Chapter 43

Samara's POV
I collapsed on the bed of the stuck Dwight. Lady Son and two helpers came in to take off my clothes. He bowed slightly to me.
"Are you all right, ma'am?" Lady son
"I'm tired. Can you get me a bath. I want to calm down before I go to sleep," I gently commanded the two
The two of them moved quickly and went into the bathroom to take care of what I was doing. Lady Son left us in the bedroom.
"Prince Dwight is a good man, Your Majesty," he said softly
Good?
He was indeed. I know it hurts her to agree to my wish not to continue the marriage but she did it anyway. I just want to be happy but he doesn't know. I'm hurting.
I closed my eyes then leaned back on the headboard. Tomorrow. Tomorrow morning I will pick up those people and in front of many. They will confess who let them into the palace. I don't want to waste any more time. I need to oust Costomo from office before he becomes powerful. I will use the two bomb planters as solid evidence.
And when I have done my duty. I'll go back to Dwight. I hope he can wait despite the pain I"m feeling for him right now.
"Am I right to hurt him Lady son?" I suddenly asked
I know he was shocked by my question because he didn't answer right away. I opened my eyes when I felt his gaze on me. He opened his mouth to speak as the two came out. I stood up and then they removed the gown I was wearing. Then, I went inside and took a dip in the big bathtub that was there.
While calming my mind that no one else was shouting but Dwight and what I did.
~~~
They put the corset around my waist before they fixed my hair. When they finished fixing me. Lady son handed me the sword which I placed by my side. I will visit Costomo's two staff to give them a warning.
I went out of the room. As I was walking, the sound of my shoes echoed in the marble driveway out of the palace. I was about to go to the back when I saw Zairo approaching me. He immediately bowed.
"I already have what you asked for," he replied
My face was serious and I motioned for him to come closer to me. I ordered them to leave first and then I faced Zairo again. I motioned for him to follow me and then took him where no one could hear us.
He handed me an envelope, "These papers contain all the illegal businessmen, your highness,"
I looked at that before looking at him again, "Thanks,"
Her smile widened, "Anything for you my queen,"
I paused for a moment at what he called me before I sighed deeply as I thought of Dwight again. I'm still guilty of what I did to him last night but I'm still overwhelmed to his personality. Giving my happiness though its hurting him. Well, he's not the only one who's hurt. Me too but I have to hide.
"You okay my—,"
"Cut the 'my queen. Just call me Samara when we're alone. No formality since I trusted you," I said quickly.
He smiled warmly, "Okay Samara .... That sounds unfamiliar to my tounge. No. I'd rather call you milady," he laughed a little.
I just nodded at him, "Would you like a little stretching?" I have a meaningful question
He stared at me in surprise but that was replaced by a silly smile when he guessed what I meant.
"Challenge accepted, milady,"
I smiled at him then stepped back a little before calling my assistants. I ordered them to bring Zairo another sword, after a minute, it arrived. Zairo played the sword in his hand then ready himself. I pulled out my sword and it made a noise because of the sharpness.
I gave him a lopsided smile before pointing my sword at him, "Attack me!"
He quickly raised his sword to hit me but I was quick and I blocked my sword then kicked him in the side. He backs away slightly.
"Nice one milady. I'd never imagine a cool queen like you. A badass in battles," Zairo
He ran again to push me to the side but I was able to block his successive attacks then expertly turned around and kicked his back. He almost lost his balance but pull himself right away.
"Where did you learn this tactics, milady?" Zairo
"I didn't study it. I just memorized your actions and where you are weak. I think you are too slow Zairo," I teased.
He just laughed then started. He attacked me one after another. I knew he was showing me but I quickly mastered his movements so I was able to avoid him in his next attack. I blocked his sword with mine and then kicked his chest causing him to retreat. I take that as an advantage then swiss my body to the air towards his knees putting him flat on the ground. I stood up quickly and pointed the sword at his neck.
"Practice more," I gasped
"You truly amazed me milady. Such a fast learner. Could you tell me sometimes how did you learned within 2 weeks in sword?" He stood up and ironed his clothes
He handed the sword to the maid then said, "They're improving anyways," he said softly
I smiled at him, "That's good. By the way. Why aren't you carrying a weapon? You could be damned," I said as I inserted the sword into its holder by my side.
"I loved guns than swords. Swords takes too much time and it's more bloodier," Zairo
I nodded to him, "I was about to visit—"
We both stopped at the stand when I heard the voice of the person I thought I would never see again.
'This isnt a goodbye my lady blue'
"It was a nice fight my Queen,"
I stared at Dwight with a smile on his face but blank eyes. I didn"t even see emotion on his face but madness was radiating off from him and it was pretty obvious. For me.
Zairo and the people there bowed except for me who was still looking at him. Why is he here? Shouldn't he be in the palace of Philippi?
"It was nice to meet you Prince Dwight of Filifia. I am Zairo. My majesty's trusted—"
I replied to him, "He was my butler," I said while still staring at him
Zairo stared at me in surprise but my attention was not on him but on Dwight who still had no change in his expression.
"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Filifia fulfilling your responsibilities?" I will ask
He averted his eyes but I already knew the reason. He is here because of me. I wanted to scold him but I chose to turn around and then approach the wooden table where the arrows and a bow were placed.
My heart pounded at the thought that he was just behind me and watching me. His presence is really turning me into something and I don't like it so I will focus my attention on other things.
I must not be distracted. I have more important things to do later.
"Prince Dwight! It was so nice to hear that you're going to have stay here. It's been a long time!" Tita Liana said kindly
I could hear them talking behind me but I forced myself not to listen to them. Zairo stood by my side staring at me. I took the bow and then placed the arrow and bowed in front of it. My mind drifted to Costomo.
I'll pay him!
And I'll make sure of that today!
My grip on the bow tightened before I let go of it. It hit the little red circle in the middle of the board smoothly. I was still not satisfied and took another arrow then pointed it at the previous arrow. It hit the first arrow I fired causing it to split in the middle.
"You're improving Samara," I felt Aunt Liana caress my back
I just smiled back at him and then turned to Zairo, "I'm giving you permission to live here in my palace as you were my butler. I'll call you if I need to do something. You can now go," I said in dismissive tone
He bowed, "Yes. I'll pack my things to move immediately, your highness,"
I called a maid and entrusted Zairo's room to him. After I talk to him. He also left. When I turned to him. There is the nervousness in my chest again. That added even more when Tita Liana said goodbye and left.
He obviously gives us time to talk
"I saw you fighting and you had a very nice skill and tactics my lady," he praised
I frowned at him, "What are you doing here? You are the next king of the Philippines. Shouldn't you be there to help your father?" I will ask
He gave a tight smile, "I'd rather spend my time with you than those bunch of paperworks. It didn't give me the satisfaction but you do,"
Dwight ....
I just shook him and then handed him the arrow which he immediately accepted. He picked an arrow and point it at target. As he does I feel time slow down. He was so graceful and it just increase the level of his handsomeness. He hit the target successfully before looking at me.
"You've been gone for a long time Vy and now I've seen you. I don't want to waste my time in that lonely castle even if you don't want me to marry you,"
I looked down, "Aren't you hurt every time you see me? I hurt you before—"
"I loved you and that's enough," was his short reply
I sighed, "You shouldn't let me call you Luhence. Do you know how terrified I was to hear Grandpa call your father Luhence? I felt like I'm referring to your father when we're together before," I looked. he's bad
He was very upset, "I'm sorry. I just want you to call me differently so I will feel special," he explained.
I suddenly laughed at the way he looked. It's like a kid caught snatching a coin, "It's okay," I look around and think of something.
"When we had a tour of the old palace of Filifia. You're the one who toured me before. Why don't you take me on a tour of my palace after all you were always here when I wasn't there," I suggested
I must be pushing him away but I can't because I can't do that to him. I love him. Do I really have to hurt him just to save him? Or will he really be saved when I push him away? I'm just going to hurt each other so no.
I"ll let him stay by my side even if he knows we don"t feel the same way.
He smiled broadly. For the first time in a few weeks. I saw the sparkle of joy in his eyes again and I feel proud because I am the reason of that.
"It's a good idea,"
I was a little taken aback when he folded our hands and then pulled me inside. I remained silent as he explained his previous experience at the palace.
"When I'd first visited your palace. It feels so cold and lonely here. Every corner was like colorless. No happiness. No anger. No sadness. The palace were simply cold and quit that a first-timer like me will have chills "I know back then, what this palace had been through but I don't expect it to turned so horrific," he said. "My father told me that the Ihmapuleya was the most powerful land among them. Thanks to your grandfather and great father . They were so smart and unpredictable royalties. But when your mother died, you got kidnapped and your father died. Everything disappeared. King Fernan tried his best to find those culprit but he came nothing even a single idea who's the mastermind, "
I tightened my grip on his hand so he looked at me. His face was instantly replaced by worry and sorry.
"I'm sorry lady blue. I'm being insensitive here,"
I nodded at him, "It's okay. I'm glad my dad once impressed you," I sighed "I wish I had even seen him,"
"Haven't you seen your parents picture yet?" He asked
I stopped there then thought. In my stay inside the palace. I didn't even think to look at their photos when they were still alive.
"I was too busy with trainings because I was about to sit on the throne then. Grandpa was weak and I wanted to take the responsibilities of the kingdom from him so he could rest properly. He'd been through since my father died. So maybe I haven't been able to look at their picture yet, "
He smiled assuringly then led me into a room. My lips parted slightly as I saw the gigantic photographs hanging on the wall. Others are really old. As I spin there. My eye stopped at a photograph of the man with blue eyes. My eyes watered.
"I look like him. No doubt," I whispered.

From his eyes to his nose and lips. I was indeed my father's female version. Except the hair that I think I got from my mother. A tear fell in my eyes when I remembered Tita Liana's story. Dad's sufferings before he died. I looked down as my chest heaved as I felt Dwight caress my back.
"You're father was a great man. He always put his people first before himself. He treasures his love ones like your mother like his precious gems and seeing his fullgrown princess ruling the country again. He must be very proud of you lady blue , "Dwight
"I wish I could see him," I sobbed in a whisper
I let Dwight hug me and just buried my face in his chest. Somehow the sadness I feel because he is here is relieved. We remained in that position when there was a sudden knock on the door. I let go of her hug and wiped the tears from my cheeks.
"Come in,"
The door opened and Lady Son entered with a worried face. He bowed slightly to us before speaking.
"Your grandfather, Your Majesty. I am calling you," Lady Son
"What happened? Is he okay?" I asked right away
I felt fear. In recent days. Grandpa's health did not improve. I'm afraid I might lose him too. I can not do it. I hurried out of the room and then went to Grandpa's room.
I gasped as I saw him leaning against the headboard of his bed and pale.
"L-grandpa! Are you all right?" I'm worried question
"I'll be fine," he looked behind me and smiled "It was nice to see you Prince Dwight,"
"Same here King Fernan," Dwight
He ordered the helpers as well as Aunt Liana and grandmother to come out and leave the three of us. Dwight, me and Grandpa. They were quick to obey.
"You knew that you're engaged to the prince of Filifia right, Samara?" Grandfather's introduction
I was stunned and could not speak. I seem to know where this issue is going. I felt Dwight stare behind me.
"I'm old my granddaughter and I want to make sure that you're going to have the heir before I die,"
I moaned, "You're not going to die grandpa! Don't say that!" Saway ko
"Dear, everyone were meant to die in the end and there's nothing we can do about it. It was our destiny no matter how we deny it. I just called you here to assure that you won't back out," the my hand "It's your father's deal with the king of Filifia and I'm looking forward on it,"
"But — I still have a lot of work to do," I protested
Dwight and I can't get married. It's not that I don't want to marry him. But my plan would be ruined. Dwight will be in danger!
"I know. I'm just clarifying it. Promise me Samara, that you won't break the agreement before you go now," Lolo
I was swallowed. What will I do? What now? My grip on Grandpa's hand tightened.
"Samara?"
I nodded, "I-I promise,"
Grandpa smiled happily while I was nervous about what might happen when Dwight and I got married.
"Then let's arrange the marriage two weeks from now,"
I'm messed up.