บท 10: GETTING TO KNOW THEM

"Celestina, what are you reading?" I was a little bit surprised when someone suddenly spoke behind me. Isabela is standing behind me, with crossed arms.

"Muerte en el Amor," Showing her the book. The book was about love as the title said. I didn't know its exact translation but Amor means love in Portuguese.

Well reading almost the book, the story is about two people who are deeply in love with each other. They fought for their love since the world is against them that caused their death.

Their love for each other took out their lives. While reading the book I suddenly realized that can't two people who are in love just be happy? Without problems and worries inside their relationship.

But thinking of it, you can't really say that you fell in love without feeling the pain. And I do realize that problems are the one who makes us stronger, but sadly the story didn't turn in good, different from what I expected.

But honestly isn't it better when you are struggling and working hard for the things you wanted to have. Yet sometimes I wonder if love really is worth of sacrifices? Is your life really worth sacrificing just because of someone?

Sometimes I even ask myself if I can really sacrifice something else for love. I sighed, when will I be able to experience that kind of love? And I hope that if I'll be able to experience that, I don't have to sacrifice anything as I didn't know if I'm capable of doing it.

"Celestina, are you ok?" A voice brought me back to my senses. I look at the person who is talking and saw Isabela, sitting in front of me.

"Isabela, have you ever had a boyfriend?" I asked her who's now sitting while laying her head on the wooden table.

It's been about a week since I knew them and I think with these past few days we've gotten closer than our first meeting. I also notice that I don't exactly know them. All I knew was their name. And I think this is a great opportunity for that.

"Of course. I was loved in our town" She joked, I laughed at what she said.

But I can't deny the fact that Isabella is really a beauty. Her flawless milky white skin that any girl wants to have. Her long wavy brown hair and her almond face shape, such a true beauty. Every person here is beautiful and unique. I can assure you, people from my world will faint when they come here.

"But the words that I said earlier is true, Celestina. I came from the western part of the city of Biringan, The kingdom of Media Sangre. We are once part of the richest family there. The people used to look upon me in the past. But when my mother suddenly passed away, my Father's behavior suddenly changed." She inhaled deeply and continue her story.

"My family turned poor, then he sold me to those merchants from Realeza to be a concubine on one of the richest families here. Gladly the prince saved me from those merchants. I have no news from Father since then. " Isabela's voice was quivering as she told her stories. Tears running on her cheeks continuously.

It must be painful for her to come here, without anyone by her side. I hugged Isabela because of it. Growing up being one of the richest families in their town, then suddenly becoming a servant in this kingdom. What a hard life she must go through.

"Celestina, your lunch is ready" I immediately let go of my hug and organized myself.

I as well saw Isabella quickly getting up and fixing herself. Her eyes are still red, one glance and you can tell that she went through heavy crying.

"What happened to you two?" Jea immediately asked us when I opened the door for her.

"Nothing, we just shared some stories" I answered Jea's question so that she would not ask again. Seeing that Isabela is now already arranging the food on the table.

"Jea, have you heard of when will Lianno come back?" I ask her while we were in the middle of eating. And all I can say is that their food here is very tasty.

"I just heard from other servers that the Prince has an important thing to do," Jea said unsurely to me, being careful with her words.

"We don't know the exact day on when will the prince be coming back. But it's been a week already since he left so maybe he'll be back in one of these days" Isabela answered, following Jea's words.

"Thanks for answering" I replied back to them, continuing to eat my unfinished meal.

When Isabela returned the tray filled with our dirty plates and utensils after we are done eating earlier, I talked to Jea.

"Can you tell me something about this place?" I smiled, asking her. I know that I've requested a book about their place, but being honest, I'm too lazy to read that thick and heavy book.

"Hmm, we are currently in the kingdom of Realeza. The northern kingdom of Biringan City. Prince Lianno's parents, Queen Carolina and King Lucian are the rulers of this kingdom. And also Prince Lianno has one sibling named Princess Lucy" She answered while showing her fingers, pointing at each every time she will say a royalty's name.

"I guess that information will be good for now. Thanks" I smiled at her while saying those words, contended on the information she gave me.

Minutes after and Isabela finally returned without the tray.

"Isabela, I want to go to the garden," I told her as my back was hurting from all the sitting and reading earlier.

I wish I could lay down in a tree in the palace's garden. Jea and Isabela told me yesterday that the flowers there are very beautiful. I closed the book that I'm currently reading and stood up.

Isabela walked ahead of me while Jea is the one leading the way. Opening a very huge wooden door, leading me on seeing an almost perfect scenario.

"Celestina, is it ok here" We are in front of a giant tree. It's pink and purple flowers are blooming gorgeously. Its leaves have a vibrant green color that is dancing with the wind. The roots were large and intact, making it look comfortable to sit on.

I nodded at what she said before sitting on the root and leaning against the huge tree. The air circulating in here is very refreshing. There were also many flowers with different colors and shapes that I haven't seen before.

I looked around and smiled, this is the best place I've ever been to so far. I closed my eyes, appreciating the raw sound of my surroundings.

A few minutes have passed before I finally made a decision to open my eyes. Seeing a massive bulk of a person, standing not too far away from where I'm seated at. Gathering all my attention.

"Lianno..." I whispered saying the name of the person whom I had not seen for about a week now.