Starbound

Star 4: The Empress

"Until I return..."

SIN

Damon and I returned to Elfania. The wind was cold. The wyvern soared down and landed swiftly on the ground. Yumukod ito upang hayaan kaming makababa. Inilahad ni Damon ang isang kamay matapos siyang tumalon upang bumaba na tinanggap ko naman.

Agad lumapit sa 'min ang kanang kamay ng aking ina na si Rhys. Rhys was one of the greatest warriors we ever had. But he decided to serve the Empress side by side – a responsibility his late father passed down to him which was accepted by my mother – to ensure the safety of this empire. He also wanted to inherit his father's position because it was a position precious to his late father.

Rhys' hazel eyes intently gazed on me. I couldn't read his expression. I was not sure if he was disappointed or worried for me. Because we all knew what was waiting for me – punishment. He still slightly bowed and greeted us with respect.

He was wearing a white long robe and he kept his brown hair short and neat.

He formally spoke. "Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Avery, is already waiting for both of you, in the throne room. Please follow me."

Tumango kami ni Damon at sumunod sa kanya.

"Is she angry?" mahinang tanong ko habang naglalakad kami sa malawak na pasilyo.

"Takot ka?" nakangising pang-aasar naman ni Damon kaya naiinis na siniko ko siya. Mas lalo lang siyang tumawa nang malakas.

There were maids cleaning and scrubbing the floor. There were gardeners on the flower garden, taking care of the green landscapes of bermuda grass.

Rhys chuckled. "Well, maybe. I can't tell. But don't take it to heart. She used to be a free spirit when she was your age. She also didn't like responsibilities. Maybe she didn't want you to make the same mistakes when she was young. That's why she's being strict."

I sighed. Am I being immature? Maybe. Or yes.

The high ceilings and complicated arches were amazingly built and restructured after the war. Most of the walls were painted white and gold. There were a lot of interesting paintings hanging on the walls – roses bleeding with blood; an ethereal god with purple wine hair and silver streaks and locks but her face was not revealed under her cloak, just her bright purple eyes; a black smoke which was interpreted as chaos.

When we entered the palace's main hall, gold chandeliers hanged on the high ceiling, adorned by artistic figures, murals, and paintings. Some maidservants with pointed ears curtsied upon our arrival. Dumiretso kami agad kung nasaan ang aking ina, sa trono niya.

Mariin akong napapikit nang buksan ng mga kawal ang malaki at gintong double door nang tumigil kami sa harap nito.

The magnificent throne room greeted our eyes. The room was mostly made of gold but my mother's calm gold eyes stood out the most. I could clearly see how placid and calm she waited on her throne while the side of her head rested on her left hand.

She was stunning on her overflowing silver long dress and her white gold hair was braided with expensive and rare jewels. Different small stones grazed her forehead like a jeweled gold necklace, and her mighty gold crown, rested perfectly on her head.

We curtsied and bowed on her mighty presence. She slightly waved her free right hand to dismiss the formalities. Sumenyas siya sa 'min upang lumapit kami sa kanya.

Naglakad kami papasok hanggang sa makatayo kami, ilang metro, sa harap niya.

"Where have you been, Sin?" she asked calmly but authority was audible from her voice.

Nakagat ko ang labi ko at tumingin sa aking ina nang diretso. Alam na niya kung saan ako nagpunta pero gusto pa rin niyang marinig mula sa bibig ko. As if she wanted me to admit it. She wanted me to own to my mistakes, subtly disciplining me.

Lumunok ako bago nagsalita. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I was impulsive. I went to Ameya Kingdom without your permission. It is against the code. I will accept my punishment," I answered with a low, regretful voice.

Damon stood near me. He won't dare to interject. He was also afraid of my mother's presence. Well, not really afraid, but maybe, full of respect. He couldn't save me from the scolding. He could only watch in silence and feel sorry for me, because he also knew I was in the wrong. He won't tolerate my wrongdoings.

My mother's gold eyes narrowed at me, though I didn't think she despised or hated me. She was really strict when it comes to me. "It seems you have all the time in your hands – that you still have time to escape from Elfania. Shall we double your lessons from now on? You know, you are the next in line to the throne. You can't take your future responsibility lightly. You have a whole empire to rule," she reminded me without smiling. Her red lips were pressed into a thin line.

Napatungo ako. "Hindi na po mauulit, mahal na Empress." After the rejection, I didn't think I still had the energy to escape this place. My room was the best place to be miserable. I would definitely want to drown in misery until I could finally move on.

Nang tumingin akong muli sa aking ina, tahimik siyang umiling at bumuntonghininga. "Your royal instructors are already waiting for you. Alam na nila ang dapat gawin sa 'yo. You will be grounded for a month. Hindi ka maaaring lumabas o pumunta sa ibang bayan. Well, you're allowed to visit the garden. But you are not allowed to go somewhere far. Please be obedient this time. You are dismissed, Sin. May pag-uusapan pa kami ng hari ng Exether, ni Damon."

Marahan akong tumango. "Then I'll excuse myself, Your Majesty," I said and curtsied. Tumalikod na ako sa kanila. Rhys nodded at me. He could only watch me leave. He still needed to stay next to my mother.

"The High Council – The White Keepers – will visit Elfania, one of these days. I want you to prepare. I already informed Shin about this. You must prepare your kingdom for the worst. Verone, Zion and Rigel are already aware of this. Siguradong bibisitahin din nila ang iba't ibang kaharian kaya gusto kong maging maayos ang lahat. Hindi maaaring may mapansin silang butas sa pamamahala natin," seryosong saad ng aking ina. Gusto kong tumigil upang pakinggan ang usapan nila pero nakalabas na ako ng silid at isinasara na ng mga kawal ang gintong double door.

I hesitantly turned to check my mother's glorious face. She was stern and serious this time. Nagtama pa ang mga paningin namin bago tuluyang magsara ang pinto.

Wala akong nagawa kundi ang magtungo sa silid ko upang magpalit ng damit. Some maidservants automatically followed me to my room to prepare my bath and dress. Mamaya diretso na ako sa mga klase ko.

I felt so tired. Sa kabila ng pagmamadali ng mga katulong sa loob ng silid ko, nagawa ko pang ibagsak ang katawan sa malambot na kama. Wala sa sariling tinakpan ko ang mga mata ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano na ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. I felt empty and lonely for some reasons.

I couldn't even tell my mother about my love problems and heartbreaks. I couldn't even cry out of frustration because I must keep myself composed. I must hold myself together. I couldn't break down.

I couldn't be weak for this empire. That was the first rule.

***