew that he will ever do that. His whole life, women came at him. Hindi man lamang niya naranasang manligaw o manuyo man ng babae. One flick, and they were his. But with Steff, she's different. He wanted the best for her. She's no reliever of his pent-up lust. She's more especial than that. She's the only woman she loved.
Hindi nakalampas sa kanya ng tingin ng mga kabinataan kay Steff. They were drooling over her. Kanina pa niya ito napansin. Pagkapasok na pagkapasok pa lang nito sa simbahan, all of them were ogling at her. Too bad, she's already taken. And if they knew what's good for them, they wouldn't even dare to touch her.
Because this Blue-eyed Cinderella, this beautiful blonde goddess was his woman now. She will be his sweetheart, and the princess in his castle.
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